Earning The Title of 'Our Place'

Bridget and I went on a date Thursday night. We do that every month or so -- pick a restaurant (sometimes a reliable standby, sometimes a new place), order wonderful food, drink delicious beer and wine, and then vow never to eat again because we're too full. (Somehow Bridget always has room for BerryLine or whatever that weird frozen yogurt place is called. It's like crack to women for some reason.)

We're fortunate to live in Cambridge, where unique and creative restaurants are literally around every corner. French, Italian, Thai, Chinese, American ... you name it, we have it. But of all the places we've been, none compare to West Side Lounge, this amazing, little eatery on Mass Ave. Every time we walk in the door, we have the best intentions to try something new, something a little bit different. Invariably, she gets salmon and I get parmesan-crusted cod, which honestly makes my mouth water as I type it. It's that damn good. Hers, from what I hear, is fairly surreal, too.

We had our engagement dinner here, we've Yelped about it, we've taken friends and family there. It is, officially, "Our Place."

This concept of "Our Place" made me think. Every couple has at least one. But what gives something that enviable title? What is it about West Side Lounge that I (and we) like it so much that I'll defend it like my mother? (Just kidding, mom. But seriously, the food is really good. You know. You've been there.)

Is it the food? That's definitely part of it. The food is amazing -- from appetizers to desserts. There's always a feeling of comfort and joy when the first bite of tender, flaky fish hits the tongue.

Is it the price? Yup, a little bit. We live near Boston, so nothing on the menu is $4.95, but a dinner for two here is a much better value than 90% of the places we go.

Is it the service? That's part of it, too. The people, without fail, have been great every time. The waiters and waitresses wait long enough, but never keep you waiting. They're friendly, smile a lot, and say helpful things, like, "Be careful. That plate is hot."

Is it that other places stink? Sure, that's a reason, too. We've had our share of forgettable experiences. Then again, that's what you get when you order calamari at an Irish bar. (Stupid, stupid, stupid.)

In the end, I think it's the memories. Don't get me wrong. It's all of the reasons above, too, but it's looking across the table at my wife and remembering one of our first dates. It's remembering my hands shaking as I tried to drink champagne 10 minutes after we got engaged. It's remembering Thursday night.

Very few places will ever be in that "Our Place" category. They really have to earn it. So when they do, when you get to that comfortable and happy place, go there often.

In fact, when's the last time you went?