"They Say It's Your Birthday..."

So it was my birthday last week, I celebrated with my marvelous man, Tim and then again with a group of dear friends. I consider myself so lucky to have all these solid people around me.

The day began with breakfast at Al's, it's refreshing, they don't have a website! We as a family of 4 have tried numerous times to go here only to be faced with a long line no teenage hungry boy can stand for. So, I figured my birthday Tues, March 2nd and breakfast for 2 around 10:00 would be no cause for worry. I was right and so happy about the first meal of my 42nd year...

When we arrived I was shooting away all the visual stimulation of this beat-down diner, the life it's been through and the perfect imperfections. They knew it was my day because of the gift I opened from Tim. So when I ordered as everyone should, the Bacon Waffle, it arrived by a staff of 3 singing to a poorly tuned, "Happy Birthday". If you look hard you can see the candle.


I asked real nice if I could have an Al's order pad, and, maybe because it was my birthday, the nice lady gave me one...

I love that the back has grease on it...


Al's is made up of 13 stools (I think), a crooked counter, a stove, a milk dispenser, a load of pre-paid small yellow handmade notebooks for regulars tabs, locally handmade pottery holding salt, pepper and syrup and a colorful staff - all housed within a 10 foot wide space. It's the best in many ways. Go. Take it in. But not on a Saturday or a Sunday, treat yourself on a weekday, that's when it's just you, your Bacon Waffle and the local heros that have kept it thriving.




Then on to my next feast! I was picked up by my friend and was driven in a crazy route to Bar La Grassa, first clue, she knows direction well. As we parked the other friend inside texted us and said, "I'm not feeling well, meet me in the bathroom." So second clue, who congregates in the bathroom? On our loyal way we went to meet her, and bam! I was greeted with a surprise of 10 pals in the private wine room (near the bathrooms). It was a delight to be surrounded by my mix of friends all in the same room! At my (current) favorite place! And knowing I was about to have my favorite Lobster Bruschetta and the Pasta Carbonara...


Then..... the generous gifts that were thoughtfully thoughtful, mixing all the sides to me that my friends know so well.

Here are some that have a local tie:

The brand is "Modern Radar"(!), purchased at Mitrebox...

Knit chain necklace, a gift purchase at local store, "I Like You":


Earrings from StyledLife...

Some with an arty side:

Babushka photo dolls! I can't stand how cute these are!


And music to my ears, "1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die". A few of the local call outs include: Prince's, "Dirty Mind", "Lovesexy" and Bob Dylan's, "Blonde on Blonde", 'Blood on the Tracks"...

Many from Tim with a food-theme:

This recipe book is not only stunning in it's simple, raw & organic visual approach, but the direction Thomas Keller takes is inviting: "everyday staples, delicious approachable food, recipes that are doable at home." So days later, I was at a dinner with new locals and discovered one, Kathy Lewinski, of A Good Appetite, is cooking her way though, "ad hoc at home", follow along in her "Julie and Julia"-style adventure.


"Alaea Hawaiian" and "Fleur de Sel, de Guerande" from France: Sea Salts, the perfect accoutrement, toss it even on desserts...


Then there's this sweet salt box, made by handy hands in Duluth...


A 6" Wusthof Chef's Knife! Yep! I am at a point where a gift of a knife fills me with joy! Speaking of blades, did you know? Lunds & Byerly's will sharpen your knives for free within 24 hours? Just grab a sleeve in the Meat/Seafood department. Nothing better than a wickedly sharpened knife.

Speaking of blades again, remember too, your local butcher will cut, slice, dice, cube, butterfly your meat anyway you'd like. They live for that stuff, so utilize the pros, save yourself time and everyone's happy!


All the inspiring food gifts came from the local, Cooks of Crocus Hill and are always wrapped so beautifully in boxes that you will hold onto forever or recycle for your own gift-giving vessel.


And still ahead, birthday celebration with more family and friends: Friday night, my first experience at Manny's Steakhouse. Then next week, Italian at Perron's Sul Lago, a must-have to hit in the Southern suburbs.

To my friends and family, thanks for welcoming in this new year with me and all the local and thoughtful love that went into the day!