birthday weekend

allison took me to the Sky Deck for my birthday and I conquered my fear of heights! 

rpm birthday dinner

 lobster caprese 

{buffalo mozzarella, basil}

I knew months ago that I wanted to take ashley to an Italian restaurant for her birthday.  When I heard that RPM had a giant Ferrero Rocher-like dessert {Tartufo}, I immediately made reservations. {Ferrero Rocher is ashley's favortie.} The cuisine is small plate style.  We asked for our waiter's favorites on the menu and literately ordered everything Anthony suggested.  Look through our pictures to believe it! There were so many different flavors going in our mouth; it was quite an experience.  We would definitely go back! I'm just glad ashley enjoyed her birthday dinner.

 imported burrata

{golden beets, pistachio, honey}

 mediterranean octupus with chickpeas + celery

 prime beef meatballs

 polenta, poached egg with fresh black truffle + parmesan

 spicy king crab

{squid ink spaghetti}

 prosciutto pansotti with mascarpone + rosemary

 short rib pappardelle with bolognese + pecorino + rosemary

 roasted michigan apples with pistachio cake + vanilla

 tartufo

{hazelnut gelato + chocolate shell}

 it's a GIANT ferrero rocher!!!

I hinted to our waiter, Anthony,  it was ashley's birthday.  {pistachio + limoncello + chocolate gelato}

p.s. thank you allison {+ mom} for the amazing dinner! <3 ashley

birthday girl

happy birthday ashley!

dessert bars

Dessert bars are so easy and simple to make. These yummy goodies were made as party gifts for Allison's birthday brunch. Try these recipes for your next party!

Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Chocolate Chip Stout Brownie

Flat Tire Toffee Blondie

birthday girl & the goat

confit goat belly ~ bourbon butter, lobster n'crab, fennel

Celebrating Allison's birthday at her favorite restaurant, Girl & the Goat. Chef Stephanie Izard always manages to come up with something so flavorful. Our tastes buds are happy. We ordered some staples {pig face and chickpea fritters}, as well as some seasonal dishes, such as the duck duck goose bread.

duck duck goose bread ~ smoked duck fat, blackberry

crisp braised pork shank ~ spring onion kimchee, buttermilk dressing, naan

grilled baby octopus ~ guanciale, romano beans, radish, pistachio-lemon vinaigrette

chickpea fritters ~ caponata, green chickpeas, crave brother's mozzarella

wood oven roasted pig face ~ sunny side egg, tamarind, cilantro, red wine-maple, potato stix

mom's zucchini cake

Date Night {belated birthday dinner}

 dinner at macku {lincoln park, chicago}

white asparagus soup ~ foie gras, asian pear reduction, korean gyoza, and truffle oil 

hamachi ~ yellowtail, red and golden beets, frisée, toasted pinenuts, sweet arugula puree, parsley oil

namesake ~ salmon, enoki, mushrooms, truffle oil, chives

salmon spider ~ soft‐shell
crab,
salmon, scallions,
avocado,
cucumber,
roe

unagi cheese ~
fresh water
eel, cheese,
crispy shrimp,
avocado, cucumber,
roe


dessert at vanille patisserie {lincoln park, chicago}

 macarons :) 

 pear mousse with nutella cream