My number one nomination would be the truffled boursin macaroni and cheese at the Waterlot Inn in Bermuda. Nathan and I opted to go to Bermuda for our honeymoon. Our original idea was to go to Laguna Beach, California, but Nathan (who knows me better than I know myself) knew that if we went there, I would want to see several of the surrounding cities in California, and would create an itinerary so hectic, that there would be no down time and our trip would be anything but relaxing. After he pointed this out, we both agreed that after our hectic wedding week, relaxation would be in order. A tropical vacation is right up my alley anyways...our daily routine consisted of indulgent meals, laying on the beach, an occassional spa treatment, and snorkeling. Anyways, we ate at some wonderful places, but the one dish that sticks out is the truffle macaroni and cheese at the Waterlot Inn (also of note here is the sticky toffee pudding dessert). Ordering macaroni and cheese might seem far from gourmet, but nice restaurants have a way of taking a simple dish and making it something incredible. The key to this recipe was the truffle oil and the combination of boursin, parmesan, swiss, provolone and cheddar that were incorporated throughout. Nathan and I were sharing it, and I was tempted to surrender my steak to him in exchange for the mac and cheese. It was out of this world, and the Waterlot Inn in itself was a wonderful experience, it is a 330 year old inn overlooking a harbor, and the waitstaff had that perfect balance of being attentive without being overbearing. If you ever go to Bermuda (please do, it was the best vacation I've had), you have to eat at the Waterlot Inn, and you have to order the truffled boursin macaroni and cheese.
The Waterlot Inn
Where we spent most of the day!
My second nomination for best side dish is the sweet potato casserole at Ruth's Chris. I am a big fan of sweet potatoes, and though the amount of sugar and butter in this dish is ungodly, its worth every single calorie. I found a copy cat of the recipe and have made it for dinners, and it's good, but I think there is some secret Ruth's Chris is keeping, because it always tastes better at the restaurant. My first meal at Ruth's Chris is definitely memorable. In December of 2009, I was going to Ponte Vedra, FL with Nathan's family for a long-weekend vacation. Our first night there, Nathan told me that he had made plans to take me to a special dinner, and suggested that I dress nice. He took me to Ruth's Chris and we had the best time, and for us that means we ate a TON. We got salads, the ahi tuna appetizer, steaks (of course - they are divine here), sweet potato casserole and scalloped potato family style sides to share, and then a chocolate lava cake for dessert. I don't think I have ever eaten so much in my life, I could feel my pants get tighter and my stomach felt convex. Afterwards, Nathan suggested a walk on the beach, and to be honest with you, nothing sounded worse....well besides a run on the beach...but I reluctantly agreed. So we are walking along the beach, and my stomach is rumbling, I mean it's not comfortable. We got to a lit area at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and it was really beautiful. Nathan pulled me towards him and for the first time he told me he loved me, and then he started telling me that he would always love me and would always take care of me...and I realized what was happening. Unfortunately, my stomach would not let up, it could have cared less that one of the biggest moments of my life was occuring. So, as you can assume, Nathan proposed, and it was beautiful, and special, and perfect...but I definitely learned a lesson about why you should not overeat that evening. If I had to do it over, I would have foregone the appetizer, the salad, and the scalloped potatoes, and opted to split a dessert - but I wouldn't even consider taking back the sweet potato casserole!
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