Happiness is....

.... sharing laughter over an exquisite meal. Just thinking about last night makes me feel all dewy eyed and satiated (a copious lunch involving potol bhaja and Ba's chicken might have something to do with it as well), ready to grant the world's every wish.

A perfect evening at Indigo, where there were just enough people to make it not creepily empty, but not too many to annoy (and not a single E for effort sighting!), attentive and thoughtful service (my shiverings were put to rest by a proffered shawl {it may have been a table cloth, but it's the thought that counts!}), and a repast fit for the gods.

The creamy opulence of the buffalo mozzarella dipped in a fascinatingly good coriander pesto (asking for it on the side was sheer redundancy) is foreplay by itself, but add plump, juicy tomatoes to that combination and it's like an orgasm in your mouth as the tomato explodes, leaving your senses lushly satisfied. The souffle which ought to have been Camembert but wasn't, was beautifully puffed, but a cheddar can only be what a cheddar is destined to be, so we shall move rapidly along to the succulent cow that wound its way to our table, all pretty and pink with the sultriest of mashed potatoes and drained the rest of my lovely Cherin Blanc. And for those weaklings that assume that is where the fantasy ended... tsk, tsk - for shame. Have these pages not taught you better?? The oft indulged in duck breast reached it's sublime potential last night. I have never in all my years been accosted by a breast so perfect that a mere mouthful make me want to bestow camels, knighthoods and my kingdom. It's velvet silkiness drapes around your mouth in the most luscious manner and the mere thought of the next morsel makes you moan. The crisp skin clings protectively to the layer of duck fat as it lovingly embraces the juicy pink flesh. Conversation ceases as tiny, inarticulate sounds accompany each bite. The wine, beans and puree unnecessary, yet taking it to another level of je ne sais quoi. I struggle with my devil/angel - wolf it down in one go, lick your chops and look around for more vs. curling your tongue around, feeling it fill your mouth before a bite releases the magic, indulging in the flavour as you masticate slowly to lengthen the pleasure. I settle for a hybrid and lay back replete, eyes fluttering shut with supreme satisfaction, pleasure and utter happiness.

Their menu claimed "The best of 10 years". Last night certainly was...

Grilled Artichokes Kaffir Lime Tomatoes Buffalo Mozzarella

Coriander Pesto

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Cheddar Cheese Souffle

Sun Dried Tomato Kalamata Olive Crostini

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Seared Prime Filet Mignon

Grilled Asparagus, Anchovy mashed potatoes, Three Peppercorn Sauce
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Pan Roasted Breast of Duck

Coriander Orange Glaze Baked Turnip Puree Green Beans