My
beau will turn 26 on Monday, and I love birthdays. So you can imagine my disappointment with his "nothing" response when, a month ago, I asked him what he wanted to do to celebrate. He hasn't recognized the annual occasion in more than a decade.
I offered to take him out to dinner at the Italian restaurant I'd told him so much about as a compromise. He's loves pasta almost
as much as my sister does, so I knew he'd accept. Since they only serve dinner Thursday through Saturday though, I had to settle on reservations for Friday (yesterday) at 8pm. And a few days later, he told me it was bad luck to celebrate a birthday before the actual birthday, at least in Germany. "Fine," I replied, "it'll be an extremely belated 25th then." His follow-up: "it's about time."
Last night, we dined at
Olio Pane Vino. We ordered a bottle of fantastically crisp white wine and shared an appetizer of fresh mozzarella with grilled vegetables to start. Of the three
pâtes du jour, we chose the linguine with garlic, oil, spicy red pepper for me and the penne with pesto for him. Afterwards, though we were comfortably satisfied, we decided to split a birthday dessert. Our
tiramisu (
apparently I can't get enough) was honestly only one degree less delicious than the one we'd enjoyed
in Rome.
The night would have ended there had Lara not texted me to invite us to stop by her bar for a birthday shot. And who could refuse such a generous offer? It was a beautiful night to walk through central Paris (
note the plage below) for a
digestif.
But Lara hadn't texted me. She's still in the South of France with family. Instead, I'd made arrangements with my boyfriend's brother to round up a few friends from work. I asked Amy and Lorelei to join, too. And they awaited our arrival
al fresco at
The Long Hop.
Surprises are my favorite.
Joyeux anniversaire, ma chou!
P.S. The photo above was most definitely posed.
What is it with boys and birthday celebration? F is the same, completely nonchalant about birthdays. Such far cry from my crowd of friends in Ireland who would probably never forgive me if I had skipped the annual party!
ReplyDeleteI managed to surprise F last year with a small party with his best friends attending (one of whom I have not even met at that point and I just FB-ed him and he came all the way to Paris!) but this year I was forbidden to pull any other surprised - but let's face it, it'll be tricky anyway - so we ended up going to Greece instead for his birthday. :)
Yay, surprises! I'm all out too at this point :) but I'm so glad it worked once. Greece sounds like the perfect alternative.
Deleteah how fun!! Love your sweater btw! Just found your blog and looking forward to follow it!
ReplyDeleteIt was! And welcome! I think you're complimenting my friend Amy's sweater, but I'll tell her you said so :) I was in a pink dress that night.
DeleteAwww you're such a sweet girlfriend... what a nice surprise! Even for birthday nay-sayers like your beau, celebrating with friends is always a good time :) And... that food looks divine! You did good.
ReplyDeletexxx
Jenna
Thank you for the kudos, Jenna! I appreciate it :) so glad it worked out.
DeleteI second this boys + birthday conundrum. My boyfriend is turning 30 in a few weeks and I can't get a straight answer out of him regarding celebration plans. He doesn't want a glitzy bash, but I know he still wants to do something. That said, he's so incredibly nonchalant about it all that it makes it all the more difficult to plan! Glad you were able to fete your boy nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, lady. Bon courage ! As am I :)
DeleteLovely way to celebrate!!! That tiramisu - oh my lordie.
ReplyDeleteThat it was! And you have no idea... ;) hope it's on the menu next time I go.
DeleteA very belated 25th... love it!
ReplyDeleteYou are two are CUTE in that photo :)
Thank you, dear :)
Delete