A night out.

The rain from this afternoon continued into the night.

It has been a while since I had a night out wining and dining. Ok ok I did have a few business dinners in the past week but those don't really count. Nothing like a good conversation - which includes a possible lively debate - with a good friend over a good hearty meal. And that's exactly what I did tonight.

The place was packed. Our reservation was for 9.30. We sat at the bar counter for a few minutes before our table was ready. I had a glass of red wine and my friend, an orange juice. We shared a salad for entrée. My friend ordered the plat du jour, which was salmon and clams. I had the signature sausage dish.

The house wine, which was Italian was fine but I've tasted better Spanish reds. The salad was absolutely lovely. Meal was accompanied by a basket of bread and an olive oil-balsamic dip. The crusty bread was very good. My friend was very happy with the plat du jour - the clams with cream sauce was really good - but I found my sausage dish over salted.

After dinner, we found a quiet bar in the vicinity. We sat outside and made our orders. He had a vodka and a smoke; I went for a cherry brandy. Another hour or two of conversation and it was time to retire for the day.

I walked back to my car and he, back to his appartment.

The rain from this afternoon continued into the night.