One Enchanted Evening

Last weekend, my fine-looking boyfriend and I had a magical time. It started with the culinary delights of The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant.

The truth is, we are both foodies at heart, and neither of us could get over the fantastic array of vegetables and exotic cheese; the beauty of filet mignon, shrimp, and pork in a mojo broth; the exquisite richness of dark chocolate raspberry fondue covering our skewered bananas, cheesecake, and marshmallows, paired with the perfect port wine. Ooo-laa-laa!

And this is where I give you a secret from our waiter that is priceless when it comes to enjoying an evening of fondue--dump at least one of your courses in the pot, no skewers required. That is the trick when you're feeling hungry and want your food straightaway without having to slowly cook it yourself. We employed this trick with our vegetables, retrieving them with our slotted "rescue" spoon a minute and a half later, and enjoying quick fruits with almost no labor.

One final word: allow three hours from start to finish.

Then it was on to the Celtic Woman concert to enjoy a musical ensemble comprised of five Irish female artists: vocalists Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lynn Hilary and Lisa Kelly, and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. The group's repertoire ranges from traditional Celtic tunes to modern songs.

Fiddler Mairead Nesbitt was spellbinding, nymphlike, and joyous as she brandished her instrument, dancing and twirling while she effortlessly mastered the fiddle--in high heels, no less. It reminded me of how I believe we will offer up our giftedness in heaven, with abandon, no reservations, and with unimaginable verve. The voices of the others were airy, perfect, and sometimes strong. There was Swanee River and You Raise Me Up, Irish tunes (but of course) and rocked-out percussion sequences.

You will wonder if you should pay $40, $50, or $60 to see this wonderful sight--I can only tell you that I am a lifetime music lover, and I have never experienced its equal.

An enchanted evening, indeed. Thanks, David! You're the best.