Who knows? I just may write as many posts about turning 50 as I’ve had years getting here…
Just kidding! But you can expect a few more… 🙂
Okay – my very out loud, totally awesome, incredibly special half-century celebration began in the best way possible. The kids came home! All three of them. Making the house big-time happy and a tiny-bit messy in the best kinda ways! I’m trying to think of the last time the five of us were together for my birthday; with it falling in the first week of classes, and Luc living in faraway places the last couple years, it’s been a handful since we were together to share in my birthday cake, making this weekend extra-extra special. The girls got in Friday afternoon, just in time for a little tailgatin’ and SU football that evening. We beat Villanova after a second overtime to officially kick off our weekend on a very positive note. Go Orange!
Upon waking Saturday morning, I was told two things…be ready by 7:00pm and wear a dress. We left the house around 7:20 and proceeded in a direction I was quite familiar with – toward one of my favorite restaurants in Skaneateles. Very cool, I thought to myself, I could definitely handle Rosalie’s Italian bread dipped in olive oil and a nice glass of Chianti. As we were heading down the main street of town, I acknowledged a restaurant that we hadn’t been to since the kids were much younger, like twelve, thirteen years younger… The Krebs. I immediately recalled the hysterical memory I had of the one time we ate there. Before its closing in 2010, making way for a four year interior renovation, The Krebs was a restaurant that took its diners on a trip back in time to the late 1800’s, offering a virtual voyage through food and ambiance, whose stage was set with authentic dishes as well as formal, refined, traditional dinner etiquette. Now, we, by far, were the youngest family in the place. And do you know what happens when you combine kids with a strict expectation of quiet behavior with an environment where the loudest sounds are the slurping of soup and the clinking of ice? Yep – Lauren let out the first little giggle and it was all downhill from there. Tears streaming down my little ones’ faces who are trying desperately not to laugh as the patrons around us were getting quite the show. And if there’s anything you’ll learn about me – it’s that I can’t let a laugh pass me by – I too participated with shaking shoulders and tiny squeals, looking for Dom to corral his family except that he got bit too… and the worst part – we had to sit “quietly” for what felt like an eternity. I believe it was a 7 course meal of small plates, from soup to nuts, served family style. Ahhhh! Good times, my friends, good times!
So… as I was focusing on the restaurant up the street and dwelling on our memory from so many years before…Dom took a quick left, parallel parked and turned off the engine in front of The Krebs. “Surprise!” It was perfect. The outside appearance hadn’t changed a bit, still with its rocking chairs, hanging ferns and old-timey charm, while the inside is decorated in modern moody colors that are warm, sophisticated and very inviting with a menu that’s seasonal and elegant.
The last time we crossed its threshold, the kids had braces on their teeth and wore the latest styles from Old Navy and Children’s Place. And now, like The Krebs, the kids are grown up and more sophisticated and two of the three can share in a cocktail.
Enter Moscow Mule. This ginger flavored cocktail is best served in a copper cup and embellished with a slice of lime, fresh mint leaves and candied ginger. This was my drink of choice that evening and I’m so glad it was…it’s very pretty and so delicious.
Of course, our experience this time was just as pleasurable as the first, however, our laughter now muted by the sounds of smokin’ jazz and the happy chatter of people all around…
My family orchestrated a birthday surprise that not only made 50 feel special but had the power to transport me back to my 30’s like it was yesterday…
It was a magical evening.
- 2 oz. vodka
- 4 - 5 oz. ginger beer
- ½ oz. lime juice
- a wedge of lime, candied ginger and mint leaves to garnish
- Pour vodka in a glass over ice.
- Add the ginger beer and lime juice.
- Stir.
- Garnish with lime, ginger and mint leaves.
Alla famiglia…
Family Selfie before heading out…
Cheers!
I love that story. Every time I go by The Krebs I think about how painfully hard it must have been for you guys to hold that laughter in. The drink sounds fantastic!
Oh man – we failed that test – there was no holding back!! It reminds me of a few laughs you and I have shared over the years! Thanks, Karen! Have you ever had a Moscow Mule?