Special Birthday

[kishgo]

My hubby will be turning seventy soon. I want to make it memorable, special, exciting. So I thought about a surprise party, an opportunity to see many friends from near and far. His kids didn't like the idea, feeling that it was too much to do and that their Dad wouldn't like it. (Not sure how much they had to do...as in just show up!!) I kind of ran the idea past hubby and he was instantly all over it, not liking it one bit. So then I suggested a smaller party and he was lukewarm about that. What he really wanted was a lovely dinner with our family. Okay, so if that what he wants, then fine. Restaurant names came up. His favourite doesn't serve vegetarian or vegan food. After much deliberating, he finally asked, "Couldn't you just make one of your fabulous dinners? It's so much easier."
Easier????? I asked. For whom??????
Guess what we are doing...yup, I'm cooking. His birthday is on Easter weekend so here's hoping that the weather continues to be great, the kids can play outside on the deck or go for a walk. It will all be fine in the end. He will be happy and that's what it's all about.
Guess I'd better get on the menu planning soon.

[mario]

Well you can always make up for it when your birthday comes around. You can put up a neon sign on your lawn inviting EVERYBODY lol. But if you're having vegan stuff I'm not showing up (bleh).

[kishgo]

Great idea mario. I'll invite you for my 70th! Date?

[retired2]

Take him to the Arbor for a hotdog

[kishgo]

Hee hee..then it would be MY pleasure!

[gale force]

No reason why the "kids" can't contribute towards their dad's birthday dinner by bringing one of the things that he loves to eat. It would have to be co-ordinated with you Kishgo, but I've gotten to believe that if the work is spread out, its a lot easier to handle!!

[kishgo]

My DIL who lives just blocks away, has offered to make a salad or whatever I prefer. She is a sweetie. Hubby's daughter lives in Ottawa and not a cook/baker/kitchen person at all. She is the vegan person, my huband the meat eater. Never the two shall meat/meet!!!
It will all work out just fine. After many meals, I don't worry about it at all. One year I made roasted beets, just for her and without thinking, added a pad of butter. She wouldn't eat them. From that point on, I gave up.

[kishgo]

So here's what I have planned:
Caesar salad to start, no cheese, no anchovies, no bacon bits
Variety of bread with oil
Main course, barbecued chicken breasts, in a marinade
Roasted mini pototoes
Salata Jida
Carrots and Radish salad (no dairy products in it)
Roasted asparagus
Linguine with beets (no cheese or butter)
Dessert: whatever my DIL brings. Probably a Costco cake with birthday salutations.

[Rick Wisson]

Sounds good.

[growler]

am i invited,you have me hungry already !

[observer]

Very innovative - in my opinion.

Don't you sometimes think that maybe those with those "eat almost nothing diets" - by choice - not by doctor's orders - ought to maybe bring a dish for themselves that they would enjoy?

So, maybe you'll put the parmesan on the side for those who choose to add it to their Caesar salad? - and the butter and sour cream for the potatos, on the side?

[kishgo]

Right on for everything Observer. When hubby's daughter comes to the cottage, I always tell her to bring her own food. After all, they stay for several days. Then her partner cooks it for her.
I do put the extras on the table so everyone can help themselves. I hate having to plan meals around choices as opposed to allergies/intolerances. I do it for family harmony and that's the only reason.

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