Ok, so in the course of my usual week to week plans, Saturdays are affectionately known as Sweetie Saturdays and are spent with my Sweetheart. So what is usually "Family Dinner Night" on Saturdays, got moved, usually to Sunday "homecooked meal nights" or Friday "we don't feel like cooking nights". That being said, with my Sister away on vacation in Mexico with my brother in law, it fell upon me, yours truly, to take my folks out on Friday "I don't feel like cooking" night. Now here's the thing: my parents are not exactly young, in fact, my Dad is getting close to retirement. And in these awesome golden years, I feel as though they should get to experience all the things that I've been so privileged to experience because of all the hard work and sacrifice that they've put in over the years. I mean, they don't travel all that much, and although we take them out for dinner and lunches way more often than we used to go as a family, most of the time it's to the same usual mix of Chinese restaurants or chain restaurants like Red Robin's or Boston Pizza. Nothing wrong with that - after all, you like what you like. However, I wasn't satisfied. Many know me as a man of culinary experience, not in making food, but of eating a variety of food. So with that said, I constantly try to get my parents to break the norm and go for something different, which isn't always appreciated by everyone. BUT, on this auspicious day, I got them to come with me to Mikado Downtown, and try Japanese food. The pushback was amazing - "we don't eat raw food", "seaweed makes me nauseous", "it's too expensive", "we won't even be full." However, an order of Dragon Eyes, a Deluxe Robata Bento, and Nabeyaki Udon later, I think I have convinced my folks to not only give things a try, but also to trust me! Well...my taste buds. They really liked the beef yakiniku, the tempura, and the udon noodles. My Dad was also a big fan of the dragon eyes (no surprise there) and the yakitori. So while I haven't gotten them to the raw fish yet, I remain hopeful :) Besides that, Friday was spent at work, followed by playing chauffeur to my Sweetheart as they embarked on their awesome After-Tax Season Party, and of course, my glorious return as a Space Rock Miner - in EVE Online. For those that know the game, a challenge has been issued to me by my Dim Sum Dumpling Brother, Kevin, who challenged me that I could not fill up his Minmatar Transport Ship (the Fenrir) in time before he would acquire one. I replied that I'd have enough for him to make TWO round trips. This, is going to be QUITE a showdown. Written: May 15, 2011

restaurant in Nice , french riviera. Un restau grill sur Nice