Date Night

Lately I have been jones-ing for a dozen raw oysters! The kind that Burlingame’s offers that are from the Boston or Cape Cod area – the small, sweet, briny variety that smell and taste of the sea. But then I realize what I am really missing is Date Night. In our two years of courtship and first year of marriage, my partner and I would dress up and head down to Historic Center Street to share a magnificent meal at any of the many tempting options in Fernandina Beach.

Has it really been almost a year since I wore a pair of heels? And I know it has been a while since Ron put on one of the gorgeous silk ties I bought him at JosBanks. His tall stature just lends itself to grey slacks, a blue blazer complete with pocket scarf and rich leather slip-ons. My date-night-dresses gather dust as we have been cautiously sheltered in place for almost ten months.

Before COVID we would make a plan a day on what sort of cuisine we hankered for and I’d log onto Open Table. Le Clos was a favorite; I already knew I would struggle with whether to order the pate or the creamy vichyssoise for my starter. We always shared a bottle of their dry, pale Pouilly-Fuisse. Or perhaps we fancied a taste of Spain at Espana. In fact, Ron proposed to me there over a rioja and calamari la plancha or was it the ceviche? You can order a full meal or an assortment of tapas and pretend you are back in Madrid’s Plaza Major. Another date night draw is Ciao, formerly known as Luca’s. Luca himself greets his patrons. I would try out my rusty Italian and Luca would graciously chat with me. We would go for the high top next to the bar where we could feel intimate, yet look over what other diners were enjoying. Even on my diet, the thin wood-oven pizza could not be missed. The antipasti platter would kick it off and Ron always, but always, went for the Bolognese. Ron would order Montepulciano and I would have the more diet conscious option: vodka martini. Luca grew up in Marseilles, but his menu is as authentic Italian as I have found in Florida. Just before the lockdown commenced we celebrated our first anniversary at the Pozzi Bistro, a recent addition to options off Centre Street. Tiny, chic and elegant it was a perfect spot for a special date night. Sadly Pozzi Bistro fell victim to the pandemic and is permanently closed.

Sometimes a more casual meal was yearned for and we’d head to Pablo’s. Amazingly we always found a parking spot practically out front! Sitting at the bar, we’d chat with the owner’s brother, or his daughter or Pablo himself. It is that sort of place. I opt for carne asado and Ron usually orders enchiladas. I try not to finish more than one basket of tortilla chips and salsa, but often fail. Then it is ice cold Patron Silver. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila…floor!

Yes, we are really looking forward to a safe return of date night!