Last week, my parents visited. There wasn’t a particular reason for the visit, but they’re retired and so can travel when they wish. While it was still a normal workweek for me, I made sure to schedule some nicer dinners while they were here.

For the first, we went to a French bistro in Chapel Hill. This marked my third visit to that restaurant, and I’ve yet to walk away disappointed. I also get the same main dish every time, so maybe that has something to do with it. And not that anyone’s asking, but I have varied the other aspects of the meal. On my two prior visits, I dined alone. This time not only was I joined by my parents but also by a gentleman who lives locally, shares a connection with the town where I grew up, and with whom we’ve gone on multiple trips through the years. The time flew in easy conversation and the meal was delightful again.

For the second, we went to a steakhouse in downtown Durham. This is not just any steakhouse either, but the one connected with the theater where it is normally impossible to get a reservation before 8:30. For whatever reason, though, there wasn’t a performance that evening so I was able to reserve a table in the 6:30 slot with the few weeks’ notice that I had. Dad and I split one of the steak specials and Mom got her own so that hers would be cooked more to her liking. We did not order French fries like some of the other tables did, and that may have been a missed trick as the quantity of fries was impressive. The Brussels sprouts were good though. In truth, everything about the meal was very good in the way a classic steakhouse should be, most of all the beef.

I normally eat out for only dinner per week, and this week that number might be zero if the weather forecast proves accurate, but it was nice to double dip last week. It’s also always nice when I can add a positive review to my restaurant spreadsheet.