Birthday Dinner at Americas

My, my, how time flies! Somewhere between all that cooking, drink mixing, photographing and playing with my food, a year managed to sneak up and bite me in the butt. It's pretty weird to think that I'm 31 now (probably because I have the maturity level of a 12 year-old), but a whole lot of wonderful happened at thirty, so I'm excited for what lies just around the corner.
  

For my birthday, Jeremy surprised me with a fun dinner date at Américas in River Oaks. I had never been there before, and his logic was that it was an awesome, classy place to eat, and I could take lots of food photos. (This guy knows the way to my heart.)

{My birthday dinner dress is sold out at Urban Outfitters, but here's a similar dress with a huge mark-down}

Walking in, the place looked like a fantasy world straight out of a Tim Burton movie. Exaggerated, lengthened booths that looked like they were stretched and molded out of espresso colored Silly Putty, with lots of oddly-shaped, bright red and white wall decorations that reminded me of  Ursula's sea cave. (See, 12 year-old.) The eclectic design alone was enough to spark anyone's curiosity. 

{This handsome devil could also spark anyone's curiosity. Simmer down, ladies.}

{Appetizers - fried plantains served with chimichurri, lemon butter, and light salsa}

What the what? Lobster corn dogs are a thing? I had to try. They were delicious, filling, and the creamy corn poblano dipping sauce was addicting.

For entrees, Jeremy ordered the chicken, beef and chorizo empanadas. All very delicious (especially the next morning for breakfast).

I went all out (and a little overboard) with a huge bowl of seafood paella. When we ordered, I thought Jeremy was crazy for getting an appetizer as a main dish, but after all the plantain chips and corn dogs, I could only take a few bites of this before I was completely stuffed. There were so many different meats to try, all scattered about a heaping plate of saffron rice: shrimp, crab claws, mussels, scallops, calamari. I really pushed myself to try them all, but it was just too much. 

We decided to drink our dessert, another glass of Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay for me and another St. Arnold's Amber for him. Leaving us full and satisfied, but not destined for a food coma. It truly was the perfect date. Américas is fantastic because you get the thrill of dressing up and going out to a fancy pants restaurant, without having to act stuffy and completely boring.

{After our dessert drinks} 

I'd also like to wish a Happy Belated Birthday to my blog, which turned a whole year old on the 16th. Sometimes I feel bashful and embarrassed when people bring it up, but I've begun to accept that I love blogging and I'm not afraid to say so. I like documenting my adventures and sharing them with others, and I'm  grateful to those who share with me. 

Lastly, an NGC 6872-Sized Thank You to my man, who has always believed in me and pushed me to keep after my dreams, even when I wanted to throw in the towel. I love you s'much with all my heart. 

♥