One of my New Year’s resolutions for this year is to ‘eat only delicious food.’ So far I’m doing a good job of upholding that intention.:-) Last night was date night and among other surprises, like the ice sculpture we came across, the mister and I were treated to a unique ambrosial feast at the acclaimed Fore Street in Portland, Maine… 
We started with oysters from Damariscotta, Maine and a salad filled with local organic shitake mushrooms and roasted brussel sprouts, topped with fresh parmesan. I sipped a fancy cocktail made with fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice, adorned with candied ginger, while my love sipped a glass of fine Pinot Grigio. The side of tasty bread came from our favorite bakery downstairs — Standard Baking Co. We shared our entrées — tender, moist wood-oven roasted duckling and a plate of raviolis stuffed with squash and flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth goat cheese, all from local farms. Don’t you love their rustic wine rack? Another appealing detail is the view of the kitchen, which is incorporated into the design of the restaurant as opposed to being hidden behind closed doors. 
Dessert was a warm toffee sticky pudding topped with pecans and enhanced with a side of homemade banana ice cream, rich cups of coffee and a sumptuous ruby port. This dinner experience has woven itself into my psyche, and I am sure I will be able to recall the flavors many, many years from now.
Friday night was family pizza night — homemade with caramelized onions, bacon and rosemary. I’m really liking this resolution of mine!
I hope your 2014 is off to a good start!