Dine About Town 2007, Part Two: Fringale

I know what you're thinking: "Liar, liar, pants on fire! You said you were done eating out this year!"

I know. You're right. But the beau took me out this last Friday with a group of friends, and because he paid, I am still "technically" within my budget for 2007!

Honestly though, I am still serious about keeping a semblance of a budget, and unfortunately, my weak attempt at being money-wise seems like a token effort.

Sigh.

It is the times when I am looking at my seven-page credit card bill or the mountain range of restaurant receipts piled up on my bed sheets that I vow to secure a well-paying corporate job at Microsoft as Bill Gates' personal assistant (where I could at least get my meals comped) or to be the next Asian Oprah Winfrey. Or even Judge Judy! I heard that woman rakes in substantial dough.

Thankfully, I was given a "get out of debt for a night" card for the night, and I was able to enjoy a wonderful meal at Fringale with a close group of friends.

Since Zileel, one of our friends, already posted a wonderful description of the evening and the food from that night, I'll just direct you to her blog for the details and keep my post to a minimum! In other words, I am just going to post pictures and the names of the dishes from the menu!

The beau and I each enjoyed the three-course Dine About Town menu of the evening, which included a first course of either:

A chilled beet salad with chevre, or

sautéed prawns in pastis with sun-dried tomatoes

The second course included a choice between:

Lamb osso bucco daube on a bed of mixed root vegetables, or

Steamed Petrale sole served with spinach and mashed potatoes in champagne beurre blanc

Finally, the dessert included either:

The hazelnut roasted almond mousse cake, or

A warm chocolate gourmand with seasonal berries

So readers, will you help me to cook more at home and keep to a reasonable budget? I hope you will! My wallet needs time to recuperate from being a passionate eater!