Sometimes it’s hard to realize how badly you need some time away until you actually get out of the house for a little much needed vacation. This weekend we were finally able to escape on a much needed break. We love to sneak to the historic little town of Stillwater MN. We managed to flee by Friday afternoon so we could arrive early enough at the bed and breakfast to get a little rest and relaxation before our evening out on the town.
We stayed at the historic James Mulvey house in the "Art Deco" room. The inn was enjoyable but we were surprised that it was in need of maintenance. The innkeeper seemed to be a bit busy with other things in life so it gave us a feeling that we were a bother to her. There was not the attention to detail that you come to enjoy from an innkeeper that is totally in love with what she is doing. Such attention to detail is what makes you want to come back again and again and tell all your friends.
Friday night we went out for a meal to a place that has indeed become one of our top three restaurants in the Twin Cities. We went to the Bayport Cookery. This is the type of place you go to only if you love fine dinning and fine it was! They have a fixed menu that generally runs for a month or two in addition to an Ala Carte menu that you can exchange from if you would like. They were just finishing on their wine lovers menu.
Red Wine Lovers Menu
March 1st – April 3rd
~ First Course ~
• King Salmon with Shiitake Mushrooms, White Hominy and Saffron Broth
2003 Montebuena, Rioja, Spain
~ Second Course ~
• Smoked Chicken Pate, Dried Cherries, Cashews and Aged Balsamic
2002 M.Chapoutier, Cotes du Rhone, France
~ Third Course ~
• Braised Beef Ravioli, Caramelized Shallots, Blue Cheese and Broccoli Raab
2002 Rex Hill, Pinot Noir, Oregon
~ Main Course ~
• Moulard Duck Breast, Barley Risotto, Brussel Sprouts, and Spaetzle
2000 J.Pedroncelli, Petite Syrah, Sonoma County
~ Dessert Course ~
• Warm Chocolate Cake with Tea Tree Honey Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce
2002 Gatti Piero, Piemonte Brachetto, Italy
I’m telling you it was to die for. We ate and talked for three hours. What can you talk about for three hours? Never mind!
The meal Saturday morning at the inn was in the main dinning room and it was quite tasty. The inn has become know for the scones that are served for breakfast and they were delicious, especially with the buttery creamy sweet topping that you slather on top. The best part of that morning was the conversation we had with another couple that we met at the inn. In a way it felt like we were long lost friends that had not seen each other for ages. We were able to talk and laugh freely. I must say it was quite enjoyable.
Saturday afternoon, the sun was shining and the temperatures were climbing, we found a lake to walk around and we were able to bask in the beauty of the day. It was so peaceful and pleasant, I just love days like that.
Then Saturday evening we went to a theater production that we had discovered at the Hennepin Stages theater in Minneapolis. "Don’t Hug Me" is a musical comedy written by two brothers from MN. Like they say, “it’s Fargo meets the Music Man”. We laughed until we almost split a gut and for the most part it was quite clean.
The whole weekend helped to refresh us and to bring a better perspective back to life. I think I may be ready to attack life again and get back to work. I am learning the importance of taking time off and relaxing. Thanks to all who helped to make this weekend a reality. Thank you Lord for the ability to enjoy your creation this way.
