Birthday Week

February 9th was my birthday. I can’t believe I turned 64. It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating my 60th birthday wearing that red vest! Time passed very quicky!I also had an exciting week this year.

First, my husband and I went to the wonderful Italian restaurant “Centro”. Normally, only regular customers can get reservations here, but my husband found out that new customers can book one table per day through Tabelog, so we were able to go. It’s a unique restaurant where the chef creates a course tailored to each group, so the menu varies slightly depending on the guests.

The prosciutto slicer they used was also very stylish. It was a Berkel from Italy, and besides being a slicer, it also looks beautiful in the restaurant. The accompaniments for the freshly sliced prosciutto were also interesting: freshly cooked rice (which was the brand -Dragon Eye), fatty tuna, vegetable fritters, and orange. I was taken aback for a moment at the combinations, but each one was incredibly delicious. The first appetizer, sea urchin and fermented butter on toast, was lighter and easier to eat than expected. Other dishes were maitake mushroom soup, clam bolognese bianco, cod with bagna càuda, cutlet, truffle and potatoes au gratin, and pasta arrabbiata. Despite highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients, each dish was a marvel from a truly talented chef, full of delightful surprises. Suddenly, the restaurant went completely dark, and the chef brought out a birthday plate. It was lovely that other guests told me -Happy Birthday-.

The next delight was the Tokyo University Orchestra’s regular concert at Suntory Hall. My friend’s son gave a wonderful violin performance. I thought only Tokyo University students would choose one of Hindemith’s pieces which are difficult to play and therefore are rarely performed. It was also nice that the program included detailed explanations. It was truly a wonderful concert, brimming with youthful energy. And I met some friends I connected with on social media there, and chatting with them, was another happy event.

Dinner was a party with my daughter’s family.

We went to the Italian restaurant “Boga Marì Cucina Mediterranea” inside Azabudai Hills. The restaurant features a display of fresh seafood. We choose what kind of seafood we wanted, and then chose the cooking methods we wanted. We ordered carpaccio, bouillabaisse, breaded scallops, and my granddaughter’s favorite shrimp cream pasta, and a fish platter. Everything was delicious. The fish, shellfish, and shrimp were incredibly fresh and plump! For dessert, the chef brought out a birthday plate ( a plate of desserts with “Happy Birthday” written on it in chocolate) while someone played the accordion. My granddaughter sang loudly, making it a truly joyful moment. My daughter gave me Chanel hand cream, and my granddaughter gave me a lovely birthday card. They were heartfelt gifts.

On the 9th, I received birthday messages from many people. It’s always wonderful, no matter how old I get. Thank you all so much.

My son sent tickets for a lunch cruise on Tokyo Bay. They’re valid for a year, so I plan to enjoy them with my husband when the season is nice.

To my husband, who always thinks of ways to make me happy and supports me—thank you.

To my children, who always think of thoughtful gifts—thank you. I am a happy mother.

And to everyone connected through social media, thank you for always reading my  posts and for your various messages.

This year, turning 64, I will take care of myself even when I’m busy. And I aim to do at least one thing for someone else each day.