This past Monday, Marco & Pepe threw a "Feel Good Event" during the evening despite Mondays generally being their day off. It was a free meal + free beer/wine - what can be better? I was headed there right after work when Dan spotted me at the station. Naturally, I decided for him that he must have dinner w/ me, Lev, and Shankar (who were meeting us there). "Dan, you must eat delicious free food w/ your friends - cry all you want". No room for refusal.

M&P has excellent food. It's a downtown JC joint (named after the owner's two dogs) that offers American cuisine and rustic decor. The menu is simple and the bar well stocked. It is easily a local favorite. It's on the pricey side so I definitely reserve it for a 'I want to treat myself' day. Bar seating is abundant and there's a magazine rack filled w/ an assortment of reads - so hanging out is welcome. The music depends on whose employee's IPOD is plugged into the speakers. It's usually mellow tunes. I'm also a fan of their tea selection (which is served in a personal pot).

That evening, everyone would be sampling the same dish: braised chicken w/ roasted brussel sprouts, carrots, and mushrooms over rice. Initially, I thought it would be a small tasting but it was much more than that. I sipped on some vino blanco while scarfing down the dish. My 9 News was there too - so that was the catch. We were puppets of a publicity stunt...puppets w/ jolly bellies. boohoo. yum yum! We left a nice tip and left quickly so others waiting in line could enjoy the free eats too. We walked Dan home and he put some homemade brownies in a baggie for me. I am the luckiest. Then Shankar made me some Indian chai as I watched part of BBC's Wild China (which Henry figured I would enjoy). Did I mention I am the luckiest? It is really good so far...and I'm excited to watch the rest.

Psst...Congrats, you're halfway finished with the week!