Butcher's Twine

I used up the last of my butcher's twine over the weekend.  I'm pretty sure that I've had that ball of twine since before I was married, but I can't be sure.

Fortunately someone on eBay has already shipped me a new ball of 220 ft of cotton twine - 100% biodegradable, for only $4.35 and free shipping.

State Plates

There is an art foundry in Madison called Felion Studios.  It's run by Alisa Toninato and features cast iron art (get it "felion" = "iron lion?"  Clever, eh?)

One of their signature items is cast iron plates made in the shape of the states.

They are pretty cool looking, and expensive at $600.  That shape is not all that useful, either.

Unless, of course, you live in Wyoming.

Anniversary Dinner at Sanford's in Milwaukee

For about the past decade on our anniversary (this was number 22) we go to Sanford's Restaurant and get their Surprise Tasting Menu with wine pairings.  We only go there once a year, but Ralph, our waiter, recognizes us and knows why we're there.

The meal is always fantastic, and this year may have been the best of all.

Here's our menu:

Surprise Tasting Menu

March 14, 2014

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Amuse Bouche :: Smoked Trout Custard with Pickled Egg and Toasted Mustard Seed

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Pickled Blueberry Salad with Beauty Heart Radish, Wisconsin Goat Milk Brie Crouton

2011 Pinot Noir - MacMurray Ranch, Central Coast, CA 

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Grilled Red Grouper with Celery Root Puree, Black Truffle Vinaigrette

2012  Chardonnay – William Hill – Central Coast, CA                                    

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Portuguese Shellfish Stew – Seared Scallop, Octopus and Shellfish Chorizo Stuffed Pork Shoulder,

 Potatoes and Kale

2011  Vouvray –Domaine Bourillon – Demi-sec, France 

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Chargrilled Quail with Ravioli of Pheasant and Confit Chestnut, Parmesan and Brown Butter

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – Raymond – “R” Series, CA         

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Chargrilled Elk with Elk Short Rib Arancini and Pumpkin Caponata

2009  Tempranillo -- Rioja – Conde de Valdemar Crianza, Spain               

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Mango Passion Fruit Soup, Coconut Lime Sorbet

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Buckwheat Cake with Berry Compote, Pine Needle Ice Cream, Pine Needle Powder

NV  Muscat  – Yalumba-Museum Reserve, SE Australia