There is probably nothing I like more than going out to dinner. The anticipation, the menu choices, the drinks, the atmosphere, the company. Matt and I just glow through the whole meal.
We discussed over dinner: If time, money and calories were not in consideration, how often would you go out to eat?
I said every other night. Matt said every third. He’s probably right, ’cause I’m darn full right now!
The afternoon started with a snack – a crushed Chic bar from Diana with some milk and chia seeds. I was craving cold cereal!
I also had a case of “hot face” this afternoon. Sometimes when I have a hard workout, my face feels like it’s on fire all day. I like to hope it’s my metabolism furnace burning in there. Perhaps so!?
Nevertheless, one of the best parts of Wednesday night date night is biking to the location. Tonight we biked clear across town and straight to…
Because there was a free beer tasting! Appetizers 🙂
We sampled four of Abita’s beers – I LOVED them all!
Also found a new pumpkin ale to get excited about. I love them all!
We were seriously in and out of Beer Run in 5 minutes. Gulp gulp gulp gulp and it was over. We contemplated having a pint while we were there…but it was a Wednesday!
A mile back downtown later…
We arrived at our destination
Back at the end of July, I had an OpenSky promotion where if you bought ANYthing in the store, you got a Restaurant.com coupon for $25 off. Of course I had to buy one – free money! (I bought some coconut butter in the process 🙂 ) Charlottesville had a limited selection, but we chose Camino.
Normally we’d reserve mid-week date nights for more casual restaurants to save a few, but with the coupon, we were feeling casual.
I ordered a juicy Spanish red
And Matt had the Yards Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale. We both LOVED this!
To start, we explored these pork fritters stuffed with cheese and fried – with a side of arugula. They were good, but I could have eaten a lot more arugula!
We were a bit disappointed to be seated in the bar area, because the front of the house was so bright and pretty. But we lucked out and were invited to move halfway through the meal. Very nice!
To eat, we couldn’t decide between two pasta dishes. I ended up with the eggplant in a tomato sauce with basil and ricotta
And Matt with Fuseli with mussels, sausage and saffron.
The meal was delicious and we cleared our plates!
After dinner, on the way to our bikes, we decided to stop into Sweet Frogs for a gift certificate for Karen’s birthday (hope she doesn’t read this!)
Somehow….somehow we came out with this!?!?!
I have no idea how. All I can say is that Sweet Frog is the best texture + flavor of frozen yogurt I’ve ever tried. The oreo actually tasted like oreos. The cheesecake, actually like cheesecake. Not sure what they do differently!
On the bike ride back home, Volcano KERF nearly erupted with fullness. But I survived. LOVE being able to bike home (we have lots of lights on our bikes!) because it really does help with digestion.
Tonight’s dinner was so fun on a boring weeknight. We have plans for dinners in the rest of the week. But something pretty exciting on Saturday daytime!
Off to read – night!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
I love eating out too!! I’m with you on every other night…I just love the ambiance and excitement of opening a new menu!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
“If time, money and calories were not in consideration, how often would you go out to eat?”
Hmmm, I think only once in a while. It’s nice to go out to eat, but sometimes I think it’s more relaxing to just eat at home!
Glad you had a nice dinner out! And frozen yogurt sounds like the perfect dessert!
[email protected]://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
You can’t go in to a frozen yogurt place and not get something. 🙂 Enjoy your evening. You sandles look like they would be hard to bike in?
Elizabeth says
Dinner looks good! I’m so envious of your ability to ride bikes everywhere. That’s the downfall to country living – I’d risk my life to ride on these rural roads!
Erin says
It’s so nice to be able to walk/bike places. I walk everywhere (besides work, unfortunately) and love being so mobile. It really helps settle a big dinner to move a little; plus, you get to enjoy this gorgeous weather and fresh air. Total win!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I heart going out to dinner during the week! It really breaks the week up!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
Ha interesting concept! I do like to cook but if calories, money and time were not a consideration, I’d eat out SO Much. too bad those are all big factors! 😛
Christine says
I think Matt is right on the money–everything third day sounds good to me! But you have a new town to explore–so you have an excuse!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat says
Hmm, if calories, money, and time were not a worry, then I’d eat out probably once every day. I can see myself getting a lot of pancake breakfasts and full dinners!
