Thursday Evening, August 6
We told Lydia that she could choose a restaurant for her 2020 birthday while her mom was here if she wished. Her birthday isn’t until December, but with COVID it may be easier to eat out right now than in December.
I tried taking a picture without the flash, but that didn’t get real great since the room was fairly dark. We were enjoying French Pressed Coffee – a treat I look forward to in this restaurant.
A waitress offered to take a picture that included all four of us. I was pleased that Lydia chose John J. Jeffries, because the food is unique. Lydia likes this place because of her experience and training in culinary arts.
Our bread and muffins arrived first – with fresh homemade butter. Fresh butter has a unique taste and took me back to when my mom made our butter when I was growing up on the farm.
Next was the chef’s choice appetizer – a cold tomato soup. Very tasty.
Fried Green Tomato – Lindendale Fresh Goat Mozzarella, Tomato and Garlic Scape Basil Pesto
Lydia couldn’t decide if she wanted the fried green tomato appetizer or the Surf n Turf. I suggested that she get the Surf n Turf and we will get a Fried Green Tomato appetizer for everyone to taste.
Lydia’s Surf & Turf – Shave Raw Dry-Aged Beef, Salt Cured Scallops, Pickled Onion, Olive Tapenade (yes its raw!)
She knew how to eat this by wrapping a bit of everything together on a fork.
My Two-Soup Appetizer. Corn Chowder and Tomato Soup. I was pleased that they were serving it on this evening because it is one of my favorites at this restaurant.
Lydia’s entrée. I could not find the actual name for this salmon dish because the menu has changed on their website.
Cerwin and Diane got the same entrée – Lil’ Ponderosa Grass Fed Dry Aged Meatballs – Mac & Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs
My Smoked Trout Caesar Salad was fabulous.
Peach Sorbet – Lydia’s birthday dessert. The waitress knew her birthday is only coming up in December, but still brought her choice of dessert.
Diane chose this Santa Barbara 72% Fair Trade Organic Dark Chocolate and Violet Pâté Berry Sauce, Crème Anglaise & Whipped Cream.
Cerwin and I shared this Tres Leche Cake & Fresh Berries Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce.
I needed an updated photo of Lydia for our refrigerator – and took several. This one was her choice.
Oh, that was a delightful evening with Diane and Lydia. Diane often misses Cerwin’s and my birthday dinners when we take our children out to a nice restaurant, so it was great that we could give her a special dinner.