Sharing the Disney Magic with Family & Friends-DL Diamond Anniversary-DCA F&W Fest Kiosks & The End!

eandesmom · May 24, 2015

franandaj said:
That's "Non-Hispanic White Americans, 20–39" I don't fall into that category. So 5'3" is average!

Well, none of us fit that category but unless we've shrunk since all of us turned 39 (and I can't officially say that Jill doesn't actually fit that category...Alicia does for sure, she can be in the 20-29 category lol) I think the 5'4" is probably the best average out there. I'd always heard 5'4-5'5.

franandaj · May 24, 2015

jedijill said:
Dang it, my whole life has been a lie! LOL

Jill in CO

We can say that we are average height women in the 19th century!

eandesmom said:
Well, none of us fit that category but unless we've shrunk since all of us turned 39 (and I can't officially say that Jill doesn't actually fit that category...Alicia does for sure, she can be in the 20-29 category lol) I think the 5'4" is probably the best average out there. I'd always heard 5'4-5'5.

In our band photos they always line us up from tallest to shortest. Then the put the tallest on the top row, the next group in the middle row and shortest in the front row. Only two ladies made the second row and I'm not in the middle of the front row (where they put the shortest people).

I'm right in the middle of my half of the row, so I'm sticking with "average" height! Yup that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Besides, forget all this chitter chatter, lets have an update! :wizard:

franandaj · May 24, 2015

So we headed off to the restaurant right around 5:30. It may have been a little late, but you know what it’s like herding cats. I’m not sure exactly when we got everyone herded up, but we did get going. After an incredibly awkward trip in the elevator where my friend Donna seemed to be overly flirting with my Dad we were on our way to the restaurant. :eek:

Steakhouse 55 has an old school feel to it, like a classy restaurant of by gone era.

We had the private room in the back reserved for us.

We quickly took our seats and began to peruse the menu.

Our servers for the evening. Sorry about the blurry pic!

Leonard took some pictures around the room for me.

We were served some delicious bread. But I needed my camera back to take pictures of the bread.

Now this was the only downside of the evening. We arrived at 6PM, we ordered fairly soon after we sat down, but it wasn’t until 7PM that our first course was served. I think because there was a choice for the first course, they couldn’t pre-prep anything in the kitchen, so that delayed our dinner. Here was the first glitch. Because it took so long for our dinner to arrive the wine that they served us with the first course was running low in my glass, so I asked for more wine here. Keep in mind that we had some wine in the Villa, and I did walk over to the restaurant with a red solo cup.

The first course arrived, I ordered the scallops and they were cooked to perfection.

The other choice was a fresh pasta with a sauce of Cherry Tomatoes. I was told that this was very good as well.

Remember the dietary restrictions for the sister and her family? I don’t know what my DSis and BIL had for this course, but my niece and her BF evidently passed on this course entirely.

The next course was salad. Normally I don’t like salads full of weeds, but this one was pretty good. Perhaps the carrots and the raspberry vinaigrette gave it a little sweetness. Of course the blue cheese is always a hit with me!

Again the Niece and her BF struck out with this one, but they were able to substitute a Caesar Salad from the regular menu.

Between the Salad and soup courses, it was time to take some selfies and other pictures.

I can’t tell you what I’m doing in this picture, other than I am playing “air drumset” with a traditional grip.

Fran suggested that I order the mushroom soup. She ordered a mushroom soup and an Onion soup. I started off with the mushroom soup, but I only ate a few bites. I traded with Fran for the Onion Soup, and I actually liked that one better, however, I was starting to get kind of full, so I only ate a few bites of this one too, trying to save some room for the main course.

There was a choice for dinner, I was surprised at the number of people who actually chose the Ratatouille meatballs. Jim was one of them, and it became a running joke for the evening. First Naked Jim, then it was all about Jim’s Balls.

Most people went for the Bison. It was flavorful and tender, but by this time I was getting really full. I had brought some really good wine to go along with this course as well. It was really yummy too!

