It was my birthday during the week. I love birthdays, and in our family birthday celebrations can go for a week.
The day always starts with champagne. Although because this was the first birthday I can remember where I had to go to work it was only one glass. Then Doc dragged himself out of his sick bed to take me out for lunch.
As we had limited time, we went back to the pub at Shellharbour, where we started our Sunday lunch project. This time it was mid week and raining, so there weren’t all the visitors there were last time and the pub was quiet. It still had the same old fashioned feel it did last time, the same view of the harbor and boats, and much the same menu. Though this time there was one thing I didn’t notice last time –gnocchi with eggplant and tomato.
As it was the only vegetarian item on the menu of course I ordered it. I remember the first time I ever had gnocchi – I loved it. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find one as good since. I’ve tried cooking it myself, using a variety of different brands and different sauces, but all I end up with is starchy sludge. And I keep ordering it at restaurants, with varying degrees of success – always looking for that elusive magical dish.
And, finally, I’ve found it. The best gnocchi I’ve ever had – from the old fashioned Shellharbour pub. Which just proves what Doc always says – you should try everything twice, in case you don’t get it right the first time.
And the day kept getting better.
Not long after I got back to my office a beautiful big arrangement of flowers arrived – with an unsigned card. I tried to pretend I had a secret admirer, but of course it was Doc being very romantic. Gotta love that man!
And to top it all off – my oldest daughter arranged a birthday cake with “37” candles. Which is of course my age, and has been for the last few years at least. After all, they say you’re as old as you feel. So happy 37th birthday to me!
