Amidst the hustle and bustle of last week, Renny insisted we make time for ourselves…A lunch date was penned in our diaries and we weren’t going to bail – we promised!  It turned out to be a bit of a celebration, a Beyond Blissful year together! and Renny asked where we should dine.  I had recently heard and read nice things about the new French-American restaurant by the owners and chef of The Gage, called Henri.

We arrived for our late lunch to a packed house – busy with businessmen, locals, foodies, symphony-goers and tourists alike – all taking time out of their schedules for a sophisticated mid-day meal.  

The bright restaurant initially reminded me of a European salon, a beautiful dusty robins egg blue {or nile blue to us industry folk!} and chocolate brown color pairing dressed the walls and the furniture.  The staff was beyond welcoming and friendly…something that most new, hot restaurants seem to care less about.  After a brief moment to freshen up {the luxe restrooms were modestly and handsomely marvelous} we were seated immediately, thanks to our reservation.

After Renny’s insistence of beginning with a coupe of champagne (the glasses were substantially gorgeous – and you know I’m a sucker for a saucer of bubbly!), the polished bus boy offered up a gorgeous mahogany tray of freshly baked french bread.  Our meals were as dreamily delicious as the day’s warm weather and the decor.  I ordered the mussels – I truly argue – the best I’ve had.  They were submerged in the lightest, most delicious fennel broth, paired with a crusty piece of bread, perfect for trying to sop up every last drop of the salty goodness.  Renny ordered the snapper and was as equally impressed as I was.  After summoning all of our willpower, we passed on the dessert and instead ordered cappuccinos.  

I so enjoyed being a lady-who-lunched and so appreciated the company and generosity of my dining companion.  The meal was delish, and I’m already dying to head back…

Oh, Henri…I think I’m fallin’!