Table 25

So as you all know on May 11th Mark and I were married 19 years which have flown by in a heartbeat. Now if only we still looked like those pictures and if only I still fit in that tight little dress! Well moving right along...so that dress is a "smidgen on the snug side" OK let's just say if I did try to wear it again, I'd suffocate!

Now the blissful anniversary celebration...seated at "table 25" at Andina in the heart of the Pearl, Portland, our favorite romantic, Peruvian restaurant. One of the owners ("Mama Doris") is always there to stop by and share a story or bit of wisdom with guests' in fact we anticipate her coming by, she is lovely. This evening she did not disappoint, she came by our table and said we were seated at "table 25, a magical table". She said so many couples have shared wonderful celebrations at this table so that means we'll have many more years of wedded bliss...how sweet is that? 
If I could eat here every night, I'd be a happy girl but if I did, there is no way on God's green earth I could even begin to stuff myself in that dress even in my dreams!
So here's our lovely evening (not that you care, after all its only a silly blog post) but it was so wonderful I had to share. So roll with it and pretend you are there...even if you think you don't like Peruvian food...

ambiance from outside, in...

A lovely Chilean red to start with...

swirl, breathe, taste...perfect...

the groom's first course:

ESPARRAGOS PERUANOS

fresh asparagus brushed with olive oil and grilled

his amazing entree;

ATÚN CON TACU TACU Y AGUAYMANTO

seared yellowfin tuna sprinkled with black pepper and orange zest, served with lentil “tacu-tacu”, orange-endive salsa criolla, and a cape gooseberry-ají Amarillo sauce

my starter...

ENSALADA VERDE PERUANA

fresh greens topped with hearts of palm and seasonal vegetables

my entree...

CONCHAS DEL SEÑOR DE SIPÁN

quinoa-crusted diver scallops perched on top of wilted spinach and potato-parsnip purée, with golden beet and crabmeat "cannelloni”, and a duet of red beet and passionfruit reductions

a shared dessert..

MOUSSE DE VALLE Y SELVA

a tiered semi-freddo of velvety lucuma and espresso mousses, chocolate ganache,

and crushed cocoa nib meringue, served with espresso shortbread

Three hours later, our evening at magical table 25 came to an end,

but with lovely sweet memories of a perfect anniversary celebration

...next stop Machu Picchu, Peru