I was restless as I emerged from the Townhouse at the dinner hour, ready to sample the culinary treasures of Eureka. My goal kept waivering as I moved down the lettered streets from I, and down the numbered streets from 4th. Perhaps I'll give the Avalon a whirl. But no, it was dark. So was Kyoto, and the Sea Gull Grill. Mazottis was open but my diet leaves me unequal to their food. The Ritz was open and I circled the block - so-called Opera Alley has a restaurant, but it was empty, with a beer/wine application in the window. Seems like another eatery done gone. And a new one is springing up in its place. My feet pulled me away from the Ritz towards the Cafe Waterfront. Would it be dark? As I approached I overheard a conversation between a prospective customer and two customers leaving with a doggie bag. "Everything they have is good" said the leaving customers. "Hmmm" said the prospective, looking at the menu. "It's a great place" I said, sliding through the door ahead of prospective. "Table for 1" I told the waitress, and got the window table. Prospective came along right behind me and tried for the window table too, but, too late. Early committment, that's the secret to good tables. None of this waivering and reading the menu stuff.

The Specials board was already before me, and Monday Meatloaf was featured. So, of course, I ordered it. A nice generous glass of Syrah, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, lots of gravy and hints of vegetables (I'll bet one zuchini lasts all night in their kitchen). Yum. My feet knew more than my head on this evening. On the way home I noted Hurricane Kate was dark, and across the street a new place was open. Oberon Grill? Lots of folks in there eating. And so I wended my way back to the Townhouse to prepare for the morrow. Good night, and good luck.