a classy birthday

I had the greatest birthday! In the past few years, we've always done some sort of get together with friends for my birthday, but this year when Dan asked what I wanted to do, I told him I just wanted to spend time with him.

So.....Dan surprised me and took me to the Clairmont Spa in Berkley for drinks, jazz music and dinner.

I had been to the Clairmont only once when I was like 10 years old but we didn't get to do anything but take a tour. So this was my first time dining there.

We dressed up (which I love!) and started with a cocktail at the bar where a jazz band was playing. I had the best cocktail...it was called Raspberry Ginger Ale and consisted of Hangar One Raspberry Vodka, Fresh Ginger, and a Splash of ginger ale...it was so crisp and refreshing I could drink them all day.

Then we headed up to the main dining room for a late dinner (we both love having dinner late! our reservation wasn't until 8pm). We started off with a glass of champagne and oysters. Then dan couldn't decide between two dishes, but you can order a "small plate" of each item on the menu, so he had both. He had homemade pasta and braised short ribs. I chose Cioppini (best i've ever had!) and we finished it off by sharing Creme Brulee.

It was a fantastic birthday!




The balcony overlooking the bay area was a great place for pictures....but it was freezing!!!