The plans actually sort of fell into place by accident. Arturo had been talking about cooking for us for a long time, and it was brought up again during one of my visits last fall to his salsa stand in the Strip District. Sundays are best for him since it does not conflict with salsa making or vending, but Sundays during football season is always a little dicey...except on the day of the Pro Bowl, of course. As luck would have it, the Pro Bowl was going to take place on the Sunday right before my birthday, and so it was decided right then and there that Arturo would cater a birthday party for me.
On the day of the party, Arturo prepared four traditional Mexican entrées and four side dishes (photos below), each rich, delicious, and flavorful. I think everyone had a different favorite, but mine were the tender pork shoulder, beef tips, zucchini and corn medley, and potato pancakes.
As if Arturo's homecooked Mexican fare wasn't enough, my truly awesome husband surprised me by picking up some pastries and a birthday cake from the famous Oakmont Bakery! To be honest, I can't even remember the last time I had a birthday cake.
A birthday celebration with great food and great friends - what more can a girl ask for? ;)
 |
| Conchinita Pibil (Slow roasted pork shoulder in achiote sauce) |
 |
| Puntas de Filete a la Mejicana (Mexican style beef tips) |
 |
| Pescado a la Veracruzana (Seabass in tomato based sauce) |
 |
| Mole Poblano (Chicken in mole sauce) |
 |
| Calabazitas (Zucchini and corn medley with fresh cheese and cream) |
 |
| Arroz Andaluz (Rice with poblano peppers and roasted corn) |
 |
| Frijoles Charros (Red kidney bean salad) |
 |
| Tortitas de Papa (Potato pancakes) |
 |
| Pastries from Oakmont Bakery |
 |
| Birthday Cake from Oakmont Bakery |
