Unexpected Date Night

Last week we had a massive power outage for over 5 hours. I was just preparing some cauliflower rice (recipe to come) and cider mariscos for dinner, when the power blows. There goes dinner plans, since a microwave is necessary for the rice. And I didn't really feel like cooking in the dark. So I stashed everything in the fridge (hoping that the power would come on before morning so that I didn't lose it and the $150 of groceries I just bought) and Nick and I headed out to Side Door our favorite spot in CdM.

I have to say it was a nice change of pace for a Wednesday night, and instead of eating while watching TV, like we always do, we were actually able to enjoy some nice tapas and conversation. If you haven't been to Side Door and live in the area, you MUST GO NOW! It's fantastic. They are an English-style gastropub located in the 5 Crowns Restaurant. Don't worry the dinosaurs stick to the 5 Crowns side... (you know what I'm talking about if you live here). Side Door is hip and popular with the 20-40s crowd. They have a rotating menu with the seasons, a great beer and wine selection, fabulous deserts, and a phenomenal selection of cheeses.

* Photos from Side Door

Our meal consisted of:

A delicious Salty Dog (gin, grapefruit) cocktail

Santa Barbara Syrah

3 Choice chef's cheese/ prosciutto plate

Salmon Tartar

Pork Confeit

Root Beer Float Cake for dessert (YUM)

We topped off the night with a stop at Crow Bar (since we learned that the power was still out at 10pm) for a night cap for wine.

Upon returning home the power was still out :( But we had a great night and I have to thank So Cal Edison for forcing us to have a date night mid-week. And thank them for restoring power sometime in the night so that the groceries did not go bad!