Birthdays and Steak

Ever since Chris and I have been married we have made a habit dining out at nice restaurants for special occasions. Birthdays, our anniversary and valentines day. That's only 4 nights a year we splurge and it is usually well worth it. We have had some fantastic meals over the years at places such as The Capital Grille in Bostons swanky Back Bay area, Abe and Louie's also in Bostons Back bay area, Top of the Hub which is a restaurant on the top floor of the Prudential Tower in downtown Boston, The Metropolitan Grill in downtown Seattle, Crickelwood which was a great little local joint we found in Northern California, The Chart House here in Portland and most recently we enjoyed an amazing dinner tonight at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse here in Portland.

Today was Chris's 34th birthday and he is always on the hunt for a great steak. He of course was the one to pick Ruth's Chris and what a great choice it was. We had the most amazing dinner. French onion soup and a bone in rib eye for Chris. A divine wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese and stuffed chicken for me. Broccoli au grautin and garlic mashed potatoes. My mouth is watering just remembering how good it all was. Of course no meal is complete without dessert. We managed to not do too much damage by sharing his free birthday treat which was a mini chocolate cheesecake, vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

I would like to think that Chris had a great birthday even though it did start with dentist appointments I set for us for first thing this morning. I hope the fact I got him tickets to The Apple Cup to see the Washington Huskies take on the Washington State Cougars at Century Link Field in Seattle will make up for the dentist part of the day. Happy Birthday Chris, I love you!!

So what are your traditions for special occasions like birthdays?