late weekend wrap-up

I would have posted this earlier, but I was thwarted by LJ's DOS attacks, work busy-ness, and yesterday's mock-hangover induced by the weather changes. So:
Friday bonacorsi and I went to Benu for our anniversary. One of their dishes was coincidentally on the 7x7 list; I had heard very good things about it and wanted to give it a last-hurrah try before we tighten our belts for (hopefully, only) a few months.

It was the single most amazing meal we've had in five years (since we went to Masa's for another anniversary dinner). I was unsurprised to discover that the executive chef is a Thomas Keller protege. The restaurant was small (maybe 20 tables), relatively quiet even when full, and had extremely attentive but not smothering service. The food... was spectacular. Asian-inspired but also classic Fronch. We couldn't finish the tasting menu because even with the small portions, it was rich and too much to eat over the three hours. (Which didn't feel long.)
I'd happily return, but like Masa's it will be quite some time before I could budget the calories and funds.

Saturday we went to Healdsburg with etaine_pommier and dave_orphal to pick up some wine we'd ordered on her birthday trip. We did a couple of wine tastings and ended up buying more, because it was too yummy. It was a good, relaxed social day.

Sunday I caught up on all the projects I skipped the previous two days. Bologna sausages batch #2, bills, stuff like that. Not exciting but staying at home was good.

What I'm reading: Larry Correia, Monster Hunter International