[Continued in Next Post]

franandaj · May 24, 2015

[Continued from Previous Post]

This is the part of the evening where it starts to get fuzzy. If you can’t tell from my expression that I’m feeling the fuzzy.

Chef Marcel came out to deliver our desserts.

Now I lucked out and got two sugar light sabers with mine. Everyone else only got one.

Jim was the only person with enough forethought to take a picture of the fork.

And lick his plate.

Now here’s when things get super fuzzy. I know by this point it was obvious that I had too much wine and too much detoxification to be able to walk back to the hotel. Well to get up out of my chair and even walk out of the hotel or even the restaurant. Fran and I agreed that she would hang out and take care of the bill while I rode back to the hotel with the DIS ladies. Thank god there aren’t pictures! At least I hope this is not where they all start popping out!

Now correct me if I’m wrong on any of this because this is the fuzzy wuzzy part. Jenny and Jill literally picked me up and carried me out of the restaurant while I believe that Cynthia went ahead to hail us a cab. I remember the first step because my knees literally buckled underneath me and if they hadn’t been holding me with each one with an arm under each of my shoulders, I would have been a puddle on the floor. They got me into the cab with some amount of difficulty. And that concludes my recollections for the night.

I know that Fran told me to remember to take my glasses off before climbing into bed. I did wake up in my bed and wasn’t wearing the clothes that I had on that night, so I had that going for me. And so as not to leave you hanging, what makes me think that my inebriated state was more due to the detoxing spa treatments and not a complete overindulgence in alcohol was that I woke up feeling just fine. I had no sign of a hangover, but the rest is source material for the next update!

Dis_Yoda · May 24, 2015

Your dinner looks amazing! I love the choices you had and that dessert is right up my alley! Getting a detox the same day you are going to drink a lot of wine is probably not a smart choice

but at least you for know for next time. You guys look like you had such a great time!

PrincessInOz · May 24, 2015

What a fab looking meal. I was looking at the menu going....wow.....that's hard to pick what I would want for each course. I think I would have liked to have a degustation of EVERYTHING! Fantastic.

Sounds like you had a great time at the dinner....detox, wine and all. Glad you made it back to the room safely.

jedijill · May 24, 2015

The dinner was amazing! The chocolate Death Star was by far my favorite! The wine was amazing as well...I really loved the selection you brought. It paired extremely well with the bison.

What happens between the cab and the room, stays there.

Jill in CO

dolphingirl47 · May 25, 2015

franandaj said:
We had the private room in the back reserved for us.

That looks very nice.

franandaj said:
We quickly took our seats and began to peruse the menu.

The menu looks lovely. Apart from the appetizers, I would have happily eaten anything on there.

Corinna

eandesmom · May 25, 2015

franandaj said:
After an incredibly awkward trip in the elevator where my friend Donna seemed to be overly flirting with my Dad we were on our way to the restaurant.

I missed that!!

franandaj said:
Steakhouse 55 has an old school feel to it, like a classy restaurant of by gone era.

Very swanky!

franandaj said:
We had the private room in the back reserved for us.

LOVED the back room

franandaj said:
We arrived at 6PM, we ordered fairly soon after we sat down, but it wasn’t until 7PM that our first course was served. I think because there was a choice for the first course, they couldn’t pre-prep anything in the kitchen, so that delayed our dinner. Here was the first glitch. Because it took so long for our dinner to arrive the wine that they served us with the first course was running low in my glass, so I asked for more wine here.

I think part of theproblem was they didn't pour the first wine until the first course was served, or right before and folks may have consumed it quickly as a result. After that they caught up in spades on the wine and some of us ended up with a backlog for a bit

franandaj said:
Remember the dietary restrictions for the sister and her family? I don’t know what my DSis and BIL had for this course, but my niece and her BF evidently passed on this course entirely.

