Even getting dressed in the morning was extra special — I remember picking each item for my outfit very carefully, wanting to assemble the perfect, festive birthday outfit — because who doesn’t want to feel pretty on their birthday? And of course if I wore my cutest outfit the boy I was crushing on was sure to  pay special attention to me! Because that’s totally the way it works in real life…not.

Of course in my younger years I also wanted to make sure I had an awesome school snack to share with everyone else. Pre-packaged cookies wouldn’t cut it — so my mom and I would stay up late to whip up homemade rice krispie treats or funfetti cupcakes. And now I hear kids have to bring in dried fruit or celery stalks. And while I’m all for being healthy, that’s simply ridiculous. Cuz every kid deserves frosting on their birthday.

But birthdays were always a big deal for me growing up and somehow I’ve manged not to get all cynical with the rest of them — I still LOVE my birthday. The simple fact is, all you nay-sayers, it’s not just another day. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just another day on the calendar. But for me it’s a day to reflect and celebrate another year! I love re-living all my favorite memories from the past year. I wrap them up with gold ribbon and colored polka dots, packing them away in my mind for future smiles and laughter. And naturally there are bad times, but I can be thankful for the opportunity to grow from them and look back fondly as I realize how they’ve helped me become the woman I am at this very moment.

I get it — this all seems extremely silly to some of you — you know who you are. And it’s OK. If you want to think I’m immature or acting like a child I say, THANK YOU! Because our birthdays should be a celebration. Our birthdays should make us act silly and eat too much sugar. So my birthday wish for all of you is to celebrate! Don’t dread your birthdays and don’t try and play them off like they don’t matter. Embrace them and be thankful for another year on this incredible earth

For those of you who would like a nudge in the right direction, I have a foolproof plan for a stellar birthday. Surround yourself with good people, good food and the opportunity for laughter and conversation.

Luckily, I had some pretty incredible people to celebrate with this year. My mom’s birthday is actually the day before mine so I spent Saturday hanging out with her (preceded by a lovely double-birthday breakfast with my mother in law), walking, shopping, lunching – the usual. The Mister and my Dad then met up with us for a great dinner at Gavi’s (owned by Sara’s). After dinner we headed to the movies and FINALLY saw the social network. Great movie — go see it.

When I woke up yesterday morning I knew that the Mister had something up his sleeve, because he was already downstairs and dressed by the time I stumbled out of bed. I want to take this moment to thank the Mister for indulging my childish love for my Birthday — he truly did everything he could think of to make the day special.

We started off with breakfast at one of my favorite spots, The Original Pancake House. I enjoyed pumpkin pancakes with fresh whipped cream.

Be jealous.

We then headed to the park for a two hour walk. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. A bit chilly, but beautiful skies, crisp air and lovely fall colors. I tried to soak in as much as I could — they are predicting SNOW later this week.

After our walk we grabbed a quick lunch at The Mustard Seed (which is very similar to Whole Foods) and then headed to a movie. We knew we’d have a bit of downtime in the afternoon and figured a relaxing movie was just the way to spend it. We saw Easy A – it was pretty cute!

After the movie we ran a few errands and then headed to the most anticipated part of the day — dinner (of course). I had given the Mister a few options to consider when making dinner reservations and he settled on The Flying Fig.

We started with a flat bread, which was topped with pork confit, thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese.

Of course house bread and olive oil were also thoroughly enjoyed

For my entree, I selected on of the evening’s features — Wild Sea Bass with fingerling potatoes and lemon parsley butter.

When I wasn’t moaning with delight, I managed to tell the Mister that this was the best fish I’ve ever had (this year, at least).

And because it was my birthday, I enjoyed my very own dessert. Warm ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream, garnished with pumpkin seed brittle.

And that, my friends, is how it’s done.

Aside from the incredible food and beautiful atmosphere, I most enjoyed the Mister’s company. Without getting all incredibly sappy on you, I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate another year of my life with the Mister by my side. My best friend, my partner in crime, my husband and father to the Little — the Mister is one of the main reasons why I get so excited every year. Because he gives me so much to celebrate and so much to look forward to.

