Having had our girls' jaunt to Le Touquet back in September, it feels like Janine must be at least 60 and a half by now – but no, the big day is still to come next week.
As part of the build up, we were out with the AV5 for Jane's birthday meal last week, starting with cocktails in a cool underground carriage themed bar. From there on to the oddly named, but really very good, Masala Zone in the lovely old Criterion Building, via the lights of Regents Street. Really good food and decently priced thali platters – and it's always a good sign when most of the punters are Indian. Sweet service and such a gorgeous place, would def recommend.
Remaining on the nosh trail, Mr H and I then went off with Janine & Ross for her special birthday treat meal, to Chez Bruce in Wandsworth Common. Which has been there for almost 30 years now, so is clearly continuing to get something right, when so many other fooderies have faltered and gone. Have to say, it was one of the best meals I've ever had there. Kicked off with a bottle of vintage fizz, to whet Madam's birthday whistle, and then we were off on a foodie delight.
For me, a stunningly tasty meaty sausagey pasta starter, washed down with a winter cosmo cocktail. (I made it work..) A real lovely chicken with a rabbit pie on the side, as you do, for mains. And the puds were great – a huge tall tarte tatin for 2 to share (we all did), a pear and almond tart for me (also shared) and then a plate of a dozen cheeses. We were reeling by this point…
While we could still just about speak, we asked for the bill. In typically smooth style, we were then offered home baked shortbread fingers, dusted in sugar, as the first freebie. Then some luscious looking chocolate truffles followed. I was so full I couldn't manage my one – I KNOW!!! A shocking state of affairs. Then a cellophane wrapped little gift bag of some sort of nougat wafers… as they then slip the not-tiny bill onto the table. Silky!
It's a really great place for a special birthday thing, not so good when you're trying to lose weight but for one night only, we went LARGE and very, very nice it was too. x
All giving us the chance to hand over Janine's official birthday card from the girls, complete with Moonpigged photos of the Le T trip. As well as an amazing well photoshopped 'voucher' for the new Caudalie spa in France, our present for her big day itself.