I am sorry but that made me cranky there were plenty of options. What exactly were their restrictions anyway? Some of us suspect their extra items might have been the real cause for the delay of the first course but who knows. I just, oh, I don't know. Someone invites you to an amazing dinner and you have to have your own special thing? I don't get it.

franandaj said:
Again the Niece and her BF struck out with this one, but they were able to substitute a Caesar Salad from the regular menu.

Clearly not a gluten or dairy restriciton

franandaj said:
Fran suggested that I order the mushroom soup. She ordered a mushroom soup and an Onion soup. I started off with the mushroom soup, but I only ate a few bites. I traded with Fran for the Onion Soup, and I actually liked that one better

I had the mushroom, it was amazing! I heard the onion was equally so.

franandaj said:
There was a choice for dinner, I was surprised at the number of people who actually chose the Ratatouille meatballs. Jim was one of them, and it became a running joke for the evening. First Naked Jim, then it was all about Jim’s Balls.

Susie said they were fabulous!

franandaj said:
Most people went for the Bison. It was flavorful and tender, but by this time I was getting really full. I had brought some really good wine to go along with this course as well. It was really yummy too!

It was also HUGE! Oh my goodness, the portions were insane. Very flavorful and tender. I have a pretty big appetite and couldn't finish it.

franandaj said:
Jim was the only person with enough forethought to take a picture of the fork.

Ok, what's the deal with the fork? Your dad was taking picutres...or using his phone to light it up and inspect it and for the life of us we couldn't figure out what he was doing?

Jim licking the plate was a riot. The deathstar was also huge but SOOOOO yummy!

franandaj said:
Now correct me if I’m wrong on any of this because this is the fuzzy wuzzy part

Close enough

Important thing is you made it back, slept well and woke no worse for the wear.

skier_pete · May 25, 2015

I really, really want to try Steakhouse 55. We ate breakfast there on our trip out there with the BSM group. We tried to eat dinner there but it was closed for a private party. (I suspect the whole Tony Baxter thing that was going on while we were there!)

It's nice when you can have such a good time that your friends have to help you home, yet you wake up without a hangover. I've been taking some drugs for back pain and went to a concert last Sunday where my friend had a good friend in the band, so we hung out with the band until 2 AM. I didn't have a DROP of alcohol and came to the next day with a splitting headache! I complained all day about having the hangover without having the fun! :rotfl2:

dvc at last ! · May 25, 2015

All I can say is WOW !
A Beautiful Birthday Bash !
You had a fab celebration.
Loved seeing the menu from dinner it looks very posh. Great people and the Villa with the view and all the food you brought and cooked, too.
Your cakes were so amazing.
Your shoes and dress adorable.
Good Times and Good People - you are blessed !

Hope all is well.

Paula Sedley-Burke · May 26, 2015

Firstly I am sorry to hear about Fran :-( send her our best wishes.

Oh my re the flirting with your Father. We had that once with Jo's step dad. Super embrassing.

Steakhouse 55 looks the works. I love the style of the restaurant. You describe it well. The theme is very classy but fun. Pitched just right for signature dining.

Love the menu and the table laid out like that.

Scallops , salad yes yes get me to that bison... Oh my meatballs seriously? No way would I have opted for that. Look at that slab of fabulous meat. Cooked to perfection. The Death Star! What an ending it would be to Star Wars that the Death Star was consumed into a 50 year olds digestive system. I love that dessert. Looks amazing.

Perfect menu, setting and you all look nice. Sounds like somebody was a little tipsy hick.. Lol..

Why not! It's your birthday! Glad it went so well.

rentayenta · May 26, 2015

Stealing the pic of @Leshaface and I!

Leshaface · May 26, 2015

eandesmom said:
Well, none of us fit that category but unless we've shrunk since all of us turned 39 (and I can't officially say that Jill doesn't actually fit that category...Alicia does for sure, she can be in the 20-29 category lol) I think the 5'4" is probably the best average out there. I'd always heard 5'4-5'5.

