Even though I had very limited funds to do anything extravagant for Luke's birthday, it was a total success! (He said it was his best one yet, but I don't know about that.)
We started the night by going to a private performance by a new Capitol recording artist, Priscilla Renea. I admit, I was lured to the event by the promise of free alcohol and food, and I'm so glad I went. Priscilla was amazing and so cute too! See for yourself:
My apologies for the poor video quality and for cutting it off way too early. I had a hard time recording it over a girl's head that kept getting in my view, and then my camera ran out of memory! Anyway, I'd say Priscilla is a mix of Lauryn Hill, Regina Spektor and Erykah Badu all rolled into one. I loved her voice and how relatable her songs were. Later in the night she busted out her guitar—Luke was just as impressed as I was!
Next we headed to an Italian restaurant called Pepe Giallo for dinner. We sat in the back garden area—it was so cool!
The atmosphere was low-key, and the food was good and cheap—just how I like it! While we sipped/chugged (jk!) our wine—white for me, red for Luke—we shared a simple, but yummy caesar salad. I don't remember the last time I had one!
I ordered the lemon chicken and broccoli for my entree and Luke got the pesto ravioli. Both were delish!
If I had to be nit-picky, I'd say my dish was a bit on the oily side. I need to start telling waiters to ask the chefs to go light on the oil. (Is that super-annoying??)
This wasn't one of those ravioli dishes where you finished still feeling hungry, wishing you had gotten something else. It was just right. We were actually quite full, but of course we made room for dessert! Here's Luke with a slice of flour-less chocolate birthday cake. Now you see it...
...and now you don't!
We left one bite to make us feel like we had at least a little self-control, but there wasn't much willpower or control happening in this situation—it was SO good. Question for you health experts (Rain, you reading?): What exactly does flour-less cake mean? It sounds healthy, but from the taste of this one, I don't think that's the case! I would just look it up, but I'm feeling lazy at the moment ;)
Last night was one of those moments when I looked around and thought, I love this city. New York's energy makes the simplest things so much fun. What a great night!Tell me: What city do you live in? And what do you love most about it?
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Ah! Well...flourless cake is usually for people who can't tolerate gluten, but I think from a culinary standpoint it helps to make a cake much denser and less fluffy so there's just so much more thick chocolately-ness to consume.
ReplyDeleteThat food looks yummo! And looks like Luke had an awesome birthday!
Oh right, so it could possibly mean EXTRA calories! ha. Thanks for the break down, Rain! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think my boss just won major points for buying you some amazing shoes!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you reckon he'll buy me some nice ones if I behave myself at work? Unlikely I think. Actually I think it's even more unlikely I'll behave at work.
Either way your blog is very cool Ellen...good luck!
Haha, funny, HolyTrinity! Yes, I think both situations are pretty unlikely ;) Glad u like the blog--thanks for checking it out!! Anything you'd like to see more of/learn more about??
ReplyDeleteOh Rain, I forgot to ask...what are your thoughts about being a "picky" diner and asking for things to be cooked with less oil, etc. I'm always hesitant to do that, but I think I should! Anyone else have advice on this??
ReplyDeleteellen, I'm constantly "reinventing" things on a menu-- I feel like as long as you're really nice about it, it's not such a big deal. and if you end up liking your meal even more because of it, just let your server know and tip an extra buck or two- it's worth it!
ReplyDeletealso, 'cause you asked...I am loving Chicago more and more every day. it feels like so much more of a "city" than LA did and there's always so much to do! kinda like a mini-NY, I suppose...
Great, idea MLA, a extra buck or two tip is TOTALLY worth it. I will definitely do that next time!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Chicago once, when I was like 12, and I realllly want to go back! I don't remember too much about it, though...I have a few memories of shopping and pigging out on deep dish pizza :)