babyblue

Greetings from the middle of Dadstravaganza 2007, the month where we receive visits from not one, but both dads! Last weekend was EnergyChannel's papa, next weekend will be mine.

The first visit was awesome. His dad enjoys fine dining, so there was much of that to be had. We got to go to fancy-schmancy restaurants that I could never justify and/or afford. Paley's and Wildwood in NW Portland are both fantastic, although I have to give the slight edge to Paley's. I had the most amazing butter-poached halibut and fresh spring vegetables with pesto. Mmmmm. Wildwood was no slouch, though. Chicken with creamed new peas and carrots, and for an appetizer, broccoli with balsamic and pancetta. My choices were a bit too salty and rich for my palate that day though. I blame the fact that Wildwood came after four days of eating out, so my system was probably on overload anyway.

Food aside, the rest of the visit was great too. Having previously only met his dad under terrible circumstances (we first met at his wife's funeral back in March), it was nice to see him away from all of that. We had many opportunities to just drink wine and talk, and he got some time with his grandson as well. He played the role of indulgent grandpa well, buying Elliot all sorts of new clothes and a new backpack. It was just great to see he and EnergyChannel reconnecting. We hope to visit him next year.

Next weekend brings my dad. I anticipate just as much eating out, but different food. Less wine, too. The wine flowed quite freely last weekend. Boy, did it flow. Sheesh.