Date night began early at the cinema!
I am a huge fan of Harry Potter; Matt is even more of a fanatic. I’ve read all the books once (and the book 7 plot is a blur to me) but Matt has read the whole series at least 4 times, one of those being in Spanish!
He wore his glasses to the show so he’d look more like Harry (and to see better my dears)
I wore my jeans tucked into my boots and was pleased when Hermione did the same!
I thought the movie was great. I missed Hogwarts a little, but the scenery was stunning and made up for it. So far I like HP7 more than Half Blood Prince.
Going to the movies without a snack is….painful! I guess all those years getting gummi bears or Twizzlers or popcorn. So I always pack just a little something to munch on. I’m glad I packed these peaches, nuts, and fig because hunger hit me like a brick mid-movie and didn’t let up.
Luckily we made a deal with ourselves that if we kept dinner on the casual side, we could go to a restaurant!
Upon blog reader Amanda’s summer recommendation proclaiming Aromas as her favorite restaurant in Cville, we gave it a try (it was right on our way home).
Still in wizarding mode..
Ohhhhhh how much I wanted a bottle of wine
But part of the deal of going out was a low-cost meal, so we had these fancy water cocktails:
Since we were both famished, we started with a trio of hummus, baba ghannouge and dolmas. LOVED all three, but the baba g. was my fav – it had a smoked taste!!
Served with warm pita!
For dinner Matt got the Casablanca, lean beef kafta with seven spices served in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and Aromas sauce.
And I had a salad special: Tilapia Salad with veggies, olives and apricots in a lime dressing. I regretted my choice immediately upon ordering (how boring) but the tilapia really surprised me! It was herby seasoned perfectly and I was very happy. (Except I forgot to request dressing on the side and it was overdressed – doh!)
Still really hungry so we requested more pita!! I don’t know why my stomach continued to grumble after we’d downed the appetizer plate! We were death eaters
Felt good after that.
For dessert we stopped into Greenberry’s, a local coffee + tea house
I got a decaf mint tea with some steamed milk on top. Tea really does make such a great dessert option.
Had lots of fun on our date!!
There was just an E.T. parody on the TV behind me on the Simpsons – HILARIOUS!
Look out for Death Eaters tonight…
!
Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat says
I love the tea bag on a stick. Looks way more fancy then on a string 🙂
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) says
Glad you had a fun night! I can’t wait to see Harry Potter.
Krystina says
I love that picture of Matt. 😀 Glad you had fun.
Vanessa says
I’ve eaten at that Armoas place! I had the falafel and thought it was pretty good. I also like that Greenberry’s place! Great coffee and nice atmosphere! Fun date night!
KristyRuns says
I love your boots!
Looks like a successful date night 🙂
Melissa @ I Never Imagined says
I did the exact same thing with the salad I ordered tonight- waaaaaay overdressed! I had to add salt to even out the flavor a bit. D’oh.
Matt as Harry = hilarious!!!!!! I’m still giggling!!!
Mama Pea says
I haven’t the slightest idea what you are talking about. And somehow I’m okay with that. 😉
Kath says
What ever do you mean!?
Baroque Diva says
Is Death Eaters a HP reference? I had no idea what you were talking about, too… but I’m pretty clueless on some pop culture trivia.
I have NO clue about Harry Potter, but maybe I should give it a try! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving, Kath! I’ll be alone in Boston cuz of an opera, but I can’t wait to drool over your beautiful photos.
Jen@Tip Top Shape says
Sounds like a really fun night! I was pleasantly surprised the movie considering all the stuff that had to be jam-packed into the two hours 🙂
Camille says
I’m so glad you like HP!
I thought it was completely amazing. And very impressive that Matt read it in Spanish!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I’ve tried so hard to get into the Harry Potter series, but it just didn’t stick… Oh well 😉
Glad you enjoy it 🙂
Nite 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Bahaha Matt’s wand pose is priceless. I still gotta get out and catch HP 7!
JenATX says
haha yeah Matt cracks me up. And I must try those fancy water cocktails! Water on the rocks, who knew? haha
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Matt’s wizardy picture is too cute!!
Matt says
Expelliarmus!
Wine Girl @ Kitchen Doesn't Travel says
We went to the midnight release Thursday night/Friday morning. My husband wore his Gryffendor scarf. I made Butterbeer Cupcakes to share with our friends while we waiting in line to be let into the theater. And yes, HP7-Part 1 was much better than HP6…eventhough much of the first 20-30 minutes was wrong. Glad you guys had fun!
Heidi - apples under my bed says
We had a date night to see Harry Potter Last night too! Such fun 🙂
Heidi xo
Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) says
I feel like the whole world has seen Harry Potter but me- I have to see it sometime this week!
Nicole @ yuppie yogini says
Greenberry’s! There was the cutest Greenberry’s coffee shop near my parents house in Asheville. I was so sad to see it go under when the recession hit. I love how they use loose leaf tea.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I couldn’t get into the HP books — I tried a few years ago and the first book just wasn’t what I thought it would be. But so many people just love love love the books and movies.
I usually regret my choice at restaurants too — so sad when that happens.
Sam says
I love Aromas. The owner is super cute & if he is there he usually comes around to see how everything is. The falafel is really tasty.
