That weekend with Samantha was perfect.

We had reservations booked at a trendy New York City steakhouse, Costata. Chef Michael White was doing some amazing things with some amazing cuts of steak, and I could just feel the steak and the wine in my mouth as I salivated over the menu.

Samantha and I had the same thing...Quail Saltimbocca for an appetizer and a Boneless Ribeye. I debated on Colorado Lamb Chops, but they were to be had at a later juncture. If I had anything to say about the evening, Samantha and I would be returning to this locale.

The wine, beer and cocktail list was an impressive eight pages. I couldn't believe my eyes as I scoured over the list. I was not going to be able to spend such an evening in a similar fashion in my home town, so I would have to show her the beauty of a small town at my home. It was certainly nothing like NYC. I started with a Pinot Noir named "The Pip", moved on to a bottle of Barberesco from Piedmont, and then finished with an Old Fashioned. A "Top Flight" of my own creation to say the least.

The marbling of the steak along with the Barberesco from Gaja was simply amazing! Bon Appetite!

After dinner, Samantha and I stayed in the city. We went to a trendy niteclub nearby and danced the nite away. We promised to be home by midnight, via the train. It was an amazing evening that I will never forget.

As we danced, I thought of things that I might like to do with Samantha the following day. Since we were close to NYC, I thought about a picnic lunch, or a hike with lunch. We could always go biking along a wine trail up the Finger Lakes, or perhaps even up to the Hudson Valley where I had done my introductory course. I thought for a while, and decided I would sleep on it.