Musings on age aside, this may have been one of the best birthdays I can remember. It was low-key, but in so being was perfectly matched to me. I don't at all like being the centre of attention, and it's hard to avoid that completely when it's one's birthday. This year, the balance seemed to come together perfectly. The celebrations were at a level I was happy with, and I was left feeling overwhelmingly spoilt, lucky and blessed.
Because my actual birthday was largely taken up by work, we had a family celebration on the Sunday night, at my parent's place. It was a relaxed evening and every aspect was delightful.
From a food perspective, there was an assortment of main meal options, including tofu veggie burgers, and a double batch of vegan vanilla cupcakes, beautifully decorated, to follow. The cupcakes were complimented by a fruit platter with every fruit favourite I have.
The company was lovely and I received an exceedingly generous selection of presents, which were added to further on the Monday by Mr Bite. It wasn't about the presents, though, or even the food - it was just a wonderful evening and I felt incredibly lucky to have everyone there in my life.
From a food perspective, there was an assortment of main meal options, including tofu veggie burgers, and a double batch of vegan vanilla cupcakes, beautifully decorated, to follow. The cupcakes were complimented by a fruit platter with every fruit favourite I have.
The company was lovely and I received an exceedingly generous selection of presents, which were added to further on the Monday by Mr Bite. It wasn't about the presents, though, or even the food - it was just a wonderful evening and I felt incredibly lucky to have everyone there in my life.
On the Monday evening, Mr Bite and I had planned to get burgers from Jus Burgers and take them to a nearby beach where there's a grassy picnicing stretch. Jus Burgers are a Western Australian franchise that seem to have taken Perth by storm, and they do several vegetarian burgers, including a vegan tempeh burger, which I have yet to try.
As it turns out, Jus Burgers were closed for their Christmas party. Fortunately for us, we were able to switch to Grill'd Burgers instead, which have been reviewed favourably elsewhere. The menu states that they are happy to make modifications, and they list ingredients to avoid if you want vegan or gluten-free options.
I went for the Field of Dreams veggie burger ($11.50; grilled field mushroom, roasted peppers, basil pesto, tasty cheese, salad, and herbed mayo) on a traditional bun, only without the cheese, pesto or mayonaise. This could have been a bad decision - I generally try to ask for only one menu change! - but the burger was delicious and definitely moist enough without sauce or cheese. Highly recommended.
Please excuse the bad night time photo. I was trying to highlight the mushroom, but now realise that grilled mushrooms in dark lighting doesn't look as attractive as one might hope.
Mr Bite ordered the Tuscan Delight chicken burger ($12.50; grilled chicken breast, roasted peppers, basil pesto, tasty cheese, salad and herbed mayo), which on typing up I realise is exactly the same as my burger but with chicken instead of mushroom. He had his on a panini roll with no substitutions, and gave it very high marks.
It was a lovely night. I couldn't have asked for a better one, or for a better birthday, and I am very grateful to everyone who made it so (including all of you who left comments!).
What would your ideal birthday involve?
If you have already reached or passed 28, do you recall what you did that year?
If you have already reached or passed 28, do you recall what you did that year?
