This girlaboutOtown posted fewer than her regular two this past week, but with good reason. It was my birthday yesterday, and I have been ever so busy celebrating! Since last Thursday, it’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve had a grand time. I am thankful to those (and you know who you are) who made it all so…
Thursday: It was girl’s night out at Jak’s Kitchen on Bronson Ave, and we stayed entirely too late. A popular brunch destination, Jak’s did dinner very well indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed a fine plate of seared salmon served on a bed of bacon & spinach, accompanied by a nice crisp white wine, and reconnected with good friends after way too long.
Friday: I always appreciate a good movie night at home. This time, I shamelessly played the “birthday card” and managed to convince the fella to rent the Woody Allen directed “Vicky Christina Barcelona”. Now, I am totally inspired to travel to Spain! Lucky for me one of my fellow girls about town will be moving to Madrid later this summer…
Saturday: I finally finished off the homework for my latest interior decor course on textiles, providing an in-depth analysis of the differences between 100% natural silk and the watered appearance of a Moire poly-cotton blend. Thanks to C&M Textiles for the several samples and their so very sunny dispositions! Then, as the little girlaboutOtown likes to say, it was a “free play” day – which usually means a thrifting trip to my favourite second hand destination, Value Village. As usual, there was fun to be found. Anyway, I returned home just in time to greet the Little Cakes lady, who just by coincidence, was dropping off a couple of wee mini-cupcakes for me to sample. Fluffy and light, with buttercream frosting to die for, these delicious little cakes were pure bite-sized delight. Stay tuned for more soon about Ottawa’s newest cupcake bakery Little Cakes…
Sunday: The fella woke me up with fresh hot coffee & a smoothie, and presented the most divine gold cocktail ring (and matching studs) which he procured from a vintage jewellery dealer on Etsy. What is there not to love about that? Later, after champagne mimosas and my Mom’s fabulous a brie & asparagus soufflé (it was my Dad’s birthday too), the ladies of the family headed out to the first ever Old Ottawa South “Homes Between the Bridges” Home Tour, a fundraiser for the re-development of the Firehall Community Centre. There was plenty to peruse in these six striking homes, and we had lovely afternoon, despite the lousy weather!
Rounding out the day was dinner for three, including a marvellous chicken marsala for me, at an old family standby Mr. B’s March House Restaurant on Bank St. out near Hunt Club. The grand finale was a rich chocolate mousse cake, courtesy of my little girlaboutOtown’s dad who took extra time to track it down on Preston St., even with the girl in tow.
Simple pleasures. Thoughtful gifts. Quality time. Lucky me indeed!
As for today, one small birthday-related matter remained to be taken care of. Darn it – if I hadn’t been having so much fun, I might have remembered to take care of small details like driving. Oops! I have just returned from renewing my license…
June 1st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Wow!!! What a great 4-day birthday celebration!!! Lucky you!!
I’ve never heard of any of the restaurants that you went to, and I didn’t hear about the Homes Between the Bridges tour either. I’m way too out of the loop!!
Looking forward to reading more about the cupcake shop
Heck, I should just go check out the cupcake shop myself!! 
Happy Birthday!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
You are too kind. I know, its ridiculous how lucky I am to be treated so well. I feel so fortunate.
Oh, and you should totally check out both Jak’s and Mr. B’s. Totally different experiences, but both worth a stop.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Do you have a link to the jewelry seller on etsy?
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
For sure I’ll check out Jak’s & Mr. B’s
We only have a couple of go-to restaurants, so it would be great to add a couple more to the list 
Our favourite restaurant is The Singapore. It’s on Kempster across from the Coliseum on Carling. It’s small and not fancy, but the food is great. My hubby has been going there since it opened more than 20 years ago
Their signature dish is Laksa. We always get Laksa, salad (with the BEST peanut sauce ever!!), and lemon chicken. Yummy!!
Kelly
June 4th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Thanks for the tip! If I’m ever out that way, I’ll have to remember to try…
June 4th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Unfortunately, I don’t. It was a gift, so I haven’t gone snooping about the source. It is a lovely piece though…
Besides, there is soooo much to choose from on Etsy, I’m sure you’ll find something that appeals! Good luck.