Birthday recap

My birthday was bookended by brass, so whatever else yesterday might have been, I got no complaints.

After a biscuit and sticky bun from Willa Jean  (the sticky bun was amazing and the biscuit was tasty, but the texture was strange, almost laminated like a croissant), I headed to the Upper Ninth for the 9 Times second line. There were more people there than I have ever seen at a second line,  and the streets were a bit hard to navigate, but it was still a blast.

I met another birthday girl and her boyfriend pinned my dollar on me (thanks mom!), though because of the cold, it stayed hidden under my layers.

The second line was still going strong at 4, but luckily I had reservations at Sylvain, and needed a quick nap, so I grabbed a cab and didn't cross the bridge or stay for what turned out to be an after party.

At Svlvain, I donated my table to a nice couple and sat at the bar, where the bartenders noticed my dollar peeking out. And offered me some mezcal. I took food advice from a charming guy who works at Manale's and am glad I did. (The Bolognese was perfect.) And I also took a shot of Amaro from him, and plan to take him up on his offer of oysters tomorrow for happy hour.

After another nap (I'm not as young as I used to be), I made it to the Hot 8 for what might have been the best show of theirs I've seen.

Brass and food and the kindness of strangers. That's what I call a perfect day.