AOA birthday drawing: Brown's & Bilinski's
Drawing is closed
This week AOA celebrates our 6th birthday, but we're giving you the presents. Each day we'll have a drawing for some fun Capital Region stuff. You can enter to win a new "present" every day.
Today's drawing prize: Beer from Brown's Brewing Co. in Troy and a big basket of products from Bilinski's in Cohoes.
From Brown's: A growler and a $15 gift certificate to Brown's Brewing Co. (Must be 21 or older.)
From Bilinski's: A basket of products including:
+ Bilinski's All Natural Spinach & Garlic Chicken Sausage - 2 packages
+ Bilinski's All Natural Mild Italian Chicken Sausage - 2 packages
+ Bilinski's All Natural Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Sausage - 1 package
+ Bilinski's All Natural Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage - 1 package
+ Organic Italian Herb with Porcini Mushroom- 2 packages
+ Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Meatballs- 1 package
+ Chicken Parmesan Chicken Meatballs-2 packages
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments
Since today's drawing is about birthdays and food and drink, what is your favorite birthday dinner?
We'll draw one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 5 pm on Thursday, April 17 and must respond by 5 pm on Friday, April 18.
*The gift basket has changed slightly, but is just as delicious. The last three items are substitutions as Bilinski's is no longer making the items originally listed.
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Comments
Celebrating my birthday at Yono's - they do a great job of making celebrations very special!
... said Jessica R on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:43 AM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is with my closest friends and family and a really nice bottle of wine to share, as simple as that!
... said Vicky on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:44 AM | link
I love a nice steak dinner and lots of wine for my birthday!
... said Caroline on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:44 AM | link
Fettuccine Carbonara at D'Raymonds.
... said fuddley on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:44 AM | link
Mine and my husband's birthday meals are always the same - a pizza from the Fountain, beer from Ommegang and an ice cream cake!
... said CJ on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:45 AM | link
My favorite birthday dinner isn't the dinner, but the birthday CAKE, also some bubbly (use to be champagne, now it's Prosecco made into a Bellini). It's not a birthday without birthday cake.
... said chrisck on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:47 AM | link
I always get a bunch of friends together at the Albany Pump Station.But I also did a special meal at the Gingerman this year.
... said Alisa on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:48 AM | link
LOBSTAH.
And Bananas Foster for dessert.
... said Rochelle on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:48 AM | link
Tequila cane shrimp!
... said Kevin on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:50 AM | link
Pizza from DeFazio's or The Fountain!
... said MP on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:52 AM | link
Sushi. Anywhere around, I really don't care.
... said James Cronen on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:52 AM | link
Garden Bistro 24 has been our go-to spot for birthday dinners the past few years -- quiet atmosphere, simple yet dedicated menu, and always deliciously executed.
... said Bob W. on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:54 AM | link
Champagne throughout
Shrimp Cocktail - hot cocktail sauce please
Filet Mignon - add appropriate items to enhance (e.g., sauteed mushrooms, onions)
Garlic mashed potatoes
Asparagus
German Chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top
... said ace on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:59 AM | link
I love making my own white wine/clam sauce over pasta for my birthday, as I am a summer gal. But I think my best one was foraging for scallops on Martha's Vineyard and then grilling them. Birthday seafood, basically!
... said Jenna on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:02 PM | link
Absolutely anything on the menu at D'Raymonds except the veal, partial to the seafood dishes. My go-to place every birthday!
... said Nancy Cummings on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:06 PM | link
Homemade pulled-pork sandwiches and coleslaw
... said Jason on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:09 PM | link
If I'm out...Yono's or Athos...if we are eating in....a big ole Seafood bake with lobsters, king crab, corn....and of course a good bottle of wine...Conundrum usually pleases most.
... said llcwine on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:09 PM | link
The best birthday dinner is a family-style meal that I can cook for my "framily" -- large, comfort-style carby dishes like baked mac & cheese (made with gruyere -- this is a special occasion!), home-baked crusty, rustic bread, paried with many bottles of wine -- eaten elbow-to-elbow around a too-small living room table.
