Marla's Restaurant Blog

Does a chef cook at home?

Some chefs are interviewed and tell stories of cooking big Sunday dinners for their families and friends on their days off.  Not me.  Occasionally I do cook dinner, trying desperately to get some fresh vegetables into the bloodstreams of my teenage daughter and husband.  But not yesterday.  After having worked 14 days straight, even when Babette's was closed,  I ate every meal outside the house.

Unusual even for me.

Breakfast - Waffle House:  2 poached eggs over scattered and smothered hash-browns and whole wheat toast.

Lunch - Einstein's Bagel:  Turkey special sandwich on Asiago Bagel, Coke

Dinner - Dusty's BBQ:  Pork Barbecue Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing.

Confession:  half a vanilla milkshake from Chick Filet when I picked my daughter up from dance at 9:00 pm.

Yes, I feel guilty but happy.

Rathbun's

All the hype, all the press and yes, it's terrific.  I grabbed a bite at the bar when it first opened and finally got to go back.   My husband thought it would be too stuffy and expensive and wouldn't go.  My girlfriends thought it would be too fattening and expensive and wouldn't go.   I dragged my daughter, yes dragged her; she's all about cheap Mexican fare. 

The hostesses were a little curt, but I am too when working the door on a very busy shift.    I don't know how much Kevin and Kurt pay them, but it can't be enough.  That is an incredibly important and thankless job, which is why I end up doing it often at Babette's.

I was very surprised by the prices.  They were very, very reasonable.  I had many small plates, my daughter had the marinated flank steak and we both devoured the mashed potatoes.  The small desserts were perfect.

Service was spot on.  Banquette and tables are a little close.  The men, handsome, quite handsome, at the next table were very close.  Lots of business people.

I did have to dress up.  My daughter had to dress up.  The only down side.

Eating at Osteria

     You will not find me mentioning a restaurant that I have anything bad to say about.  Life's too short and there are enough people out there with a burr up their butt who get pleasure in doing this.

     My husband, daughter and I went to Osteria on North Highland Avenue for a quick bite last week.  We sat outside on a beautiful evening and had a wonderful meal.  I love the wine in little glasses and would do this at my restaurant if I had the guts. The petite desserts are a brilliant idea and trend. Their arugula salad is delightful.  We had pizza, calamari and shrimp pasta and broiled trout.  Our server Holly was so good I would have tried to steal her if I did that kind of thing, but I don't.  Lovely!