My birthday's in ten days. And I don't know what I want for dinner.
It's a family tradition (well, for the last decade or so). The birthday celebrant gets to pick the meal.
In past years, I've been hungry for something, so it wasn't too hard to decide. But this year, I'm blank.
The only thing I've been craving is turkey meatloaf. However, the only person who makes it the way I like is me. The rest of the family isn't too keen. So, last week, I made one for me. Because it was just for me, I had enough to last me a week. It was lovely.
And I'm left with what do I want the family to make for me for my birthday? And I'm still blank.
So, I'm seeking ideas. But it's also a fun question:
If you got to pick your very favorite meal (that you didn't have to cook or pay for or clean up after), what would you choose?
I always wanted Italian food for my birthday. I love Italian food. But more importantly, my father’s birthday was the day before mine, and my mother made spaghetti and meatballs for him the night before I was born.
ReplyDeleteMy kids took me out to dinner for my birthday in February, and of course we went Italian.
Then I got my diagnosis of Celiac disease. But good news, there’s a restaurant in Manhattan, it’s Italian, and everything in the restaurant is gluten free. Guess where we are going for my next birthday.
Trader Joe's has a great brown rice pasta. I think it's gluten-free. (I didn't look, but I'd assume that's why it's made.) Italian is such a great meal.
DeleteI'm always up for Thai food.
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely.
DeleteIn my teens and young adulthood I loved my mother's stuffed flank steak. The stuffing was like turkey dressing, but of course, not poultry seasoned. It got too expensive though. If I were going out I'd pick Indian or Mexican food. Have you ever tried Kevin Lee Jacob's turkey loaf? I have never made beef meatloaf again after making it! Not once!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.agardenforthehouse.com/turkey-carrot-bacon-loaf-gf/
I definitely prefer turkey meatloafs, but I haven't tried that one. It looks interesting.
DeleteThe chicken stir-fry my mom makes. She actually does make it for me for my birthday each year.
ReplyDeleteOur family gathered at our local Chi-Chi's for many occasions. I've forever missed their seafood chimichanga after the chain restaurant closed. Due to your post, I found a copycat recipe, so thanks for that! I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of Chi-Chi's. It must be local to you.
DeleteYou're probably right. It wasn't exactly authentic Mexican cuisine but delicious nonetheless.
DeleteAs a not-fond-of-Mexican-food person (I know, it's practically a crime in my neck of the woods), I find there's nothing wrong with not authentic.
DeleteRecently I been wanting Swiss Steak.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on, and stay safe.
Kind of side-stepping the question, but I had a birthday a couple weeks ago and had the same dilemma. I went with location rather than food preference. I asked my family if we could go to the restaurant at the end of the Balboa Pier. Nothing fancy, just a Ruby's, but being surrounded by ocean was wonderful. Have a happy birthday!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed going to a birthday party I was invited to at a place surrounded by food carts. The middle was a big building with rustic tables and benches, for large or small gatherings, many at once. They had a drink bar and coffee bar inside plus a stage for band nights. OUtside, either side, all sorts of food carts, so everyone can pick their own favorite food.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years back I paid more attention to food truck gatherings. I went to a couple. They'd all be in one location, so everyone in your group could pick the food they wanted, and there were benches to eat at. That is definitely a fun time.
DeleteItalian food. I am craving gnocchi right now!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings, Liz
Roast lamb dinner. Hands down :)
ReplyDeleteSounds yummy.
DeleteI've always wanted to join a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings!
ReplyDeleteI actually did that one year. (My birthday's in July, so it was unusual.) Long story. It was lovely.
DeleteWe never eat out on my birthday because it comes up against a major holiday season and the restaurants are always full. For my birthday we splurge on filet mignon with mushrooms and stuffed baked potato. Wanted to share this, too, as maybe this will be my birthday dinner this year - This may sound strange but my mother in law made a meatless lasagna with eggbows (not lasagna noodles) and I way prefer it that way. In the sauce (which she called gravy) would always be meatballs and brachiole (a rolled and stuffed meat). That and a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that my husband cooks my birthday meal (and every other meal). I am forbidden by law from cooking in our house, lol.
DeleteNothing wrong with not going out on your birthday. We all have different preferences, and competing with a holiday is not worth it.
DeleteYAY! My b-day was last week and we had really yummy pizza at a joint up in Seattle. Happy Early Birthday, Liz!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely. Thanks.
DeleteI would choose cheeseburgers and french fries. I'm pretty unsophisticated that way.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, that's what I'm considering at the moment. On the outside grill. But yeah, that sounds good.
DeleteHappy Birthday!!! By the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks. (It's next week.)
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