Forty-Niner

To be honest, we haven't had a lot to really celebrate in a while. So while 49 isn't normally a go all out kind of birthday, the need for a celebration combined with both Allen's passage of youth and new job, coupled with his return following a dramatic and taxing business trip for said job, plus a really nice promotion (free gift certificate for Rose's Luxury with the purchase of a reservation) meant that Allen and I got to take in all four courses, four amuse bouches, and a bevy of drinks at Pineapple & Pearls while donning gold lamè pants (at least for me) and celebrating Allen.

While as parents we don't like to play favorites, as foodies, there were definitely some standouts: Beggar's Purses a la Quilted Giraffe had both an incredible presentation and tasted amazing (scallion pancakes with creme fresh, red onion and caviar); Marco's Gnocchi involves no eggs, but some amazing black truffles; the World Class Wagyu seemingly melted in your mouth; and the Taste the (Berry) Rainbow was just what a couple of kids from Iowa need to end a lovely evening (and the Tomorrow's Lunch wagyu cheeseburgers made for a couple of lovely lunch breaks for Allen).

It's not something we do very often, but if you have the means and opportunity, we highly recommend a night our at Pineapple & Pearls. It definitely made for a special 49th. Happy birthday, Allen Fawcett.

(To see all the courses, click here.)