To everyone who sent texts, messages, etc, thank you so much. I’m so lucky to have such incredible friends and family who stop at nothing to make me feel special

And now, with my Birthday music exhausted and my belly full of frosting I must return to the real world. 364 days to go — I’m already looking forward to it.

Do you celebrate your birthday with vigor?! What would make the perfect birthday for YOU?

I’m channeling my inner Sylvia Browne again and KNOW that my Daily Delish will take place at…

another Cleveland Blogger dinner!

This time, we are heading to Fahrenheit, one of my favorite Cleveland HOT restaurants.

Check out the menu! 

Want to work on your own fortune telling skills? I can help!

Imagine me here:

YAY! You just saw the future

I need your help- what should I order?!

The Mister and I had to cancel our bike date! He has some things to deal with at work and is unable to get away ;(

Knowing that my mind NEEDS a break and some fresh air, I just made plans to meet my mama for a walk.

Before I go, I wanted to share an incredible wrap I had yesterday from Liquid Planet. It included: CHEESE, tomatoes and sunflower seeds!

This flavor combo? gasmic. I’m definitely going to try and re-create this at home.

But wait, don’t go! I need your help!

Can you share some study techniques? My test is TOMORROW and I’m not sure if I should study a little bit tonight/in the morning or just let my brain rest until the test. Thoughts/experiences to share?

Well, I think we have another contender. And not surprisingly, this new spot, Chinato, is owned by the same genius who created L’albatros!

From the restaurant’s web site:

Zack Bruell, award-winning chef and restaurateur, announces the opening of Chinato, an old-meets-new Italian culinary concept on Cleveland’s East Fourth Street. Chinato, named after a flavorful Italian after-dinner wine enriched with herbs, spices and Cinchona bark, is Bruell’s fourth restaurant within the city of Cleveland.

Bruell designed Chinato’s menu to highlight the simplicity of all Italian cuisine, not limiting himself to one region or technique. “Authentic Italian food is simple and flavorful – regardless of whether you’re in Tuscany, Sicily or Campania,” said Bruell. “I wanted to stay true to that.” Chinato’s menu features Bruell’s take on simplistic Italian dishes, like Bistecca ala Florentina, accented with Lemon; Sweetbread Fritto Misto with Fried Caper Berries, Carrot and Zucchini Julienne; and Raviolis with Pork, Veal, Zucchini and Shiitake Mushrooms with Melted Butter and Parmesan. Antipasti offerings are just as appealing, with options like Buratta with Grilled Toast and Cold Tomato Basil Sauce and Involtini of Eggplant Stuffed with Ricotta and Shrimp.

Chinato puts the same emphasis on decor and ambiance as L’albatros. But the overall feel/look is much different. Chinato feels modern, yet cozy and intimate, yet airy. I loved the openness and soothing color palette.

Check out this charming, picturesque mural!

The menu carried the same authentic charm.

My friend Jenn and I (who is becoming quite the regular on The Daily Balance) wanted to sample of variety of Chinato’s offerings. If you are trying out a restaurant for the first time and want to sample it ALL, go with my method: a little bit of this, a little but of that

We ordered an appetizer, starter salads, a side, soup and a “small plate” version of a pasta entree (I love that Chinato offers this figure-friendly portion!)

We started with Jenn’s selection, the Suplee, pan-seared risotto balls with fresh mozzarella cheese.

Balls of heaven. These crunchy morsels held cheesey, gooey goodness that had us saying “mmmmmmmmmmm” and “nomnomnomnom!” I tried to limit myself to just a two– we had a full meal ahead!

Next up, arugula with julienne of pumpkin, roasted turnips, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

One of the main things I was looking forward to in this salad was the PUMPKIN. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of it. I was expecting more of a pumpkin punch! Although I suppose others might find my typical love of pumpkin a bit too intense, so subtle may have been the right route to take.

