I told you quite a while ago, I could remain in Tennessee because one of my FAVORITE restaurants was coming to town.

After checking off the past 153 days of construction, she's heeeeerrre!

And, yes, we were there opening night with bells on. At least I was sportin' some ring-a-ding-ding-dongs.

My precious springrolls were just as I had remembered them, as was Tad's favorite, Chang's spicy chicken. When appetizers, then entree arrived, there might have been a few tears shed.

The best part was sharing the night with Stephanie and Charles. "Why would that matter?" you ask. Because when I say "sharing the night", I mean
a l l n i g h t.

We waited 2 1/2 hours just TO BE SEATED. Service was attentive but slow, but time was irrelevant. (Mainly because Steph and I, before the guys met us, had wandered over to a nearby Mexican place for chips & salsa & beverages, so we weren't exactly famished. We had no idea at the time how wise that decision would prove to be.)

You judge if the night was good...just listen to our good fortunes:

Today will be lucky and memorable for you.

Important associates will be there for you, if needed.

A great day lies ahead in the not too distant future.

Your dream will come true when you least expect it.

Of course, we read all of those as we do every fortune cookie we come across--by adding the words "in bed" at the end of what it says. Yep, laughs were in plentiful supply :).