I am so jealous that you are able to bike/walk almost everywhere! I can too, technically, but that is because I live in the middle of downtown. So all I can really bike/walk to are restaurants and bars, and the views are not that scenic 🙁
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says
I think I would eat out every third night too – It’s so much more fun – so many choices, we can both get different things to split, and no dishes! But still, we love cooking and being at home too!
Madeline @ greensandjeans says
I’m pretty sure it is humanly impossible to go into a froyo place and not leave with a cup!
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Money and calories definitely get in the way of us going out to eat more. I’m glad we don’t do it often because I think the “fun” of going out to eat would become lost.
Leianna says
I think it’s all about the experience, time, and people you spend it with that makes going out to dinner special. Even during the week!
Heather says
My husband would probably eat out close to every night – I would eat out every 3-4 nights. I love cooking too much to eat out. I would love someone to come into my home and cook for me though (plus clean up and do the dishes).
I would love to be able to ride a bike or walk everywhere – Charlottesville looks like a great city!
Jackie says
Ugh, I love riding bikes! Too bad it’s about to turn into a winter tundra here…
We’re making pasta for dinner tonight! Hopefully it’s as yummy as your dinner looks!
Jenn says
The snozberries taste like snozberries! Sorry! Couldn’t resist a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory quote!
Kath says
Top 5 favorite movies of mine 🙂
Susan Mc says
that’s ‘xactly what I was hearing in my head too! 🙂
Clare says
HAHAHA! I knew that quote sounded familiar!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Eating out is SUCH an experience!!!
And those dishes DO sound great!
erica says
oh man, i can’t stop drooling over the pasta dishes!!! they look insanely delicious!
and don’t even get me started on the frozen yogurt w/all those toppings!!! YUM!
i think if there were no negative side effects, i’d eat out 3 times a week…maybe 4!
Shenan @ Iambs and Ales says
Pumking is my absolute favorite pumpkin ale! Glad to see you’ve discovered it too 🙂
And it’s so funny how different frozen yogurt places that seem exactly the same can be…in my opinion, it’s texture that makes all the difference.
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
Going out for dinner has always been my favorite thing. It’s such an event! I think there’s a better trick for eating out light and / or healthy that I haven’t honed in on yet, because I always feel better off after a dinner at home. Maybe I should just start following the third-day idea to get in more practice. 😉
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Volcano KERF bahahaha that is why I love you.
Jazz says
I like this going out twice a week idea much better than our current once a month rule!
Caitlin (EatFeats) says
I used to LOVE eating out, but ever since my boyfriend and I realized that we are young college graduates and should save money, I’ve started to enjoy eating in. But I mean, give me unlimited cash and I could probably be persuaded.
Also, that frozen yogurt looks scrumptious. I have yet to find a froyo place that does the flavors realllly well, they always end up tasting the same by the end.
Tina says
What a nice looking meal. And dessert has a second stomach to welcome it but of course.
Wei-Wei says
Biking helps with digestion? I’ll remember that for next time. What a wonderful weekday date! 🙂
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Your dinner and froyo looks delicious. I’m so glad you had a great time. Mmm I’m craving some froyo now. 🙂
I would probably go out to eat every weekend. I love cooking and eating at home so I don’t think I’d like to eat out that much.
Missy says
Looks like it was a great evening.
i love your outfit – cute and casual. I adore that top. 🙂
caronae says
I love the hot red face metabolism furnace phenomenon too!
regan says
I’m from New Orleans so it warms my heart to see Abita being sampled other places. I hope you enjoyed it!
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
I would probably keep the eating out to once a week, even if money was no object (I’ve never been in danger of eating out enough to think of extra calories as an issue). We cook really high quality, delicious food (things that would go for $15-$20+ per plate, but really don’t cost all that much to prepare at home), and restaurants often disappoint. We have a handful of favorites, and do try new places when we hear good things, but I’m happy with our once every one or two weeks 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
What a great evening! I could not agree more…you need a date night every once in a while! Glad you enjoyed yourselves!
