How can one person be so lucky? Beats me . . . all I know is that I am
Soon after returning from our all day exploration of Fes and its medina, the Riad Myra's manager, who seems to always be on duty, calls to request that I come downstairs. Quickly changing for dinner, I hurried down and then was told that we needed to wait for the others. Much to my surprise (and great delight) our tour operator Alecia Cohen at Travel Explorations Morocco had arranged for the Riad's chef to bake me a birthday cake . . . a huge birthday cake! Since we hadn't had dinner yet, after singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the candles, and having pictures taken, we opted to eat the cake afterwards. Full disclosure: Gypsy and I did try the tempting whipped cream frosting which was fabulous!
I had arranged before coming to Morocco to celebrate my birthday at the restaurant La Maison Bleue after reading several reviews. Frommer's describes it as "serving exceptional traditional cuisine in a setting that is indeed romantic and worth the splurge" and Alastair Sawday wrote in his book Special Places To Stay: Morocco, "one of the most renowned restaurants in town — a place for true gourmets." Situated within easy walking distance from where we are staying at Riad Myra, La Maison Bleue certainly lived up to its reputation. Owner Mehdi el Abbadi converted his family's early 20th-century home into Fes' first maison d'hôte, and his sister Kenza turned the kitchen and ground floor into the restaurant.
Just off the courtyard, we are shown to our table, which has my friend Jewel's surname spelled out in confections shaped like M&M's. There are also lovely embroidered designs and confections on the table. My nuesta sisters and Tahar were quietly busy today while we were touring Fes . . . First, they surreptitiously purchased miniature Moroccan slippers to decorate our place settings while we were touring the Jewish Quarter. After Moroccan wine is poured and I set to reading birthday cards/emails and opening presents, Gypsy signals Tehar to produce my next surprise . . . a bottle of her fabulously delicious Gypsy Canyon Pinot Noir, which she brought with her from home! During our four-course dinner we are entertained by both an Andalusian musician and a Gnaoua musician. The set menu included an assortment of Moroccan salads, pigeon and chicken pastilla, a beef tangine, and sliced oranges in cinnamon. My third surprise . . . surprises always happen in 3s, no? . . . is a (another) birthday cake that the Nuestas' arranged to be made and delivered by the chef at Le Patio Bleue where we had lunch today. My birthday wish? With gratitude for all the blessings in my life — and especially such dear friends to share (both here in Morocco and from afar) by 60th birthday — I wished that everyone be so blessed! ! !
With very full bellies we stroll back to Riad Myra. Before heading to bed, I ask heading to that my "other" birthday cake be refrigerated until tomorrow and invite everyone working there to share in its deliciousness. Best 60th birthday ever . . . I told you I am lucky . . . and well loved!
the luckiest person. Here to share my birthday with me are three of my most favorite friends — Gypsy, Jewel and Mama Rosa! Soon after returning from our all day exploration of Fes and its medina, the Riad Myra's manager, who seems to always be on duty, calls to request that I come downstairs. Quickly changing for dinner, I hurried down and then was told that we needed to wait for the others. Much to my surprise (and great delight) our tour operator Alecia Cohen at Travel Explorations Morocco had arranged for the Riad's chef to bake me a birthday cake . . . a huge birthday cake! Since we hadn't had dinner yet, after singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the candles, and having pictures taken, we opted to eat the cake afterwards. Full disclosure: Gypsy and I did try the tempting whipped cream frosting which was fabulous!
I had arranged before coming to Morocco to celebrate my birthday at the restaurant La Maison Bleue after reading several reviews. Frommer's describes it as "serving exceptional traditional cuisine in a setting that is indeed romantic and worth the splurge" and Alastair Sawday wrote in his book Special Places To Stay: Morocco, "one of the most renowned restaurants in town — a place for true gourmets." Situated within easy walking distance from where we are staying at Riad Myra, La Maison Bleue certainly lived up to its reputation. Owner Mehdi el Abbadi converted his family's early 20th-century home into Fes' first maison d'hôte, and his sister Kenza turned the kitchen and ground floor into the restaurant.
Just off the courtyard, we are shown to our table, which has my friend Jewel's surname spelled out in confections shaped like M&M's. There are also lovely embroidered designs and confections on the table. My nuesta sisters and Tahar were quietly busy today while we were touring Fes . . . First, they surreptitiously purchased miniature Moroccan slippers to decorate our place settings while we were touring the Jewish Quarter. After Moroccan wine is poured and I set to reading birthday cards/emails and opening presents, Gypsy signals Tehar to produce my next surprise . . . a bottle of her fabulously delicious Gypsy Canyon Pinot Noir, which she brought with her from home! During our four-course dinner we are entertained by both an Andalusian musician and a Gnaoua musician. The set menu included an assortment of Moroccan salads, pigeon and chicken pastilla, a beef tangine, and sliced oranges in cinnamon. My third surprise . . . surprises always happen in 3s, no? . . . is a (another) birthday cake that the Nuestas' arranged to be made and delivered by the chef at Le Patio Bleue where we had lunch today. My birthday wish? With gratitude for all the blessings in my life — and especially such dear friends to share (both here in Morocco and from afar) by 60th birthday — I wished that everyone be so blessed! ! !
With very full bellies we stroll back to Riad Myra. Before heading to bed, I ask heading to that my "other" birthday cake be refrigerated until tomorrow and invite everyone working there to share in its deliciousness. Best 60th birthday ever . . . I told you I am lucky . . . and well loved!