I’d almost forgotten what it feels like to sit inside a restaurant for dinner during Covid. Yes, there was plenty of patio time. Yes, there was plenty of takeout enjoyed from the comfort of our couch. But this whole past year, the elevated details of an interior restaurant space – the lighting, the art, the glimpses of the bustle in the kitchen, the feeling of being somewhere specially made – were missing.
Sitting inside at restaurants again, post-vaccination, has felt like slipping into a warm bath – comforting and easy. And experiencing beautifully prepared meals in beautiful spaces with people you care about amplifies the satisfaction factor of food. Have you ever noticed that? How, by the time you’re signing the bill, you’re just physically and emotionally awash with contentment? And gratitude for this exquisite experience you just had. Meals should be an experience, when they can.
Here’s where I’ve relished those experiences in the past week:
- Bistro La Bon – A girlfriend and I ducked into the Plaza Midwood spot spontaneously after a yoga class down the street. It was late and it was quiet, with candles glimmering on the tables and the crispiest crab cakes coming from the kitchen.
- Little Mama’s – I had Rémy take me here for date night, since it’s one of the restaurants he works with and I hadn’t been able to enjoy it after it opened during Covid. The parm combo (eggplant, chicken, spaghetti) was calling my name with shaved Brussels, salad and Montepulciano. We sat in plush bar stools, knee-to-knee, and people-watched the Saturday-night crowd from there.
- Lang Van – Our No. 1 takeout spot of 2020 did not disappoint. Rémy and I slid back into the squishy green booths with gusto, took in the crazily flickering Christmas lights that still fill the hall, and got steaming bowls of curry and pho.
Each place I left feeling filled. It’s the experience.
