30th Birthday- Part Three: The London Eye and Dinner

Leaving the British Museum, John and I grabbed two hot chais from the Starbucks across the street and meandered down towards the Thames waterfront. At almost precisely the same time, we looked at each other and suggested that we try to buy tickets for the London Eye that same night!

Two things to keep in mind: it was a clear Saturday evening and it was Guy Fawkes Day, a night that is celebrated by bonfires and fireworks throughout the entire city. Taking a 30 minute "pod-flight" aboard the world's largest observation wheel at precisely the same time that fireworks light up the city skyline was prehaps a bit much to expect, no? Almost like expecting a "Persian Family Day" at the museum on my 30th birthday?

Well, believe it or not, we MIRACULOUSLY bought tickets moments before they sold out for the night, and in no time, found ourselves flying high above the city while watching 360 degrees of fireworks and city lights... Unreal!

After the magical fireworks show that the universe bestowed upon us, we were absolutely ravenous! We made our way to 120 Marylebone Lane, the site of a recently opened French bistro called Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte. Not just your average bistro, the original L'Entrecôte is quite near and dear to my heart, as it was my favorite restaurant when we lived in Paris. It was a funny place to visit then, and the newest extension this side of the Channel proved no different: Still no reservations accepted, lines that reach around the block and only 1 menu item, their famous steak-frites in secret sauce.

That's right: You don't tell them what you'd like to eat, just how you'd like your perfect slice of heaven cooked. And if you play your cards right and save room for dessert, there are plenty of options (but it's a well-known fact (!) that dessert should undoubtedly be their profiteroles a.k.a. warm pastry puffs filled with vanilla ice-cream, drenched in a fine warm chocolate sauce and covered with almond slivers... YOWEE!).

The divine meal ended with a surprise visit from my dear friend Natasha, who in all of her glory and kindness found our restaurant while on her way out with some friends and hand-delivered her birthday hug and present on the spot... She's an angel (but that's another story for another time).

The entire day and night simply could not have been more unique or special. With just the right balance of planning and sheer luck, it was a birthday like no other and made me want to turn 30 one hundred times over. The greatest thanks and love to John, for masterminding the itinerary and without whom none of this would be possible. xo