Noor Life

This weekend was huge.  Over a month of preparation including dozens of e-mails, phone calls, reminders, and most difficult-LIES had come to an end.  

It was finally the evening of my mom’s surprise birthday party!  Over 2 dozen family members and friends gathered at May Street Cafe on Cermak for a delicious dinner created- with Chari in mind- by the magnificent Chef Mario Santiago which included; 

1. Smoked salmon on pumpernickel with whipped horseradish and dill garnish
2. Mini red pepper with goat cheese and portabella mushroom timbales
   
3. Quesadillas Brie and pear or lobster quesadillas
   
4. Mini sopes with goat cheese and salsa Espanola and olives
   

The second course, which was interrupted by a very-necessary Patron tequila shot for mom included a garden fresh tomato, basil and arugula caprese heirloom salad with cilantro oil and pineapple balsamic.

The main course offered a wide variety of options including Allen Brothers Petit Filet Mignon prepared on the Viking Grill, White fish with a papaya and jalapeno cilantro and tomato salsa fresco, just to name a few.

The dinner ended with a custom-created Alliance Bakery 2 tiered Cake made of both an almond vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream filling and a Hazelnut with raspberry preserves, all topped with a seafoam colored buttercream frosting, red striping and vibrant orange, red and yellow flowers.  The cake was not only beautiful but delicious too!  

Before everyone left guests gathered around my computer to view a slideshow card which included photos and sentiments previously collected.  Even a few out-of-town friends who couldn’t attend were reflected in the slideshow.  

All in all, it was a wonderful evening for the most wonderful person I know- mom.  While she may think the evening was “too much” all her friends and family that gathered would agree she deserves nothing less.  She’s an extremely loving, supportive, thoughtful and down to earth person that leaves a lasting impression on the lives of everyone she encounters.  

We’re the lucky ones.