Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Last night we went to dinner at our favorite local haunt, Garcon. It is the type of restaurant where you can drop in any time, have a fabulous meal, a hearty glass of wine, and a good laugh. We've become friends with the staff, especially Franck, the executive chef. He makes wonderful dishes full of flavor and passion, always beautifully presented. He's also a great guy, and Charles spends equal time at the table and in the kitchen shooting the shit with his friend.

Franck always sends out something special for us to start the meal, and last night it was the Oeuf Cocotte. Oh my god, this dish is so good, it should be illegal. Oh, wait, in some states, it is! Foie gras on the bottom topped with a baked egg - you dip the toasts into the runny yolk and rich foie gras and the taste is heavenly. I am always reaching for the bread basket to get more bread to sop up every last drop. The first time I had this, I told Franck that if I weren't married, I would marry him for this dish.

I had the Sauteed Organic Chicken Breast, one of the menu items that never changes. It is my favorite chicken dish anywhere. Since Franck butchers all of the chickens himself, he ends up with some extra parts, and when we are very lucky he will make "Les Wishbones". Prepared like Frog Legs, with tons of butter and garlic, they are finger-licking good.

Instead of the usual potato gratin, they are now serving these amazing potato croquettes. So delicious! Like fried mashed potatoes. Dipped in sauce, they are extremely addictive.

All that and an earthy Cote du Rhone - the setting for a perfect, casual night out among friends.