This perfect birthday dinner is best burned off, of course, with a post-dinner walk around town to cash in on all of the free birthday "desserts": a scoop of Ben & Jerry's finest, a teacup at Olde English, and a margarita at Bomber's that all will be required to share!
... said Nicole on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:13 PM | link
Steak, maybe on toast points; potatoes; and something green to make the meal just a bit healthier
... said Nick on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:13 PM | link
Melting Pot in Crossgates Mall
... said Lori on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:15 PM | link
Pizza!!! (But then again, it's always my favorite)
... said Lexi on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:16 PM | link
Tossup between tasting menu at Yono's and sushi from Sushi Tei... Always depends on my mood!
... said Lola on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:17 PM | link
I'm cheap, and I like good food. Count me in for the salad bar and a half price steak at the Barnsider!!
... said Ron on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:19 PM | link
Hibachi from Sake in Latham
... said Kelly on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:20 PM | link
Chinese hot pot at home with a couple bottles of nigori sake.
... said anne on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:20 PM | link
My favorite birthday meal: the open-faced steak sandwich w/ bleu cheese at Brown's with a Whiskey Barrel Aged Porter.
(Brown's, if you see this, bring this menu item back please :-) )
... said KGB on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:21 PM | link
Veal Parm.
... said John M. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:22 PM | link
Lobster dinner!
... said Vanessa on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:22 PM | link
Booze and Cake.
... said J. Welf on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:23 PM | link
Any meal where I don't have to cook - preferably with a nice homemade apple pie (homemade crust and fresh apples) for dessert. :-)
... said Dave R. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:25 PM | link
Cadbury Mini Eggs
... said -S on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:27 PM | link
Picking up some local cheese, veggie, and treats from the Farmers Market and then gathering with some friends and grilling and chilling on the patio over a nice growler of locally brewed beer.
... said holly on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:29 PM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is one shared with my family, beer and something on the bbq. Also, with key lime pie instead of cake!
... said Matt Perfetti on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:29 PM | link
Best birthday dinner...Filet Mignon wrapped in falcon with risotto and fresh green beans...and chocolate cake with whipped cream for dessert! YUM!
... said Annie P. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:32 PM | link
Family dinner at The Bears Steak House. Chateaubriand and Papa bear slices of cream pie!
... said Amelia on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:32 PM | link
My mom's spaghetti and meatballs.
... said MikeH on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:36 PM | link
Cheesecake and a really nice bottle of wine. On your birthday you can eat only desserts, right?
... said Trish on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:37 PM | link
Seafood paella!
... said Colleen on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:38 PM | link
Pasta a olio
... said Julia on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:39 PM | link
as long as i am with the people i love most, and i have something to eat, it would be a happy birthday.........a sushi feast from sake cafe couldn't hurt though!! and cheesecake machismo is always a delicious dessert.
... said julie on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:42 PM | link
Dinner at Cafe Cappricio! I LOVE it there for any special occasion!
... said Jennifer on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:43 PM | link
Oysters. Raw.
... said -R. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:44 PM | link
Steak and Potatoes
... said BenK. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:45 PM | link
Mexican-La Fiesta
... said Shannon on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:46 PM | link
Breakfast: Bilinski's All Natural Blueberry Maple Chicken Littles,
Dinner: Oatmeal Stout and a burger from Brown's! :)
... said Beth on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:46 PM | link
dinner at New World Bistro
OR
dinner at home on my couch, wearing just my underoos eating GF chicken nuggest and sweet tater salad from Flying Chicken.
... said CAOD on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
A dinner with family and friends where I don't have to cook or buy.
... said Shawn on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
Anything from New World Bistro, I am always obsessed with their selection and food pairing.....also Sushi Tei, this little hole in the wall on Western Ave, it's life changing.
... said Alicia on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:51 PM | link
Birthday wings at the Rusty Nail in Clifton Park (one for each year of age)!
... said S - on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:55 PM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is grilled pizza! So delicious and great on a summer night!
... said Katie on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:56 PM | link
Dinner at 677 Prime, oysters and steak
... said Chrystal on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:56 PM | link
Birthday wings at the Rusty Nail in Clifton Park (one for each year of age)!
... said S - on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:56 PM | link
Whiskey.
