slowly dipping in my toe before making the plunge

Coming back from vacation always takes a little time to acclimate.  Cleaning my desk was the first job.  Checking off the to-do list was the second.  Fred's parents have been in town the last three days so dinners were essential.  Today I start to get back into the swing of things. 

We had dinner with Fred's parents at Joseph Leonard which is always a treat on Sunday night.  The following night we had a family dinner at home.  I made a large pork roast rubbed down with mustard, honey and lots of thyme and roasted it over a mixture of apples, pears, sweet onions, thyme and apple cider.  Sorry no pics but a good hearty meal. 

Making my way through all the magazines on my desk.  Almost complete.  Last night we had dinner at Gramercy Tavern with Fred's parent and Fred's brother and wife.  Really nice and the back room of GT is just a special place.  17 years and going strong from the look of both packed rooms in back and front.  Just a few highlights.  Fred started with the lamb papparadelle.  Rich and perfect for a cold winter night.

I had the scallop special.  Sweet caramelized scallops with thin slices of roasted caulfiflower and brocolli with a really rich cream sauce.

The main courses were all good but this upside down pear cake with almond ice cream on the side was outrageous. 

The last few days I have been almost putting in some serious sleep.  My to-do list is almost complete although everyday something new is added.  By next week, I will probably be crazed which makes for much better content!