Entertaining: "Summer in the City" Birthday Dinner

Sometimes in life, you meet people and it's an instant fit. It feels as if it was meant to be, and that you have known each other much longer than you actually have. Enter - Leah and Cam. We became friends with them almost four years ago, and they have become like family. They live just up the road from us in CT and just up the street from us in NYC so yes, we see them a lot! When it came time to celebrate Leah's birthday, instead of a big night out on the town, she preferred an intimate dinner party on our city terrace. A birthday girl always gets what she wants!

Leah loves a classic vodka martini with just one olive. Victor had some ready and waiting upon her arrival. Who do you think is having the "pretty pink cocktail?"

To start the evening, we had bruschetta made with peaches, honey, and mint over goat cheese crostini's. 

Victor pointing to the birthday girl, and having a good time. 

Leah grew up facing the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts, and has an affinity for shades of blue. She also likes simple patterns, and has a casual sensibility to her. So in setting the table, I tried to reflect her style. I wanted the birthday girl to feel relaxed and special on her day. 

While planning the menu for the evening, I asked Leah what she would prefer to eat. She has had many a meal at our house, and specifically requested my roasted lemon herb chicken with yogurt dill sauce, and "something" with tomatoes and mozzarella.

For the first course, we had a chunky heirloom tomato salad with fresh mozzarella, and basil. The tomatoes were so deliciously sweet that the salad only needed a few dashes of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

As opposed to a heavy pasta dish on such a hot summer night, I opted for a side of summer squash ribbons with herbs, pine nuts and goat cheese.

The three of them look like they are having fun, right?!

I adore this picture of Leah, she is beaming!! 

As a grand finale, we had a triple layer chocolate birthday cake with chocolate ganache, and salted caramel ice cream. I wish I could take credit for the cake - it was so decadently delish!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Leah! Hope your wish comes true!