... said ethan on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:57 PM | link
Dessert! Any kind! And a bottle of good red wine, of course. Accompanied by a warm gathering of my family and friends...
... said V. on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:58 PM | link
I love the side room at the Mexican Connection in Saratoga. Nice big table with a bunch of friends and family, toasting with margaritas.
... said Sarah on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:58 PM | link
I always ask my wife to make a sausage, pea and pasta casserole. Yum
... said Jim on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:01 PM | link
Chicken Parmesan for any old school Italian Restaurant
... said Kate on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
Steak, baked potato and beans, same thing every year!
... said Jenn on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:06 PM | link
The Pump Station
... said Shaun on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:07 PM | link
I usually love celebrate at El Mariachi for some enchiladas and margaritas!
... said Laura on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:15 PM | link
Sushi, followed by a piece of cheesecake from Cheesecake Machismo!
... said PG on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:15 PM | link
Sushi! By far and away the most special, followed closely by hibachi. So a Japanese theme works for my birthday meals.
... said Rachel G on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:17 PM | link
Rouladen
... said Brian on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:18 PM | link
Prime rib at the Barnsider... and cake with rainbow chip frosting!
... said Vitameatavegamin on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:18 PM | link
Birthday tradition is Browns! Wings with extra blue cheese and lots of beer!
... said erin on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:18 PM | link
big slab of beef at 677. then homemade chocolate cake with mint frosting and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. yum.
... said JWM on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:20 PM | link
Corn on the cob and whatever else is fresh at the market that week.
... said Adam on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:20 PM | link
Pump Station and a burger/beer!
... said Tanya on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:20 PM | link
Delicious, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, covered in an overabundance of BBQ sauce. Added bonus, on your birthday, no one can complain that you have food on your face/are eating like a cave man :)
... said Lindsay on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:29 PM | link
Mexican at El Loco and all the beer
... said Kate on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:31 PM | link
I wouldn't say no to a night in with friends, a nice girl, and a snifter of Prohibition Punch (Appleton Estate Rum V/X, Grand Marnier, passion fruit juice, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, topped with Moet et Chandon Champagne).
... said Rohan on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:32 PM | link
Any meal with my family is my favorite.
... said Bob on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:32 PM | link
a slice of cheesecake from Cheesecake Machismo and a bottle of champagne!
... said linz on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:36 PM | link
In my family, birthday person is always allowed to choose the meal. We have had a lot of fun with that, from homemade grilled pizzas to take out from First Choice. My favorite ever was when two of my best friends took me to Taste where we ate round after round of delicious small plates (oysters with mignonette and a shot of vodka!) and then this massive dessert sampler with like 12 different things on it. AMAZING.
... said Kizzi on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:37 PM | link
Pizza and beer
... said Liz on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:38 PM | link
utica greens and steak at delmonicos!
... said Tyler W on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:40 PM | link
Since middle school, every year my mom takes me (and now my wife and kids) to the Barnsider for my discounted birthday dinner.
... said Chris on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:47 PM | link
The Pump Station is great place to get good food and beer with friends on your birthday.
... said Jesse on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:48 PM | link
A great steak, roasted potatoes, sauteed spinach and a great red wine.
... said AddiesDad on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:49 PM | link
anything sea food
... said Bee on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:53 PM | link
The Cochinta Pibil at El Mariachi on Washington Ave. You're welcome.
... said Greg Matusic on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:57 PM | link
Eggplant parm.
... said Sarah on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:58 PM | link
Ravioli, homemade by my grandma with some homemade sauce on top. Maybe some Crisan goodies for dessert!
... said Jackie on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:02 PM | link
Ropa Vieja at New World!
... said Mike on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:04 PM | link
New World Bistro is my favorite celebration restaurant!
... said MHR on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:04 PM | link
Rosemary Lamb with red wine sauce
garlic mashed potatoes
grilled asparagus
... said Jordan B on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:17 PM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is one where I don't have to cook, clean the dishes, or pay for it!! If it's at New World, it's a bonus!
... said Margie C on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
Tacos!
... said Jason on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
I'd have to say Lombardo's for a delicious Italian meal.
