Dinner at Tony's

Heidi, Tonya, Michael, Darren, Paula, Ken, Me, Michael, and Derek (and the ghost of a waiter behind us!) at Tony's Restaurant in Yakima...

Last night, Derek and I went out to celebrate Ken's 63rd birthday at the newest restaurant in town, Tony's. We have heard rave reviews about the food and we have recently gotten to know the head chef, Darren, and his wife Amy. Paula and Ken were kind enough to invite us to dinner with Michael and Heidi and Tonya and Michael. We met up with Tonya and Michael at the bar and had a few drinks with them. When everyone else arrived we were seated at the Chef's Table, located right next to the huge kitchen. Sitting at the Chef's Table was different than anything I have ever experienced in a restaurant - Darren came out and asked what our preferences were for dinner, and even make a point to create a separate menu for me because I don't eat seafood or red meat (I know, I know, I'm a pain! :). We got a private tour of the kitchen and the refrigerator (which is bigger than our bedroom!!). We had the most amazing six course dinner last night that I can't even begin to put it into words! Each dish was more delicious and more beautiful than the last - even things that I couldn't eat looked appealing! :) I started off with the most amazing fruit and cheese tray - the grapes were the best I have EVER had. Next was a sweet potato salad with blue cheese dressing and bacon crumbles. I never would have put those flavors together in my own kitchen but they were perfect. After that, I had a yummy green salad with a dressing I can't begin to name. Next was the perfect chicken served with garlic mashed potatoes and green bean (hello, that just screams Stefani!!) and then it all ended with a mouthwatering dessert - chocolate torte... Derek and the rest of our party had a slightly different menu - they started off with a seared Tasmanian tuna and seaweed salad, which I heard was fantastic. Second they had deep fried portabello mushrooms with a thinly sliced steak that looked unbelievable. Next up were apple wood smoked prawns with a hot mustard sauce. Fourth, they had a marinated portabello mushroom with dried cherries, risotto, and Kobe pork jowl, hands down the MOST DELICIOUS THING I HAVE EVER EATEN! It was amazing!!! Fifth, they had Tasmanian salmon served on candied sweet potatoes. Their last course was a tenderloin with a Gorgonzola and balsamic cream sauce - also pretty darn good (coming from someone who doesn't eat steak!)... I can't even describe how good all this food was... when you come to Yakima, you need to eat there. I will admit that it is pricey - but Derek and I both agreed that it was well worth every last penny for food that amazing. Now I look at my pantry and fridge and realize it's back to real life for us :(