fabulousity

Thanks a million for the many congratulatory comments and birthday wishes! Yesterday was such a fabulous celebration.

It began quietly in Chappaqua at Le Jardin du Roi, an adorable French bistro and one of the few places in the area that serves breakfast on Saturday mornings. 

My dad was working, my sister was in Jamaica (yeah, Jamaica--her friend invited her on the family vacation), and my brother was in Arizona (his ASU orientation). I felt like an only child again ;).

Although my mom and I loved the outdoor seating, it looked like it was going to rain, so we dined inside. The interior was adorable, it was rustic yet sophisticated with the most wonderful French accents.

Not to mention that it was incredibly authentic: behind me, the vintage wine shelves, before me, crusty bread and butter. Gosh, how I miss le France.

It was a coffee kind of morning and I was so pleased to find that they served a strong yet ridiculously flavorful roast. As for the actual meal, it was no less delicious. I had a buckwheat crêpe filled with scrambled eggs, goat cheese, and ratatouille (great movie) with a side salad while my mom had the lox omelette.

What followed our petit dejeuner was a ridiculously low-key day with a side of excitement. Besides running errands, reading, and playing with Cleo (that's for tomorrow, get excited), I also got an iPhone! I like it a little ;) a.k.a. it's awesome and such a generous gift. My birthDAY was nice and relaxing and then, well...

I went out and really celebrated :). I had fears that it was going to be cold, I was worried that it may rain, but the weather turned out to be perfect for the outfit that I had been envisioning for the past week.

Dinner was scheduled for eight at Spring Street Naturals. You're right too, it does look familiar. I love this place, always will. "Our philosophy from the beginning has been to serve whole natural foods that are minimally processed. Where ever possible we produce our items in house from fresh natural ingredients-- from organic whole wheat flour pie crusts to house made breads, fresh pasta, organic seitan and free range chicken sausages. We make the effort to ensure our produce and grains are certified organic wherever possible."

I was, ironically enough, the first one there, but before long, eight of my favorite people strolled right on it. We began with a bottle of champagne and a toast. Bubbly is best, especially as an apperitif.

Between drinking and sharing stories, and photos, and hilarious 30 second videos (long story) we also ate. Crazy, I know. As an appetizer, my friend Catherine and I shared the SEITAN SUMMER ROLLS chopped romaine, jicama, carrot, fresh mint, Thai peanut sauce.

And for my entrée, I caved and ordered the same exact thing I did my first time, ORGANIC RICE AND VEGETABLE DINNER organic brown rice with tahini sauce, organic seasonal vegetables, organic steamed tofu, black beans and arame seaweed. I only felt bad for about a second because (1) it's amazing and (2) out of all the spectacular choices on the Spring Street Naturals' menu, Leslie had it too.

I must also just mention that the restaurant has an incredible drink selection. Most of my friends ordered absolutely fantastic cocktails, and true to form, Leslie and I split a bottle of French Pinot Noir. It was a Bourgeuil, I believe. 

And what would a birthday be without a song and a candle, and the most mind-blowing flourless chocolate torte with cappucino gelato?

In addition to heaven, we also ordered the cinnamon apple brioche pudding and rhubarb pie. I had bites of everything and beyond enjoyed each one.

Afterwards, we did leave, eventually, but not before a surprise lemon drop.

I'm so thankful to have been surrounded by such amazing people. Between childhood, freshman year roommate placement, sorority life, and blogs, I have been so lucky. I have the best of friends.

Anyway :) the night certainly did not end there. We went from the Spring Lounge (/shark bar), to the Nolita House, and onwards. Just because I may not recall the names of each and every bar, does not mean that I didn't completely enjoy the live music at our very last stop.

You only turn twenty-two once, right?

That, of course, brings us to today, a day for which perhaps there are no words.

At least I ate.

(P.S. The alphabet soup pictured above is not my own, but my friend Laura insisted I "blog about it." So silly.)

Happy Birthday to me! It may have just about been the best one yet, and, it makes me look forward to my twenty-second year of life that much more. Away we go!

Sweet dreams, my darlings.