Happy Monday, people!  It’s a damn dreary Monday here, too.  Not only has it been gray for about 5 days now, but today’s it’s pouring as well.  If it were a little cooler it would be fine, but since it’s warm out it just turns the world into a rainforest.  Sticky!

I had a good weekend.  Friday I was tired and cranky so I stayed home while Dice went to beer club at the James Joyce.  I had wine and ice cream and watched chick movies.  It was divine.  Then Saturday Ray came to visit and that evening we went out for fancy girl’s night out with a couple of her friends.  We started at Grape in Atlantic Station where we got a bottle of St. Oriel prosecco (that’s champers to the uninitiated) and I had the savory vegetable quiche.  Although the quiche was tepid, the flavor was delicious and the size of my portion was huge.  After dinner we walked over to Strip which is a steakhouse/lounge.  The restaurant is on the ground floor and then the second floor is a giant lounge with a long bar as well as a sushi bar.  We had a couple drinks there and people-watched.  The place was a total meat market (not surprising given the name), so it was fun to watch people try to pick people up, obvious first dates, etc.  It was a great night!

Sunday morning Ray and I went running.  Well, to be more precise, we ran the first mile and a half together, then split off because she wanted to go longer.  So I ran about 4 miles and she ran 12.  Yeah.  I know what you’re thinking, and I agree.  Anywho, more power to her, she deserved the brunch she got later that’s for sure!  After Ray left Dice and I went for an early dinner at Brick Store where we had a leisurely and delightful meal.  That evening we finally watched the last couple episodes of The Wire.  Last episodes EVER!  Sniff!  Can’t believe there won’t be more Wire in my future, that’s just bleak.

This week is Midtown Restaurant Week! The happiest week of the year!  Stay tuned for haute restaurant reviews later.