610 Magnolia

Mr. Louisville might not be the best at coming up with gift ideas. But that's fine by me because that means I get to choose what I want!  For Christmas this year, I chose a trip to 610 Magnolia since it's more fun to spend money doing things together instead of getting stuff.  (Related: We are leaving for Jamaica in 10 days. Happy Birthday to me :)

The evening was perfect.  We grabbed a drink beforehand at Magnolia Bar (known to the locals as Mag Bar) and then it was off for our 7:30p.m. reservation.

The dining room was small and cozy.  

We each opted for the 6 course prix fixe menu over the 4 course and whenever there was an option of 2 things we ordered 1 of each so we could try everything.

Because it was a special night I even sprung for the wine pairings! I loved our waiter for the generous pours and messing up on a course resulting in 2 glasses of champagne instead of 1.  Score!
Chef Ed Lee came out of the kitchen and greeted a few tables.  I wish I would've gotten a picture but I kept quiet.  It was still cool to see him since I'm a huge Top Chef fan.

It was one of the longest dinners I ever had.  We were there for about 2.5 hours but it felt relaxed and fun.

The meal was excellent.  All small plates, intricate, delicious.  I asked the waiter for a copy of the menu to have it framed because I imagine it will probably be the only time we go since the bill was around $350 for two people!  

I'll spare you every last garnish but here was the gist of it.  Oh!  And excuse my poor iPhone photos, I felt nerdy enough trying to take a picture of every course!

To start

//610 BLT

First Course
// Bison Rib-eye Carpaccio

Second Course

// Duck Confit and Foie Gras Ravioli

// Surf & Turf: Veal Sweetbreads, lobster mushrooms, grits, mustard seeds

Third Course
// Buttermilk Panna Cotta, Fennel, Pickled Grapes, Celery, Red Wine, Orange Pumpkin, Smoked Greens, Country Ham
This course was the salad and you were meant to take a little panna cotta in with every bite, like a dressing.

Fourth Course
// Diver Scallops, Butternut Gnocchi

// King Crab, Cashew, Banana, Mango, Coconut, Cilantro and Mint

Fifth Course

// Seared Duck Breast

// Beef Rib Eye

Sixth Course

// American Artisan Cheese Duo

// Three Chocolates, Saison-Orange Ice Cream
This was the only course we didn't 'split!  I want all the cheese all the time!!

To finish

Chocolate Truffles

These truffles left quite a last impression!!  They were minty and fresh and smooth.  The perfect last bite.

Overall, I was seriously impressed and so fortunate that Mr. Louisville was up for splurging on a most excellent experience.