... said Tom on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:22 PM | link
A large sausage and pepper (or Meatball and Eggplant) pizza from The Fountain washed down with some Brown's Whiskey Porter.
... said Josh K. on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:24 PM | link
My birthday meal and death row meal are the same - tacos! Always tacos....
... said theresa518 on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:25 PM | link
Mingle with friends and family
... said Jbird on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:31 PM | link
Any meal with family and friends.
... said Melanie M. on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:38 PM | link
surrounded by friends & family & cake! (:
... said esther on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:46 PM | link
Homemade French toast using homemade cinnamon swirl raisin bread and local maple syrup!!! :) breakfast for dinner is awesome
... said Reetreet on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:49 PM | link
The Curried Beef dish from My Lihn! Their Spring Rolls are delish too!
... said Evan on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:55 PM | link
A pot luck at home with an awesome cake from Crisan!
... said RC on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:00 PM | link
steak, corn on the cob, salad
... said greg slocum on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:01 PM | link
Linguine w/red clam sauce and asparagus
... said Samson on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:05 PM | link
I celebrated my last 3 birthday dinners at The Point and it was excellent on all 3 occasions.
... said Stephen on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:06 PM | link
birthday is 7/11
anything cooked a charcoal grill & a ICE cold beer
i love summer
... said Mike on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:09 PM | link
Anything by candlelight!
... said Jennifer on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:13 PM | link
Dinner with my husband, with no TV, no wait for service, and, did I mention, no TV? BBQ is high on the list.
... said Marcia on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:18 PM | link
Every year my birthday is either below zero, a blizzard or an ice storm and my husband gets me a buffalo chicken pizza from DeFazio's and some really good beer. Usually all I want to do is postpone the day until summer!
... said Kate on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:39 PM | link
4 course dinner:
starter - beet salad w/ goat cheese and roasted walnuts
pasta course - cavatelli al pesto w/ shaved ricotta
entree - dry-aged beef burger w/ caramelized onions and cheddar on a brioche bun
dessert - crepe w/ butter, pinch of sugar and drizzled chocolate
... said Brian on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:40 PM | link
Dinner at New World Bistro Bar, every year.
This year was a grass-fed Ribeye steak with crème brulee for dessert. Perfect.
... said Mike on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:40 PM | link
Brown's! For the food and the flight
... said Valerie on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:48 PM | link
My birthday is on Christmas, so I always have traditional ham dinner w/ cake and ice cream on the side! Can't say I mind it!
... said Jenn on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:01 PM | link
Fresh homemade pizza and a fun beer sampling from Oliver's.
... said Abe on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:05 PM | link
Sushi! With that yummy unfiltered cold sake...mmm
... said Tess on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:18 PM | link
My favorite bday dinner WAS Blue Spice in Colonie. Finish off with sliced mango and coconut sticky rice - YUM! Looking forward to trying Orange Mango for this year's festivities.
... said Moe on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:21 PM | link
Burritos!
... said George G. on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:30 PM | link
Dinner at a nice restaurant and then a drink or two at a different spot. This past year was dinner at Javier's and a pint at Druther's. Fantastic.
... said theshakes on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:36 PM | link
A splurge at Sushi Tei!
... said Katie on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:36 PM | link
Favorite birthday dinner? Enchiladas, made by my husband. And cake from Crisan.
... said Holly on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:04 PM | link
I love going to Harvest & Hearth up in Saratoga. Would make a good birthday dinner, methinks.
... said laiskiainen on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:08 PM | link
The homey food at Sushi Tei.
... said E. on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:20 PM | link
Pizza, wings & beer!
... said Louise on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:25 PM | link
Dinner at NWBB, the best!
Favorite birthday cake: chocolate, made by my wonderful sister.
... said Deedee on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:47 PM | link
booze, with a side of booze, plus more booze ...ugh aging...
... said janice on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:48 PM | link
Lobster Fra Diavolo!
... said Lis on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:54 PM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is one shared with friends. It's all about the atmosphere!
... said Rich on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:57 PM | link
If it's in the "capital region" (using the term loosely) it would be a gathering of my closest friends at bar vino in north creek, ordering at least one of each dish on the menu that night. I'd have a dogfish head 90 minute ipa with my frites then some red wine with dinner. Wouldn't get much better than that!
