Anke’s European Birthday Dinner
Brandon and I were very honored to celebrate my friend Anke’s birthday over dinner while in Europe this summer. The entire experience left a big impression on us. It was a European style dinner with several amazing courses, the best company and a palpable sense of presence.
Anke and I became close friends during her eight year stay in the States (even rooming together for 4 of those years). I got to reunite with her in Valkenburg, Netherlands (after 4 years of not getting to see each other) just a couple of hours before dinner. I was overwhelmed with glee, and brought that full heart of joy with me to dinner.
The birthday dinner was hosted at Haus am See which is Anke’s Dad’s incredible restaurant in Aachen, Germany—just over the border, only a 20 minute drive from Valkenburg. I had been to his restaurant before, so I knew we were in for a treat. In fact, I had inquired if the chocolate lava cake I had communed with previously would be available, and Anke laughed assuring me it would be available. (She actually messaged her Dad to make sure it was on the menu for the evening—bless her!)
We arrived to the restaurant right outside of the city on a beautiful June evening. The setting of the restaurant is one of cozy dreams. It’s nestled right next to a lake in a scene of nature (abundant trees and plants surround the property). We found a table beautifully prepared for the party, and a menu created just for the occasion, especially for Anke’s birthday. How wonderful!
As the party arrived, wait staff (and family) brought us water—sparkling & still and then a specialty cocktail crafted for the celebration. It was a bubbly ginger number that made my taste buds rejoice. And we were just getting started.
Drinks flowing and good conversation already in the air (in Dutch, German & English), we then received a little treat to kick start our palettes compliments of the chef. Anke’s sister, a guest at the table, quizzed us all for our orders.
We were to each choose one of the special appetizers, entrees and dessert from Anke’s Birthday menu. Typically these courses are ordered one at a time throughout the evening in Europe, and especially at a nice restaurant like Haus Am See. So when I heard Anke & Lieke’s Mom, Nicole, playfully critique Lieke’s ordering inquisition, I knew immediately what she said—even thought she said it in Dutch (and I don’t speak Dutch). All I picked up was “Amerika” and I jovially called her out knowing she asked Lieke if she thought we were in America (since we tend to rush through dinners out sometimes ;)). The whole table had a great laugh. I adore Nicole, and she’s so fun to banter with back and forth, so I loved picking on her.
Hearts full of laughter and ears full of languages, the dinner continued. I ordered the Asparagus Salad as my appetizer because it was made with white asparagus. We had seen ads about white asparagus and farm stands selling white asparagus throughout our German journeys. We had come to realize it was much beloved by locals, and that it was nearing the end of its season. When I saw it on the menu, I decided it was time to try it. It was worth the venture! Very yummy.
Somewhere in the mix Anke opened presents. We had got her gifts from Berchtesgaden, our previous destination. And her friend Nadine & Bart got her the memorable gift of a MyHeritage DNA kit. Anke and I always joked that we were 22nd cousins because I have ancestors from the Netherlands, so we laughed that maybe we could finally prove it. (It didn’t, but the hope still lives on.)
By this time we were also enjoying our choice of soul-quenching wine with our happy time together. Sometime later our entrees were delivered, all perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. All was spectacular. As was the rest of our evening together.
The lesson I took from the evening was to slow down and enjoy. And that we did!
