DINNER: Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Tonight, we went for an exploratory dinner to the Chokolate Morel (Dayton Daily News review) in Mason Ohio. We went ‘exploring’ because Wendy is considering it for a future Happy Mouth outing.

The place is LOVELY — it is a lovingly-restored Victorian house and each of the rooms are dining areas for small groups. The room we were in, the green room upstairs, had four or five tables in it.

We started out with a blue crab and havarti fondue which had a very nice if somewhat one-dimensional flavor. I would have enjoyed a bit of spirit in the fondue. If any was present, it was too muted to taste.

I enjoyed the tenderloin medallions rolled in finely ground espresso then seared and served with a red bell pepper and chipotle reduction, served on a piece of brioche next to roasted potatos. The Rabbit Ridge wine I had with it was a nice pairing. Wendy loved her Conquistador Stew (a cross between paella and risotto) of chicken, chorizo, and seafood with a buried treat of a nice, creamy rice.

For dessert, I had a piece of cherry-topped, custardy bread pudding with the requisite caramel sauce and Wendy had Chocolate Mousse served in an espresso cup with ganache and a sweet little cookie on top.

It was a good meal!