For my main “meal,” I enjoyed the Ribollata, a dish explained as a “minestrone-like stew.”

This soup was delicious! Can you count all those veggies?! Jenn and I both couldn’t believe how much flavor was packed into each bite! I have GOT to try and get some details on this recipe next time I’m at Chinato. I think the key is cooking the pork and letting it get all nice and smoky before incorporating it into the soup with the roasted veggies.

Jenn was kind enough to share her main dish with me: Gnocchi with tomato, basil, toasted garlic, butter and parmesan

wowzer! Best.Pasta.Ever. No joke. And I live in LITTLE ITALY! This gnocchi was sensational. Each pillowy noodle melts in your mouth and sets your taste buds into overdrive. I’m quite impressed that I was able to stop myself from grabbing the dish from Jenn and inhaling it in all its buttery glory.

On the side, Jenn and I both loved the white beans I ordered. These were seasoned with parsley and were so simple and satisfying. I didn’t think a side of white beans could be so delicious… And how cute is the little pot it’s served in?!

Jenn and I both agreed that it just wasn’t right to judge a new restaurant without ordering dessert! I think once you see these beauties, you’ll agree with our decision

The Tiramisu was fantastic! I loved the nutty layers of breading/walnut and how they complimented the light cream so nicely.

But as amazing as it was, it didn’t hold a candle to this gorgeous specimen:

One of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I actually just typed “best.dessert.ever.” but you all know how much I love my desserts, and I’m not sure that’s 100% accurate — but pretty damn close!

Clevelanders – get your buts to Chinato right now! If you don’t live in Cleveland, this restaurant is worth the trip (even if you only order the mousse cake!). Just call me beforehand. I’ll make the reservation

Which one of these dishes looks the tastiest to YOU?

What would you have ordered? I ask because the Mister and I have a trip planned – he just HAD to get in on the action after hearing my glowing review!

From the Website:

The Grovewood Tavern & Wine Bar offers an atmosphere that is clean, friendly and relaxed. Customers can socialize with friends and new acquaintances in an easy-going atmosphere while choosing from our wide selection of fine wines; domestic, imported and micro-brewed beer; and select liquors. The patrons of the Grovewood Tavern & Wine bar are a diverse and friendly bunch, who come to enjoy fine beverages, fine food, and, of course, fine company.

Our menu features “familiar-exotic” foods from around the world at down-to-Earth prices. We present weekly specials along with customer favorites, so you’re sure to find something to please!

I really love the Grovewood Tavern’s laid-back kitschy look. It’s cozy and inviting, making you want to stay for hours (too bad we couldn’t – but more on that later).

Upon being seated, each table is given a plate of freshly baked bread and garlic dipping oil – check out those whole cloves!

Having a considerable amount of time to scan the menu (I did my research online ), I already knew what I was going to order. Moroccan Mahi-Mahi: Grilled and served with artisinal lemon oil, with roasted spaghetti squash and lentil salad. 

Sorry for the poor picture quality – the restaurant was very dark!

This was delicious – exactly what I was hoping for. The Mahi Mahi was cooked quite well and the lemon oil infused the entire fillet with mouth-watering, fresh flavor. The lentil salad was incredibly refreshing. Crisp and tangy, it did a great job of cleansing the palette. But my favorite bites were spent on the spaghetti squash! This was cooked to the perfect consistency and seasoned with something sweet (maple syrup, perhaps?) but balanced with subtle spices.

Everyone else really enjoyed their meals, as well. Great food…better company…fabulous evening!

UNTIL…

Now, let me give you a bit of context. While the Grovewood looks super laid-back and comfortable, the prices are not. The Mister and I spent more than $50 total for just two entrees (no drinks!). That being said, I don’t mind splurging for a good meal and an opportunity to relax and chat with good friends. What I do mind is being PUSHED OUT.

