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Recently, in the glorious city of Manhattan… Risqué dined with darling LUSHES at the deservedly famous Bouley, David Bouley’s namesake destination d’ Cuisine. The coralline tinted environ is a cheeky and charming homage to all things sumptuously Parisian down to the heavy bullion trimmed upholstered silk chairs and the hand painted ivy patterned china. While the establishment’s interior may be flouncy, there is nothing but serious attention devoted to the art of cuisine d’ haute and to the dining experience.

Risqué dined on six courses of delectable morsels all paired with at least one wine course… the most extraordinary of the six were the third and fourth course… a Chilled Maine Lobster Terrine relished with Mango, Fresh Artichoke and Serrano ham, passion fruit, Fresh Coconut and Taramind dressing… unbelievable!!!! The Terrine by the most fantastic, Bobo farms Squab and Foie gras wrapped with Savoy cabbage, Artichoke purée and Squab jus presented with two wine tastings, first a deliciously rich and complexly fruity 2002 Château Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Médoc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       This Haut-Médoc seduces with succulent black raspberry, leather, smoke and a distinct minerality all on a hearty tannic frame which carried perfectly against the depthy metallics of the Foie Gras and the earthiness of the cabbage and artichoke. The second pairing was a decadent 2001 Priorat, Rotllan Torra, Reserva.

This beauty is 50% Garnacha, 25% Carignan and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and the effect is a nose filled with dark chocolate and a palate of concentrated black cherries, dried herbs and floral notes. The marriage with the Foie Gras was magical… bringing up its buttery richness and the sweetness of the squab reduction. Absolute PERFECTION!

Beyond the BRILLIANCE of the cuisine, the Maitre d’, Sommelier and regiment of Waiters were marvelously accommodating and personable attending to Risqué’s every whim as if he and his entourage where their sole charges. Even if it weren’t for the INCREDIBLE creations of Bouley’s kitchen and the SUMPTIOUS dining room… Risqué would return… solely for the service… EXECELENT!!!!

Salish Lodge

In the world of some wonderfully fabulous luxuries, Risqué and some of his fellow LUSHES sojourned their way through the upper northwest to a wonderful lodge and spa just outside of Seattle, Washington called Salish Lodge on the Snoqualmie River. An unforgettable experience held by all who indulge in Salish’s offerings is the stunning lodge that hangs on the edge of a cliff where a grandiose waterfall plummets hundreds of feet to the river below producing a cool foggy mist.

Gratifying and relaxing is the splendiferous spa experience … Risqué recommends the Earth Cocoon and the River Rock massage. Compounded gratification is the elegant and romantic dining room where one can gaze into the eyes of that someone special or maybe someone new while looking down on the waterfall below and overindulge in the Dining Room’s salacious culinary cuisine which will transport one into a state of bliss. Ah! And don’t forget the wine list which resembles the novel “War and Peace” …definitely not for the faint at heart. The Sommelier au courant will provide ample assistance.

Doing as Risqué did… take a long look at the well developed artisanal Cheese Menu. Risqué recommends pairing your cheese selection with a fabulous Chardonnay from their well-endowed wine list. Warning… lingering in you room in your plush robe over your Chardonnay and cheese selection will likely lead to extracurricular activities especially if you are not alone.

Certainly Salish is a necessary accoutre mon to a life well lived… LA VIE BIEN VÉCUE!