SO, THERE WAS THIS RESTAURANT WE HADN'T BEEN TO BEFORE.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we went to see a dear friend the other day.  There was a restaurant I had learned about a year previously.  If it were closer we would have visited ages ago and probably more often, but as our friend lives in the same area, I suggested we all have lunch.  It was lovely and sometimes you can have a mediocre meal but the people you are with always make up for it.  Here, however, we not only had great company but also a great meal.

To give you a little background, about a year ago I was looking for identification on wildflowers, and up pops this blog.  It was very well written and the photos were fun to look at.  I was able to ID several wildflowers in my own photos, and as I found that the blog owner and his wife went on several hikes, taking photos along the way, I found it all very interesting and informative.  

As time went on I began to explore his blog and found not only that they enjoyed being out in nature, but he added meals, and also he was very knowledgeable about wines and beers.  I am always looking for something new and this blog fit the bill.

Popping in every now and again,  I read his biography - yes I was a bit slow on that - and learned that he was the chef/owner of a restaurant in the same town my friend lived in.  In fact, when I mentioned it to her, she said she had been there a few years previously.  I asked her if she would be interested in going again the next time we got together, and so last week we found ourselves heading to One Block West.

Wonderful restaurant with friendly service.  At some restaurants you get the feeling that you are being rushed through your meal, followed by negative vibes from the staff who hover until you feel it's definitely time to go.  Here we had none of that and were able to enjoy a leisurely meal, which was not only delicious but very attractively presented.  

And we were able to talk with our chef.  I told him I felt like I knew him as I had read his blog.  We also said how much we had enjoyed our meal, and were able to chat for a little while.

Here are a few photos of  each dish, each absolutely delicious.

Shortly after being seated we were given a basket of bread, which was very yummy, and a small container of olive oil for dipping.  Loved the little pot the oil was served in.  Our soup of the day was Beef and Barley which came with crispy breadsticks.  I was chilled from the cold weather, and found the soup very comforting.  We all ordered Beef and Barley.

My friend and I ordered the Carmelized Sea Scallops with Parsnip Puree and Arugula.  

Gregg ordered Ed's Pasta.  You could add chicken, shrimp or scallops and Gregg chose shrimp. 

By this time we had all had more than enough to eat, but my friend and I ended up sharing the Creme Brulee of the Day.  This day it was apricot.  There were other delicious dessert items on the menu, which you can look at here.  All excellent choices and we are just going to have to go back to try them one of these days.

No I didn't get any freebies for writing about this restaurant.  When I go anywhere, have a good time and have a great meal, I like to give credit where credit is due.  My photos do not always give justice to the meal shown, but everything tasted wonderful.  If you are in the area I can highly recommend One Block West.