I made some really delicious cakes today. It was the Oldroyd summer birthday celebration tonight, and true-to-form, Ross and I were asked to bring the booze (my dad's only birthday request was to have gin & tonics). I was feeling creative though this morning, and decided to tackle a layer cake with fruit.
I had to make a bunch of them, since I only have 4" cake pans, and the first attempt turned out looking more like the leaning tower of pisa. But, I perservered and I think they turned out lovely...all until Ophie ate one off the counter while I was outside. That dog does love her carbs!
I ran errands with my mom this afternoon, found some incredible finds at Target, and played in the garden with Lia tonight (who by the way just learned how to wave and how delicious shoes can taste).
The restaurant is based on a love story - the story of Beatrice, a California descendent of French wine family, and how she met her lumberjack, Woodsley. Now I know what you're thinking, barf, bad chick flick....and I would agree, except that the space is so whimsical and fantastic that you can't help but be swept up by its magic. The menu includes a fabulous array of French and Californian wine, delicious homemade appetizers and house-cured meats, and fun oldy-time cocktails. The lounge is made up of tree stumps for tables, chainsaws intersecting the bar, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, a rain-chain for water at the bathroom sink... the list goes on. All in all, it was a fantastic mid-week escape with good food, delicious wine, lots of eye candy, and rich conversation. 
I'm getting really excited about going to New York. A week from tomorrow we'll be on our way!
