wybigoo

We are going out next weekend to celebrate my husband's 50 birthday with 2 dear friends who are also big foodies. One has worked with many famous chefs (in a non-cooking capacity) and she usually makes the restaurant recommendations. I'd love to surprise them all and come up with someplace new for us to try. My husband prefers light foods and usually orders salmon if it's on the menu. I don't usually eat meat, but would love some good fish or any vegetables. Our friends also eat healthy foods, but we would love to indulge a little to celebrate the half century mark. We appreciate good cooking, just don't want to feel too loaded down at the end of the meal. And of course, we want a good dessert to finish us off. Interesting libations would also fun. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I live a few blocks away from the new location and placed an order the day I heard they were open. When I went in to pick up my order, I was greeted with, "Hello Julie!" and I knew I would love the place. My kids enjoyed their Gyro, baked ziti, and spinach and tomato calzone. I thought the red sauce was pretty good and there was just the right amount of cheese in the ziti (not overloaded and congealed). I also like the yogurt sauce. My favorite was the baklava, which was sticky, nutty, crispy and huge. I also love Backyard BBQ. Try their Health Salad. Delicious!

Hi, I'm Julie. Obviously, I was not the only person who saw the Post article the other day! I am a mom of 3 kids (oldest is a freshman in HS) and wife to a really great husband who, after 20 years still likes me. I am not in the industry, but my brother was a chef for many years in Richmond and I'm half Italian so that's got to count for something. Also was in the entertainment business for years so I have dozens of friends who cook, wait tables, manage restaurants, etc, though mostly in NYC and LA. 2 of my kids have food allergies - mostly dairy and nuts - plus they're just annoying in their lack of desire to try new things, so we tend to end up eating at the same old places. Hubby and I are finally just leaving them home and beginning to stretch our culinary wings again. He turns 50 tomorrow and we will be celebrating with good friends next Saturday. I will post for restaurant suggestions, after reading The Dining Guide. I look forward to many insights and interesting suggestions here.