Birthday at the Beach

I think it's fair to say that my 23rd birthday was one of my best yet. My entire birthday weekend in California was filled with many epic adventures, but my friends went out of their way to make my actual birthday on Friday extra special. To kick off our celebrations, we packed a gourmet picnic and brought it to the beautiful Newport Beach. Our scrumptious snacks included caprese salad, prosciutto and salami, crackers & hummus, creamy brie, strawberries, blueberries, and yes - macarons!! 

As if the sunshine, glistening ocean & good company weren't enough, we spotted a momma and baby dolphin incredibly close to shore as we were indulging on our delicious snacks. They were jumping up through the waves, spinning and splashing as if they were also having the best day ever. If you didn't know already, dolphins are my favorite animal and my spirit animal. The other beach-goers probably thought I was crazy, because I just about died of happiness when I realized my spirit animal was saying "happy birthday" to me. Don't mind me, I'm just your average Seattleite who's not accustomed to real beaches and freaks out in the presence of typical marine life.

Dolphin-induced fits of joy aside, we had the most marvelous afternoon at the beach. Our charming OC picnic was the perfect start to the rest of our weekend's adventures!

California, Here I Come

Guess what, you guys... my birthday is tomorrow! I'm going to go ahead and shamelessly admit that my birthday is my favorite holiday. Like I've said before, I'm a millennial/Leo/only child. So sue me.

The only thing that I wanted for my birthday this year was a trip to California. (And an iPad mini. But I digress.) And so...

I'm off to beautiful Newport Beach & LA to visit my kindred spirit Meghan!

Have I mentioned lately that I belong in Southern California? Because I do.

(Right now I'm dreaming of grad school in San Diego and eventually ending up in Orange County.)

I am ridiculously excited for this weekend. I'm looking forward to drinking Coffee Bean every day, eating fries and protein-style burgers from In-N-Out, constant sunshine, frolicking along charming piers that make me feel like I'm on the set of The OC, palm trees, laying out by the pool (preferably with fruity cocktails in hand), sunsets at the beach, real beaches in general, and most importantly - hanging out with my soul sista Meghan!

See you later, Seattle!

Terra Plata

Rooftop bars and restaurants are far and few between here in Seattle. I understand why; with persistent rain 3/4 of the year, rooftop seating isn't exactly profitable. But on a hot summer day, nothing quite beats dining al fresco. My idea of the perfect summer evening is sipping craft cocktails and indulging on delectable dishes outside while surrounded by gorgeous views of the city.

Hence, I've been dying to go to Terra Plata on Capitol Hill for quite some time now. I even added it to my "Seattle Bucket List" that I'm trying to accomplish before leaving for Spain. After yesterday's bridesmaids dress fitting, I suggested we venture to Terra Plata to try their notoriously delicious and sustainable "earth to plate" dishes. Terra Plata values local growers, artisan producers and fresh, seasonal ingredients. They even have their own herb garden atop the roof! 

Our happy hour appetizers included house made potato chips with truffled sea salt and pecorino-chive cream, medjool dates with cabrales, lardo, lemon and thyme, and the local cheese plate served with gluten free crostini. In other words, foodie heaven. As we snacked on our gourmet hors d'oeuvres, I sipped on a tasty Moscow Mule made with vodka, Rachel's ginger beer, lime and bitters. 

I thought it couldn't get any better than these appetizers, but I was mistaken. Our entrees were heavenly. Dare I say, our dinner was flawless. We ordered a fresh peach and goat cheese salad, pesto risotto with seasonal vegetables and goat cheese, and duck with cherry sauce and polenta. I thought my taste buds were going to explode.

Seattle Rain Drop: vodka, cardamom bitters, ginger, grapefruit and cava 

Fresh peaches with goat cheese

Pesto risotto with seasonal vegetables and goat cheese

Orange Hibiscus Sorbet with Lavender 

Suffice it to say, the rooftop of Terra Plata did not disappoint. I would undoubtedly come back in a heartbeat. I think I'll even go as far to say that this restaurant has officially made my list of "Favorite Restaurants in Seattle". (If you can't tell already, I really like making lists.)

Peruse their website here - but be warned that their menu changes daily, so the online menu doesn't necessarily reflect all of their mouth-watering dishes!