Scribblings from the Mitchy Side

It came to pass that March 4th was bytepilot's 40th birthday so thalinoviel, with her usual flair and skill, organised a gathering at Belgo Noord. 12 of us came to om and nom and inhale vast amounts of flavoursome beers. And a very good time was had by all :) It was particularly good to catch up a bit with smokingboot whom I met once about 3 years ago and we've spectacularly failed to get together since, despite repeated attempts. It was also good to see bibliogirl and rotwang, who I also haven't had a chance to natter to for ages, outside of LJ.

I was a good mousey, I only had 1 and a half beers - possibly having learned my lesson from the other week that too much booze + usual Belgo food servings = unhappy mouse. I ordered one beer that was just too beery for me but maviscruet was on hand to gallantly take the beer off me and give it a good home *g*. I did, however, do the food full justice *grins*. I had cheese croquettes to start (Janey: I can't decide on the starter! *does eeny meeny miny mo* Me: Cheese soaks up booze better..... Janey: Good point, well made. I'll have the cheese croquettes please!) The main course was possibly the best main course I've ever had at a Belgo's. It was a mussels platter (a March special so not going to be around long) of mussels in the half shell topped with cheese, bacon and chives. OM NOM NOM! I'm a big fan! There was happy scoffing but ooooh I was full! I skipped dessert although I was planning on an irish coffee but they weren't serving them for some reason *big sulk*

bytepilot decided to skip dessert too but instead he went for the schapps selection - 24 schnapps shots brought on a long wooden board that stretched nearly the length of the table. He had some help with the drinking but even so, as the birthday boy, the responsibility of finishing the drinks was left to him. It was an obligation he took up bravely. I'm only sorry I neglected to take my camera with me. (Also missed out on the chance to take a picture of maviscruet hoovering up the last of the mussels and liquor at the bottom of the mussel pot with a straw....:D)

Anyway, the best bit of all is Janey had organised a Secret Cabal of Present Giving and a number of us had clubbed together to buy bytepilot this. And he even gets to fly the plane a lil'! He was thrilled to bits :) He's threatening to find a way of strapping a camera to his helmet so he can show us how the trip goes :D

Happy birthday bytepilot! Well organised that thalinoviel! I hope your hangovers aren't too violent today! *hugses*