I bet I’ve left some of ya’ll thinking I didn’t make it through my 21st birthday. Well, I’m alive! You’d think I would have been enthused to report back immediately on my birthday festivities, but actually the opposite occurred: I lost my blogging mojo. Perhaps it was the realization that my much-anticipated 21st birthday was now over, that it would never happen again, and that it turned out shy of extraordinary. Perhaps it was the fact that Sunday I experienced my first real hangover and my diet consisted of Detox Tea. Whatever it was, I did not feel inclined blog. Then I got a tweet from my birthday twin.
It was all the inspiration I needed. So here I am, sweaty from a 52-minute run in the Redwood forest, and semi-full of steel cut oats, ready to share…
After spending an enjoyable [and windy] afternoon at the Oyster Festival with my friend Daisy, I got ready for a night of celebration.
For my birthday dinner, I chose the Looking Glass House, a cute house along the Humboldt Bay shoreline.
The restaurant has a subtle theme of Alice in Wonderland, of course.
I cracked open the drink menu as fast as I could.
My first legal drink: Fresh Raspberry Minty Mojito – mmm!
Then we ordered food…
Spring Pea & Roasted Garlic Fondue
Organic Mesclun, Raspberries, Cypress Grove Chèvre, Candied Pecans + Maple Sherry Vinaigrette
Utterly delightful.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers + Pesto Cream Sauce
Potato Mashers: mashed potatoes breaded then fried served with gorgonzola sauce [hey, it was b.day!]
Dad’s Dish: Wasabi Seared Ahi with Cilantro & Ponzu Vinaigrette
We didn’t plan on ordering dessert, but the sweet server was clearly aware of the occasion on hand. I knew there was an extra-special birthday cake waiting for me, but you can’t pass up dessert on the house — at least I can’t!
Chocolate Cupcake Explosion with Chocolate Mousse Filling and Melted Chocolate
Tipsy me tried to ‘blow out’ the sparkler – hehe!
Dinner was delightful: zero complaints from the food critique. Alright… maybe they could have ironed the table cloths.
After dinner, I met up with a few of my girlfriends for THE cake* and champagne. The night didn’t end there of course. What’s a 21st birthday without the bar scene? I’ve probably mentioned my town plaza before. Three sides of the square consist of everything from a French bakery to a bead shop, and local art galleries. On the fourth side, there are four bars in a row. I’ve always had a liking for the heart of my town – mainly because it has one! – but it’s odd to think that I’ve only been able to experience 3/4 of it until now. On Saturday, I was finally able to crush my curiosity and explore the fourth side. I hopped from one bar to the next to redeem my free birthday drink at each. The night was no-doubtedly filled with laughter, crazy costumes, and vodka. With that experience crossed off my list, I think I’ll stick to the adjacent sides of the square – coffee & clothing are more my thing ; )
* Mom – I didn’t forget about your masterpiece of a cake. It’s getting an individual post, it was that special : ) Stay tuned!
I can’t think of a better drink to have as your first ‘legal’ drink. It looks and sounds delicious! What a fun birthday!
My 21st bday was pretty lackluster and anticlimactic as well. It was over Spring Break and NONE of my friends were home from school. NBD. It’s just a bday. You have many more to make up for it.
The food at the restaurant is presented so beautifully! Ahi tuna woulda been my choice :) YUM
I just LOVE birthdays!! :-D
Awesome drink choice – never tried a raspberry mojito, but it sounds fab!
And that chocolate cake — wow wow wow!!
It looks like you had a good time!
Blowing out the sparkler haha.
Oooh, I am so glad to hear that you had a great time!!!! Can’t wait to see the cake!!
Oh, yum! I’m glad you had a happy birthday! :D
Looks like a fun night!! The food from your birthday dinner looks incredible and I’m excited to see your birthday cake, too!
I’m glad you had such a nice dinner/GOT YO DRANK ON :) You work hard girl, you deserved a bit of crazy tipsy night!
So glad you had a great 21st! Everything from the restaurant looks absolutely delicious! Great first legal drink, too :o) Mine was a strawberry marg!
what a great first legal drink! sounds delicious! oooh i can’t wait to see the cake masterpiece! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Aww your birthday looks like it was so much fun! And that first drink? Delicious! (:
I can’t decide which looks better… the drink or the cake! lol Glad to hear you had a great birthday! :)
Oh my gosh I love this house!! Can I live there??
Flavored mojitos are my fav :) Happy Birthday!!
I LOVEEE mojitos! They’re definitely my favorite. Glad to hear you had a happy birthday!
I am sooo far behind but better late than never…right?? Happy [very belated] 21st birthday!! Sorry it was a little less than extraordinary, but it does sound like you had a fun day! :) That cupcake cake looks amazing!!