Lost in Translation

So what I say is not always what I mean. Shocking huh? Since I'm a big believer in actions speaking louder than words I just assume people know what I'm thinking and feeling. Aren't you all mind readers?! Now I do agree, sometimes I'm pushing it. How is anyone supposed to know that an invite to my Birthday dinner was actually me asking why we don't spend more nights together? But some are pretty obvious, I thought... So, here's a little translation of my more commonly used phrases just so we're all on the same page.

What I Say	What I Mean
"Sure, what ever you want."	"Seriously?! Fine, but I'm going to remember this..."
"I need a snack."	"I need food NOW, or someone will DIE, and you're closest."
"Hopefully you can meet my friends."	"I want more of you in my life and can't wait for my friends to think you're as great as I do!"
"What are you doing this weekend?"	"You better not be going out with another girl."
"I could have a cocktail!"	"I may get wasted. I'm single, why not?!"
"I'm tired."	"I need food NOW, or someone will DIE, and you're closest."
"I want to go to Vegas."	"I'm going to Vegas."
"Go away."	"I'm so done with you and your sh*t if I see you on the road I will run you down."
"Isn't Mac the cutest?"	"My dog is #1 in my life, don't try to change that, ever."
"I need a hot tub."	"I need a hot tub, a massage, and a snack, immediately."
"I'm fine."	"If you can't figure it out read my Twitter feed, ugggg."
"I should eat..."	"I need food NOW, or someone will DIE, and you're closest."

So I get hungry. Big deal. I carry snacks in my purse because of it. I know I should be more open and say what I mean instead of just thinking and acting it, perhaps in 2013. This year is just so jam packed already. In the mean time: I should eat!

The Not-So-Terrible Date

I'm REALLY sick of the typical date ideas guys have here. Coffee is not fun, it's sitting still, drinking overpriced swill. Dinner is nice, but most guys I can't stand sitting with for that long. I've decided to take charge of date activities from now on. I decided I wanted to golf, but we live in a rain forest, and it rains here, shocking. A little rain won't stop me from hitting some balls at the driving range though! Right by my work there's a hidden gem of a range. Highland Pacific has two levels at their range, the upper level is great for enjoying sun in the summer, or dry days, and the lower level stalls are heated and covered  for rainy days.

I met Dodge Guy on the lower level today. He's actually cute, and the perfect height. Weird. I'm usually really disappointed as people only put their best pictures online, but I think he put his worst ones on there! He's got great eyes and a nice smile. We hit a bucket of balls, (after 5:30 you get 60 for the price of 45!) he was really easy to talk to and I wasn't annoyed like I usually get after 15 minutes with guys. I'm not a great golfer, but I like it, and I try. I always get worse as the bucket goes on, I really need to take some lessons. I start hitting into the pond. Thankfully the bucket is empty.

Dodge Guy asks if I'm hungry, and suggests we go upstairs to the cafe. I order the Fire Roasted Tomato and Basil soup ($5) and a Ceaser. He ordered the Highland Beef Dip ($11) with ceaser salad and an iced tea. Our food came quickly and looked great, his sandwich was huge! My soup was creamy and served with some multi grain toast, perfect for picking up the pieces of tomato. We ate and talked about our dogs and watched golf highlights on TV. He has a great job, and knows what he wants. I had fun, and want to see him again. He's got my number, lets see if he uses it...

Overall, a great way to forget about a work day. Highland Pacific is a great place to take a date, play a round and they have an event space for parties and meetings.  Book a tee time here and make sure you check out their great range rates and cafe menu next time you have a free hour or two! I hope Dodge Guy calls me...or I'll be taking out my frustrations on buckets (and buckets) of balls!

Happy Hour

My life isn't all bad dates, unavailable men and crazy trips to big cities, just most of it. Sometimes I just go meet my friends and talk about my bad dates, unavailable men and crazy trips. Chelsea and I had both been to Veneto Tapas Lounge before and both had terrible experiences. Lost and bumbled reservations, slow service, and over all lack luster "show". After hearing of our dissatisfaction, we were contacted by Solomon, the manager, and decided to give Veneto another chance.

We were greeted promptly and warmly and immediately shown to a very nice booth in a transitional area between the lounge and dining areas. We looked over the drink menus, but nothing jumped out at me. Most likely it's because I was slightly hungover, still. Our server came to take our drink orders, a Ceaser and a Sour Apple martini, and when she left we looked at each other and rolled our eyes. She was very insincere and just came across as weird. Drinks arrive and we continue looking over the menu. This is the first time I've seen Chelsea in a month so we were chatting and it took us a while to decide. I ordered a tapas style beef entree and she selected the sliders.

It seemed like an eternity before our food was delivered, and that's because it was. Thirty minutes to get our food. Thankfully we had lots to catch up on and our drinks to tide us over. My food fell over once the clumsy food runner dropped the plate on the table, but it did look great still. Chelsea's sliders were also eye pleasing. Phony server came to check on us and we both agreed our first few tastes were fantastic. Here's my meal break down:

Dish 1: Veal ravioli with a portabella mushroom ragout and roasted garlic cream sauce
Dish 2: Red wine and thyme marinated short rib with creamy parmesan polenta cake
Dish 3: Pepper crusted New York strip with brandy and cream demi glaze

Dish 1 was pretty good. The mushrooms were flavorful and a great compliment to the mellow cream sauce. Definitely couldn't eat a whole dish of it, but tapas style is perfect for this dish. Dish 2, the one that fell over, was AMAZING. The short rib was really tender and I cut it with my fork. The polenta cake was perfect, and it absorbed the marinade nicely. This was my favorite of the three and would love to eat an entire plate of it. Dish 3 was the let down. I usually love New York strip, but left most of this on the plate. The pepper crust took over everything, and left my mouth burning. I scraped some off to try again and the strip itself was lack luster. The demi glaze would have been nice if the pepper hadn't have overpowered everything. The saving grace of dish three was the red potatoes it was served with. Over all I was really happy with my meal and was full, but not too full. For $15 it was a good value and I recommend, and will have it again.

Chelsea's AAA New York strip loin sliders were creative and original.

Dish 1: Topped with jumbo shrimp and ancho hollandaise
Dish 2: Topped with bacon, smoked applewood
Dish 3: Topped with blue cheese and spicy buffalo onions

The last of the dishes she modified, no onions for her, but instead it came with a hair. This happens, and since it was dealt with quickly and efficiently, it was not a big deal. The fake server redeemed herself and won us over with how she handled the situation. For $15 she left satisfied and happy with her choice as well.

We finished our experience off with a glass of bubbly and a visit from the manager thanking us for coming in. We filled out our comment card with our only complaint being the speed of service. Seeing as how we weren't in a hurry and had a lot to talk about this wasn't a huge concern, but if we had other plans it may have been.

In typical fashion, we decide to continue happy hour with a cocktail at The Fox. I like going there, there is always parking, lots of TV's to catch games on, and sometimes there is a good dancer and we learn a new move or two. An over priced drink and three talentless dancers later we call it a night.

A great Friday night Happy Hour with good company and food. Who could ask for anything more? Both Chelsea and myself recommend checking out Veneto Tapas Lounge in the Rialto Hotel, 1450 Douglas Street. Reservations suggested as it was pretty busy when we were there. Make them through Open Table. Visit their website to view menus and jump start your appetite.