I just wanted to post to let everyone know that Part 1 of my 5/10 miniseries is hot off the presses. I would encourage everyone to watch the video and then join in the discussion that we are having in the forums. I have already been convinced that I made one suboptimal play I didn't mention in the video as a result of the back and forth banter.

However, the questions I am being asked are fantastic and really allow me to verbalize some very important topics in the form of long winded responses. So, absolutely watch the video Here and join in the discussion Here. It gets everyone better!

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So, yesterday was Valentine's Day. Danielle and I went shopping on Broadway by Houston street and wandered into a Bebe. As it turns out, the store had just opened on Thursday, and we fit the part enough to be invited to their private opening party that is supposed to consist of media and random special guests/celebrities walking around drinking unimaginably fruity/girly drinks and socializing. It's today at 6 but we are debating going.

For dinner, we went to Eleven Madison Park. This restaurant was our first experience with ritzy French food in NYC, and it went about how we expected it to. Great service, relaxing atmosphere, and overpriced food. Actually, they tried to sit us in this crappy table where we were both facing the same direction, and we asked them for a different table. Impressed by our request, they moved us to the best table in the house (they mentioned that "team members" get this table when they come in to dine, and also bluntly said it was the best table a few times ).

We enjoyed the meal, and were all ready for our after-dessert items, when the host swung by. He explained that we had another item still to come out, but that we could take a tour of the kitchen if we wanted. I was confused because I had not seen any other guests waltz into the kitchen during our meal, but we graciously accepted the offer. So, we went in and saw the [very large] kitchen, and met the head chef. It was pretty cool to see everything running so effectively yet so precisely, and added a good amount to the overall experience.

On the way out, they sat us at their private lounge and we finished the meal with some macaroons and after-dinner brandy. I'm pretty sure they knew it was a special night for us and added those extra touches to drive home the evening. All in all, it was a fun and special experience and worth trying, but I'm a guido at heart so I prefer Italian restaurants where the waiters bring you bonus dishes because they are worried you aren't full enough from the previous three courses.