7 Year Itch

I woke up this morning with an itch I didn’t want to scratch.

Seven years ago, I had my first kiss with a boy I would end up deciding to spend the rest of my life with.

We had been best friends for a little less than a year, but we decided it was time to be something “more.” You know, the old high school cliché. There were a lot of teenage dramatics leading to our decision to become a couple that could be inserted here, but we’ll save that story for never another time.

Our first date was actually a double with his parents, cooking for kids at the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery . Not the most romantic setting, perhaps, but it was definitely fun. We decided that our first kiss would be the moment that we would officially be boyfriend and girlfriend (cheesy from the start). That moment came true at about 2:30 in the afternoon on November 16, 2003.

Six years and eleven months later, at 2:30 pm, we shared a different first kiss. An upgrade , I think.

And now, here we are. Today is our seven year dating anniversary and our one month anniversary as husband and wife. I can’t believe how fast time flies! I was reading (and watching) the blog posts I wrote for our fifth year and sixth year together and even though those memories were made as little as two years ago, it’s amazing how much has changed.

But there is one thing that definitely hasn’t and truly never will.

I love you, Bobby! Happy Anniversary!

Living itch-free for another seven years…and many, many more.

***

We were fortunate enough to receive a gift card to the Chicago Chop House as one of our wedding presents and decided to make use of it to celebrate. Coincidentally, this restaurant opened its doors in November, back in 1986.

The dining area is basically a three-story house. It was very intimate and had its own unique charm – there was even a Christmas tree on the outside! We were fortunate enough to get a window seat on the second floor that overlooked Ontario Street, which turned out great.

Upon perusing the menu, we realized that this place was a real treat (thank you, Lisa, Aly and Annie!). We decided to make the most of the experience and started off with a glass of wine. I ordered their Sangiovese, while Bobby tried their Malbec.

*Apologies for slightly blurry photos ahead! I blame it on the mood lighting.*

After debating between all of the appetizers, we decided on the Maryland Crab Cakes. They were served over a drizzle of Lobster Bisque and tasted incredible. Completely flaky and melt-in-your-mouth flavorful.

When it came time for the entree, we decided it would be fun to split a 10 oz. filet and sauteed scallops. The steak came with an onion ring on top, while the scallops were served over fire roasted tomatoes and a slightly sweet red-orange sauce.

Both options were fabulous. The tomatoes literally burst open in your mouth with flavor and the steak didn’t require a sharp knife. It just about fell over with the tiniest slice! On the side, we had sauteed spinach and mushrooms, which were infused with a rich marinade as well.

It was truly a phenomenal dinner and a perfect portion for two. Well, that is, until the dessert tray came.

Tip: When you see “chocolate lava cake” on the menu, you should probably do a double take. By far one of the best chocolate desserts I’ve ever had – and that’s saying something!

We truly enjoyed eating in a dream for the evening, thanks to family and friends.

This Thursday (aka less than 48 hours from now!) we leave for our honeymoon. While I won’t be blogging during the trip, you can bet I will take hundreds of photos and can’t wait to share them with you all! Thanks again for your amazing tips on Napa and San Francisco. Can’t wait to put some of them into motion. Your support, as always, means a lot.

Question: What are your plans for Thanksgiving? And what is one recipe on your must-make list?

It’s never too early to chat about that delicious holiday! Can’t wait to hear what you’re cooking!

Abrazos,