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    Double Birthdays, Double Fun!

    May 26, 2016 by Anna 1 Comment

    Double Birthdays The 4 of UsYou know how Great Eight Friends loves a celebration; and we ALWAYS celebrate our friend's birthdays. Sometimes when the birthdays happen close together and life gets busy, we toast two birthdays at once...double the presents and double the Gr8 Fun!Double Birthdays Drinks

    Recently, Jurga and Kyle each had their special day, so Debbie and I planned a dinner at a fairly new restaurant (new to Orange County, anyway), North Italia in Irvine. We all love Italian food (what's not to love?) so we were excited to check out this dining spot.Double Birthdays North Italia

    The decor is cosmopolitan, a simple and sleek backdrop to Gr8 Food. I love this saying!Double Birthdays Saying on Wall

    Everything we tasted was delicious. The food is recognizable but always with a unique twist to make it their own. We started by sharing two "small plates," the Crisp Calamari and Grilled Cauliflower.

    Instead of getting a plate of fried calamari piled high with an Italian tomato sauce, this very crisp yet tender fried squid was served atop a plate of fresh, peppery arugula and served with a lemon vinaigrette. A lovely, lighter twist on a classic.Double Birthdays Calamari Arugula

    The Grilled Cauliflower was served with asparagus and a fried egg on top. Breaking the yolk and tossing the veggies with the egg made a wonderful silky dressing.Double Birthdays Cauliflower

    For dinner, there are many tempting choices. Double Birthdays Menu

    Jurga and I split two entrées, the Bolognese (the house specialty) and Chicken Parmesan (let's face it friends, this is basically fried chicken with cheese...oh yeah!). And the chef split it in the kitchen, I love when they do that!Double Birthdays Chix Parm & BologneseAnd Kyle and Debbie split the Spaghetti and Meatballs (a classic!) and the Cheese Tortellini, which is made with a spinach pasta, roasted mushrooms and THREE types of cheese. Double Birthdays tortellini and bologneseAfter dinner, of course it was time to have dessert; which the restaurant kindly provided...with celebration candles!Double Birthdays DessertAnd open gifts!Double Birthdays KyleDouble Birthdays Jurga w CardWe love our friendship and our times together!

    North Italia — 2957 Michelson Drive — Irvine, California 92612 —949.629.7060

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    1. Claudia Kerns

      May 26, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      Looks amazing! It is on my list!!
      Thank you!

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