We had a truly wonderful eating experience last night at Emilio's Tapas Bar in Hillside, IL. At 6pm they began the reception with 20 different Spanish wines to taste - some of which included: Rose Cava (sparkling wine), Albarino, Verdejo, Chardonnay, Garnacha, Monastrell and Tempranillo. During the reception, the wait-staff carried around platters of tapas which were sausages on little pieces of bread. The four different sausages were rabbit over garlic mayonnaise, venison on sweet carmelized onions and brown spicy mustard, elk made the same way and then wild boar with sweet red peppers. They tasted smokey, spicy, salty, sweet, yum!

We then were requested to take our seats at one of the 8 tables of 10. The first wine was poured for the first course - Ensalada de Rabbit with Thyme Champagne Vinaigrette. This was served with a Verdejo - a white wine. The second course was Grilled Quail with Sauteed Cabbage and Onion with Pistachio Honey Sauce served with a Garnacha - a red wine. The 3rd course was Cazuela of Boar Stew with Fava Beans & Autumn Vegetables served with a Monastrell - a red wine. The fourth course was Roast Venison Loin with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Forbidden Black Rice served with a Tinta de Toro - a red wine. For dessert they served a Puff Pastry with Carmelized Spaghetti Squash and Whipped Cream lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar along with a Cream Sherry - a dessert wine.

Throughout the dinner we viewed a slide show on the different vineyards and wine regions in Spain and learned many different interesting facts about Spanish wines from the speaker. At the end of the dinner Emilio brought out his cooks and we all clapped for their grand feast. On the way out Emilio held out his hand to me but I threw my arms around him and kissed him on the cheek and thanked him for a delicious experience!

We ordered 7 bottles of wine: 2 Verdejo, 1 Garnacha, 3 Monastrell and 1 Tinta de Toro.

Despite all the wine that was served and the 5 course meal, we did not leave drunk or even tipsy and we were not stuffed. I took my blood sugar before we went to bed and it was 138. I slept with a smile on my face.

This afternoon my Mom took us to La-Z-Boy and bought us 2 new recliners for our Christmas gifts this year. We were squealing with delight - the style is Gibson and they are a dark chocolate brown leather. We look forward to many years of comfort relaxing in our new chairs. They should be delivered in about 10 days. Thanks Mom!