The Order Varies

"I like white wine, white liquor, and white men. In that order."

Only at my neighborhood joint could I hear such a great line and only have walked five blocks to hear it.

When a friend messaged me late this afternoon asking about my plans, I had none.

But after finishing up some work, a look in my fridge revealed that I had nothing good there, either.

Quick! Get presentable and head somewhere where people will be interesting and the food and wine will be good.

Default: Bistro 27 after the thunderstorm moved through.

It wasn't especially busy when I arrived and the kitchen staff was bored. The severs seemed glad to see me, though.

New to the wine list was Motturra Negroamaro Rose, a lovely earthy pink with which I was not familiar.

I asked a nearby guy his opinion and was rewarded with, "I don't drink roses" and the pithy comment above.

Had someone asked me, it might have gone something like this: "I like pink wine, brown liquor and smart, funny men."

Not nearly as sassy or concise.

Meanwhile, people continued to come in, giving the kitchen staff something to do and making for a livelier dining room while I held court at the bar.

I know that Chef Carlos would like to be more experimental with his menu, but he's got such a devoted following that he likes to keep a menu that appeals to everyone.

Along those lines, I went with two of the menu's most familiar dishes, the Bistro salad and the bacon-wrapped scallops over lentils.

I've had both more times than I should admit, but they're both solid dishes that continue to impress newcomers and satisfy old-timers.

And, just to be clear, I made sure that pig was involved with my meal so that my friend Paul could feel smug

The music was full of love angst tonight with "Stop! In the Name of Love," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "At Last."

If I was in the mood to pine, I had the perfect soundtrack for it.

Mostly I was in the mood to eat and drink and I had more than enough of both while enjoying an extensive discussion of the new restaurants in town with a favorite staffer.

At this rate, Grace Street is going to turn out to be a bona fide theater-goer destination before and after performances at Center Stage.

While we were chatting, a couple came in looking for dinner just after the kitchen had closed.

"We've been staying at the Jefferson and we've been meaning to get over here all week!" the guy lamented.

He who hesitates is lost, my friend.

Let's just say, locals make it a point to get to Broad Street before 9:00 on a Sunday night.

No reason to risk missing pink wine, brown liquor or a well-priced meal.

Or, with any luck, maybe someday a smart and funny man.