Adding to our enjoyment of our day in Manchester was dinner at The Reluctant Panther.

Rebuilt in 2005 after fire destroyed the inn, the building no longer sports the purple exterior for which it was famous. That color does find its way into dinner plates, draperies and servers' uniforms.

The inn is now owned by Plattsburgh native Jerry Lavalley, who moved to Manchester after a long tenure in Texas.

We were seated in a table overlooking the garden. From a menu with many unusual and interesting choices, my wife, Marty, selected a salad of greens with grilled asparagus then butter-poached lobster for her entree. I had seafood ravioli as an appetizer and rack of lamb for my main course. For dessert, we agreed on the chocolate fondue for two. At least I thought we'd agreed.

Suddenly I heard my wife ask the waiter for, and I quote, "a creme brulee on the side."

After dipping my quota of strawberries, pineapple and macaroons into the rich chocolate sauce, I didn't have room to sample anything else.

Meals here are not inexpensive. However, the cooking is creative, the service is superb and most critically, the food is delicious. After dinner, we had a chance to meet Jerry. He's gracious and enthusiastic, traits that he's clearly imparted to his staff.

We know we'll return before long.