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Bebe Birthday
Emma Lou’s birthday is on Juneteenth, and she so happened to be in town for it. We kicked off our night with presents - some for the birthday girl, of course - but also some for me and Kathryn, as she felt guilty she hadn’t yet gifted for our birthdays. Dominic gave Emma Lou some clothes, a cassette, and a Bluetooth media player that can also output CD, cassette, and even radio signal. Then Emma Lou gave us a new pair of sunglasses and a hilarious t-shirt featuring classy photos of Willa.
Next we began our true birthday celebration by driving to downtown Raleigh. Along the way, we took a pit stop at Nice Price Books & Records (for avid readers, you may remember we were there a week earlier to take our engagement photoshoot). I acquired The Beth’s record Future Me Hates Me and the Minecraft Beta soundtrack. Kathryn finally got her hands on the Wednesday album Bleeds from last year, as well as some used vinyls of artists we rarely find at such a good deal. Emma Lou and Dominic enjoyed some fresh finds from the CD and cassette collection too.
We could have spent more time engrossed in the Nice Price inventory, but our dinner reservation was fast approaching. We went to the fusion restaurant STIR, which is a mid-fancy establishment featuring a variety of seafoods and dishes across American and Eurasian cultures. I have dined here before for corporate lunch outings, and I was giddy with excitement to share it with those I love.
I humbly requested that the table order the whipped feta appetizer to spread upon crustinis, and Emma Lou also ordered a dozen raw oysters for us to split. The feta dip was as light and creamy as I remembered it, and the oysters were quite refreshing. I had never eaten raw oyster before this.
Our entrees, while very good, were not the highlight of the meal. I ordered a filet mignon with goat cheese ravioli. The ravioli was delicious, but I do not exaggerate when I say the filet had no flavor. The sensation in my mouth was purely texture, and I had this confirmed by sharing a piece with Emma Lou. We also ordered a sirloin, shrimp and grits, and lobster mac & cheese between the remaining diners, and these appeared to be more flavorful yet still not overly impressive.
We took a brief pit stop at the house before rounding out the night at Goodberry’s, a frozen custard joint and a local favorite. Kathryn had the the correct foresight to order a mini as the rest of us drowned in an 18oz “regular” size. With bellies about to burst, we bid adieu for the night to rest up ahead of our even busier day tomorrow.