Although my forthcoming MCAT set a somber mood to the celebration, my family and I decided to celebrated my twenty-first at St. John's Restaurant. St. John's is a fine dining establishment located in downtown Chattanooga; it prides itself in serving "inventive regional American cuisine" and actively reflects on "seasonal and local flavor."
Admittedly, this place may come off as a bit snooty-- the waiters crumb the table between courses, abiding by the dress code is a must, and there are certainly one too many forks for comfort. But who doesn't love upping the class every once in a while? Delicious food and an opportunity to whip out a pair of heels? And, Mom and Dad are paying? Is there really even a question?
Bellini
Since it was my twenty-first, it was only appropriate that I order a cocktail! The Bellini was light and refreshing-- not too sweet and not too strong. As a light-weight, I can honestly say this drink was perfect for the occasion. After all, this was not time or place for my inebriated alter-ego.
First Courses
After the bread and our beverages had been served, the chef graciously sent a complimentary (for lack of a better name) salmon cucumber thing our way.
My family decided to go "all out" that night, so we decided to order one first course each! Partly because we're ritzy like that... and partly because we wanted to taste as many dishes as we could possibly order judgment-free.
Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras
I ordered the foie gras. I know what you're thinking: Mel is such a fatty. Yeah, yeah-- I know. But I regret not one calorie of that appetizer. The fois gras melted in my mouth, and the biscuit/ plum sauce provided a sweet and tart-y punch. Do not fear; I did not condemn my body to complete fatty goose liver hell. I shared some with my family-- and you know what they say about sharing. Sharing is caring Dividing the portions= dividing the guilt!
Signal Mountain Farm's Heirloom Tomato Salad
Mom ordered the fancy salad. The grana padano parmesan souffle was to die for.
Smoked Corn and White Bean Soup: butter poached Maine lobster and tomato concasse
Mon ordered the soup, per usual. Why is this a tradition of hers, you may ask? She loves it when her dish arrives with pieces of lobster, and the waitress pours the soup in with a small metal teapot soup pot(?) Classy. Most definitely classy. Also, in case anyone was wondering, Dad ordered the soup as well. He had found the soup to be a bit bland, so he added some salt. Mon seemed to be fine with it, though.
Main Courses
