I had to split my birthday stories into two posts, so if you missed my dinner Saturday night (and Molly’s Halloween costume) check it out here.
For my actually birthday (Sunday), my brother took me out to brunch, just him and I! I love having some quality sibling time.
We went to a new restaurant in the area, which I am now in LOVE with: 2 Sparrows!
It boasts a seasonally-driven menu and is run by two friends who grew up in Chicago’s western suburbs: one in the kitchen and the other in the front of house!
When we arrived the place was packed and there were tons of families as well. I certainly hope this means it is here to stay!
Although they had a very intriguing breakfast menu (I would have LOVED to try their gourmet poptarts!) I had to stick to the gluten-free options. I ordered the eggs benedict and asked for potatoes instead of the English muffin! Not quite as good for soaking up the egg yolk, but it was absolutely delicious!
The eggs were nice and runny, and clearly poached the old fashioned way, and the ham underneath was amazing! Very gourmet, not like any breakfast ham I’ve ever had!
I also thought it was odd that it was served with a side salad… but weirdly it went perfectly!
My brother ordered the buttermilk pancakes with a side of bacon.
He also thought they were delicious! He couldn’t stop raving about the bacon and it’s amazing flavor. Clearly this place is a step up from the diner where he normally goes to brunch.
We gave them two thumbs up, for both food and décor! The place looked fresh and new, and most of it was wood, which gave us a feeling that we were up in a tree! (get it, 2 SPARROWS? we are so clever).
Both of us are excited to go back and try out their lunch menu. If you live in Chicago, you should definitely check it out!
Later that evening, I headed over to my brother and sister-in-law’s apartment for a little birthday celebration. I was so appreciative of the effort they went through for my birthday! Again, it’s times like these where you appreciate having family around!
Obligatory picture to send my mother:
They even did some research and found a bakery that would make a gluten free cake! Cake is literally one of my favorite foods ever (okay, mostly the icing). When I first told my brother I couldn’t eat wheat, he said “what about cake??” I started crying.
I. Love. Cake.
I also can’t remember the last time I even had a birthday cake! In other words, I was too young to really remember it! Insanity. I do remember a Barbie being involved..
It was two layers: one vanilla and one strawberry with cream cheese frosting and some kind of strawberry filling. The icing was TO DIE FOR. Insane. The cake was good – the strawberry was my favorite! Although gluten-free cake is definitely much denser than regular cake, more like bread.
Molly kept jumping up in my lap! At first I thought she just liked me, then I realized she was trying to lick the salt from chips they’d eaten earlier off the table… and to take a few swipes at the birthday cake!
So I know this sounds super lame, but I haven’t been sleeping well for… well a very long time, and it’s been especially worse the past month or so. The only time I slept through the night was when I puppy-sat for Molly about a month ago. Their guest bed was amazing!
We finally figured out that it was the foam top on the bed that made it so great. Well guess what they got me? A foam top for my bed!
Putting it together was basically shambles….
But it came together!
How did it work out? I slept better than usual! Haha I also was on a sugar high from cake, so we’ll give it a few more tries before I come to a real conclusion. But it sure is comfy!
And Molly says hi:
What have your friends and family done to make your birthday, or another event, special?
Have you ever tried gluten free cake?