Our Fabled Nest

Birthdays are a big deal around here. There’s a day trip. There is cake. There is a whole week of your favorite things. Big doins’! When I say I normally plan everything, I mean everything. It is something I don’t mind because I love showering people and fur kiddos with love! So, when the hubs surprised me, he really went above and beyond to make sure I was in the dark for the whole date. That is the best! He gave me hints but I was completely clueless.

First stop was the Plant House in Richmond. His clue was “something to make” “something you love, I don’t but I can assist too” Hmmm- okay not a clue and bewilderingly vague! After we found parking -that can be a bear in a larger vehicle in Richmond. We walked around the corner to this gem! It’s been on my list for a few months now and bonus they were having a sale! The Plant House is a terrarium building workshop and plant shop. Sizes range from small terrariums to rather large ones. I chose the $35 kit. This came with either four air plants or three succulents or cactus. We ended up with only two succulents because it seemed like a tight squeeze. Included with the price is all of the things needed to decorate the tank along with the plants. We both had a blast! I am pretty proud of the terrarium we created! After we made ours, we browsed the store. So many gorgeous plants to choose from -large and small from tiny Haworthias to large palms. Planters from whimsical to minimalist to fun planters like dog shapes! Local made candles that smelled divine and even a few other locally made items were sprinkled throughout. Very cute, quaint and cozy way to spend a few hours!

Next was food. We both love a good meal especially when we find a place with an amazing gluten free menu- that means we share the whole meal and more leftovers to come home with! Fun! Hubs found a beautiful restaurant called Toast Gastro Pub. He was so excited; he actually spilled the beans as we were driving – he rattled off several menu items he knew I’d love, and he couldn’t wait to show me -he’s the best I told ya!

Even before noon, they were crowded. They do serve brunch on the weekends, but their lunch menu is available too! The gluten free and regular menu is rolled into one – I always love places that intentionally decide to make other things gluten free that normally would be reserved for the gluten free only menu. Again, a cute cozy pub that smelled drool worthy as soon as you walk in – our kind of place! And seeing the food as we walked to our table – my stomach couldn’t help but grumble! Serve was prompt and cheerful, even though they were busy. For drinks, hubs ordered his favorite Tito’s and tonic. I didn’t see a mocktail list; so, I inquired. This place doesn’t offer a list of mocktails, but she offered for bartender to put one together. I told her go for it! I’m not picky but something fruity would be fun. They delivered! My pretty drink was a cranberry lime fruity tart mocktail that I absolutely adored, and hubs gave it an eight out of ten!

As soon as she left to check on other guest, she was literally right back checking on us. We started with the shrimp and crab nachos sans shredded cabbage. Hubs saw the pimento wontons and added those. Those are not gluten free by any means but holy moly they looked good! Back to the nachos, fresh corn tortilla chips topped with crab, chopped shrimp, melty cheese, pico de gallo and a cilantro creme fraiche. I don’t like Mexican food but these, I like these. Alot. This appetizer was enormous. It came on a small baking sheet, overflowing with nacho goodness. I never thought i’d say that! We asked for a box before we even dug in.

On to the mains! So many options! I wasn’t sure what to choose but everything sounded amazing! I settled with a Reuben spinoff – the Turkey Rachel. Shredded turkey, thousand island dressing, melty Swiss, and apple slaw all grilled together between two gluten free bread slices. Mhmm, it was “The Sandwich”. I cannot wait to recreate this at home. It was that perfect balance of sweet, salty, cheesy – just delicious! I ordered the bacon Brussel Sprouts as a side. If those are ever on a menu – you can be sure I am ordering them! I added a side of sweet potato tots. Sweet Potato Tots are hardly ever gluten free and knowing these are? Why not! Plus, hubs and I share, and we can always take leftovers home. He chose the gluten free peperoni pizza. It’s a classic; on gluten free cauliflower crust topped with melty mozzarella. Yum. He ordered a Caesar salad. I wasn’t interested in salad, so he ordered his regular. Again, he said it couldn’t have been any better! The amount of food that showed up to our table looked like we were feeding a small army. Again, we asked for take away boxes – leftovers for days! Finishing up our meal, we ordered a slice of gluten free key lime pie. I haven’t had key lime pie in a long time and more than grateful to see a small piece for us to split. It was just as I remembered! Tangy, tart, citrusy, all on that glorious graham crust. We don’t eat out a lot, but this place makes me want to come back – even if it just for the nachos and mocktail. So good!

Cheers to our next adventure!