"Be sure you're ready by 7 p.m.," stated the message, because we'll pick you up to go out to dinner with us" sent chills down my spine.
My friend always knows how to surprise me!
Although my actual birthday was already fully booked, she managed to get a reservation at a fantastic restaurant two weeks earlier—a little early birthday party!
The big question was: where were we going?
When I drove up to Da Vinci in Maasbracht, my mouth dropped open.
I never imagined that such a fancy place would treat me!
A restaurant with a Michelin star.
We had joked beforehand about fast food, but this was so much better.
The staff guided us in, took our coats, and showed us to a spacious table.
They designed these tables to accommodate all parties, ensuring efficient use of the available space.
Later, with all the dishes, I understood why the tables were so large!
Let me take you on a culinary journey!
We started with drinks—a delicious pornstar martini for me.
Then came the appetizers, each one beautifully presented.
There were avocado appetizers, olives, salad, parma ham, melon, bread, and crackers—a symphony of flavors!
It was hard to keep up with all the details for each dish because there were so many of them.
There were even clams, which some people like as a treat, but not me.
I know that many people think of them as a treat, but I'm sorry to say that I didn't like them.
There were two oysters available for everyone, but I gratefully gave up my second one.
One was enough for me.
No, my memory was not wrong. The taste and texture are still not my thing.
With difficulty, I swallowed the thing and gratefully slid my second oyster to my friend.
The slippery feeling in my mouth and the taste of seawater on my tongue are giving me chills down my spine.
Fortunately, next came an entrée (a palate cleanser), a delicious asparagus soup with piccalilli foam—perfect for spring!
Next came my chosen appetizer:
tartare, a poached egg, and salad, alongside a plate of filet americain and some buns.
Heaven for a meat lover like me!
The tartare had a nice kick, and the filet americain was meltingly delicious.
A common misconception about fancy restaurants is that you leave hungry.
You have my word; that was not the case here!
The portions may have been small, but the variety left us comfortably full.
My main course was a dream: tenderloin in a red wine sauce with chicory, snow peas, onion compote, and, of course, fries.
The fork almost effortlessly cut through the perfectly pink meat.
The quality and taste were exceptional.
After a moment to recover from the amazing main course, came the dessert menu.
The prices were a bit of a shock, but hey, it was a special occasion!
Since I am also a dessert lover (ice cream always!), I chose the Bastogne soufflé with a trio of chocolate mousse and vanilla ice cream.
A perfect evening culminates in a perfect finale.
My great friends gave me such a nice present—this surprise meal.
They are so familiar with me that I am sure I can always rely on them, and they on me.
It's all about genuine friendship.
They truly hold significant value!
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