Originally Posted By wonderingalice Ohhhh! Thanks so much, everyone!! It was a truly FABulous birthday and I've GOT to tell you about it - I'm still smiling like an idiot this morning! *LOL* On Saturday, Mr. Alice's mom came by for a little while and brought me a gift - A collectible figurine of the Mickey Mouse Club 'marching' Mickey Mouse... He's SOOO cute! And he's found a perfect home amongst our special Disneyland treasures in the family room - photos, the silouhette of the two of us and the acrylic replica of our brick. Then, on Sunday... Mr. Alice had to work in the morning, but he left behind two birthday cards - one romantic and one outrageously funny - for me to find. I spent the morning sleeping in and then doing my regular Sunday chores - laundry and stuff, but didn't mind it... I just felt GOOD! Mr. Alice came home at about 1 p.m. - with a beautifuly bouquet of cut flowers for me. And another birthday card. Then... The Rebels beat Wisconsin to move onto the Sweet 16... WOO HOO! What an AWESOME game it was!! Then, Mr. Alice gave me yet another birthday card! *L* Here's where my 49th birthday went completely over-the-top, but I need to preface it with something... In October, Mr. Alice was one of 12 nominees for Bellagio's "Employee of the Month." In wonderful "Vegas" fashion, the hotel does something truly amazing for these employees - They gift them with a $200 check, dinner at the gourmet restaurant of their choice and show tickets. We chose dinner at "Prime," followed by the "O" Cirque du Soleil show - for my birthday. Now... The only requirement on the meal is that we pay for our bottle of wine (alcohol was not included in the prize) and the gratuity. More on the preface thing... with just paying tax and gratuity, this was the most expensive meal we've ever indulged in - I'm still shaking my head and chuckling this morning. Now, bear in mind this WAS my GIFT... There was no jewelry, etc. (and none was expected. So... The waiter helps us select a bottle of wine - a perfect French white Bordeaux - and tells us what's available for that evening and after a short consultation, we chose a 'custom' (it's not actually on the menu) "Surf and Turf." This is what we chose for dinner: 12 ounce Kobe steak, medium rare and Cut into medallions at the table, to share. This was our first experience with Kobe beef, and let me tell you... This meat was absolutely incredible - there are no words to describe it's tenderness and flavor. It was served with a variety of sauces on the side, which were all scrumptious, but unnecessary - it was so tasty. And this Kobe steak... Just 6 oz. for each of us...? Was $300!! Just for the steak! This was, without a doubt, our one and ONLY experience with Kobe steak! *LMAO* 18 ounce Tazmanian Lobster Tail, to share... So sweet and delicious! (Neither of us thought to look at the tab for it - we were too awe-struck by the steak. *LOL*) We also each enjoyed a salad - Mine was arugula with artichoke, pine nuts and a light, wonderful lemon vinagairette. Mr. Alice had a steamed shrimp salad with field greens and a creamy dressing that was fabulous. To accompany the main course, we had scalloped potatoes and asparagus. We ordered the Passion Fruit Souffle with Bitter Chocolate Sorbet for dessert. YUMMY! And because the waiter knew it was my birthday, before the souffle arrived, he came out - singing - with a small chocolate lava cake and a little scoop of vanilla ice cream. I'm going to cut to the chase now... The bill (and please, you guys... Don't take this as bragging - I'm still stunned myself... This was a once-in-a-lifetime situation for us unless we win Megabucks or the lottery somewhere down the road!) ... With tax, before gratuity - $725!! ACCKKKKK!!! *LOL* And now you see why I'm sitting here still smiling and laughing this morning. This was SO over-the-top for us... For pretty much ANYONE who's not filthy rich! And it was a wonderful experience. The "O" show was incredible... I recommend it to everyone who comes to Las Vegas, along with "LOVE." Those are my two favorites. We'd seen "O" once before during a special MGM/Mirage employees' night - Cirque does dress rehearsals whenever they come back from vacation. They offer the employees 2-for-1 tickets and then donate the 'gate' to childrens' charities. When we saw it the first time, our seats were in the next-to-the last row just below the very top of the theater. Last night, we were in the center section closest to the stage - 8th row... Unbelievable! After "O" we walked outside to catch a performance by the fountains... It couldn't have been more perfect - the song... "Viva Las Vegas!" Yeah, baby! Man, I love our town!! And most of all, I love and am so very proud of my wonderful husband. Thank you, baby... For EVERYTHING.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice Oh pooh... I messed up. We paid for the wine and the gratuity - not "tax". DOH! And... Mr. Alice gave me yet another birthday card last night after we returned home.
Originally Posted By smedley Speaking of which, a friend of mine from work is heading in your general direction next week, he and his fiancee are staying at the bellagio and marrying there... Maybe I won't reocmmend this restaurant to them though
Originally Posted By TiggerPooh1973 Wow that sounds like a GREAT birthday! Belated Birthday Wishes to you!
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Happy late birthday "Mustang Sally"! It sounds like you had a wonderful day.
Originally Posted By Labuda Oh, wow, that sounds like a GREAT birthday! Now, since this was 49, make sure Mr. Alice needs to outdo it neat year for the big 5-0!
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove A very merry birthday to you, to you! A very merry birthday to you, to you! Now blow the candles out, my dear, and Make your wish come true, A very merry birthday to........ .......................... .......................... .......YOU !!!!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 WOW! wonderingalice, what a perfect day I got a kick out of your description of the meal and the BILL! Did you get to save the receipt?
Originally Posted By disney pete sorry im late to your birthday thread alice but so glad you had a fantastic birthday by the sounds of it
Originally Posted By wonderingalice Thanks very much, you guys! It was somethin' else! smedley... It's actually possible to have a NORMAL very nice meal at Prime, too! I would guesstimate $100 per person if they don't indulge in alcohol or just order a cocktail or glass of wine each. And yep, Ann... We have tentative plans already booked for my 50th at Manhattan Beach. but Mr. Alice is still researching a variety places on the coast for us, including up north near the wine country. Aside from Disneyland, an ocean-front room is my favorite vacation. And back to Lisa... You would be in SO much trouble if you lived here... We'd be deadly together! *LOL*
Originally Posted By debtee So sorry I'm late to wish you a very Happy Birthday! Your dinner sounds lovely and it's great you had such a good time together. .....We also give each other more then one card, it's fun! LOL
Originally Posted By wonderingalice Thanks MissCandice and debtee! Yep, debtee... it is! That morning, I was awake and up when he was getting ready for work. Once I got sleepy again and was ready for a second go at sleep (hot flashes drive me nuts most every night now), I found the first card on my pillow. Then, I decided to give Vicky (our kitty) her fishes (wet food) first, so she'd LET me sleep. *L* Found the second card by the plate in her room. He was pretty sneaky and I loved it!
