When Chip and I were young, my parents used to celebrate special occasions with a dinner at the House of Prime Rib. I remember its dim, cavernous interior feeling so formal and fancy. Funny how things change with time and perspective. As I’ve grown in height, the dimensions of the restaurant seem to have shrunk. It is still a nice place, but the fanciness has sort of gone out of it. Instead, the House seems more of a comfortable, affordable, family place where you know you’re going to get a solid meal.

Tonight was Mumsies’ birthday celebration dinner. Too bad Chip is in San Diego going to school and couldn’t join. I made sure to eat extra for him.

We started with drinks and I ordered a Manhattan! My first Manhattan – I felt so adult (especially after the waitress carded me). It was pretty strong, nearly knocked me on my butt since I slurped it down on an empty stomach.

Even though I took Mumsies to West Side Story last week for her birthday gift, I couldn’t just show up to dinner empty-handed, so I got her another present. Actually I got her two. My intention was to have her pick ONE. She could have two choices, but could only pick ONE. Yea, that lasted all of the 10 seconds it took for her to put on both the earrings and the Swarovski necklace.

I was going to KEEP one of those presents for myself – she totally gypped me! What a thief! It’s ok though, I would have done the exact same thing. Like mother, like daughter.

Dinner was great. Great company, comforting food, lots of laughs. The attentive waiter brought our bread first and Mumsies attacked it. I kept telling her to pace herself because she’d be having a large steak soon, but she didn’t listen. Again, like mother, like daughter.

While the parents got the same cut of meat – the King Henry – I opted for the Fish of the Day. And today, it was salmon or chilean sea bass. I chose salmon. Dad had to roll his eyes when, as we were reading the menu, I noticed my mom was sporting her Dior white watch that is basically like mine. So we were watch twinsies for a second.

Ok, back to the real stuff. The salad was prepped table-side and the waiter spun that bowl for all it was worth as he drizzled in the dressing. Pretty entertaining and I kept egging him on as I snapped pictures. Dad always tells me that if someone finishes all their meat, the servers are happy to slice them off another hunk from their rollable silver carts. I don’t believe it ever happens though. Their portions are enormous.

Before I dug in, I asked Mumsies to pass the horseradish condiment tray. Why? Because I have a terrible head cold and am totally stuffed up. I wanted to be able to actually taste my food so I gobbled a huge spoonful of the hottest horseradish ramekin they had. Whoo! It worked.

Then it was time for dessert. Mumsies tried to pretend like she was too full, but I was adamant. When it’s someone’s birthday, they have to eat dessert. So I compromised and said we’d share a dish. She picked the creme brulee. Creme brulee is ONLY my FAVORITE dessert! I was only too happy to place that order.

I believe “trundle” is the word to describe how we got ourselves out of the restaurant. “Wheelbarrow” may also be a good descriptor. I am still so full.

Happy birthday Mumsies!

xoxo,

Jenn