Sometimes things are so perfect I have trouble believing. This evening at Sambar was that perfect.
The whole going-out thing was spontaneous, and Lucy, my targeted accomplice, couldn’t make it out to play until after 9:00 … and then she had a date with Randy … so in the end, I met up with Randy, we had delicious drinks and snacks, and then not long before the restaurant closed, Lucy arrived. So that all worked out slick.
I was a little disoriented when I first walked in because there were two men playing guitar right inside the door; I felt like I was about to walk on stage. But I braved the awkwardness and walked on in, only to immediately fall in love.
I am a sap for certain things, certain aesthetic. Sambar just sparkles with so many of the qualities I love. Lighting, fabrics, leather, color, texture, music. Tying it all together is a clear, high level of attention to detail. The glassware is superb. The paper goods are lush. The menus are touched with letterpress. It’s just delicious overall.
I asked the bartender if they served anything special that was non-alcoholic and he flipped the menu open to show me the three that were listed. I chose the Citron Doux, made of Meyer lemon, candied fennel, and soda water, $6.00. No alcohol. And so very good. It was an excellent start to an evening that stayed just as fabulous for the next three hours.
I will be back, and recommend that any of you romantics out there, give it a whirl.
