December marks a milestone for both Dan and I, as we’re both turning 30 later this month! (Dan on December 13, myself on December 25 — we are only a couple weeks apart in age.) The thirties sound a little daunting but mostly exciting — we can’t wait to see where it’ll take us in both our family life and professional careers — our twenties were memorable, but we have a feeling our thirties will be just as, if not more, wonderful. As I wrote before, I’m dedicating my 30th to charity: water and so we have no plans to have any big birthday party for ourselves, but Dan still wanted to take me out to a nice dinner to celebrate what is a big milestone for both of us!

Dates are hard to come by when you’re parents, so we were really grateful that my parents volunteered to watch Mio while we got to get a little dressed up to enjoy the evening as a couple.  Based on several friends recommending 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church to us, we decided to go there for our celebratory dinner.

 

Dan enjoying some bread.
The handsome hubby, who will turn 30 this week!

 

Love the decor inside the restaurant!
Loved the decor inside the restaurant!

 

Nice to carry a simple clutch instead of a huge diaper bag for once!
It’s nice to carry a simple clutch instead of a huge diaper bag for once!

 

Excited for an amazing dinner.
Getting started with some small plates and appetizers.

 

Spiced Duck Samosa
Spiced duck samosa with honey and harissa

 

American wagyu steak tartare
American wagyu steak tartare with parmesan cheese and peanut vinaigrette and crostini.

 

Crispy Pork Belly with black garlic aioli and celery-pear salad
Crispy pork belly with black garlic aioli and celery-pear salad.

 

All of the appetizers were delicious. The steak tartare was some of the best I’d ever tasted, the duck samosas had just the right amount of kick to it, but the crispy pork belly was definitely our favorite! It was so rich and flavorful, and practically melted in my mouth!

The entrées were even more exquisite! It was hard to decide, but I had to go with the lobster…

 

It was incredible!
Butter poached Maine lobster with parsnip purée, chestnut, celery root, and lobster syrah sauce.

 

Dan's Venison Loin with smoked heirloom potato, Savoy cabbage, and juniper jus
Dan had venison loin with smoked heirloom potato, Savoy cabbage, and juniper jus.

 

Ready to eat!
Ready to eat!

 

Very excited!
Ever the seafood lover.

 

And of course, there’s always room for dessert with us! 😉

Chocolate Napoleon with huckleberry compote, Manjari panna cotta, and coffee gelato
We shared a chocolate Napoleon with huckleberry compote, Manjari panna cotta, and coffee gelato.

 

Happy 30th to us!
Happy early 30th to us! Here’s to another great decade together.

 

Koi in the pond.
Koi in the pond outside 2941.

 

By the koi pond.
By the koi pond. Part of me wishes we had gone when there was still daylight so we could see the beautiful landscaping around the restaurant, but I guess we’ll just have to go back another time! 😉

 

It was the perfect romantic evening, and the dining experience at 2941 was both delectable and unforgettable! Thank you to everyone who recommended it to us. 🙂 It was a lovely way to celebrate this special occasion, and we’re feeling great about turning 30 in the coming weeks! 😀