... the birthday festivities were wonderful. went to Arielle's place for an amazing dinner friday with the sec gang (she made ham, asparagus, carrots, potatoes, and strawberry shortcake. I know, she is a cooking goddess), had lunch with the family on saturday, dinner at the blackhoof with ingie, ju, silva, and the lover. slept in sunday, until 4 with the lover, had coffee haagen daz in bed, and made pasta.

http://theblackhoof.com/ - amazing place. we shared the bread, olives, tongue on brioche, roasted bone marrow, pork tacos, duck heart tartare, sweetbread and rapini, and dessert (chocolate cake with lemon cheesecake icing with beat ice cream). It was an amazing dinner! They don't have reservations and don't take credit cards, but it was worth it. the service was great, and we were seated in the very back, in a cozy corner, which I really liked. Definitely would go back to the hoof cafe (which is literally across the restaurant), which has a brunch and a tasting menu. It's unfortunately under construction, but hopefully will open again soon.