Valentine's Day in Bell Square

          Some of you may have Valentine's Day plans, and some of you may not. There is also a group of you that would like to tell the whole holiday to sit and spin.  Well, no matter your plans or if you want the holiday of hearts to be just one more day, I have got you covered on the Eastside.  

          Since the hubs has to work on the 14th and he also had to work on our anniversary a couple of weeks ago, we decided to celebrate everything on the 10th. Our first stop was Earls (Check out their link) in downtown Bellevue. This place is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to hit happy hour. Not only do they have bomb prices, but  it is bang for your buck taste wise.  

          During the week there is more than just the happy hour menu. I love the daily ritual menu. Not only is it fun because it's not just cheap wells or a dollar off beer, but it also add variety to the happy hour menu throughout the week. Who doesn’t love that?!  I ordered 2 of the 5 dollar proseccos and matthew ordered 2 of the 3 dollar Manny's.

          Apart from the stellar menu options, you have to check out the decor. The cozy yet modern vibe really encompasses Bellevue. It’s sophisticated, fun, but all the while luxurious. Every time I go there for drinks I feel like a swanky sophisticate.        

         Our second stop was dinner. Maggiano‘s is one of my favorites for a few reasons. Firstly, they actually have great gluten-free menu options. Though I didn’t order gluten-free (thanks to my new favorite little pill), are usually order gluten-free. Reason number two is that the food is wonderful. Over eating always happens, but not once have I regretted leaving fat and happy. Lastly, I adore the decor. Maggiano's hits classic and kitch perfectly. Every time I am there I feel like I have just walked into a Hollywood classic mob film. 

  Since we never eat a ton of food in one sitting, my husband and I prepared, as one should. Meaning, we ate around 5 and our last meal before that was breakfast. We did the Marco’s Meal for Two which includes a starter or two salads, a classic pastas (with one to take home), and then a dessert.         

         

          Here is our starter. It was the Bruschetta Bar Tour. From left to right: 

• Spiced shrimp with Nueske's bacon, roasted peppers and corn fondue. 
• Roasted pear with prosciutto, blue cheese and balsamic.
• Tomato with balsamic and garlic.
• Candied Nueske's bacon with ricotta, arugula and fig jam.
• Italian beef with giardiniera, fontina cheese and peppercorn aioli.

         Now I apologize that the two on the right are missing. We were so excited for food that taking a photo was not even on my mind. Remember we had not eaten since breakfast and we each had two drinks at Earls first. Give me a break. 

  
        Matthew ordered the Mama’s Lasagna and I ordered the four cheese ravioli. It was superb Italian comfort food. And yes we ate all of it.   

          The last thing we ordered was the Mama’s Brown Butter Cake.  It is a soft, warm, moist sweet buttery cake with brown sugar, honey ricotta, and fresh strawberries. Holy Hell you guys! It was not a dessert, it was a religious experience. No lie, I am salivating just thinking about it. We were moaning over it so much the couple next to us had to order one. If you don't have anyone in your life for Valentine’s Day then get Maggiano's take out. The cake is better than sex, I swear to god! If I had it my way I wouldn't have shared any with Matthew.

           After dinner we walked around the mall, attempting to make ourselves feel marginally better before heading home. We were so damn full. I love walking around Bell Square mall, especially during the Spring, the designer displays are to die for. Right now the Coach one is my absolute favorite.  

          Both of us are so ready for spring, our outfits were proof of that.  I picked up the dress at Target in the clearance section, they still have some online BTW. It is going to be one of my favorites, the light flowy fabric and pattern is perfect for the coming seasons. 

        Since I know y'all are gonna ask, I did take close ups of my makeup for the day. I usually don't wear pink eyeshadow but OMG I loved it. 

Whether you have plans or not I hope you all have a great Wednesday the 14th, and remember.....

Stay Classy 💖