On May 18th it was my parents' birthdays. Yep, they were both born on the same day, but two years apart. Two years ago we celebrated my mum's 70th and last night we went out to a restaurant called Portofino in Hanley to celebrate dad's. My younger brother, David, unfortunately could not make it from Brighton, so it was just the five of us (dad, mum, Keith, me and my older brother Lee).
As we arrived half an hour ahead of time, we called into a pub acros the street called Fat Cats, for pre-dinner drinks. Seeing that they had a beer garden, and the weather being okay-ish, we decided to go outside and take a few photos.
Portofino is a lovely restaurant, and I've been there a few times. Last time I was there was almost exactly a year ago, with Sue from Carlisle. She had come to visit while Keith was away in New York and I took here there while showing her the heady delights of Stoke!! They do a fixed price menu that varies from time to time. You get three courses plus coffee and all you pay is the price of the main course you choose. That menu is limited of course, but they have an a la carte menu too with some delicious dishes. I had smoked salmon with rocket to start, and a lovely salad of chargrilled chicken.
We demolished four bottles of wine between us! My dad was amused to see that the wine had his name, as you can see in the picture below!!
As we arrived half an hour ahead of time, we called into a pub acros the street called Fat Cats, for pre-dinner drinks. Seeing that they had a beer garden, and the weather being okay-ish, we decided to go outside and take a few photos.
Portofino is a lovely restaurant, and I've been there a few times. Last time I was there was almost exactly a year ago, with Sue from Carlisle. She had come to visit while Keith was away in New York and I took here there while showing her the heady delights of Stoke!! They do a fixed price menu that varies from time to time. You get three courses plus coffee and all you pay is the price of the main course you choose. That menu is limited of course, but they have an a la carte menu too with some delicious dishes. I had smoked salmon with rocket to start, and a lovely salad of chargrilled chicken.
We demolished four bottles of wine between us! My dad was amused to see that the wine had his name, as you can see in the picture below!!
When it was time for dessert we all sang Happy Birthday to dad (and mum) as the waiter brought out a little mini cake with candles that I had arranged earlier. Dad was surprised and I hope not too embarrassed, as people from other tables were joining in too!
All in all, a lovely evening. And the best part? Dad picked up the bill!!! Thanks Dad! Looking forward to your 80th!!!
