Happy 35th Anniversary to us! Yep, on Meatloaf Monday. Of course, it would fall on a Monday during this project. Where have 35 years gone? I know we all say that about time, but it is true that the older you get, the faster it goes. I spent some time on Monday thinking about all the years. Looking at wedding pictures and some albums. Gathering some photos over the years. I feel like our 25th anniversary celebration was just a couple of years ago, but the past 10 years have passed by quickly. The young kids in this wedding photo had no idea all they were in store for the next 35 years. Two children, multiple graduations, two weddings, five grandsons, big jobs, and then the losses of a grandson and many other family members. We have taken trips galore. Terry ran the Boston Marathon and won a State CC Championship. Just a couple of the special days along the way. The blessings have been many. And I now have a creative writing outlet, time to write and then this blog about my retirement and meatloaf. Since it is supposed to be about meatloaf, let’s get to it!
Terry had this one all planned out for some time. He decided I would get May 5 off so he talked to a colleague that is a restaurant and menu expert. We had heard the best meatloaf in Lima is at Old City Prime but they are closed on Mondays. He asked about the best meatloaf in Findlay and was told The Fern Cafe or Rossilli’s. Terry has had the meatloaf at The Fern Cafe and said that was not the vibe he was going for on such a big anniversary. So, Rossilli’s it was, and what a special night. We have never been to this restaurant that has been part of historic downtown Findlay since 1994. We even lived in Findlay in the 1994-1996 time period. The ambience was perfect. As we were seated, Terry mentioned it was our anniversary and then we asked about the meatloaf because I was getting the night off from making it after 26 weeks. We just briefly mentioned the blog and journey we were on to the find the best meatloaf. The server was fantastic. She took that little tidbit of information and ran with it all night. Terry ordered the Blackened Meatloaf and I had the Pretzel Crusted Chicken with the best cheddar scalloped potatoes. First, a photo of my salad and dinner. Just look at how that potato was served. I have never seen anything like it.
By the time Terry’s meatloaf came out the server was calling me a Food Blogger. It was so funny. I asked about the recipe or at least the ingredients. She told the Chef about the ‘food blogger’ in the house so he shared the sauce was molasses and sherry. Then the key is slicing off the meatloaf pieces and searing them “a lot. And I mean A LOT to get the perfect blackened look”. From the first bite until he was stuffed, Terry said it was very good. He loved the blackened, crispy taste. The portion was a huge piece that was very hot inside and moist. The chef mentioned there was brown sugar in the meatloaf and we saw some onion. They did not offer any other ingredients, but said I could call back next week to talk to the owner, if I wanted. I did not think that was necessary. It was a very special night and since I did not cook, it is a short entry this week. One other notable item that happened during dinner. An older couple stopped to tell us Happy Anniversary and asked how many years. After we said 35, they said they just finished their anniversary dinner. Then they told us how Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby on the day they wed 52 years ago. He was on his way to the Triple Crown that year. Given the news that all 21 contenders in this years’ derby came from Secretariat’s bloodline, that was interesting. It also confirmed this is a nice place for a quiet, romantic anniversary dinner.
I loved having the night off. After we headed home, Terry said next Monday will be a night off because it is his annual trip to Cedar Point with the Seniors. He has done this for more than 20 years. I guess it might be meatloaf on Tuesday again. We shall see. I have a project deadline looming so I might take another week, but I cannot let him go two weeks without meatloaf, right?
To close. A picture from Monday evening of my honey, the Meatloaf King!
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