Dumplings and Ocean's

Our latest shake took us to downtown Raleigh Friday night.  Just a few days after I read an article about how the chef at The Duck & Dumpling is retiring.  But we do what our iPhones tell us, and settled in a high top table by the window.  I was a little bummed not to have the original guy making the dumplings I've heard so much about, but we were not disappointed when we got our appetizer.  Actually, it was embarrassing how quickly we put away the appetizer sampler of all the dumplings they have.

Dumpling sampler appetizer

So Greyson says, "Remember in Ocean's Thirteen when they poison that guy's dumpling?  You know, the hotel reviewer guy?"  This question led to a good 20 minutes of character discussions and line quoting from one of our favorite movie trilogies.  "You have to learn to walk before you crawl, Linus," I said.  "Reverse that," Greyson says.  We laughed as he continued to cut each dumpling in half so we both could try each kind, always giving me the bigger piece.  

The Ocean's discussion naturally led to our upcoming plans for our fifth anniversary in April.  A topic I've been keen on for some time, as I am ready to bid winter aideu for warmer weather.  We plan to go to Las Vegas.  While no casino heists are in the works, Shakes dinners are.  I can't wait to do some out-of-town dinner blogs.

But until then we're eating at home. I had the Basil Duck because, I mean, "Duck" is in the name of the restaurant.  It's fitting, and I was not disappointed.  Greyson had the filet simply because he had to try the Asian-style steak.  He too was satisfied.

When it came time for dessert, the young, hip, happy wait staff got their chance to shine.  We couldn't decide between the Apple Crisp with Ginger Ice Cream and the Spiced Pear with Ginger Ice Cream.  After some discussion, the waitress and the hostess both recommended the Pear.  That's what we ordered but that's not what we got.  So the mistake Apple was on the house.  

The Spiced Pear with Ginger Ice Cream (heaven!)

The waitress brought the Pear too. So we enjoyed our second dessert looking out the window at our chilly little city, dreaming of a city in the desert, to celebrate five years of funny discussions over dinner.


Happy (early) Anniversary,
Amy