With CRT reservations... at this point, I'd say if you can manage a reservation in August that would be your best bet... without concern for the meal.
Some of the earlier Breakfast times may let you into the park before rope drop.
Dinner is more expensive than the other 2 meals.
Food wise - The food isn't bad. it's not great.... but it's not horrible either. You can actually see the menu of options on the Disney Dining webpage for restaurant.
As for Birthday cake, I haven't been for a birthday since they changed from the Fairy Godmother to princesses, but when I went a few years ago I just told them it was my birthday and then I got a small single-serve birthday cake for desert. if you want something larger you can share, then you'll probably need to order it in advance.
Also.... $145?!? for 2? That seems like a bit much. Thought I remembered only paying about $55/60 per person for Lunch last October... then again, Dinner is more expensive, and I have heard about how disney charges more for food everywhere during "peak" times....