Birthday Celebrations

Celebrations add colour to our life and a birthday is one of them.  Birthdays are the best days! Wouldn't you agree?

So Phil really made the most of his birthday this year with a week long celebration.

We started the celebrations by ordering some of Sam's Masterchef Competition dishes from La Perle in Milford on Sea.  They arrived ready to re-heat.

Starter - Langoustine, Lemongrass, Lime Leaf and Coconut Bisque with Langoustine Wontons.

Fish Course - Globe Artichoke stuffed with Salmon and Truffle Mayonnaise, Frisee, Chive and Granny Smith Salad.

Main - Free Range Chicken Ballotine stuffed with Cepes, Confit Leg Pomme Anna, Chicken Wing Lollipop, Broad Beans with Pancetta, Sherry Sauce, Pea Surprise!

Dessert - Lemon and Raspberry Creme Chiboust, Vanilla Sponge, Raspberry Coulis.

Delicious and Sam complimented Phil on his plating skills after sharing some photos.

The birthday outing was to Exbury Gardens.

A lovely day in beautiful surroundings.  The weather was changeable but the azaleas were spectacular.  Apparently they love cold, wet weather.  Every turn in the 26 miles of paths produced a gorgeous view, the variety and colour of the different plants was incredible.  Loved the river walk through the forest with the views of the little boats on the Beaulieu River.

On Phil's actual birthday we enjoyed an excellent lunch at The Cliff House in Barton on Sea.  From the excellent service to the fabulous food, it was really something special.  Thank you so much to The Cliff House for making Phil's birthday so special by giving us such a warm welcome with two glasses of bubbly and a happy birthday dessert platter at the end of the meal.

From birthday phone calls to cake and candles, nothing makes anyone feel more special than getting a little birthday love and attention.

Chloe and Jamie made this delicious coffee cake for Grandad.

And the family BBQ was so much fun.  So wonderful to be able to spend time with the whole family.  Thank you for making Grandad's birthday so special. 

And I was lucky enough to be invited to share Phil's presents.

Lunch at Monty's Inn, Beaulieu in the New Forest where we had a delicious meal followed by a lovely walk to Bucklers Hard.

Also afternoon tea at the Captain's Club in Christchurch.  It was a lovely sunny afternoon and most agreeable it was too.  We started with a glass of sparkling English wine followed, of course, with tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes.  And then a gentle stroll along the river and Christchurch Quay over to the Priory.  Very enjoyable.

Grandad says thank you for his generous birthday treats.