Day 119: Boo Humbug

Halloween used to be MY holiday.  I threw some legendary parties and if you doubt such a thing, I can provide references.

BUT...I must admit that there's something about Halloween these days that just seems like way too much work.  Maybe it's because it was on a Friday this year - at the end of a long work week.  Really, I just do not have the energy for dressing up and partying.  So, we did what we always do on Friday night - came home from work, had a glass of wine, went out to dinner, and came home to watch something off the DVR.  

The Bay Area experienced a major change of seasons this week.  All of the sudden it's fall here - and the farmer's market reflects that, as do many of our local restaurants' menus.  That includes Isa, one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants.  

Isa is a small plate restaurant, so we always share a number of different dishes.  Tonight's included:

- Arugula salad with persimmons, pear, and parmesan cheese (YUM!!)

- Salmon tartar with avocado, egg, and some other things (Not my fave)

- Warm goat cheese with tomato, basil, and pine nuts (My absolute fave)

- Tiny lamb and pork meatballs with sliced radishes (A new special - yum)

- Scallops with brussels sprouts, bacon, and mashed potatoe (ridiculously yum)

- Grilled steak with scalloped potatoes (yum yum)

Isa rarely surprises us anymore, since we have been visiting them at least once a month for the past couple of years.  The food is always great, the service is always super friendly, and it is always an A+ experience.  But who needs to be surprised?  I'll take a hands down predictably amazing experience anytime!