... said Katie O on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:39 PM | link
A home brew, sliders and sweet potato fries.
... said Dustin on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:42 PM | link
Bombers!
... said Dan on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:45 PM | link
Carmelized onion Risotto with poached eggs and beer
... said Eric on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:32 PM | link
Dinner at Mom's, whatever she makes
... said Molly on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:36 PM | link
Bday cake from Schuyler, Bombers for drinks, and usually more drinks at Browns. As long as friends and family are around anywhere!!
... said Kim Margosian on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:49 PM | link
tonkatsu and curry or filet mignon with creamed corn
... said bee on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:06 PM | link
I love to celebrate my birthday at Lake Ridge in Round Lake!
... said Katie on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:26 PM | link
My ideal birthday dinner is at home with my Dad grilling, drinking wine on the porch with friends and family.
... said Eva on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:00 PM | link
Jerk Chicken at New World.
... said Jim on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:01 PM | link
I just celebrated my 30th at Dino BBQ in Troy with fried green tomatoes, mac & cheese, and chili (shared) with a long Game of Thrones (but happy) table of beloved friends. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
... said Kobe on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:32 PM | link
dinner at New World Bistro!
... said BB on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:33 PM | link
The best food I've had for my birthday was at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park in the now gone Escoffier Room.
... said Jon in Albany on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:52 PM | link
Corned Beef and Cabbage, always, anytime!!
... said Dan on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:57 PM | link
I love going to the La Mexicana Grocery Store and Restaurant in Schenectady.
... said Don on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:57 PM | link
Favorite birthday dinner is a homecooked Korean dish called miyeokgook (seaweed soup). It's a traditional Korean dish that's made on someone's birthday.
... said Paul on Apr 16, 2014 at 12:01 AM | link
I don't live in the Capital Region anymore, but if I were teleported there for my birthday - WHICH IS COMING UP IN A WEEK EVERYBODY - I have a really easy proposition: give me forty five bucks and I could totally crush an EL LOCO experience. That said, I have a whole birthday party planned out at a Korean fried chicken place by Ocean Beach this coming Monday, so any interested ex-pats should get at me.........................
... said Mike Keegan on Apr 16, 2014 at 4:57 AM | link
steak on the grill and corn on the cob.
... said Dave on Apr 16, 2014 at 5:51 AM | link
Gastropub hamburg xtra curd.
... said August on Apr 16, 2014 at 7:12 AM | link
Believe it or not, I'm a fan of a nice dinner at the Melting Pot. Most restaurants, you're in and out in roughly an hour ... give or take. At the Melting Pot, you can be there for 3 hours just relaxing and enjoying the fondue. And because it's a chain, I don't feel like I have to review it :D
... said Josie on Apr 16, 2014 at 7:15 AM | link
Steak dinner and a bottle of wine at home with my wife!
... said Kirk on Apr 16, 2014 at 8:04 AM | link
this isn't a dinner but every birthday growing up my mom made a pizza size chocolate chip cookie. My favorite part wasn't eating it on my birthday but finding a slice of it in my lunch bag every day after until it was gone. Such a treat!
... said Chrissy on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:45 AM | link
Since my birthday is in the winter I love going to the Melting Pot. It's a nice cozy, intimate dinner with family.
... said Brooke on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:45 AM | link
Spaghetti and meatballs - my grandmother's recipe!!
... said heather on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:50 AM | link
Don't really have a current fave birthday dinner but when I was young mom would make me sweet and sour meatballs; and, my favorite birthday dessert has always been angel food cake.
... said Graceful J on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:52 AM | link
My ideal birthday dinner would be some amazing maki rolls at Sushi Tei, followed later by a margarita at Bomber's!
... said Tara on Apr 16, 2014 at 10:13 AM | link
Penne alla vodka with shrimp & fresh banana chocolate cake all made by mom. The best cook there is.
... said james on Apr 16, 2014 at 10:19 AM | link
This year we had some folks over for "Thanksgiving dinner" at our place. I really like Thanksgiving dinner.. and it worked out pretty well, some logistical issues aside.
