Usually I would have to reserve a table at some fancy restaurant many weeks in advance, and expected to spend lots of money, and ended up super stressed out because of the great expectations. But this year, I put that worry behind me, and decided to take the risk of not planning at all.
So after a long and stressful day, I quickly wrapped up my work at around 5:30, and we left home to head out to the Peninsula. Before we left, we quickly talked over what we wanted to eat for this special night. Since we enjoyed similar foods, it was not a big problem coming to an agreement. The key was to go to a place we both we like, so we wouldn't be disappointed.
Jack wanted to have Indian since the weekend, so we went to one of our local favorite in Foster City, Tabla. The name of this restaurant already changed twice since we started going there 3 years ago, but it was basically the same place and waiters, so we prefer to keep its old name, at least between the two of us.
I was a little reluctant about going for spicy food, because I secretly promised myself to reduce the amount of spicy food to see if it's better for my skin and health. Oh well, I could always change my diet after Valentine's dinner.
We were the first customers there at 6 PM. The waiter was very happy to see us, as he put on his best friendly smile. He even 'reserved' the only window seat in the house for us. He said he especially saved us this nice seat with a view.
They were playing American romantic love songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Most of them I was very familiar with and they were my favorites, because I used to listen to romantic love songs all the time when I first came to San Francisco from China some 20 years ago. It helped me learning English. Tho recently, I was very shocked to see in a music video that one of the songs was sung by a man, when I used to think the singer was a woman. That was a little creepy.
We ordered all of our favorite dishes and some plain yogurt on the side. The food was a little on the salty side, but right then I had a discovery. I put yogurt in the salty and spicy food, it blend in really well and gave a special milder balanced taste that added more flavor to the food. It was the epiphany of the day, and I was very delighted with this finding.
As we enjoyed our food very much, we were also amused that someone kept adjusting the volume of the music, high and low. As if he was the DJ trying to bring the best romantic atmosphere to the guests.
As we enjoyed our food very much, we were also amused that someone kept adjusting the volume of the music, high and low. As if he was the DJ trying to bring the best romantic atmosphere to the guests.
More people came in after us.
The waiter gave us 5% discount on the food - by this time, I wasn't sure if he was just a waiter or the boss.
When we left, he smile beautifully and kept repeating: "See you soon, see you soon." What a nice guy, what a nice dinner.