Le me give you the run down. We had just finished our meals and paid the bill. The Mister was in the middle of a story and we were all having a really great conversation. Note: other patrons were doing the same — i.e. enjoying each-other’s company after finishing their meal. But they must have had an “in” with the manager or something, because what happened next was simply not cool. Dear Grovewood Tavern, perhaps KICKING patrons out of your restaurant isn’t the best way of getting them to come back. This is simple customer service, people. I understand if we lingered for an extra 30 minutes…but it had been 5 (tops).

The “manager” (or bus boy with a huge ego) came to our table and said the following: “Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed your meal. As you can see we are kind of busy and I could use the table, so….yea….” —AWKWARD SILENCE — 

Dude, are you kidding me? This has never, EVER happened to me before. I was actually a bit in shock – we all were! The thing that REALLY put me over the edge, though, was the fact that I had seen this “manager” making the rounds to other tables to “welcome them” and ask them about their meals. We were never “welcomed,” just “goodbye-d.” And we’re cool people – totally approachable! Grovewood Tavern, I MIGHT give you one more chance, but if you pull these shenanigans again, I might need to add you to my Black List — even if your food is spectacular. Because what’s the point of having an amazing meal if the whole experience leaves a bitter taste in your mouth?

Moral of the story: if you go to Grovewood Tavern — ORDER DESSERT — because $8 is definitely worth being able to enjoy an extra few minutes of conversation with your friends.

Have you ever experienced something similar? How did you handle it?

In the mix: lettuce, carnitas (pulled pork), corn, tomato, cheese and guacamole.

I don’t think I need to tell you how amazing this was. 

In other news: I figured I’d answer some of the ASK ME ANYTHING questions.

Q: Do you and Jason plan on having children? If so, how many do you want? Boys or girls? And when?

A: YES! The Mister and I cannot WAIT to have kids. I think I owe this excitement to my amazing parents and the childhood I had growing up — because I can’t wait to do the same things for my kids one day. We are really looking forward to having our own family and starting our own traditions — I really cannot express to you enough just how much I look forward to being a mom For now, we always say we want two kids — one boy and one girl. But to be honest, as long as the are healthy, I really don’t care. And after we have one, maybe two will be too much! Or maybe we’ll want 5! You just never know what life will throw at you. As far as WHEN — I’m not really sure! Again, this is something that you can’t really plan – but I have faith that God will bless us when the time is right. In the meantime, I enjoy being selfish and getting all the Mister’s attention

Q. How much do you weigh and how tall are you? Also, I think you said once you sometimes calculate calories to stay on track, after a vacation or something. How many calories a day do you aim for?

A. I have never mentioned my weight on the blog because everyone carries weight differently and to me, it really is just a number. But since I promised I’d be honest I suppose I’ll give you the stats. I am 5′ 9″ and weigh 127-137 pounds. I normally weigh myself once every few weeks. If I am at the lower end of that range, I try and increase my calories and focus on weight training instead of cardio (I look WAY to skinny at anything less than 130). When I hit 137 I know that it’s time to scale back on indulgences and focus on healthy choices — because it’d only be a matter of time before all my pants were tight! Again, this is the range that I feel best at — it doesn’t mean everyone at my height should aim for it.

Re: Calorie Counting. You are correct (you pay attention!), when I have one too many weeks of indulging or need to get back on track, I will rely on calorie counting. It really is the best way to keep track of what you are eating — and it works. But as soon as I’m back on track mentally — I stop. I don’t think obsessing over numbers is a way to live. We all know that an apple is healthier than a cupcake — we all know that iced tea is better than beer — we just need to MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES.

As far as how many calories I aim for a day, I really just eat when I’m hungry, apply the 90/10 rule and always keep healthy choices in mind. In an ideal world I’d eat about 1800 calories a day — but a calorie ISN’T a calorie — it DOES matter what you are putting into your body and 90% of my choices are fresh, clean foods. When I’m counting calories to get back in the game and scale back, I stick to 1300-1500. And of course I’ll have those days when I probably consume 3,500 calories (but those are few and far between) — it’s all about balance and finding what works for you.

Do you want to ASK ME ANYTHING? Go ahead! (click link to post an anonymous question!) In the meantime, I’ll answer a few questions a day!

