Dinner in the burbs and a visit with Akira

Last night I rented a zipcar and drove out to the burbs to have dinner with my mom. She's on vacation this week and wanted to have a mother daughter night. She offered to come out to Boston but I wanted to visit Akira.

Akira is ready to play

I know what the kitties like

I let my mom pick our dinner location since she is the Framingham expert. She chose a local Irish pub called Owen O'Leary's that she'd been wanting to try.

Looks like a pub alright

The pub is a bit dated decor wise but what really matters is the food and the service. We each got the dinner special which was a three-course meal of either beef, turkey or haddock for $9.99. I was skeptical but our food was excellent and the bartender was friendly and attentive. We were too full to eat the included desert but brought it home for later. Good choice mom.

When I got home from dinner I checked my email and saw that my test results were back from the blood work I had done that morning (talk about a fast turn around time). I've had high cholesterol since I was a teenager without much change so I was expecting the same results. Imagine my surprise when I saw that I am now very comfortably in the normal range. I'm not quite sure what caused the dramatic drop but I can only assume it's due to the amount of nuts, fish and avocado I've been eating. Whatever the reason I'm happy about it.

Happy birthday to me!

Last night was my birthday party at Golden Temple. It's becoming a tradition at this point. Every year I think maybe I should switch it up and try something different but everyone seems to have a really good time.

Let's be honest though, the food is also a major factor in choosing Golden Temple every year.

This is just the appetizers!

After dinner it was time to hit the dance floor. The DJ was pretty good and played all of our requests.

Party time in the E Room

No one would let me pay for my food or drinks despite me trying to pay a few times. They spoiled me with cards, gifts and balloons. What can I say? I have amazing friends.

My mother decided to join the festivities as well. She wanted to get out of the house for a bit in the hopes that her new cat Brighten aka Brighty would come out from under the couch and eat. The good news is he did. He's still hiding most of the time but hopefully he'll get settled in soon and start coming out more.

Mom and daughter

On our way home

I woke up this morning a bit tired but otherwise feeling fine despite all the drinks consumed. I'm declaring the night a success.

Put some fig jam on it

I just bought a small ceramic Christmas tree online that lights up. I miss having a tree just not the hassle of dealing with one. I'm going to put it in the front hall. Maybe I'll get some type of garland too.

I got lunch from Eataly today and I'm sad to report that it was meh. I got the Emiliano sandwich which is prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula. It needed some kind of dressing or condiment on it. Fig jam would have been good. Are you taking notes Mario Batali? The homemade chips were good but it's hard to screw up a potato chip. Next up is to try a crepe.

I talked to my mom on the phone earlier and she told me she was going to a fire extinguisher training at her work. "I'm going for the free snacks." I am my mother's daughter.

Afternoon tea at Fancy That

I had a lovely afternoon with my mother today at Fancy That in Walpole. It was my first time having proper tea and my first time trying clotted cream. How have I gone 32 years without trying clotted cream? It is delicious.

The owners, Sarah and Brad, were very attentive and friendly.

Just look at this food.

And this teapot!

I need some cute china in my life. If only I didn't live with a destruct-o cat.