A month of celebrations!
My birthday is right in the middle of March, but I celebrate all month long! This year, my friends and I joked that it's also a celebration of my "divorce" from my former employer - as the separation was finalized just two days before my birthday. So... we celebrated!
My friends spoiled me quite a bit this year. I think we were all itching to get back out to restaurants after two years at home, and they were all anxious to treat me to something special since I'm often baking for them. Speaking of which, my friend (and neighbor) Kathy and I had another super fun "baking date" to make Guinness chocolate cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream icing for St. Patrick's Day (and my birthday) - which the neighbor's eagerly gobbled up! (I threw in a photo of Rory and one of McPaddy just because they're cute!)
The week of eating my way through the greater Milwaukee area started off with an impromptu dinner at The Knick with my next door neighbor, Brenda. It was a gorgeous spring evening and we enjoyed dining out on the patio. A lovely evening of catching up and enjoying some outside time together.
The next evening (St. Patrick's Day / my birthday), my friends Wayne, Yazan and Kelly had planned to take me to dinner at Milwaukee Steakhouse. I will admit that I barely ate that day, knowing that I would be enjoying a remarkable steak later that evening. :-) Milwaukee Steakhouse has a traditional steakhouse atmosphere - inviting, not too fancy, and a pleasant place in which to have a delicious meal. Plus, our server brought her own spunk to the experience!
Following munching on the relish tray and fried cauliflower, I delighted in a perfect 6 oz filet mignon with bleu cheese crumbles and sauteed mushrooms.
6 oz filet mignon and sauteed mushrooms
The four of us sat at the table having great conversation and lots of laughs before returning back to the city and continuing the conversation into the late hours of the evening. It was a perfect birthday!
Then, of course, I had to use the cauliflower I had at home to attempt to replicate the appetizer. I think I did a pretty good job. Remember, Milwaukee Steakhouse, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! ;-)
The following evening, my friends (and more neighbors) Peter, Iris and Kathy treated me to a divine dinner at Birch downtown. This is one of their regular haunts, but I had not been since well before Pandemic hit us. I allowed my neighbors, Peter and Iris to choose the food of the evening, and they did not disappoint!
We started off with the Chef's bite, followed by grilled garlic focaccia, beef tartare, and sweet potato and braised short rib skewers. Each small plate was individually incredible! We then enjoyed duck ragu and "chicken under a brick" for the entrees - splitting everything amongst the four of us. I don't recall having ever had such moist and tender chicken, and pairing it with homemade pasta - perfection!
We ended the meal with two desserts. Oof! Does any birthday ever go unacknowledged with a grand dessert? The goat cheese cheesecake was definitely my favorite of the two, though the chocolate tarte with sea salt and house-made whipped cream was certainly decadent!
I had to take Saturday as a day of rest!
Because... on Sunday, my friends Kelly, Wayne, Yazan, Nabeel and I went to Central Standard Craft Distillery for brunch and a drag show. I asked our server, Dory, to choose her favorite thing on the menu and to surprise me. She delivered churro French toast. My friends were a bit concerned because they know that I don't typically like sweet dishes - at least I don't gravitate toward them. However, I ate every bite of that French toast (after removing the small pitcher of maple syrup from the area). It was not too sweet, and the cinnamon added a bit of warmth to the overall flavor. No complaints!
Following brunch, we headed upstairs to Central Standard's event space which was all made up for an afternoon of drag queens lip-syncing to party music for a couple of hours. What better way to spend a Sunday out with friends?!?
I couldn't leave without purchasing the woman's v-neck version of this t-shirt!
I honestly have not been this busy, seen so many friends, or enjoyed myself so much in a long time! I'm really grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. I wish everybody could be so fortunate!
I've also really been enjoying some time off for the first time in a long, long time. I'm taking Marie Kondo's advice and evaluating what brings me joy in my professional life before making a decision on the next steps. I'm also confusing myself because I am really enjoying all of the baking and cooking that I've been doing, but I'm terrified of starting a business of my own - be it a side hustle, a storefront, a gig as a personal chef, etc. It's something I talk about with friends frequently but have yet to act on. At least the ink is dry on the "divorce papers" and I am free to move in a better direction. :-D
How many people are getting back out into the world of dining out? Did you ever really take the break that I did? Are we finally coming to a phase in this COVID world where we might stabilize? I'm sure hoping so!
Now, I still have one more week in my birthday month, so I'll be adding to this. My friend Nabeel is taking me to lunch today, and I'm meeting up with Brenda's friend, Leslie, for some networking time next week. The fun truly does not ever end!
Cheers!
Ker
