I like my birthday. I really like my birthday. Strike that. I LOVE my birthday. Besides, the alternative to turning a year older is highly unattractive.
Par for the course, over the past week or so, I have enjoyed many courses at many different restaurants with family and friends, all in the name of celebrating the anniversary of my birth.
*As you can see from the photo above, my adoration of dumplings was given homage. In this case, at David Burke Kitchen in Soho, happily downing these beautiful, plump and altogether decadent Lobster Dumplings with a dear friend in from Boston.
*A brilliant sushi and sashimi extravaganza was had with another pal at the East Village's peaceful and pristine Jewel Bako, including fatty toro and supremely fresh, sweet raw scallop drizzled with yuzu.
*Genius Brandade Crema with Fried Fennel and Sweetbread, and Doppio Ravioli with Taleggio and Oxtail were only two of the breathtaking dishes I shared with Mama Vamp at Philadelphia's esteemed Vetri Ristorante.
*Potent cocktails were tossed back at Orient Express in the West Village with a gaggle of girlfriends, followed by Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Raisins, Roasted Beets & Avocados with Balsamic Vinegar, and Cavatelli with Faiccos Hot Sausage & Browned Sage Butter at Frankies Sputino's lively outpost on Hudson Street.
*Then there was a lesson in the sheer brillance of Austrian wines at Chef Marco Canora's Hearth, accompanied by good pals, Grilled Octopus with Potato, Celery, Smoked Black Olives and Aioli, and Roasted Duclair Duck with Confit Duck Leg, Honey-Crisp Apple and Cabbage. No better way to follow-up a meal like that than with Brown Butter Quince Cake with Walnut Nougatine and Vanilla Ice Cream...
...and happy birthday wishes painted in chocolate, of course!
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