Last night I spent hours smiling, laughing, sipping, and eating with some amazing friends! I initially thought that hosting a holiday party next weekend and the Miami work travel would make things too hectic for a birthday party but I’m thankful that Bo convinced me otherwise!
We me the group at the Hurricane Club at 9pm for a dinner of tropical shared plates and fun rum punch drinks!
The first to arrive, we had just enough time to grab a fun drink at the bar. Bo started with a Manhattan and I went with my standby, vodka soda with a splash of cranberry. The fun and slightly kitschy decor immediately put us in a party mood!
For anyone who has yet to enjoy drinks or a meal at the Hurricane Club, the atmosphere is not the only amazing part. The owners really have mastered all three aspects of a restaurant experience: atmosphere, food, and drinks.
These pictures, while devoid of people, give you an idea of the decor and interior. The restaurant was packed last night, but at 5:30 this evening when I showed up to pick up my camera which had been left behind, it was completely empty.
Upon being seated, our party was ready to dive into the food and drinks!
We started with two Brazilian punch bowls and the Pupu appetizer platter.
The highlights of the platter were the tuna tartare cones, coconut shrimp, and the PB& Guava Jwith prosciutto and Thai basil.
After enjoying some sweet drinks and appetizers, we ordered a number of main dishes to share:
- Honey-glazed baby back ribs
- Bangkok chicken stir-fry
- Filet mignon w/shiitake mushrooms
- spice-crusted shrimp with coconut cream
- scallops a la planch
- Shanghai lobster noodles
- steamed baby bok choy
The food was even more amazing than I remembered, especially the lobster noodles and the scallops!
No birthday celebration is complete without dessert, so our table shared two different desserts, the chocolate kill devil’s food cake and a peanut butter sandwich. The devil’s food cake was like an uptown, grown up version of a Little Debbie Swiss Roll.
After dinner the majority of the group ended up at Cibar where we enjoyed our version of bottle service, compliments of our fine gentleman escorts!
Needless to say, after a fun evening with lots of bubbly, I’ve spent the day in bed, on the couch, and in the kitchen baking. I didn’t shower until 5pm and have only left the apartment once all day. The lazy recovery day felt wonderful, complete with homemade pancakes, miniature red velvet cupcakes, and healthy Chinese dinner to complete the day!
Have a wonderful Sunday evening and here’s to hoping the painters will be finished tomorrow and that our life can return to normal.
Happy Birthday ! You looked beautiful last night. Glad you were able to have fun last night and then relax today. Sounds like the perfect birthday.
LOL at that naughty bear! Trying to lick the bowl too soon..
Kath: I thought you’d get a kick out of that naughty bear! 🙂
Happy Birthday!!! You look beautiful, and that food looks AMAZING! 🙂
Gretchen: Thanks! The food was delicious!!
Looks like a fabulously fun night! Great detail on the sleeves of your dress! There’s nothing like a lazy Sunday relaxing at home, doing the things you love and loving the things you do 🙂
Happy Birthday! Looks like a super fun night! I want to check out the Hurricane Club the next time I’m up in NYC!
Yay! I’m so happy you had a great birthday night out! It looked like so much fun and I’m just sad I’m all the way in Florida and couldn’t be there to enjoy it with you! Happy belated birthday again girl! This is going to be another awesome year!
Wow, looks like a fantastic time! I’m in NYC too so I’ll have to check out the Hurricane Club soon. Adding it to the list.
Irina: It is so much fun! You should definitely give it a try the next time you’re going out for a fun night with friends!
You looked absolutley stunning! Loved the detailing on your dress. Here’s to many more sexy bdays!
You look stunning and so happy! Hope this year is even better than the last!
Happy Birthday! I loove your jacket!
happy birthday!! I’m a little late, but your night looks phenomenal