... said Alex on Apr 16, 2014 at 10:34 AM | link
Much of our childhood was spent with Mrs. Grimes who lived behind the wall. Our parents left us in her care and then set out alone to explore the West and become blackjack dealers in Reno. Mrs Grimes, having no ethnic background (Mr Grimes had ordered her from a Sears catalog along with some bigger tines for his rototiller) did not excel in the kitchen. Much of our daily diet was stewed cabbage, still water, and children's chewable aspirin. Birthdays were the same, although we were allowed to play with a large jar of wheat cent pennies Mr Grimes kept in his old army locker. Mr Grimes was a veteran who had suffered some awful ordeal, although in what war or conflict was never brought to light. Loud noise made him anxious and he would have to cross the street to the VFW where loud noise did not make him so anxious. The standing order around the Grimes house was quiet, and we lived our days there in big socks and whispers. On my fourteenth birthday however, something happened. We were polishing the wheat cents when Mr Grimes burst in and said "who's the birthday girl?" We had no sister then. He threw me on his shoulders and we went over the the VFW where I was given a Utica Club and a red hotdog on a stick that came out of a large jar much like the penny jar. "What war were you in little man?" they asked. I was confused. "I live with Mrs Grimes behind the wall," I said. Great laughter at that and Mr Grimes bought everyone a Utica Club. A giant cake was wheeled out and everyone started to sing happy birthday, although not just for me. Mr Lewin, who would later be my 10th grade teacher, and who had spent three years locked in a small box in Southeast Asia in career preparation, was the birthday veteran. The singing stopped and the men started yelling "Kiki! Kiki!" Suddenly the top of the cake came off and a gorilla jumped out. Mr Lewin jumped off a table and tackled the gorilla, ripping its head off. Inside was Mr Grips who made toast at the hospital canteen. "Grips! Your not Kiki!" cried Mr Lewin. A roar of laughter! Tricked! Mr Lewin responded with volleys of cake. As an ex-artillery man, he could even lob them into the men's room. A furious food fight! Mr Grimes grabbed some cake out of the air for me. "Happy birthday!" he yelled. The party only ended when the fire department came and hosed the place down. Mrs Grimes became even more silent when Mr Grimes returned me holding a police summons. But for me it was a magical night. I couldn't wait to become a veteran too. Every birthday is now celebrated with Utica Club, stripper cake, and fire foam.
Happy birthday AOA!
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Apr 16, 2014 at 10:53 AM | link
Champagne and raspberries, ice cream cookie sandwich (both homemade) and cheesecake machismo cheesecake!
... said Theresa on Apr 16, 2014 at 10:59 AM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is anything that I used to order at Katrinella's. I hope it doesn't disqualify me Katrinella's is now closed, but I really loved their food and it was close enough to walk to.
... said Debra on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:01 AM | link
Dinner at home with a specialty cut of beef from the Meat House.
... said Jeff m on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:08 AM | link
Beer and Cake..
... said Nagma on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:08 AM | link
I just celebrated my birthday last week with some good friends and amazing Asian Fusion food at Rain on Lark Street - it doesn't get better than umbrella drinks in Tiki glasses,chicken served in half a pineapple, and homemade Reese peanut butter birthday cake!! Of course, that was followed up with stops at Bombers and City Beer Hall :)
... said Lisa H on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:24 AM | link
Chocolate cake for dinner!
... said Lauren on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:24 AM | link
My favorite birthday dinner is Chicken Chimichangas from El Mariachi!! YUMMMM!!
... said Debi on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:34 AM | link
Champagne and lobster - a birthday is a wonderful excuse to be decadent!
... said Michelle on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:45 AM | link
Belgian waffles with vanilla ice cream and fried eggs!
... said Natalie on Apr 16, 2014 at 11:46 AM | link
anything as along as I am with my friends and family (plus funfetti cake)
... said jen on Apr 16, 2014 at 12:05 PM | link
Wherever I can have dinner with my wife and our friends. Home is nice. :)
What can I say, many of the people I know are foodies, and make pretty great food! ;)
... said Andy on Apr 16, 2014 at 2:25 PM | link