Birthday Dinner

So my husband decided to eat out last night, so I would not have to cook my birthday supper.  I thought it's best to go somewhere where I know the kids will actually eat (especially my one really picky eater)  So I suggested Pizza Gourmetti.  It's a cute bistro style pizza shot, where they make everything from scratch.  The pizza was really good.  It's made in a wood fire oven, and it was cheese and delicious.  They were out of  fries since they don't use frozen fries, like most other stores, but make their own oven fries from Idaho potatoes.
After last years failed birthday cake attempted (having to throw out the store bought cake almost whole, 'cuz no one would touch it - my kids have been spoiled by mommy's cakes), my husband decided to take us all for dessert to Exception 2.  They have a nice selection of pastries and cheesecake, sold in portion sizes.  Being that he didn't call in advance, we were shocked to see it closed at a quarter to 7.  (the sign on the door did say they close at 6)  With some disappointment, my boys decided they'd rather go for ice cream at Pizza Pita, then to either get a dairy ice cream cake from IGA, or wait for another day to go out for birthday dessert.  You'd think ice cream would be something easy to please my picky eater? LOL!  We asked for a little on a spoon for him to taste, and he said he LOVED IT! After taking a few licks of his strawberry ice cream on a chocolate and sprinkle dipped, sugar cone, he said he HATES ice cream.  Never try to please this boy, it's impossible!

Till next time,

Chanie

Restaurant Review - Chez Papa Ernie

Today, I got a little break from the kitchen, as my husband and I finally took my eldest to the restaurant for the steak he was promised a couple of months ago.

We took him to Chez Papa Ernie, on Decarie Blvd. in Montreal.  The restaurant is on the first floor of a duplex.  A short walk up from the side walk.  The restaurant doesn't have parking, but offer valet parking during dinner time.  They don't have a liquor licence and are BYOB.  The ambiance is  nice.  It's a small cozy place decorated like a ranch.  The whole room is hand painted with lots of detail (by artist Chaim Teitelbaum, my sister's brother-in-law)

We all ordered steak.   They put a very generous portion of hors d'oeuvres , assorted salads with both flat breads and rolls plus mini egg rolls and mini knishes on the table.  Everything tasted delicious.  I ordered a bean and barley soup, which was very taste and my husband and son ordered chicken noodle soups, which also was pretty good.  I wasn't as impressed with the main course.  I found the steak to be dry, and my baked sweet potato to be a bit under cooked. The roasted vegetables, while slightly under cooked, was still pretty good, and they only thing I actually finished on my plate.  My husband and son however seemed to enjoy the steak (with split hotdog on top?) as well as their side dishes.  My husband got mashed potato, which was actually really good, in presentation and taste, was served with fried shallots.  Dovid ordered fries, which isn't really hard to get right. All in all, we had a great night out, regardless of the food. (best part being that I was didn't have to spend time in the kitchen)

And guess what... my husband wants to go out tomorrow again... in honor of my birthday.

Till next time,

Chanie