Jasmine (Sweet and Fit) says
oh how I miss c-ville! I saw your tweet about your birthday! Maybe I’ll make it! =)
christina cadden says
Looks like such a great time!
MonsteRawr says
Abita makes a fabulous beer called Purple Haze. Try it. Drink it. Love it.
Cara Craves... says
It’s nice to do something special in the middle of the week…definitely something to look forward to.
If it were my husband’s choice, he would probably want to go out for dinner every night (I take offence). I consider myself a good cook, I think he just likes th options of restaurants and the meat!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Fun dinner! Both pastas look amazing 🙂
Courtney @ Bread & Bokeh says
My husband always have a date night during the week!!! By the way, I love your necklace!!!
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
Hmm, I can’t imagine how that froyo left with you…must have just jumped into your mouth!
Chelsey says
That sneaky froyo. How did it end up in your hands?
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
What fun! I love eating out too. Definitely price, calories and time are a major factor in not eating out though.
amy says
Haha, I see someone made the comment already, but I automatically thought of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when you said “The oreo actually tasted like oreos. The cheesecake, actually like cheesecake.” I love that movie (the older version of course).
Hmm, I think the only time I had froyo (I’m assuming you mean frozen yogurt) was at Sweetgreens in Georgetown. I’ll have to try and find some next time the boyfriend and I go biking around D.C. again. Living here ROCKS, we can bike 16+ miles without even realizing (and we’ve done it numerous times, trust me!)
Kelsey @ CleanTeenKelsey says
Whoaaa, that basil stuff looks incredible. Also, self-serve fro yo is THE BEST. So much better than having them do it for you.
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
Your pasta looks TEMPTING.
[email protected] says
I love to eat out also but love cooking at home too. Jealous of your beer tasting!
Eileen says
Southern Tier beer is from my neck of the woods — so happy to see your little plug for their pumpkin ale!
[email protected] says
Awesome date night! I wish my husband and I could go out every week 🙁
Bee Goes Bananas says
That sounds like such a fun date night! I can’t even go within a two mile radius of Yo-Yo’s or I will walk out with something. 😛 It’s just too yummy to pass up!
Diana says
ooh la la! never tried a Chic bar with milk! looks yummers! 🙂
i love eating out, too…so fun to try all the new flavors! you guys always have such a fun time trying a great variety!
Stephanie says
Sweet Frog must be a somewhat local thing? We have one in Short Pump and I adore it! Their strawberry tastes like plump delicious ripe strawberries – pretty incredible 🙂
emily says
just a comment that i love your blog! i’m living in seoul, south korea right now, and I read it daily-mainly as a way to remind myself of good food back home that I can’t find here! i’m a runner and eater- so keep it comin…thanks!!
Ida says
I think eating out once a week is ideal- keeps it special. Some fro yo places actually blend oreos or other items into the flavor mix. It gives the best flavors!
SallyH says
Where did you get that shirt? So cute!
I would eat out 3-4 times a week. I love to cook and use really high quality ingredients and have a lot of imagination…but it never tastes quite as good as restaurant cooking, to me. There are just SO many options to explore and you can’t just eat somewhere once…
Kath says
I think it’s Target of yesteryear
Amber K says
If time, money, and calories aren’t being considered here I could totally see myself doing it every single night! Creating fun homemade breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, with dinners being out at the million places I’d love to try? Would totally be awesome.
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
oooh yes – I love that you can bike to / from dinner!!!
[email protected] says
all the best candy pieces are in that froyo!!! <3
haha i love how your breakfast is growing from the garden 😉
… i guess now we know where delicious cereal brekkies comes from hehe
xoxo
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I get “hot face” all the time, but it’s usually only on the right side of my face. Weird, huh?
Your dinner looks superb, but I think your dessert might be even better. 🙂 We aren’t afraid to ask where we’d like to sit at a restaurant, they’re always willing to accommodate!
Jenn
Hannah says
Wow, I’ve never heard of sausages and mussels being served together. Maybe its the fancypants version fo surf ‘n’ turf? 😀
Simply Life says
that meal looks delicious and I love how you’ve been biking everywhere!
