Buttercream Beauty

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Yesterday was delightful. The other intern and practicum students at work were kind enough to bring in lots of treats in celebration of my birthday (and the other fall birthdays at work). I didn’t try everything (because of soy lecithin), but these pumpkin cookies (made by Lauren) were awesome and almost cake-like.

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I also had some homemade apple crisp made with apples picked over the weekend!

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I felt a little lost after work because I didn’t know if I should pretend it was a normal day and go to the gym, or just go home and lounge around until dinner time. I ended up going to the gym. Seventeen minutes into my time on the elliptical I realized that I really should be reading blogs and eating apricots on my couch, so I left at that very moment.

It felt like forever before Matt finally arrived home to take me out!

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On our way to the restaurant, we made a pit-stop for one of my absolute favorite things in life:

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I had the Troegs Java Head, a sweet and surprisingly thin coffee stout that went down like water.

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Then we made our way to our dinner destination – Oleana is an intimate mediterranean restaurant in Inman Square in Cambridge, and let me tell you, it is an absolute GEM.

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This bread alone would have satisfied me. This focaccia was perfect, especially dipped in the spiced olive oil it came with. I also had a tasty glass of mysterious red wine. The waiter recommended it and I’d never heard of the style before, so I cannot remember what it was.

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We ordered the whipped feta with sweet and hot peppers to start.  Bliss.

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My entrée was totally unique: roasted halibut & brussels spouts with pomegranate, green olive, walnut, and lentils. Loved that the portion was large and came in a deep bowl. Delish.

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I have to admit, I liked Matt’s meal even more than mine. He was generous with bites though:) This was the Azuluna Pork Saganaki with potato, leeks, chanterrelles, wild green herbs, and kasseri cheese. Basically, that means incredible shredded pork, seasoned to perfection, and covered with thick, salty, cheese.

The whole meal was awesome and quite romantic. Now I’m really in the mood to visit the Mediterranean!

But the highlight of the night was waiting at home. Isn’t she a beauty?

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When people in my family order cakes, we say, “could you just put whatever decoration will result in the most icing on top of the cake?”

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This cake is the definition of close-your-eyes delicious.

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I went back for a second piece and then was so full I couldn’t move, but it was ok because I put on pajama pants and went straight to bed with a smile.  Afterall, I was born to eat cake.

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  • Lauren
    October 19, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    Amen girl! This birthday was everything a birthday should be. Again, I wish you a very happy birthday and I am so glad to see you celebrated with amazing food, good wine and of course, cake! 🙂

  • Judy
    October 19, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    Smiling to hear about your birthday… that cake did look wonderful…

  • solongfattypatty
    October 19, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    wow, what a b-e-a-utiful cake!

  • Nicole (Please Don't Weigh Me at the Zoo)
    October 19, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    Wow, what a cake! I’m glad I’m not the only one with a shameless love of icing. The more the better, and if it makes my teeth hurt? Perfection. 😉

    Happy birthday! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

  • kath
    October 19, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    Man, I wonder if they can top that icing amount on a birthday cake for me! Wish I lived there to order one. The meal looked incredible too – esp. the bread!!

  • Kat
    October 19, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    Happy belated birthday, lady!

    What a beautiful birthday cake! I’ve been known to scrape the frosting off of cake and only eat that bit, so I totally agree with your world view.

  • Becky
    October 20, 2010 at 11:03 am

    That cake has got to come from Party Favors (and they do make the BEST birthday cake, my goodness)!!!! Happy Birthday!!!

  • Anne @ Your Kind of Salad
    October 20, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    The Birthday sounds delightful! I love Oleana too! I went for my birthday last year 🙂 I just got back there a few months ago too. I love that the menu is completely different!

  • Dee
    October 20, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Oh em gee! Look at that cake! YUM-O!

  • RunningOnCoffee
    December 14, 2010 at 11:52 am

    I live a couple hours from Troegs, so luckily I’m able to get many of their beers in 6 packs – and this is one of them! I love their Java Head. I actually don’t think I’ve had a Troegs beer I didn’t like.

    That birthday cake looks awesome!

    • Laura
      December 14, 2010 at 9:33 pm

      I’d love to visit that brewery!!