@eandesmom :worship:

You made my day thinking i'm still in my 20's! I'm 31 :sad2:

and 5'4"

Yay for being average! :laughing:

franandaj said:

In this pic, @eandesmom @rentayenta and @jedijill started singing DH's absolute favorite song by Alanis Morissitte "Ironic" and totally joined in with the girls! :rotfl:

franandaj said:
Now this was the only downside of the evening. We arrived at 6PM, we ordered fairly soon after we sat down, but it wasn’t until 7PM that our first course was served. I think because there was a choice for the first course, they couldn’t pre-prep anything in the kitchen, so that delayed our dinner. Here was the first glitch. Because it took so long for our dinner to arrive the wine that they served us with the first course was running low in my glass, so I asked for more wine here. Keep in mind that we had some wine in the Villa, and I did walk over to the restaurant with a red solo cup.

Even though it was a bit of a wait, I think everyone enjoyed themselves with all the company (and extra glass of wine! :hyper:

)

franandaj said:
The first course arrived, I ordered the scallops and they were cooked to perfection.

Loved the scallops! So glad I picked this.

OH! And remember the convo that @rentayenta was having with Fran. "There should be no 'Or' on the menu. It should be 'And'" :laughing:

franandaj said:
The other choice was a fresh pasta with a sauce of Cherry Tomatoes. I was told that this was very good as well.

@rentayenta let me have a bite and as good as it was, i'm so glad I didn't order it. It was a surprisingly large portion that would have filled me up immediately!

franandaj said:
Of course the blue cheese is always a hit with me!

The blue cheese was delicious!

franandaj said:
Fran suggested that I order the mushroom soup. She ordered a mushroom soup and an Onion soup. I started off with the mushroom soup, but I only ate a few bites. I traded with Fran for the Onion Soup, and I actually liked that one better, however, I was starting to get kind of full, so I only ate a few bites of this one too, trying to save some room for the main course.

This was SO GOOD! I had the onion soup but I think I stole a bite, yet again, from Jenny. And I think Leonard ended up stealing some of Fran's soup when she left to use the restroom!

franandaj said:
First Naked Jim, then it was all about Jim’s Balls.

Also, not sure if you remember all the Bison jokes DH and Jim were throwing out :scared:

franandaj said:
Now I lucked out and got two sugar light sabers with mine. Everyone else only got one.

Also, I missed seeing Chef Marcel :sad:

Jenny and I were in the restroom :sad2:

franandaj said:
Now here’s when things get super fuzzy. I know by this point it was obvious that I had too much wine and too much detoxification to be able to walk back to the hotel. Well to get up out of my chair and even walk out of the hotel or even the restaurant. Fran and I agreed that she would hang out and take care of the bill while I rode back to the hotel with the DIS ladies. Thank god there aren’t pictures! At least I hope this is not where they all start popping out!

Now correct me if I’m wrong on any of this because this is the fuzzy wuzzy part. Jenny and Jill literally picked me up and carried me out of the restaurant while I believe that Cynthia went ahead to hail us a cab. I remember the first step because my knees literally buckled underneath me and if they hadn’t been holding me with each one with an arm under each of my shoulders, I would have been a puddle on the floor. They got me into the cab with some amount of difficulty. And that concludes my recollections for the night.

That's what friends are for! To allow you to let go and have fun on your birthday. And yeah, there was no way you could have made the walk back to the room. The rest of the group had a fun walk back though!

franandaj said:
I know that Fran told me to remember to take my glasses off before climbing into bed. I did wake up in my bed and wasn’t wearing the clothes that I had on that night, so I had that going for me.

franandaj said:
I had no sign of a hangover

That is pretty amazing. Seriously, I think I would have been seeing the toilet all night. So a huge :worship:

from me!

rentayenta said:
Stealing the pic of @Leshaface and I!

Do it!

afwdwfan · May 26, 2015

franandaj said:
So we headed off to the restaurant right around 5:30. It may have been a little late, but you know what it’s like herding cats.

