We had a really good dinner last night. Our favourite staff at the LCBO have moved on, so we have to choose our own wine now *gasp*. So instead of choosing a meal and then matching the wine, last night we chose the wine and matched the meal (we did this when we first started dating).

The LCBO has little info sheets for the wine, and one merlot had a very specific recommendation superb with basil, pimento and porcini mushroom risotto. Hmmm. I called Heather to surf for a substitution for pimento (red pepper). Also bought a small tenderloin for beef carpacio for an appetizer.

The meat guy at Loblaws didn't want to thinly slice the beef (he told me he'd then have to clean the machine), so I threw the beef in the freezer when I got home. About two hours later it was semi-frozen and I was able to slice it really finely. It turned out to be one of the better beef carpacios I've made (I think related to the thinness of the slices).

The risotto also turned out really well. I was wary of using too much basil (fresh basil can be overpowering), but the balance tasted really good. The wine was also a great match. We may have to stick with this strategy (choosing the wine first) :)

After we headed out the new organic wine bar in Leslieville (we think it's called Upstairs). The owners of Le Café Vert converted the apartment above the restaurant to a cosy little bar. We really enjoyed it. The grand opening is next Saturday, and we're thinking of going.

Yesterday I spent a couple hours at work moving to my new office. I like having everything set up just so. Hid all my wiring behind my desk (messy wiring is a pet peeve). I have a window seat again -- I last had an office with a window when I was at P&G. The building plant guy (I forget his name) has suggested moving an orphaned 10' ficus into my window. He said he'd prune it so that it fit the space. The office goes to about 12' high near the window, but the ficus is pretty broad right now.

Well I want to go shopping for groceries before the Patriots game so I should get going.