Who Ever Thought of Tempura Deep Fried Bacon?

Diane & Paul incredulous to see Tempura Fried Bacon

This evening Ken and I met Paul and Diane Birkeland for dinner at John Howie Steak at The Bravern in Bellevue.  We didn't have to fight the bridge and we can always count on the management team and staff at John Howie Steak to make it a great experience. 

Ken also appreciates how easy and convenient it is to be invited to park the car right outside with the valet at no cost since we have Barrier license plate frames.  He also loves having everyone at the restaurant know his name and so warmly greet us.  Many of our favorites were there this evening including Annie, Lisa and Chris.

Our waiter, Chris with Ken and Cathi

Neither Diane or Paul had ever been to John Howie Steak before, so though everyone is watching their cholesterol and weight, we had to introduce them to the Tempura Deep Fried Kurobuta Bacon with Maple Sambal Ponzu Sauce.  Both were incredulous when the order was delivered to our table, but we all did manage to eat it in spite of of our better judgement.  Yum!

Paul brought a lovely magnum of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and we recalled having been there together a few years ago and having a wonderful experience tasting wine in the garden and watching the owner's big dogs devour overripe persimmons every chance they got. 

Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside.

Ken & Cathi Hatch, Diane & Paul Birkeland

We were a little more restrained with the rest of our order and shared salads and ordered small steaks or salmon.  Paul enjoyed trying to taste the difference between the American Prime beef and the American Wagyu-style beef.  But then it was time for dessert and though we all said we didn't really need dessert, we couldn't pass up the Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside.  It was delicious with two varieties of cherries; one tart and one sweet.  Chris was our server, and as usual did a fantastic job of taking care of us and making us all feel special.  We will of course return to John Howie Steak!

Tonight I think I will dream about Tempura Deep Fried Bacon.