Eileen says
Very cute post. My kids like to try on my glasses so that they can see how much they look like Harry. 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I have never actually had milk with my tea… is it better?
Shannon @ Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy says
Yummy looking salad! Cute date!
rebecca lustig says
there is just SOMETHING about warm pita that’s so comforting!
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
Glad you liked the movie! And so adorable that Hermione and you were wearing boots alike. 🙂 I keep trying to tuck my jeans in, but they keep being too big for my boots. Oh, well. Maybe eventually I will work it out and be super cool like you guys.
The Strong Mama says
I’m sorry we missed each other, it always happens that way, we run out of time! When we live there again there will be nothing but time! It was really a pleasure getting to know you Kath, Eric and I are excited to hang out with you lots more next year!
Kimberly @ Servantless American Cook says
I use to work at a Greenberry’s in Asheville! Unfortunately, it closed down.
Maria says
I love date nights!! I’ve never gotten too much into the Harry Potter series but I love to read, so this may be next on my list. My friend sparked my interest when she said they were better than the Twilight series 🙂
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
you guys are so cute! i love the theme that matt was sticking with 🙂
maya @ finding balance in tokyo says
I saw it last Friday! We are huge fans too. I have been reading them since the first one came out, but the Boyfriend resisted until earlier this year. He read them all in a matter of weeks and has turned into the biggest fan. He actually planned our HP date night for opening day in Tokyo several months in advance.
I got a Mediterranean Mezze platter for dinner before the movie that also came with warm pita and amazing baba ghanoush. How odd!
Hannah says
I saw Harry Potter at midnight on its opening day, which was actually two days before it opened in America. Woot! Hope you liked it!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I heard the newest movie is way better than the Half-Blood Prince!
I hate when salads are doused in dressing!
Nicole says
I also saw Harry Potter tonight, so good. I originally was pretty upset that they split up the 7th book into 2 parts, but part 1 was done so well and I’m kinda excited that I still have more movie to see!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i’m such a HP fan too and loved the film. i think the next HLS should be held at Harry Potter land at Universal!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Your dinner looks delish! I love casual places like that that offer tasting plates for appetizers and salads for entrees. 🙂
Would you believe I haven’t read any of the Harry Potter books?? And I’ve only seen the first movie, LOL. I’m sure I’d really like it, so I have to get the whole set and start from scratch!
Kris says
As an RD, what do you think of tilapia? I keep reading articles along these lines http://www.suite101.com/content/tilapia-not-a193653 and tend not to eat it.
Kath says
Omega-6s aren’t harmful – they are essential too. I eat tilapia for the protein and taste, not the fatty acids (I got to sardines, herring, salmon and tuna for those) so I think it’s fine, esp. if you eat other sources of omega-3 to keep your balance of 3:6 at a more desirable level than the typical American diet. I wouldn’t eat tilapia more than once a week anyways, so just balance it out.
Maggie says
I love that you love Harry Potter. I thought the new movie was great as well. My goal is to at least read HP7 again before the second half comes out. Oh yeah…Accio baba ghanoush! YUM.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Haha, that picture of Matt made me crack up! 😀
I love HP! I haven’t been able to see the 7th movie yet though because I’ve been so busy with school. 🙁
Cara Craves... says
I have to wait until December…Boo!
It does not get released in Korea until then.
Cole says
What a FUN date night!!!
I LOVE Emma Watson’s style!! Boot-in-jeans look is oh-so chic!!!
Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing says
I enjoyed the movie a lot and am looking forward to re-reading the book on the trip down to the in-laws tomorrow! 🙂
Ash says
I was actually a little disappointed with the movie. I love the books, but both my fiance and I just kept looking at our watches. We couldn’t wait for it to just be over.
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) says
I saw HP last night, too!! And I’m obsessed. I think they did an amazing job! I missed Hogwartz, too, though. Oh well… what an awesome movie! 🙂
Julie @ Honey B. Nutrition says
Dinner looked great! One of the things we like to do here when we are trying to keep the spending to a minimum is bring our own wine! We either bring it and pay a minimal corkage fee or, even better, search out BYOB restaurants that charge nothing! Some places are BYOB for good, but often you can find new restaurants that haven’t gotten their liquor license. Always thinking about how we can fit in our booze!
Kath says
I called around about corkages and it seems to be illegal here in Virginia. So sad.
stacey-healthylife says
I love tea in the evening. Gives the body the feeling of having a little something to end the day.
JavaChick says
Husband & I saw Harry Potter last night as well. I agree, Deathly Hallows Part 1 was better than Half Blood Prince – I was disappointed with the changes they made in the 6th movie, so was happy to see #7 stay so faithful to the book.
Not that I’m a fanatic or anything… 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I cannot wait to see HP7!!! I think we’re going to see it in the Imax..that should be pretty cool. 😛
Kiran says
Half Blood Prince was disappointing so I am happy HP7 would make up for it 😉
Me and the Hubs has the same eating out arrangement – Thrift eaters 😀
Dani says
I love mint tea. I would never have thought of having steamed milk on top. Hmmmm….
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
I’ve never had tea with steamed milk on top. But it looks like something I would like. Is there an easy way to make that at home?
anne p says
Ahhhh can’t wait to see HP7!!! This weekend 🙂
Amanda says
Yayyyyy, i’m so glad that you liked it!