on a favorite day of the year, a shot of my favorite tree in madison square park...
i've always liked that my birthday falls on the summer solstice--the longest day of the year, the first day of summer. everyone seems automatically happy, anticipating the most carefree season...
i wasn't unhappy in the days leading up to my birthday this year, but i was sort of feeling the weight of everything that is unsettled...
the festivities officially started a day early--combo father's day celebration. mom, dad and sister came into the city for brunch. we went to artisanal--perhaps the best neighborhood choice for special occasions and visits--and then hung around at the apartment. it was exactly like most sundays we have together (couch time, story time, baseball and nap time for dad) except it was happening in a much "cozier" (read: smaller) setting. oh, and there were presents. very nice presents.
after they left in the early afternoon, my mood was different--happy and calm. i realized then and in the days that followed how lucky i am for everything that is settled, especially family and friends who are my constant.
it was a true happy birthday.
***
and there was a lot of food:
airy beignets leave a beard of sugar...
sausage and egg (before)
oooh boudin blanc, most tender. served with a bed of lentils...
a trio of ice creams: blackberry cardamom, fennel (yes, fennel!), and coffee...
and bright and fresh strawberry-rhubarb soup, served with a frozen vanilla yogurt. this is summer, all the way...
i "made" this.
at maialino, on the monday morning...
brioche caramellato...a dainty, upscale cinnabon.
i wouldn't have minded a more generous serving...
***
impromptu afternoon snack, with sister, at the reliable le pain q....
black hummus, spicy tahini...
and a giant almond meringue.
it was very good, but i was blind afterwards. so much sugar...
