A warm reception

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I always love going back to Brasserie on the Eighth. There was a period of time when I used to go there often, and got to know a few of the managers. Even though I no longer frequent the restaurant, they still know me and give me a very warm welcome whenever I visit. Therefore I was only too happy to return tonight to celebrate a dear friend's birthday.

I started with pan-fried scallops with black bean sauce and asparagus. The three medium-sized scallops were done a little dry for my taste, but the flavors of the black beans was interesting. Can we say fusion? 

For main course, I went back to something that the Brasserie does well - slow cooked veal shank cremolata style. The meat is so tender after cooking that it doesn't take much for it to fall off the bone. It is just too yummy and perfect with red wine. The only flaw is that I wasn't able to get to the bone marrow...

We ordered two big soufflés to share, and the birthday girl got a nice and yummy chocolate cake. That was a pretty nice way to finish up the meal.

There was, of course, the obligatory Polaroid picture and the present of a Conrad bear. I think the birthday girl was happy.

I brought along a few bottles of wine to share with my friends. The 2006 Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett "Fish" was sweeter than I remembered, with hints of white pepper and plastic.

The 1970 Chasse-Spleen was unfortunately over the hill. There was some fruit left with mint, brett and smoke on the nose. Pretty acidic on the finish now.

1996 Lafon-Rochet - drinking reasonably well, with good concentration and a bit of brett in the nose. Slightly spicy finish.

It's nice to be back at the Brasserie, and the theme song to the TV show "Cheers" suddenly popped into my head - "...you gotta go where everybody knows your name..."