Adventure #2: The Metropolitan Grill

Turning 30 is a big event in one's life, and sometimes, it's nice to feel like you've got all your bills under control, don't have to worry about the price of anything, and can eat a really expensive restaurant. The Metropolitan Grill adventure was meant to make this feeling a reality.

A few years back, Mike surprised me with a trip to Daniel's Broiler on the south end of Lake Union, and treated me to one of the fanciest dinners I'd ever had. The food was delicious, the service impeccable, and it was one of my favorite gifts, as I am not in need of more things, but constantly in search of new experiences. In that same vein, we decided to treat each other to another fancy dinner-- this time at a place that touts itself as the home of the best steak in Seattle.

We drove into Seattle, attempting to avoid summer/evening/baseball/construction traffic, and planned on using the valet service because parking was likely to be a nightmare. Much to our surprise, we found easy street parking about a block away, and while this evening was about decadence, we're not about to look a gift spot in the mouth.

As we were walked to our seat, the hostess called me "madame" and while I first thought we might have out-classed ourselves with our restaurant choice, I quickly realized (as she complemented the color of my coat and dress) that she actually was French, so maybe I would be able to figure out which fork to use appropriately after all. My fears of not being fancy enough were later assuaged when I saw a woman in running shoes, yoga pants, and a trucker hat in the bathroom. I guess when you have enough money to eat at The Met, you have enough money to wear whatever you like to The Met.

The bread was fantastic (a rustic crusty sourdough), our drinks were perfection (a Merlot for me, and a Manhattan for Mike), our steaks were excellent, and the dessert was worth every moment of pain from overeating. The chocolate and caramel lava cake we had was easily the best of its kind, and I may have to go back someday just for more lava cake.

The Lava Cake

The Aftermath

Ultimately, an excellent adventure, and a nice reminder that sometimes it's okay to treat yourself to a REALLY nice meal. Just because I love Taco Time and box macaroni and cheese doesn't mean I can't enjoy an exceptional steak every once in a while (and for those that are curious, the next time I'm in the mood for an exceptional steak? I'll probably head back to Daniel's Broiler).