Birthday at Chez Melange

Our friend Mertz invited 6 of us for her birthday celebration at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach. Only 3 of us were able to make it as one was back in the Philippines, one had previous plans and the other one had to babysit. It was their loss as we had a good time. We even had the balloon we gave her last year which we decided would be passed on each time one of us celebrated her birthday. She was also celebrating her retirement from being a flight attendant at American Airlines. Her retirement meaning she actually "Fired" American Airlines as her employer. She was so tired of seeing unfair treatment of their employees that she fired them and said so in her letter. Interesting fact is when her letter was posted on the American Airlines facebook page, about 500 (and counting) employees commended her for doing this. There was not one single negative comment. Hurray for Mertzie!!!

The celebration started with Champagne and numerous appetizers. We had to have the Truffle fries which we've all had in the past. The birthday celebrant, Cindy and Sandi thought the Roasted Cauliflower with sweet corn would be good.  Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with bell peppers, onions, chile, garlic, peanuts and sweet soy sounded good to everyone. These vegetables were surprisingly delicious that it was unbelievable to me.

As we enjoyed the appetizers and bread, we were not sure if we could eat our entrees but as Mertz pointed out; finish the appetizers and just take home what you can't eat. With that in mind, we did eat everything. Three of us ordered the Steak Diane with caramelized mashed potatoes. Mertz had to be different and that was o.k. since it was her birthday. She had the Pork Loin with mushrooms, onions, fingerling potatoes and broccolini. No one complained about anything which is always a good thing. As expected, we could not finish our food. We were all glad that our mothers were not there to instill the rule that we had to finish our food to get dessert.

There was a chocolate birthday cake that was presented to dear Mertz which she happily shared. She practically forced us all to order our own dessert. She did not want us to feel guilty so she ordered another dessert for herself. She got a Pumpkin Cheesecake. I had the Apple Cobbler and Cindy and Sandi split an order of Blueberry pound cake; that way they only gained 1/2 lb each!

The evening was fun celebrating Mertz's birthday and retirement from the airlines.  Amy, Sujata and Ana: you were missed. We all wished you could have been there.