DATE NIGHT IN NEVADA COUNTY #2 - MOLLUSCAN, SNAILS AS FARE

Snails are an odd menu item in this parts of the woods, that is a guarantee. If you are in France I would I would expect to see them, but in Nevada City? Well let me tell you, yes they are. Friar Tucks in Nevada City is a landmark eatery will change your mind of that thought. If you have never eaten a members of the molluscan family then I will start you off by asking a series of questions. Do you like butter? Do you love garlic? Then this little animal might be right for you. I have had them many times while living in Los Angeles as well as a few times at the restaurant that can be found at 111 N Pine St. Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-9093, which is known for it's fondu. Reservations are recommended. Now back to the critter in the shell. The texture is much like tender squid and a little chewy but with the butter and garlic they are down right incredible. They are often on the menu but be sure to find out if they are in season as I have been there when they are a little tougher and it would not be the best time to try them for you. The ambiance of the room is very good. My wife and I like to sit in the bar area where you will often find live music after 6 p.m. by one of the many local musicians. The bar offers many types of beer, many local wines as well as from all over the world. It also offers absinthe. It is not of the Vincent Van Gogh seeing green men variety but you may need something this strong to work up the nerve to eat a critter that is often thought to be a bug.

DATE NIGHT IN NEVADA COUNTY #1 - SUSHI

Many locals and tourists alike may find themselves on Broad Street in Nevada City around dinner time feeling hungry. But without a plan or a clear direction, you will begin to play tennis with your companions, and it goes something like this: "Where do you want to go?" They will reply, "I don't know, where do you want to go?" "What do you feel like eating?" and so on. Once the match has everyone exhausted, one person in the group will say, "Let's walk around and see what jumps out at us." The more you walk, the more hungry you become and in Nevada City your choices are endless, so without clear direction you may be lost. My favorite spot in our quaint mining town will most likely will be off limits to you at that very moment, but it is worth a shot and very much worth the wait. Sushi in the Raw (315 Spring St. Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 478-9503) is my favorite sushi house in Nevada County. There is usually long wait, so make a reservation. Especially if you are not reading this at the corner of Broad and Pine looking for a place to eat within the next 10 minutes. Yes it costs more that other options within walking distance, but it does offer something you will find very special. If you are in from out of town or a local without a reservation, good luck overturning this hidden gem. You will often need a reservation more than 3 days in advance to experience one of Nevada City's culinary delights. If you have a special evening coming up and can plan well in advance, call Sushi in the Raw and ask to sit at Rue's back bar. This is where you will be delighted by the owner who is a sushi artist. He will undoubtedly create a masterpiece for you. The back bar has seating for only four customers and is not part of the general restaurant. You will be seated on tall chairs within a small but comfortable space, and if you will eat just about anything, let him know that by asking for the chef's choice. Rue will make you some incredible fare, that is not often served at other sushi bars. He will impress not only you with his offerings, but your guests as well. Nevada City has many restaurants, but Rue's back bar is very special place that many locals don't know about and if they do, they don't talk about it. Enjoy your date night.