Thanksgiving?

I was on the phone with my mom earlier today. When she asked what my plans were for the evening, I told her that Bobby and I were heading to Wildfire for Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving?”

“Er…no. Valentine’s Day.”

Clearly I am stuck back in November. Fortunately, I now realize that it is, in fact, February 10, 2012.

That said, we really did go to Wildfire, and it really was to celebrate Valentine’s Day – four days early.

Edited to add: How could I forget a picture of my date?

Be mine, Valentine. 🙂

What celebration would be complete without delicious pumpernickel bread?

In all seriousness, we decided to move our celebrating to a Friday, in order to enjoy it to the fullest. Wildfire is a bit of a Valentine’s Day tradition (2011, 2009). We’ve gone every year since 2008, though for some reason I missed posting about it on here in 2010. Probably because I had just quit my job.

Tonight, we started with a bottle of wine: Alamos Malbec. It was so-so at first, but once it had aerated for a bit tasted very smooth and went great with our respective meals.

Bobby chose the mushroom-crusted pork chops and mashed potatoes. The chops were PHENOMENAL. I went the seafood route with the Friday special: mushroom-stuffed salmon. It was served in a red wine butter sauce with balsamic roasted vegetables.

Wow. There are no words to fully describe how amazing this dish was. All I can say to provide the right effect is that both Bobby and I had our eyes closed for a fair portion of the meal, in order to fully appreciate each bite. A few “mmms” were said along the way, too.

By the time we finished, we were stuffed to the gills (pun intended in my case, of course). But it is absolutely impossible to leave Wildfire in February without ordering their dessert of the month: homemade chocolate creme pie…with Oreo crust.

Pure bliss, once a year. A time-honored tradition we will gladly repeat.

Last but not least we have today’s #FebPhotoADay: self portrait. Ah, the self portrait. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with this one, but I ended up going with the theme of “snow.” We had plenty of it in Chicago this afternoon, which is always a good excuse to wear that one special hat I own.

The Tennessee Lady Vols sweatshirt has been around since high school. It is one of my favorite things to wear during the winter and thus, I was wearing it today. I told you I had big basketball dreams.

Happy Thanksgiving Early Valentine’s Day!

Fun fact: My grandpa’s middle name is Valentine, named after my Polish great-grandfather, Walenty.

What are you up to this weekend?

I’ve got a date with Jill tomorrow, as well as a virtual meeting with my book club. Can’t wait!

Abrazos,