It’s been over six weeks and this is the first time I’m able to admit this on the blog: my camera has gone missing. I’m not sure if I left it on the table after dinner, if it dropped out of my purse when I was running to get out of the rain, or if something more sinister happened.

The lack of my precious Canon s90 has been keeping me from blogging about restaurants and experiences lately because all I have to take pictures with is the iPhone 3G which works great when it’s light out but completely fails in low lighting.

Two meals that I did capture on the camera but are now gone include two memorable meals: one at Uchiko with Laura & Mike and another at Foreign & Domestic with our friends Tim and Rhonda. However, Adam and I did visit Foreign & Domestic for drinks and dessert a couple nights after they opened with Adam N. and Marsha and those photos are below.

The lovely and talented Marsha R. with the super smart and talented Adam N.

Foreign & Domestic serves wine and beer — they don’t have hard alcohol and Adam N. enjoyed “The Cyclist.” The Cyclist is made of Session Lager, Preserved Lemon, and Ginger Beer. They recently launched “The Blue Hour,” their version of happy hour. Blue Hour at F&D is Tuesday through Saturday from 5  - 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. on Saturday nights (they are closed on Sunday and Monday). Call them at 512.459.1010 to ask about that night’s specials.

We sat to the side of the bar/open kitchen and enjoyed the great view of the chefs creating dishes in front of our eyes. The food menu has already changed a lot since we were there with Tim and Rhonda. F&D keeps the menu fresh and seasonal and always interesting.

Sofia Mini Can Mixer

Have you had sparkling wine in a can? I hadn’t until ordering a mixed drink at F&D. I love this little can and the fact that it comes with a tiny straw. Sweet! Currently, F&D is offering “The Panty Dropper” – A mix of Sofia sparkling wine, Pineapple, and Green Cardamom.

Bacon crusted sausage for The Ripper

As I mentioned, photos from our full meal at F&D have surely been deleted from my still-missing camera by now. However, I couldn’t resist shooting a quick pic of “The Ripper” as it was being prepared by the chef right in front of me. A F&D favorite of pork lovers, The Ripper is a bacon-crusted sausage with tarragon mustard and bread and butter pickles relish. It’s a bit too decadent and meaty for me but Tim loved it.

The menu has changed a lot since we were there last, but another dish I recommend is their freshly baked gruyere popovers. If you ask, they’ll bring them to you with honey to drizzle over them and they are a lovely starter.

Coconut Sundae

The Coconut Sundae is still on the menu and it was my favorite of all the desserts we tried that first night (and that was almost all of them). It consists of toasted coconut ice cream and blackberries over a lime tart. So refreshing!

The Pig Licker

And, last but not least, The Pig Licker. Studies show that 97% of those that order The Ripper choose The Pig Licker for dessert.* No longer on the menu after a restaurant in another state called F&D and ordered them to take it off the menu because it’s the same name and recipe, the photo above is the closest you’ll get to a Pig Licker unless you hang out with people who brown-nose cops, or if you visit a certain Minnesota restaurant chain. Most people loved the Pig Licker but I’m personally not a fan of bacon and chocolate in the same course of a meal. I think the combination of the two just ruins two great things.

I’m looking forward to my next visit to Foreign & Domestic. The menu promises to stay cutting edge, the atmosphere is cool and comfortable, and it’s in my favorite neighborhood of North Loop. See you soon, F&D folks!

*This is a fabrication on my part.