I’m getting old, friends! Last year, for my 26th, Phoebe made me a French bistro feast featuring beef stew, lots of baguette, salad, and this chocolate torte. The year before, for 25, I had an all-day cook-out (well, I would have if it hadn’t rained) up in Riverdale, at my mom’s. That’s when this onion dip was born.
What about this year? Long ago I randomly decided Alex and I would jaunt off somewhere-maybe Barcelona, or maybe Berlin. Now I’m thinking of staying a bit closer to home, in a way: I imagine a big Russian dinner, with flowing vodka, at one of those big restaurants in Brighton Beach (anyone been?). Whatever I do to celebrate with my friends, this menu is what my heart’s desire is to eat on the actual day.
This birthday dinner, while full of my personal favorites, is a festive and delicious-yet doable-meal for an intimate 6 or 8 person at-home birthday dinner party. Happy birthday…to me!
Southwestern Artichoke Dip with Sweet Corn and Cayenne
Old Bay Cod Cakes with Pickled Radishes
Rich Chocolate Celebration Cake