After a couple of fits and starts our rendevous was arranged for the restaurant. I drove from the city and into this very small village of Roanoke, Indiana, which had but one main street. Fortunately, that one main street was dominated by the Joseph Decuis Restauant and nearby Emporium. I, as usual, arrived a bit early. I took a few minutes to walk the length and breadth of this petite central business district. I had just stopped at the front of the restaurant to peruse the menu when the ladies arrived. Suddenly the air was full of hugs and kisses and sighs and smiles and thoughts of what had been those many years ago.
My guests for that evening were Sonja (aka Sunnie, probably because of her electric smile and bubbly personality) who was quite likely the only person alive who has known me since I was a child. Our mothers were best friends and we literally grew up together. Second, there was Bridgette, Sunnie's indefatigable younger sister and the personification of "joie de vivre". Lastly and certainly not the least was Sunnie's lovely daughter, Erin, a quite stunning young woman who possesses a certain "je ne sais quoi". What an outstanding group with whom I was having the pleasure of spending this evening.
We were still a bit early so we wandered down to the Emporium. It was quite a nice little cafe and shop, surprisingly full of evident delicacies and with a rather large backroom full of a surprisingly wide variety of wines. The shop was richly appointed and was a place I would frequent if weren't in the middle of nowhere. After a time we stepped into the restaurant, again entering a richly appointed den of fine dining. I noticed that to the back of a rather small initial dining area was an enormous, fully appointed kitchen open to the dining area. It was a beautiful sight, this restaurant's heart.
We were escorted through the initial dining area and into a lovely atrium area, where we would take our dinner. As we sat, reviewing the menu and chatting away a smile came to my spirit as I realized the special nature of this time and these women and this place. As the evening conversation progressed there were fond memories sprinkled with a few thoughts of sadness but that all passed as eventually our thoughts focused on the food and we ordered.
Although this will not be a detailed description of this outstanding culinary adventure, for I spent too much time enjoying the pleasure of these women, I can tell you that each serving was beautifully presented. I can say that each serving was an excellent combination of texture and tastes for we each shared our selection. This island of dining pleasure cast in a sea of middle American dining mediocrity was filled with excellence. The ambiance was excellent, the service was beyond reproach and those things perfectly complimented a very memorable dining experience.
I will share a few thoughts on my specific selections. We had a very nice 2006 Domaine Serene Reserve Pinot Noir. My selections began with Pan Seared Veal Brains served on a bed of scrambled eggs with chives, surrounded with freshly picked asparagus from the restaurant's gardens and covered with a rich broth. The meat preparation had a light crust and was deliciously tender on the inside. When combined with the firmness of the asparagus and the creaminess of the eggs, the taste/texture combination was superior. Secondly, I had Panchetta-wrapped Monkfish served on a bed of creamy polenta filled with fresh garden vegetables. The fish was perfectly done and, once again, the combination was flavors was exceptional. I was very pleasantly surprised to find such selections in the heartland.
So, I shall most likely never again pass through Roanoke, Indiana but I did have an excellent time while I was in that tiny little village. If you should get lost or have a mental lapse and end up near this village, stop for a bite. You will not be dissapointed.
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