I totally feel you. Herding cats is never fun.

franandaj said:
After an incredibly awkward trip in the elevator where my friend Donna seemed to be overly flirting with my Dad we were on our way to the restaurant.

Well, the booze was certainly flowing at the pre party. :rotfl2:

franandaj said:
We had the private room in the back reserved for us.

That room looks incredible! Heck of a place for a birthday party!

franandaj said:
We quickly took our seats and began to peruse the menu.

Your own personal menus??? I hope you got to keep one!

franandaj said:
Now this was the only downside of the evening. We arrived at 6PM, we ordered fairly soon after we sat down, but it wasn’t until 7PM that our first course was served. I think because there was a choice for the first course, they couldn’t pre-prep anything in the kitchen, so that delayed our dinner.

I can understand that. Trying to serve that many people all at once would be a little bit difficult. Oh well, more time to socialize together!

franandaj said:
Here was the first glitch. Because it took so long for our dinner to arrive the wine that they served us with the first course was running low in my glass, so I asked for more wine here. Keep in mind that we had some wine in the Villa, and I did walk over to the restaurant with a red solo cup.

And drink a little bit more... :rolleyes1

franandaj said:
I was surprised at the number of people who actually chose the Ratatouille meatballs. Jim was one of them, and it became a running joke for the evening. First Naked Jim, then it was all about Jim’s Balls.

franandaj said:
Now I lucked out and got two sugar light sabers with mine. Everyone else only got one.

Well, the birthday girl should get 2!

franandaj said:
And lick his plate.

If that Death Star is half as good as it looks, I'd be licking my plate too! :thumbsup2

franandaj said:
Now here’s when things get super fuzzy. I know by this point it was obvious that I had too much wine and too much detoxification to be able to walk back to the hotel. Well to get up out of my chair and even walk out of the hotel or even the restaurant. Fran and I agreed that she would hang out and take care of the bill while I rode back to the hotel with the DIS ladies. Thank god there aren’t pictures! At least I hope this is not where they all start popping out!

Oh... more incriminating pictures, please! :rolleyes1

franandaj said:
Now correct me if I’m wrong on any of this because this is the fuzzy wuzzy part. Jenny and Jill literally picked me up and carried me out of the restaurant while I believe that Cynthia went ahead to hail us a cab. I remember the first step because my knees literally buckled underneath me and if they hadn’t been holding me with each one with an arm under each of my shoulders, I would have been a puddle on the floor. They got me into the cab with some amount of difficulty. And that concludes my recollections for the night.

Those are some good Disfriends right there. And if they don't post incriminating pictures, they're some really good Disfriends. :rotfl2:

franandaj said:
I know that Fran told me to remember to take my glasses off before climbing into bed. I did wake up in my bed and wasn’t wearing the clothes that I had on that night, so I had that going for me. And so as not to leave you hanging, what makes me think that my inebriated state was more due to the detoxing spa treatments and not a complete overindulgence in alcohol was that I woke up feeling just fine. I had no sign of a hangover, but the rest is source material for the next update!

Moral of the story... go to the spa then get hammered. You'll wake up feeling great!

:thumbsup2

Got it!

Looks like a fun evening. Even if the memories are a bit fuzzy. The room and meal look like they were top notch. Not a bad way to celebrate with some good friends and family.

afwdwfan · May 26, 2015

Leshaface said:
In this pic, @eandesmom @rentayenta and @jedijill started singing DH's absolute favorite song by Alanis Morissitte, "Ironic" and totally joined in with the girls!

Why didn't you catch that one on video??????

Leshaface said:
Also, not sure if you remember all the Bison jokes DH and Jim were throwing out

Do share... :rotfl2:

Leshaface said:
That's what friends are for! To allow you to let go and have fun on your birthday. And yeah, there was no way you could have made the walk back to the room. The rest of the group had a fun walk back though!

