40th, Part 1

I originally had not planned on writing anything about my birthday, the 40th. Not because I was feeling the pain of 40; rather, because I was quite nonchalant and unconcerned about it. Aging is not an issue with me.

Gina, however, decided to use the opportunity to throw me a lavish and amazing 40th birthday weekend. She decided to celebrate this milestone, and the result was such an amazing weekend that I feel compelled to share with what readers I may have.

I knew when I married her that I did not deserve her or her thoughtfulness. She continues to prove that every day.

So my birthday was Friday. My team at work, my boss, and a couple of my peers pitched in extravagantly for a suitable gift, notably a couple of bottles of Balvenie 12-year Doublewood Scotch. One of my favorites.

My wife then took me to Oakley's Bistro. We were treated to the best meal we've ever had. Shrimp corndogs, lobster waffles, butternut squash soup, asparagus toad-in-the-hole salad, pork duo, duck duo, creme brulee, and upside-down lemon crepes. Let's say, I ate way too much, and thoroughly enjoyed every single bite.

The chef, Steven Oakley, is a James Beard 2011 semifinalist. As far as I can tell, a well-deserved honor.

Oh, and I did have a couple of dirty martinis featuring a Wisconsin small-batch gin: Death's Door. Yes, I'm a foodie, despite Livy's concern that it was the ending of a culture.