So, yesterday was our 5th wedding anniversary. Alex took me to Balthazar. Didn't start out so great. We ordered our entire meal (for me, the raw oyster sampler and the chicken liver & foie gras app as my entree; alex went all specials -- new england seafood chowder and the quail) and a bottle of Rose (happened to be the cheapest bottle on the menu, but I really wanted Rose -- all we had in Paris -- and my hair stylist, from Marseilles, says the French only drink Rose).

Anyway, get our apps in about 5 min, but no wine. I see our server (cute gal) notice while at another table. She immediately goes to another woman (not sure if she is the floor manager, maitre d' or what). But in no time, we had our wine.

Apps were great, as were entrees. Then the 2nd woman came back to our table to check on us and our plans for dessert. I asked what she recommends. I have found that most good restaurants prefer you ask. They are experts in this.. always ask how the chef recommends the meat be prepared, or suggestions from the menu, etc. 

At that point, she removed our dessert menus and asked if we'd let her make the selections for us.  We complied. Based on what we had already ordered, she suggested a small cheese plate to start out with. YUM.

Then she brought out a berries over pastry delight for Alex.  For me, shaved lemon ice and 2 other lemon things that were phenom!  Then, profiteroles!!

All topped off with a glass of champagne.

Granted, we told her it was our anniversary, but I still think it was our trusting her to surprise us that triggered the generosity (oh yeah, the entire dessert and champagne were comped).

What a fun night.

And Alex was a good husband.. brought me an assorted bouquet of calle lilies!