Since we were childfree today courtesy of TC's friend who was hosting a bday party slash sleepover, we decided to make it a dinner date later on as well!
It was time to pay 25Forty Bistro another visit! Plus, I had my good old paper friend, the coupon!
The weather was a bit on the dreary side. It was clear earlier then clouds started to roll in. It was chilly but not too cold for a thick jacket or anything. Anyways, we were inside where it was nice and warm! Our favorite "spot" to park served us well again. It's one of those side streets behind Congress (closer to the 805 freeway). We were so very lucky to snag a spot. I'm so glad that Bert is able to parallel park with finesse. If it were me, I'd be banging up cars and shit. I probably would have parked in a $5 pay to park lot out of sheer desperation.
The place settings - old black file folders with the menu inside. The drinks menu was in a pretty black and white jacquard print patterned file folder.
Our server brought us some complimentary "appetizers" he said would "cleanse the palate". These were citrus soju jello blocks with toothpick spear. Very refreshing. I wanted more, haha!
Since it was only 5:30, it was still "Happy Hour" where all drinks are half off (until 6 pm), so fkg A man, we made sure to order us some alcomohol. Service was on the slow side and we had to flag down someone to take our drink order. Bert got an Italian Red Ale, the Moretti La Rossa ($3!) while I ordered a Berry Mimosa (also $3). Wow, it looks so "genteel". That wine flute was pretty skinny so it didn't really hold all that much. It was a nice light and bubbly drink with a bit of berry puree at the bottom.
Okay, this may not look like the most appetizing photo because of the dark colors, but trust me, the chicken dish that you see below was outstanding! This said from one who almost never orders chicken anywhere!
This was the Spinach Stuffed Chicken with blueberry reduction, and vegetables (cauliflower and carrots with mashed potatoes). When I saw "blueberry" on the menu, I was intrigued. I was picturing more like the chicken would be ON TOP of a pool of artfully drizzled blueberry sauce. No, these were boneless skin on thighs cut in half with the blueberry reduction soaked through and through. It was so delicious! TC liked our leftovers the next day too. The color of this dish reminded me of Violet Beauregarde, the horrible greedy child from "Willy Wonka the Chocolate Factory" (the one with Gene Wilder not Johnny Depp) who turns into a gigantic blueberry1
Bert's choice was the Pork Chop. The menu says singular, but they give you TWO of 'em! These sizable chops were served with Fuji apples, sauteed spinach and some sort of reduced sauce. I loved the pork fat that encircled the chops. In fact, I kept asking Bert if I could have the "edges"! Ha ha! TC also enjoyed the chops the next day! Both the chicken and pork were so tender and juicy. (Insert Homer Simpsonesque moan of pleasure here)
We skipped out on dessert at 24Forty because we wanted to go here instead! Yes, Big Joy, yet again!
It was quite full inside and the line was long. Bert staked a spot in line while I hurried over to the cake case to figure ou what were were going to have. As I was snapping these shots....
I was tapped on the shoulder by a young man who inquired, "Miss XX?" (XX being my maiden name)
I did a double take but then recognized him as a former student. How long ago? Try, Class of 1997! I'm glad I have a good memory too, but it's hard to forget good kids like this one was.
I actually bumped into the same ex-student a year and a half ago at the local mall. I was so surprised that he recognized me because back in the '90's, my hair was down to my butt! Anyhow, I greeted him by name (luckily I was right, haha) and he introduced me to his lovely wife and to his father in law.
It's so funny seeing former students who still refer to me by my maiden name. He was, and still is very respectful towards me. This young man used to be one of our office aides in the counseling center and he and his friends, who were also members of the Filipino student organization (which I advised for many years) would do lots of tasks for me or sometimes just hang out in my office. It's hard to believe that this "kid" is now 32 (going on 33)! I'm 10 years apart from my Class of '97 kids. Do the math!
The macaron case's new home, near the breads.
The supernice owner pouring coffee into the filters. I love that they do this here. The coffee tastes so much smoother; it's worth the extra wait!
Our double mocha with NO whipped cream. I didn't want the extra calories but most of all, I wanted to see the pretty pattern on top! You don't get that with whipped cream.
We got the Kahlua cake which I had eyed last week...
Plus three macarons - Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel and Pistachio..
Their blueberry was under the green tea placard. You could SO tell that it wasn't green tea. I do love their blueberry macarons here too!
Now if only Carol would make more of these! Hint hint! Haha!
Previous Visits to 25Forty Bistro:
Dinner (March 2011)
Brunch (April 2011)
Brunch again (May 2011)
Previous Visits to Big Joy:
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Return to Big Joy
TORC's Bday at Big Joy Bakery
Fantastic 4 (all in September 2011!)
and most recently, last week, Birthday Treats at Big Joy (April 2012)
I skipped a few inbetween visits, but these were the one's I could remember!
I have a few more weekends of lunches with friends and that's it for April!
We continue our regular programming of Portland posts mixed with the latest South Bay food crawl....
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