Have I told you just how wonderful my boyfriend is? Despite my waking in a foul mood (thinking I would have to have a second thoracentesis), he planned a wonderful evening for us following the appointment with my heart surgeon in the San Francisco Bay area.

He booked a room in Santa Rosa and then found a most wonderful restaurant for our dinner last night. For the first time in 5 weeks, I felt normal. We arrived and were seated near the fireplace. This was nice because the air was beginning to chill and with the near ten pound weight loss since the surgery, I tend to get cold easily.

I started with a Russian River Pinot Noir (to die for) and my boyfriend had a cabernet. As we read the lengthy menus, we snacked on seasoned bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping bowl. My eyes went straight to an appetizer and I announced it with great enthusiasm. My boyfriend had already spotted this wonderful dish and planned to order it to start.  This decadent plate is described in the menu as:

 A PLATE OF THE LOCAL CHEESES ~ Served with Wine Poached Fruit, Caramelized Walnuts, Local Honey.

It does not mention the spiced, poached pears that were divine. Next we ordered entrees.  I had a second Pinot Noir with my entree and my boyfriend sampled one of the local Malbecs.  I ordered eggplant parmesan (the pasta is made fresh on site) and my boyfriend had ravioli:

EGGPLANT PARMESAN ~ Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella & Parmesan Served with Pesto Pasta

RAVIOLI ROUNDS ~ Filled with Chicken, Ricotta, Prosciutto, Organic Mushrooms, Touch of Cream

Of course, neither of us had room for dessert.

Even without the relief of the news from my appointment with the surgeon (see related post) and without considering the very nice ambiance, this was easily one of the top 5 meals I have eaten in my life. Calories be damned! I freaking earned the splurge!

After very sweet dreams, we began our drive home. We wound our way through Napa and took a few photos along the way.