I’m getting old, friends! Last year, for my 26th, Phoebe made me a French bistro feast featuring beef stew, lots of baguette, salad, and this chocolate torte. The year before, for 25, I had an all-day cook-out (well, I would have if it hadn’t rained) up in Riverdale, at my mom’s. That’s when this onion dip was born.
What about this year? Long ago I randomly decided Alex and I would jaunt off somewhere–maybe Barcelona, or maybe Berlin. Now I’m thinking of staying a bit closer to home, in a way: I imagine a big Russian dinner, with flowing vodka, at one of those big restaurants in Brighton Beach (anyone been?). Whatever I do to celebrate with my friends, this menu is what my heart’s desire is to eat on the actual day.
This birthday dinner, while full of my personal favorites, is a festive and delicious–yet doable–meal for an intimate 6 or 8 person at-home birthday dinner party. Happy birthday…to me!
Southwestern Artichoke Dip with Sweet Corn and Cayenne
Old Bay Cod Cakes with Pickled Radishes
Rich Chocolate Celebration Cake
Originally posted on Sunday, September 25th, 2011
Cara’s Ultimate Birthday Dinner