So now that I’ve cooked my little heart out for you this week, let’s rewind to Sunday, when someone cooked for me!

One of my very favorite restaurants in the DC area is most definitely Addie’s. I just love how cozy it is, set back in a little house. And the food is outstanding! Seasonal, often local and very creative. Lucky for me, the owners of Addie’s, Jeff and Barbara Black, also have a couple of other restaurants in the area, including Black’s Bar and Kitchen in Bethesda.

My Cleveland friend Cody came to town last weekend and we planned to meet up with a few other friends at Black’s. I’ve been there for (a delicious) brunch once before, so I was excited to try it for dinner.

My roommate Anna came along with me and we ordered a glass of wine while we waited for the others to arrive. One thing I really liked about the wine list is that you can order a “taste” (3oz) or a “quartino” (6.4oz) glass. The wine list at Black’s is impressive, so this way you could taste a couple of wines or enjoy one big one. Since we both had our hearts set on a glass of viognier, we just went for the biggies .

As it was a warm Sunday, this cool, slightly sweet white wine was just what I had in mind. However, only once our whole party arrived did the server let us know it was half-price bottle of wine night! I was a bit annoyed since it would have been much better for us to share a bottle than order glasses. Hmph.

I’ve only had oysters once before, while I was on vacation in Australia after my sophomore year of college. It was my last night there and my friend and I went out for a fun meal that included all kinds of Australian specialties. While I enjoyed much of the cuisine, the slimy oyster was the most horrible thing I’d ever tasted! I thought I might die as it slid down my throat.

Since then I’ve recovered, grown up a little and have really been meaning to give them another shot. Black’s has an impressive raw bar and since Anna is an oyster fan we decided to take the plunge and order some for the table. Half a dozen Boutique Oysters.

And I’m happy to report I had a much better experience this time! So our next plan is to return for a night of wine and oysters. Sounds like a ball!

I ordered the rockfish special for supper. I LOVE rockfish, which I’ve only really discovered since moving to DC. It’s often available locally, so you see it on a lot of menus. This version came over spinach, bacon and local mushrooms, topped with crispy TRUFFLE potatoes. Sold!

Oh yes, it was certainly as good as it looks. Buttery soft fish on an earthy bed of spinach and mushrooms, nicely balanced with crisp, salty bacon. And you know me, I just died over the truffle potatoes .

And last but not least, dessert. Anna and I decided to split something and barely had to say out loud which one we’d both like – the Salted Caramel Trio! Is there anything better on earth than salted caramel?

It was all divine, especially that salted caramel tart. A most perfect end!

I don’t enjoy the atmosphere of Black’s nearly as much as Addie’s. While Addie’s in a funky little house, Black’s is a bit more posh and formal. However, the food was juuust wonderful.

Mostly, it was just great to see my sweet friend Cody again! I miss friends from home. It was also the last meal I enjoyed before I grounded myself for the week, so I’m staring at it with envy as I type this! But don’t worry, the ban on my social activities has been lifted as it’s now the weekend. I’ll see you then with some fun!