The perfect Mother's Day.

In the past, my Mother's Days as a mother have always been so-so. I let myself get caught up in a pity party of "I just want someone to take me out to a nice brunch or dinner!" and since there is no significant other, well, nothing happens. And G just refuses to drive or get a job.

This year was different. G was very accomodating about coming to my hockey game (complete with snacks, coloring book, and portable DVD player), and afterward, as we drove home, I thought of various places to go out to dinner... none of which were going to be the kind to give a toy with a meal, much to G's loud dismay. Sorry, bub, but this is my day.

I thought about Horatio's, which I'd recently learned is also owned by the owner's of Kincaid's, my very favorite restaurant. I had a feeling we'd never get into Kincaid's and was curious about Horatio's anyway. The only problem was that I didn't exactly know where Horatio's was. I knew it was on the San Leandro marina. And I am into adventures.

I also realized, as we drove north on 880, that there is a Marina Blvd exit off 880 in San Leandro. So what are the chances that Marina Blvd leads to the marina?

100%, it turns out. And there was a lovely, big restaurant in front of me: El Torito. No flippin' way was I going to trade perfectly roasted beef or broiled fish for tacos and enchiladas (not that there's anything wrong with that). I drove past, and voila, in front of me, Horatio's. It has big windows that look out upon the picturesque marina, and as a bonus, you see planes landing at Oakland Airport!

We had a wonderful dinner, G with the "best grilled cheese sandwich ever! Taste it, Mom!" (it was, indeed, an excellent grilled cheese sandwich), and me with Halibut Cheeks (who knew?) in a white truffle oil sauce (very good) and pureed celery root (tasty). I had a cocktail (first time in months!), an Appletini. G begged for the cherry, which by that time, had really been soaking in the alcohol. I finally assuaged him by asking the waitress to bring him one of his own. He received three with big, wide eyes. I amused him by tying one of the stems into a knot with my tongue.

And I got to knit while we were waiting! I chuckled as I thought of Hypothetical Spouse whinging about me knitting on Mother's Day at a fancy restaurant. Take that, Hypothetical Spouse!

A very nice Mother's Day. (made all the sweeter by our 1-0 win in hockey.)