Ossa

I like to go out to eat, and once in a while, I like to go out to eat exceptionally well. That's what happened yesterday, when we went to eat at the fairly recently opened Ossa in the 18th district.

The location is a bit off the beaten path, but it's worth it to take the trip (who am I kidding, just get in a tram, ride it for twenty minutes, then a brisk five-minute walk – you'll manage!).

Maybe it was the fact that we were lucky enough to be the only patrons for the night (I'm guessing everyone else was busy getting sloshed at company Christmas parties), but the experience was exceptional.

What you get is a six-course meal, with a menu that contains only the most basic of information about ingredients and mode of preparation.

Focus is on seasonality and local produce (apart from the lobster, which, I'm guessing, was not caught in the Danube).

And what can I say? It was inventive, delicious and utterly charming. We chose to go with the wine pairing, which contained a few surprises (never had a Listan Negro).

If you, like me, enjoy celebrating with food rather than presents, Ossa is certainly the place to do it.