We enjoyed a delightful meal on Friday evening at Artisinal in Banner Elk, NC.
Mr. Mickey looked crisp even after an hour-long drive through the mountains. He wore a silk sport coat (similar here) over a Ralph Lauren polo shirt (similar here) and gray dress slacks (similar here). His shoes are here.
At first glance, sculptures on the grounds and in the area appear to be stallions in a field.
The fresh from the oven sourdough bread is the best we have ever tasted.
The fresh seasonal first courses included summer soups. I had the ricotta gnocchi with piperade squash varietals, Castelvetrano olives, and summer truffles (pictured above). Mr. Mickey enjoyed the summer corn soup with jumbo crab and smoked Vidalia onion.
We both had the Maine Halibut for our main course, including Trumpet Royale mushroom, Springhouse tomatoes, and champagne butter.
Mr. Mickey chose the ‘Sweet Summer’ above for dessert. It included ricotta, pressed peach, blueberry compote, and oat ice cream. My ‘Chocolate Entremet’ with pistachio cream and praline ice cream was delicious.
My look for the evening included white Newport pants from Talbots earlier this year and a silk camisole. The red jacket is a few years old. The clutch is one of my favorite animal print items since it has a white background. My lip color is Girls’ Night here.
I bought two pearl necklaces a few years ago and joined them to make one sixty-inch strand. I have enjoyed wearing it wrapped in various lengths to add a special touch to my evening looks. A similar necklace is here. The tennis bracelet is here. Similar crystal hoop earrings are here.
I enjoy seeing how you use clutch purses as dressy details, such as this one. Lovely! Practical question: where do you put your clutch in a restaurant when there is no extra chair at the table? Thank you.
I place the clutch behind my back or in my lap beneath my napkin. In this case, we were seated at a banquette, so I placed it beside me on the seat.
Your photography is so amazing. The food looks wonderful! Still haven’t been to the Artisinal. Must go!
The animal print clutch provides just the right accent! Well chosen (no surprise).
Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder to ‘Enjoy the Moment!’ I appreciate you and how you share your life with us. Have a good week. ❤
I especially liked the animal print! I always enjoy your posts!
Thank you for sharing these pictures. I have been to Banner Elk. What a pretty place in the mountains. Also love your haircut!! Not sure if you recently had it cut but it looks shorter. Looks good. I always follow what you do with your hair because mine is very similar.
I did get a trim last week. The plan is to let it grow out into a little longer style for the fall/winter.
I just love seeing the pictures of your food! The presentations are always stunning!
One of the things I miss most since selling our mountain home is the lovely dinners at Artisnal. It was always a great meal and excellent service. Another thing I miss is occasional sightings of the most sophisticated couple shopping Blowing Rock. You and Mr. Mickey never disappoint!
Thank you, Linda!
I am a bit confused, the link you share for the necklace shows a necklace 18 inches long. In your description you talk about the 2 necklaces you wear are 60 inches long.
Do they have 30 inch necklaces, or do you suggest I purchase 4 necklaces and hook them together? That would give me a necklace 72 inches long.
Your thoughts?
BTW I really enjoy your blog
My necklaces have 8mm white pearls with silvertone clasps, so the pearls I linked to were the most similar of the ones now available. You could purchase three or four of the same necklace and connect all of them to make a more dramatic statement piece.
Both you and Mr. Mickey look great for the dinner date! I love your red and white outfit and think it’s very classy and elegant, especially with the accessories you are wearing. I’ve just created a camera set up with a little tripod and a weekly appointment with myself to take a few pics of my favorite outfits to check how I really look! It must be so helpful to know you’ll be captured every week to help stay in shape and keep your wardrobe up…I won’t be blogging or posting myself at all, but do feel inspired to take away this technique since as you’ve said, pictures are more accurate than mirrors. Thank you Susan, and looking forward to the next adventure post!
Oh, Mr. Mickey,
Your license plate is hilarious. You never disappoint!
Dinner at Artisinal certainly presents an occasion to dress up! (Love the pearls). It is an exceptional restaurant.
Mr. Mickey looks like he just stepped out of GQ!
Beautiful blog, beautiful life, beautiful you two.
Thank you for your always cheerful comments, my friend.
As always Susan you look lovely, the little clutch brings the whole outfit to life. Mr. Mickey has to be the smartest man on the planet, what I always notice about him is that his shoes are always clean and shiny polished to perfection. I think that’s great, my dad always polished his shoes before he went out as did most men of that era. Nowadays scruffy trainers seem to be the norm.
I don’t know whether his shoes or his beautiful car are the shiniest!
Those desserts look very naughty but nice. Continue to bring joy to us readers all over the world, what a wonderful thing you do Susan and Mr. Mickey too.
Take care x
Pamela from Wales UK
Thank you, Pamela. I’m sure Mr. Mickey will enjoy all these kind comments too.
You & Mr. Mickey are beyond adorable! Classy, yes, but also adorable. . Love the scenic photos too. Bless you for sharing your lives on your blog.
Thank you!
Very nice outfits for both of you. Love the pearls.
I always enjoy your posts Susan. You both look fantastic and what a great meal you enjoyed!
When beautycounter is out of stock on an item during a sale and you request to be notified when back in stock will they honor the sale price?
It seems every time they have a sale an item I need is out of stock!
I’m sorry, but I don’t know the answer to your question. However, you may call Counter Support at 1-888-988-9108 to find out.
As always you both look stylish and youthful.
Always a classy lady and quite dapper gentleman. I love those pearls and the perfect leopard accessory too.
What do you do about bra straps when you wear your silk cami?
I don’t remove my jacket when I wear a camisole.
Thank you for another beautiful post. Everything about the Artisanal is breathtaking – from the setting, the food and especially their extraordinary wine cellar. The drive is definitely worth the effort. When the weather cooperates, the outdoor seating is my little heavenly place on earth. I always love seeing your ensemble with the color red. It’s a stunning color and you wear it so incredibly well…especially with your classic pearls. As always, well done!
I’m new to your blog. Im 66 this year. I really enjoy reading about you and very like the way you dress. I also seem to dress conservatively. It’s a classic look. Anyway thank you for your blog. Lynn
Susan you look beautiful! This outfit to me is perfect. Classic with little details that make it fresh. Love your shoes and bag. Thank you for showing your hubby as this is an area I really need help with- dressing my husband. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Sara. We are adventure partners but not married.
Dearest Susan, have just received my Beautycounter order and so excited to get started. Love your posts. You make it look so easy to dress well and classic.
I hope the products help you as much as they have me.
What a lovely evening! Artisinal is spectacular, amazing food, and perfect company. Thanks for sharing a little of your time.
Love, love, love all of it….wardrobe and food!
Susan,
You look so stylish, so beautiful in red and in heels. Thank you for this moment and for putting alift in my day. Best wishes always.
I like the title “ Enjoy The Moment “
I like the white ,red outfit.
I like Mr Mickeys car with the friendly hey Dude
Most of all I like the sculptures like horses .
Thank you Susan for sending the pictures.
A beautiful and decent woman has loved everything, thank you for the details and for showing her beautiful to the world