I'm sure that was a quiet walk. :rolleyes1

Captain_Oblivious · May 26, 2015

franandaj said:
It may have been a little late, but you know what it’s like herding cats.

With my kids? No, no idea what you're talking about.

franandaj said:
Because it took so long for our dinner to arrive the wine that they served us with the first course was running low in my glass, so I asked for more wine here. Keep in mind that we had some wine in the Villa, and I did walk over to the restaurant with a red solo cup.

Foreshadowing...

franandaj said:
Normally I don’t like salads full of weeds, but this one was pretty good.

I'll take your word for it. No weeds for me!

franandaj said:
I can’t tell you what I’m doing in this picture, other than I am playing “air drumset” with a traditional grip.

Hey, it's your birthday. Knock yourself out!

franandaj said:
First Naked Jim, then it was all about Jim’s Balls.

This poor guy. I'm surprised he still shows his face.

franandaj said:
If you can’t tell from my expression that I’m feeling the fuzzy.

Uh oh...well, just start making crap up for the rest of the TR. That's what I'd do.

franandaj said:
Now I lucked out and got two sugar light sabers with mine. Everyone else only got one.

So awesome!

franandaj said:
Now here’s when things get super fuzzy.

Any pink elephants yet?

franandaj said:
Thank god there aren’t pictures! At least I hope this is not where they all start popping out!

No photos? I don't know if I should be proud of your friends or disappointed. :rotfl2:

eandesmom · May 26, 2015

Leshaface said:
@eandesmom You made my day thinking i'm still in my 20's! I'm 31 and 5'4" Yay for being average!

31 is close enough to 29. At least from someone old enough to be your mother. YIKES! LOL.

Leshaface said:
In this pic, @eandesmom @rentayenta and @jedijill started singing DH's absolute favorite song by Alanis Morissitte "Ironic" and totally joined in with the girls!

I forgot about that! We were. I think it was playing in the hallway? Jenny started it. LOL.

Leshaface said:
OH! And remember the convo that @rentayenta was having with Fran. "There should be no 'Or' on the menu. It should be 'And'"

Susie and I had that same conversation but we were told in no uncertain terms we could not have both soups by our server. LOL. Which was a good thing as despite the fact I wore a tent for a dress that night, I might have burst out of that and not made a dent in the bison at all.

Leshaface said:
Also, not sure if you remember all the Bison jokes DH and Jim were throwing out

hmmm....something about the piece of meat being as big as your DH's personality?

:rotfl:

franandaj · May 27, 2015

Dis_Yoda said:
Your dinner looks amazing! I love the choices you had and that dessert is right up my alley! Getting a detox the same day you are going to drink a lot of wine is probably not a smart choice but at least you for know for next time. You guys look like you had such a great time!

Live and learn. I won't male that mistake again. It was a good time though.

PrincessInOz said:
What a fab looking meal. I was looking at the menu going....wow.....that's hard to pick what I would want for each course. I think I would have liked to have a degustation of EVERYTHING! Fantastic.

Jim and Alberto got each thing and shared when there was a choice.

PrincessInOz said:
Sounds like you had a great time at the dinner....detox, wine and all. Glad you made it back to the room safely.

jedijill said:
The dinner was amazing! The chocolate Death Star was by far my favorite! The wine was amazing as well...I really loved the selection you brought. It paired extremely well with the bison.

What happens between the cab and the room, stays there.

Jill in CO

Everything was great, I just wish I had another stomach.

dolphingirl47 said:
That looks very nice.

The room was just perfect!

dolphingirl47 said:
The menu looks lovely. Apart from the appetizers, I would have happily eaten anything on there.

He did a great job with the choices.

MEK · May 27, 2015

Catching up again.

What a great day starting with breakfast with the boys and then some spa time!

Love the collages that Alicia made. How fun!

Love your Mickey shoes. They are super cute.

I remember the girls posting that picture from the pool. I was SO jelly, probably because it was still freezing here.

A manly Manhattan???? too funny! :rotfl2:

Back to read more.

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