Think I will "blather!"

Upper Crust
Weston, Oregon USA

"Blather."  Am borrowing that fun word.  It will fit this post well.  Our experience at the above establishment last evening has left me with the urge to "blather."  I saw that word in one of their posts referencing a term used by Mr. Tim, one of the proprietors and the main chef, at the Upper Crust.  His Scottish brogue was delightful and just look at the graciousness to which we arrived for our special Anniversary dinner!  Can you imagine?  How many times have you pulled up to a Restaurant and been greeted at the door in such a manner?  

That gracious manner did not end as the door closed behind us.  The elegant atmosphere within, only complements this couples' manner of service.  We were alone!  They had accepted our reservation, minus any other patrons!!  We were lavished with service!!  Seated at the beautifully set, full service table for two!   (Hoping we would use the proper fork/spoon at the proper time--not that I think they would have minded, if not.)   With real taper candles lit and real flowers placed on every table in their intimate dining area.  Can you imagine, really?  Did we just place our coats on the back of the chair?  No!  They were taken and hung by our hosts!  Were we special or what?

As drinks were offered, alcoholic or non, we chose champagne chilling in the poised elegance of a proper (bucket?)   Equally poured with grace for us, by Pam, as "the chef" disappeared behind the scenes--preparing, from scratch, a four course dinner--for two!

Look at THAT!

Course #1:  Fresh, healthy salad, homemade bread sticks, and sumptuous Shepard's Pie.  That was just the beginning!!  
Course # 2:  Pam has cleared away dishes, and brings us delicious, yes, homemade, Tomato Basil Soup with a dollop of sour cream and herbs. Plus more fresh homemade bread.  (Sorry, I had eaten half before thinking to take a photo!)
    Course # 3:  Oh my......are we needing a third course?  Again, dishes cleared.  I had pre-selected between pork loin roast and a special beef dinner, knowing either would be fine, whoever chose which!  And, it was fine!!  Oh, Oh...again, I ate.  Could take a photo of my "to go" box, but.....that is not elegant.  And to think.....as the dishes were cleared.....
Course #4:  Almost too pretty to violate with a spoon or fork!  However, silencing those  admonishments from many years ago, ("no desert unless you clean your plate")  we tried ever so hard to not waste a single bit of delicious!  It was sooo good.  I cannot even tell you what it was called!  So light, airy and just plain yummy.  

As the leisurely (due to the gracious hosts) evening concluded we "blathered" a bit before waddling to the car for our short ride back home on the clear not, too, cold night.  

Now...just for your information, this was an occasion.  We do not indulge ourselves very often, but now we have an Anniversary memory!  Special, huh?

Also, not all occasions need to be a full four course dinner.  We can drop by for lunch someday for another taste of that wonderful Shepard's Pie, maybe a salad or other tasty, homemade tidbit.  We learned they, also, do Pizza!  Do we recommend Upper Crust!!  Indeed, we do.  Please do!!  Check them out on Facebook or call:  360 229-1942 .    If you are a traveler, place them on your itinerary.

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Now tea time

Yes, we can have tea.  Look at this lovely assortment sent by my oldest daughter who lives way, way, way up North in Alaska.  No wonder we are feeling special.....greetings from my two other girls, and enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner out with son, Joshua!  Then, braving Facebook with that personal Anniversary post, sooo many well wishes!!  Thank you to all.....thank you.  

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Kick back Sunday.  "Blathering."  Isn't that a neat word?  

Dinner decided, thawing homemade Spaghetti Sauce we put by when the garden was in full swing.  Did you know, making spaghetti sauce with garden fresh tomatoes is different than when you use canned tomatoes bought from the store?  One must compensate someway or it turns out watery!   Live and learn, even when we are old!!  Contemplating making a from scratch bread to go with that saucy sauce.

Also, contemplating wandering into "my room" to finish preparing a couple collages that are already entered into "The Big."  An open to all Art Exhibit that begins on December 7th and remains up until January 26, 2019 at Art Center East in LaGrande, Oregon.  There will be "a festive opening reception from 6 to 8p.m. on Friday, December 7th.  Alas, very doubtful we will make the reception. It will require another trip of approximately 60 miles (after delivery the 28th) over the terrain known as "Cabbage Hill," to LaGrande, Oregon  from our location.  Locals know this can be a bit dicey during unpredictable winter weather!   Just think it might be fun to participate in an exhibit of this caliber--a bucket list desire, if you will.   My good friend and I are encouraging one another to step out of our "comfort zone."  She, too, has entered!!  So, if you should be in the area, not just because we made the choice to enter, but for all involved, if you have the time and the desire,  Art Center East is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am to 4:00p.m. and Saturday from noon until 4:00.  This exhibit is upstairs in the restored 1913 Carnegie Library Building @ 1006 Penn Avenue, LaGrande, Oregon USA.  

Take good care, until next time!