Jun
2012
Weekend wrap up (and a surprise cake sneak peek)
Once again, Monday is upon us. I’m feeling a bit slow to get going today, as I’m still recovering from the food-induced coma I seemed to be in all weekend. Birthday celebrations (and Father’s Day ones too) can involve a lot of deliciousness.
We celebrated my birthday dinner at Roy’s in Tampa. I know we’d recently visited at the end of May for our anniversary, but I couldn’t resist a return visit. Plus, my parents had never been to Roy’s before, and I knew they’d love the experience.
We took advantage of their Aloha Hour to try some more small plates and a few cocktails. We couldn’t pass up ordering the sliders and the Big Island Ebi Roll for a second time, but we also tried two new dishes on Saturday – the short rib tacos and the lobster potstickers:
Both were the perfect bite. The lobster potstickers were really complemented by the light sauce they were plated with, as well as the crunchy cabbage on the side. I’d order them again in a heartbeat!
Having more than just two people at dinner is always fun: there are more dishes to try! I always like to see what everyone else at the table orders. That evening, I was kind of a victim of habit: I ordered the Dynamite Topped Shutome with ponzu sauce, but nixed the vegetable sushi on the side and opted for a white rice pyramid (rolled in sesame seeds – YUM) and asparagus instead. I absolutely adore swordfish; I don’t eat it often, but it is always a treat. I love the firm texture but light flavor. My mom copied me and ordered the same thing. I’m a trend setter, what can I say?
Justin decided to order the Shiso Crusted Salmon for his dinner. It was served over a bed of polenta, a dashi sauce, and a side dish of spinach…with onions, garlic, and bacon. Oh – that was heavenly! Good choice, Justin!
My dad won the award for most beautiful plate: the Parmesan Crusted Scallops were plated so artistically! They were served with cubes of pork belly, onions, tomatoes, and fennel. Look at all the bright colors!
And of course: dessert. We indulged in two different offerings: the peanut butter and jelly, which featured banana pound cake (YUM), peanut butter mousse, strawberries, and berry sauce:
And I had to have something chocolate, so we opted for the chocolate mandarin creme brulee. Creamy, chocolatey, and a nice crunch on top. So wonderful!
I was wondering if I could even eat another bite on Sunday (my actual birthday) after such a wonderful dinner the night before. But I managed, because there were a few treats coming my way. First, I enjoyed a big, fluffy piece of tiramisu from Casa Ludovico when we were at the in-laws’ house:
As for birthday gifts? I was kind of spoiled. My mom and I stumbled upon a pretty little dress form in Home Goods, and I am so excited for her to have a place in my future office when we move.
Plus, it will serve double duty for photographing a few items in my closet that I might want to sell…like this neon green patterned dress! Maybe I’ll have some takers?
Oh, and an iPad. Woo! So excited about this.
We spent Sunday evening at my parents’ house. I wasn’t expecting a birthday cake to appear, but my mom had whipped up a little something that was pretty cool.
And check it out: the candles’ flames were colored too! Kind of cool…
But what was realllly cool was the surprise inside! Stay tuned, I’ll show you all the awesomeness in just a bit…my mom got creative!
How was your Father’s Day weekend?
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Michelle
June 18, 2012 at 10:26 am (366 days ago)I’m guessing zebra cake! Sounds like an awesome weekend, happy birthday!
kjpugs
June 18, 2012 at 10:27 am (366 days ago)That rice pyramid is crazy looking! So cool! And I love the candles and cake decorations your mom used… I can’t wait to see how she did the cake!
Katie
June 18, 2012 at 12:17 pm (366 days ago)I know it’s simple, but the sesame seeds on the outside of the rice were such a nice little crunchy addition. Yummmm.
Lindsay
June 18, 2012 at 11:33 am (366 days ago)Looks like you had a great weekend! Love that dress form! So pretty! And the food looks delicious!
Katie
June 18, 2012 at 12:17 pm (366 days ago)I am so excited to put the dress form to use! And, when we move into a bigger place, she is going to have quite a nice spot in my office…
Amanda
June 18, 2012 at 11:41 am (366 days ago)Looks like a fabulous weekend! I’m hungry just reading about all of your fabulous meals!
Katie
June 18, 2012 at 12:18 pm (366 days ago)I honestly don’t know if I can eat another bite of food for the next week. I’m still full!
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie
June 18, 2012 at 3:52 pm (366 days ago)Twitter: niftyfoodie
Oh man!! What a great birthday weekend! Glad you had a fantastic one.
Katie
June 19, 2012 at 9:53 am (365 days ago)Thanks, friend!
M
June 20, 2012 at 12:26 am (364 days ago)Is that parmesan crusted scallop dish seriously a whole meal? It looks like an appetizer. Was it larger looking in reality? I would have had to eat 4 plates
Katie
June 20, 2012 at 7:04 am (364 days ago)Yep – that was a meal: 4 large scallops, plus the side garnishes! But the plate it was presented on was more like a tray than a plate (it looked to be about one foot square, seriously…), so looks can be deceiving in the photo.