Reef — www.reefhouston.com (remember Henri’s birthday post)

[note: I was officially reviewing this restaurant for JoshSpear.com I'll post a link to my review in the comments when it goes live, but for now here is some food porn]

This is Kanzuri Cured African Pompano. I don’t even know what that is exactly. It looks almost like a sushi dish, but it isn’t.

I know Sarah already showed off this block-o-fried mac and cheese, but seriously this was sooo amazing. It was really filling, so if you are ordering a lot, be careful this will attempt to stop you in your tracks.

This is Sheep’s Head fish. Don’t let the name confuse you it’s actually from the sea. Just like Chicken of the Sea is really tuna, it’s just a name. Sheep’s Head fish isn’t eaten too often, but that’s part of Reef’s mission to bring the fish from the Gulf of Mexico to tasty standards. I got to speak with Head Chef Bryan Caswell. He told me that most of their fish come from the Gulf of Mexico. Sustainability

Well before you think we were being super eco conscious, here’s desert:

If you’ve ever eaten with me you might know that I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth. I don’t really do candy or desert too often. But as of late I’ve started ordering desert at nicer restaurants because I can usually find something that isn’t so sweet. After trying a few deserts, I’ve realized that I really like desert. Who would have guessed?

But yes, that is five deserts. I was reviewing the restaurant so they brought out five. I know, no way we (two of us) could eat it all. But it was very tasty.

Reef was really good, but it didn’t quite make my top five of all time. Here’s those (in no order):

Uchi —Austin

This is a favorite of Poshdeluxe. Hopefully most of you have eaten here. I love it.   I have sushi (which is a lot) I wish it was Uchi. I usually eat there when I’m back in Austin. The above pictures is the hot rocks cooking scallops because I’m addicted to scallops (it’s healthier than drugs).

Inamo — London

This place would make the list based just on the way you order. You’re computer is a table!

This place would make the list based just on the food.

Double amazing!

See a longer review here.

The Gage Hotel — Marathon

I know what you’re thinking. My shirt/sweater thing is sooo 2 years ago. You’re right, but lucky for me I was wearing it two years ago when the Poshdeluxe journey went to Marfa for New Year’s Eve.

Vanilla — London

Becareful this one’s expensive, but exquisite.

Noodle Pudding — Brooklyn

Honestly, I switch out noodle pudding with other’s. But I’m in an Italian mood tonight.

Looks fairly normal, but seriously the best Italian I’ve ever had.

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That’s what I have for my top five. I think chefs are artist and I am an art collector. If you want more food porn, check out a blog I just started with a German friend who is a co-globe trotter and food celebrator: http://letsbreakbread.com/

Okay, here’s the problem. Let’s just say, you happen to be dating someone. It’s going well blah blah and then Valentine’s day comes around. Great, it’s an excuse to take a girl on a date. But what if you happen to be 4,860 miles away and the world’s fate rest in your hands (said in a movie trailer voice)? 

Well, let’s forget about the fate of the world for the moment and just focus on the geographical issues of how to have a date over an ocean. First let’s start with the tools:

1. Computers—this should be a duh, but let’s get into specifics

• skype, this turns your computer into a telephone, except no hot plastic on your ear, all calls are free (even international), and VIDEO
• iWeb, this is apple’s take on webdesign. Sure it isn’t for professionals, but you can easily design a website for your date. It’s soooooo easy.

2. The Post Office—I’m using England’s version of the post office which is very similar to America’s except better looking stamps, longer lines and that slightly concerning feeling that your package won’t arrive. 

3. Restaurants that deliver. You can probably guess why, but I’ll get more details later.

The Plan

I’m not going into super detail here, one because the date is tomorrow night, two because it’s between me and her and the part of the internet that isn’t on blogs. So excuse me if i sweep over certain things, use your imagination. 

Okay, so these are ingredients, now let’s get digital. 

Two weeks before the date you’ll need to prepare a box to put in the mail. Timing is VERY V important. If it arrives after valentines day then you are a failure. If it arrives before then you are a hero. In the box you need to make a Valentine’s day card, write a letter, maybe buy a few small gifts and get a bottle of wine. Put all that in a box and send it on to your bf/gf. Easy. Here is a close up of the diagram above:

Next you will need to build a website. Obviously if you are in a cross continental relationship you already spend hours every week on skype. So talking isn’t that unique. This is a date so the content needs to change up some. Using iWeb I built a website for my date. The website kind of served as a narrator for the evening. It has little task to do, pictures, funny videos, etc. Think of it as a program guide for the night. I would share my site, but no, I’m not.

Then you need to find a restaurant that delivers food. NOT pizza! In my case it ended up being Chinese, but nice Chinese. Okay, now this is very important, what ever you order for your date to eat, you need to find the EXACT same dish at a local restaurant where you live. Having a digital date is all about trying to recreate some shared experiences. So you need to eat the exact same food. Also, you will have to alter your eating schedule that day so you are hungry when the date is happening (in my case I’ll be eating dinner at one in the morning.

Okay, remember that bottle of wine you put in the box, guess what that bottle of wine you bought, you need to buy TWO. So when she (or he) opens the box to see a bottle of wine, guess what you’ve got the same wine! Shared experience, number two!

Okay, the website. Honestly, I’m finishing it up today. But if you aren’t a website designer (and trust me I’m not, spite this) then you need to use iweb. It makes it so easy. I made digital valentines day cards, embedded a video game to play, found some clips on youtube to watch and and and made some funny videos (me pretending to be a waiter while we eat and silly things like that). 

Next it’s good to have an activity to do online together while you have chats and let the date roll on through. I’m using the format of a blog to make a little project together, but get creative and you can come up with lots of things.

Obviously, there isn’t really a way to have any kissy kissy at the end of the date, digital dates aren’t meant to be a replacement, but a substitute only when necessary. But if the digital date goes well imagine how much better a real date could go next that happens (two weeks from now!!!).

The End and Happy Valentine’s Day from PoshDeluxe.