DINNER 362: Saturday, December 30, 2006

Tonight, Wendy & I joined Anne and Larry for dinner to celebrate our anniversary at The Phoenix restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. The restaurant at The Phoenix has been satisfying Cincinnati locals and visitors for over 20 years. The food and service have received high marks in the Zagat Survey and the well-rounded wine list has continuously received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

The building, a former gentleman’s club, is spectacular with its 19th century elegance, a dazzling marble staircase, Tiffany stained glass windows, and majestic 35 foot ceilings. The dining room for the restaurant is in the old President’s room and is rich with dark wood and is very comfortable.

We started our meal with a lovely bottle of sparkling wine, and led into appetizers. Larry & Anne both had Mesclun Greens and Pear Salad, Blue Cheese, Bermuda Onion, Walnuts, Port Wine Vinaigrette; Wendy had Lobster Bisque; and I had a Goat Cheese Tart with Fresh Sage and Black Pepper, Carmelized Vidalia Onions, Cabernet Balsamic Syrup. Main courses were Osso Bucco for Larry, the Tilapia special for Wendy, a gigantic Steak Oscar for Anne (she took more than half of it home, much to Larry’s delight), and I had Duck Breast with Risotto. Everything was very good, and the portions were generous. We ended the evening with coffee and desserts and headed home.

Thank you, Larry & Anne, for a lovely evening. We were delighted to spend it with you!