Birthday Recap

Well, I failed my birthday plan. I was semi-productive. But I think filling up my gas tank can be forgiven. After all, I achieved my other goals: eat well and try something new!

 Let's start with the eating: My mother and I went to Old Ebbitt Grill in Northwest D.C. where we had oysters on the half-shell, lobster and upside down plum cake. Is there anything better than steamed lobster with butter? I am of the humble opinion that no, there is not.

And the raw oysters - mmm! I have been thinking about these oysters for two years. Not kidding. Two years ago, I made a trip to D.C. to visit my mom and we went to Ebbitt Grill to celebrate my birthday. That evening, I had the sweetest, most amazing oysters I have ever tasted. And let me tell you, after moving to Charleston, I've eaten lots of oysters, so imagine my surprise when the smallest oyster on the bed of ice is the best of all! Raspberry Point oysters of Prince Edward Island, Canada, are something to watch out for.

Now, on to the something new: Union Market just opened in D.C.and they were celebrating the opening on my birthday. So for the afternoon, we headed to the market to try out their oyster bar (I really like oysters, in case you didn't notice) and other foods and see what they have to offer. Unfortunately, half the artisans haven't finished setting up shop, but it was neat seeing what was there and what will be coming in soon.

Also, they advertised that there will be an oyster shucking competition later this month. Sign me up! But seriously, I'm considering competing. Oysters, showing off my shuckin' skills, competitive eating - what are the cons?

A really cool chandelier made of plastic bottles
hangs over a large, open area of the market.

Lettuce from pop-up artisan Endless Summer Harvest.

Lemons at Neopol.

Neopol's logo on burlap bags.

Local produce from Almaala Farms.

Birthday Plan

Tomorrow is my birthday, and after a long week I have decided what I want for my birthday:

1. I want to eat well,
2. I want to try something new,
3. And I want to do nothing productive.

It sounds like I want to live in Downton Abbey (which is a not-so-secret dream of mine). But after an extremely productive - and exhausting - week, this birthday girl just wants to relax and indulge (I really am the long-lost, American DA cousin... misplaced by time... and probably DNA).

Where I live in my daydreams.

So, this is my plan for tomorrow, to celebrate the "big" 2-2:

Birthday Morning
Lounge in bed, watching a fun movie and sipping champagne. I decided this first, during one of those I-really-don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed-days.
Birthday Afternoon
A possible trip to the brand new Union Market where I can bring my not-oft-used camera (my graduation gift to myself) and indulge in the eateries. I'm especially looking forward to the oyster bar, the fancy empanadas and Righteous Cheese. I wasn't kidding about the indulge, thing.
Birthday Evening
A restaurant that - hopefully - my mom will recommend. She's an excellent cook and knows the DC restaurant scene as well as any food critic.

And what will happen to me when I awake on Sunday? I only ask that I manage to waddle into an Alexandria restaurant in time for brunch. I'll let you know how it all goes!