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
I’ve heard so many good things about Abita. I really need to give their beers a try!
[email protected] Bean to Runner Bean says
ah i love eating out too! that meal looked lovely!
notyet100 says
lovely post
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
Eating out is SO fun I agree! Food – even stuff you can cook the same way – just tastes different, and you try things you never would. I discovered fennel eating out!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Yum! What a fabulous meal.
helen says
My husband and I LOVE Abeita beer! The IPA is the absolute best. Here in Madison, WI, we have an awesome Cajun place that serves Abeita with it’s awesome, authentic Cajun food and I get weak in the knees every time I think about a meal there. If money and calories were never an issue, I’d eat there and drink Abeita every nite.
Clare says
I also get hot-face after a really intense workout. I find that having a cup of coffee before working out hard is generally not a good idea–it messes with your blood vessels I think.
Stacey says
It’s so cool that you can bike all of these places! And I love going out to dinner during the week, it’s refreshing and kind of makes you forget about work for a while (and makes you excited for the weekend!) 🙂 Your eats look yummy! Jason loves Turbo Dog! Did you like it?
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says
“If time, money and calories were not in consideration, how often would you go out to eat?”
I would probably say 3-4 times a week because, like you, I love the excitement and choices of going out to eat, but I do get tired of it at times. For example, when I go on vacation and eat out almost everyday (towards the end) there is nothing I want more than a home cooked meal where I have control of the ingredients, size, etc. 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
What is this Sweet Frog place? What is happening in Charlottesville without me there? New frozen yogurt? WHAT?!?!!?
Kath says
Self serve – right on the mall! I brought it with me 🙂
Alaina @ The Jogging Concierge says
I love eating out and that’s why I love my job! 🙂
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
I loooove restaurants…I love going to them and exploring new foods…
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I love eating out too! But I also really like cooking for myself and trying out new recipes on my own. It can be so satisfying to make a killer new dish!
allie says
I LOVE your top in this post!
[email protected] ReshapeYourLife says
I get the “hot face” phenomenon after I run too! And it will stay red for most of the day DOH!
Both of your meals look fabulous! I really wish I lived in a bikeable neighborhood. Or just had a bike for that matter. lol
Jennifer says
Abita is the best! I visited their brewery while I was living in New Orleans, and you will be happy to know that they are located right along a bike trail. I have a case in my fridge right now. 🙂
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
i love going out to eat, but i agree with what others have said- eating out more often would make me enjoy it less. so i’m happy w/ once a week… most of the time! 🙂
denise says
I love Abita 🙂
whitney says
That looks great. I love pictures from your dinner especially the amazing dessert afterward!
Marg says
I used to live 5 min from the brewery – the tours and samples were great! My all time, absolute favorite beer is Abita Strawberry Harvest. It’s seasonal and comes out in about February. It’s not too sweet, but has a hint of strawberry. Remember this and you’ll thank me later!
Alyssa says
I love going out to eat 🙂 my favorite is getting dressed up, and ordering a glass of wine 🙂
mindy @ just a one girl revolution. says
I love love love Abita! By far one of my favorite breweries!
Kelly says
Looks like a lovely evening! I think that having fun things to do mid-week can really make week days fun.
Casey says
I love Abita! Glad you liked all of their flavors!
Veronique says
I love Abita beers, especially the Purple Haze !! We don’t have them in Montreal, so every time I’m in the US, I try to find them. They are a bit hard to find though, so when I do, I buy them in bulk and only drink that for the days after !!!
Jennie says
I would probably have to say once every two days! I love going to restaurants but sometimes I hate that overly-full feeling. I have trouble stopping when it tastes so good!
lindsey says
Kath where did you get your cereal bowl?! I love it!
Kath says
Crate + Barrel
Jess. says
Did you try the southern tier pumpking beer? That is the brewery in my hometown and they make a lot of good beer. We can get the pumpking on tap at the brewery this time of year. i love it!!!! i would be interested in hearing your opinion since you love pumpkin beer as much as i do 🙂