Today was the last day of my undergraduate career but it didn’t feel any different. As always, the bus was a few minutes late, the windows in my first class were left open and my food science professor wore his blue tie.
But dinner was definitely out of the ordinary. To celebrate, one of my professors took me and my roommate Liz out to Tabellas Restaurant, which is owned and operated by her son.
The restaurant’s food is just as good as its mission. I’ve been here once before and would go back there again and again.
We started off with a salad of organic mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette.
And at this point, things get a little fuzzy. But don’t blame me…blame this:
Last time we came here, I wasn’t 21 yet. Tonight, my professor insisted that I get an alcoholic beverage. If a German woman tells you to do something, you do it, right? This was “sangria” but I’m pretty sure it was just a potent mixture of at least three different spirits. It was delicious.
So please forgive the blurry picture of the best thing I ate tonight: Risotto of flambeed Red Fire Farm organic pumpkin, port wine caramelized Astarte Farm red onion and parmesan reggiano.
It’s the best risotto I’ve ever had. It’s absolutely incredible. In an effort to redeem myself, here’s a slightly better picture from last year:
Then we split a couple of specials on the menu for the night. First, a lamb chops dish that came with mashed potatoes. It was okay. I’m still trying to figure out if I like lamb or not.
And a whole boneless trout with sourdough stuffing. This was really rich and tasty.
We couldn’t decide on a dessert, so the professor’s son sent out all three for us!
Fair trade bittersweet chocolate and bourbon creme brulee. This one was definitely my favorite.
The other two were black forest cake and local organic heirloom apple and almond crisp served a la mode. I’m not really a fan of cherries, so the cake wasn’t my thing. However, the warm crisp with the ice cream…incredible!
I could barely move after this dinner. I guess graduating early has its perks 
What was the last thing you celebrated?
I guess my last celebration was Thanksgiving, unless you count eating a bûche de Noël to celebrate the last day of seminar.
Your graduation dinner looks mighhhhty swanky, Olga! Who needs to move anyway…overrated!
Congratulations on your last day!!! SO exciting.
Your professor is so cool to take you out! I miss having those relationships with my profs… especially when there’s delicious risotto involved.
I celebrated my second day of work!
what a way to celebrate! congrats on finishing up your undergrad, girl. Wanna switch places with me?!
last thing I celebrated was…my birthday? my 1/2 marathon? I don’t quite remember.
that risotto looks delish!
Honestly? The last thing we celebrated was me taking my first big girl trip all by myself across the country to San Fran and meeting new friends. We try and make sure to appreciate the little things.
Those eats look amazing Olga and what an awesome professor/friend you have. I don’t even like creme brulee, but I admit, that dark chocolate version I would probably fight someone for.
Ohmigawsh, that looks incredible! Lucky you to have such a great prof to dine with!
My last celebration was my friend’s birthday last week. A good time, but not as classy, that’s for sure