By Joelle Liedtke
Ah, date night. That elusive reward we all crave after days full of work, cooking, laundry and shuttling kids to school, soccer practices, piano lessons and other events that seem to pop up at a moment’s notice.
With two very busy children and two engaging careers, date night has become a rare treat, indeed.
Eager to have a night to ourselves, we happily shipped our kiddos off to their grandparents for the evening.
Fortunately, we no longer have to leave Kent to find sophisticated, romantic dining. Over the last several years, Kent has undergone a revitalization that has been amazing to witness. The town transformed into a delightful destination full of a diverse group of shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries and more.
We began our evening at one of Kent’s restaurants — the Bistro on Main. We’ve enjoyed several memorable meals here and eagerly anticipated trying something new this time.
First, we ordered from the seasonal cocktail menu. My choice, the strawberry lemonade, was sweet and delicious. I will confess, I may have stolen my husband’s Moscow Mule — a homemade ginger beer and lime concoction.
We started our meal with the Bistro’s Cheesy Crab Dip. It is a rich, cheesy goodness full of crabmeat and spicy chorizo sausage served with crunchy, buttery focaccia bread.
While we were enjoying our appetizer, we had a chance to view the Bistro’s beautiful dining room. Cozy leather banquettes, wood tables, fresh flowers and artwork accentuate the warm surroundings. The Bistro also has a quieter dining room, which includes a martini bar and newly added outdoor patio.
My fresh and summery Baby Blue salad then arrived, which was delicious. Our entrees were next and my husband enjoyed his ribeye steak served with a balsamic glaze, fresh green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. I ordered the house-made ricotta gnocchi served with roasted summer tomatoes, American Grana cheese, local wild ramp pesto and extra virgin olive oil. They were so scrumptious — rich and creamy with a wonderful flavor.
After dinner, we weren’t ready for our date night to end. So, we decided to take advantage of the summer night and walk downtown for a nightcap.
We reminisced at one of our perennial favorites, Ray’s Place. It’s where we gathered with a small group of family and friends following our wedding reception. It seemed like the best way to end a truly special date night.
With so many wonderful dining options right here in Kent and with such a special someone with whom to share it, our date nights should not be so few and far between.