You may have noticed I did not have a “Daily Delish” yesterday or today. I know, I know… I’m a slacker.

But I promise I have a good reason.

Shall I get to it already?

OK- fair enough — the fact is, tomorrow I will be eating MORE than enough deliciousness to make up for it, as I have reservations at one of my favorite restaurants, Melange.

I need your hep though! What dish should I try (on behalf of all of us, of course) remember, I do it all for you, people, alllll for you.

Although I have a feeling there is a “candy bar” in my future . I mean look at that amazingness! I certainly don’t need Sylvia Brown to figure that one out…

Anyway, I know you are all super jealous, but I promise everything will be documented, so you can live vicariously through the photos.

In the meantime, check out the menu and give me some ideas!

No, I did not become a psychic or fortune teller overnight, I just have common sense. Why? Because at 5:45 the Mister and I have reservations at La Boca, a new Mexican restaurant that has recently been featured in The Plain Dealer.

I’ve been reading their menu all day – I can’t make up my mind!

HELP! What would YOU order? I can’t wait to share a re-cap, this place looks phenomenal!

Some of you may know that the first half of my San Francisco trip did not go well. All 20 of my boxes for my trade show were lost, I was working 10 hour days with no support and living off of packaged food, since the show site – get this- only served HOT DOGS. I wish I was kidding…

Anyway, when my gracious aunt offered to take me to lunch, I practically wept for joy. And when she told me we were going to the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Originally designed in 1901 as the hotel’s carriage entrance, the magnificent glass-domed courtyard has been touted as one of the most beautiful venues in the world. Transformed after the earthquake of 1906, the Garden Court as we know it today was unveiled – dazzling visitors with its towering Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers, gold leaf sconces, mirrored doors and breathtaking crown of stained glass that perfectly capture the splendor of the Belle Époque era.

Upon entering the restuarant, the setting took my breath away.

To start, we both ordered the pumpkin soup. We were each given a bowl with a clump of goat cheese and walnuts inside. The waiter then brought out the soup in a hot pitcher and poured it into our bowls at the table — fancy schmancy! But the photo didn’t turn out that great and I didn’t want to ruin your mental image

For my entree, I ordered the classic crab salad – fresh crab stacked on a field of greens and chopped vegetables.

Crab close-up

This was some of the freshest crab I’ve eaten! The salad was extremely refreshing and I really loved the ‘green goddess’ dressing.

My aunt insisted that we order dessert and I happily complied

I selected the chocolate mousse with caramel, cashews and freshly whipped cream.

How beautiful is that detail!?

My aunt ordered the baked pear tart, which looked just as beautiful. Check out the hearts crafted into her custard!

Overall, it was the best meal I had in San Francisco. If you are ever in the city, you must check it out! Gorgeous ambiance and delicious food — can’t go wrong

What is your vacation eating style? Do you allow yourself to splurge or do you keep it pretty healthy?

Luna Park strives to bring its guests delicious, creative food and a one-of-a kind cocktail experience amidst a unique, trendy atmosphere. Our kitschy, flea-market chic, ambiance lends itself as the perfect environment for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating with loved ones, on a first date, out with the girls, or looking to meet someone, from our lively bar scene to our cozy dining areas, Luna Park is always the perfect place to go, and with our reasonable prices, you won’t feel put out picking up the tab.

Luna Park

I ordered the “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino, or fish stew, with Salmon, Scallops, Tuna, Prawns, Mussels, and Grilled Bread.

Ciopinno

The grilled bread was perfect for sopping up all the saucy deliciousness! Luna Park was the perfect spot to have a relaxed conversation and enjoy good company.

For dessert, my friend and I ordered S’mores! I was so excited about digging in that I forgot to take a photo! (I know, BAD BLOGGER!)

Let me assure you though, they were to-die-for delicious. So yum.

Many thanks to Kathy, who selected this adorable spot and made my first delicious meal in San Francisco possible

I’m off to pick up the Mister at the rental car center, I can’t wait to see him!!!