Where Do You Go For Birthday Dinners?
Friday, June 9, 2006 8:31Last night I enjoyed a gorgeous birthday dinner at Saketini. We both had the tasting menu, five courses chosen by the chef, not necessarily off of the menu. Last time we ate there, I asked about the tasting menu and was told that it’s a good idea to call ahead, so that the chef can pick out some special ingredients for the meal.
We did call ahead, and when we walked in, it was the chef who greeted us. He recognized our reservation and acknowledged that we asked for the tasting menu. After we sat and I had an Orion Beer in front of me, we started our journey. First out was an artistic presentation of oysters. One served on the half shell and topped with two kinds of caviar. The other oyster served as a shooter, sans alcohol and with a tangy liquid. Neither my wife, nor I are big oyster eaters, but these were incredibly fresh and plump (maybe too plump for a novice oyster shooter).
Next up was a dish of fried wontons stuffed with a mixture of salmon, herbs and cream cheese. Drizzled with a light sauce, it was lovely. Following the wontons we had a yellowtail sashimi salad. The strips of fresh-that-day-yellowtail were laid on a shredded salad with a spciy dressing. Moving from surf to turf, out came a generous serving of beef tataki. Seared beef, sliced thin and topped with a light salad, some vinegary sauce and bonito flakes. The bonito flakes added a very complimentary smokey flavor to the dish.
Last up was dessert. We got two different kinds of ice cream, deep fried and drizzled with chocolate sauce. After we cleaned out the martini glasses the ice cream came in, we looked at each other, deeply satisfied and perfectly full.
After dinner, I asked to meet the chef quickly. He came out and I thanked him for the great meal. He confirmed that it is a good idea to call ahead and told us that he had been planning the meal over the last few days. Lucky us, it was a great birthday present for me!
So, where do you go for your birthday? I don’t have a regular place, sometimes we make a nice meal at home or go to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants. Give us your suggestions in the comments.
By Jonah (see more of his posts). Jonah is the founder of la.foodblogging and also created Digesty, a food blog aggregator and Cheww.com, a spam free foodblog search engine.
Maribeth says:
June 9th, 2006 at 8:43 am
Happy birthday!
For the last 6-7 years, I have gone to Ragin’ Cajun in Hermosa Beach for beer, boudin and crawfish etouffee.
This year (Sunday, in fact) I’ve decided just to invite friends to join me for a low-key happy hour on the patio at Schatzi’s in Santa Monica.
Bretterson says:
June 9th, 2006 at 9:57 am
I went to a birthday dinner at Torung on Hollywood last month and it was perfect. Cheap food AND SUPER quick. Also, the BOYB policy they have was nice too.
elle says:
June 9th, 2006 at 10:13 am
My comment is on the meal-sounds perfect. I will check this place out this summer. Thanks.
Eileen says:
June 9th, 2006 at 10:58 am
May I ask how much does the tasting menu cost?
paul says:
June 9th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Sounds like a perfect din din for bday. Any idea how to find restraunts in one’s own area that might provide this? Is ‘tasting menu’ the operative term?
Jonah says:
June 9th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Eileen - The tasting menu is $45/person for five course.
Paul - Tasting Menu, Prix Fixe, Fixed Price are somewhat interchangeable. Prix Fixe tends to be more of a set menu of appetizer, main and dessert. Tasting menu tends to have more dishes which are smaller in portion size. Essentially, the chef is giving you a sampling of many different flavors, which should work together and leave you full at the end.
Martin says:
June 9th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
My last bday I went to Warszawa with some friends. It is always tasty and some of the flavors take you back to the old country.
Pauline says:
June 9th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
Two traditions:
La Parisienne in Monrovia with the family,
The Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Rey (outside seating) with friends.
carey says:
June 9th, 2006 at 6:43 pm
Last year, we went to Hotel Bel-Air for my birthday dinner. The food wasn’t mind blowing but the setting is great for a special occasion. Also, my b’day is in the summer and Stone Canyon is at least 10 degrees cooler than everywhere else in LA!
This year could be AOC, Melisse or Urasawa if I hit the lottery.
Tim K says:
June 13th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Fav b-day group restaurants for me and my buds:
Roscoe’s on Pico or the one in Alta Dena
Red Lion Tavern
Yang Chow in Pasadena
Casa Bianca
MaxMillion says:
June 14th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Well, as my birthday falls around Easter, it invariably develops into what is renowned as The Birthday Festival.
I wanted to dine at Ortolan for my birthday, but various factors led to four of us (another birthday star) dining at Mastros Steakhouse in Bev Hills on the Thurs prior to Easter. (report soon.)
Saturday I did a Lamb Roast for six using a semi-boneless leg from Jamieson Ranch Farms; lashings of potatoes roasted in goose fat, golden baked onions, grand marnier + butter baked carrots also boiled peas. It was a raging success.
On the big day (Sunday) my good friend Stephanie joined us for brunch; organic market strawberries and organic croissants from Le Pain Quotidien plus home-made cappucino. That evening Ash braved the kitchen to make Crab Crepes as I sipped on Bollinger and shouted out helpful instructions from the lounge room.
Monday was lunch and antiquities at the luxe, newly re-opened .
Needless to say it was a sensational festival!!
MaxMillion says:
June 14th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
^ uh, I tried to link Getty Villa Cafe above…
lizriz says:
June 25th, 2006 at 6:55 am
Going to my favorite, favorite restaurant, The Melting Pot, tonight! :)
Sidney says:
November 4th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
Lowenbrau in Mid-Wilshire area is the the only place my boyfriend wants to go. See you there next weekend….