Celebration at Chef Jessie

What a wonderful way to spend the weekend. I joined my friend Jenny at Chef Jessie in Rockwell as she celebrated her milestone birthday. 

Dinner at Chef Jessie for Jenny's milestone birthday

Guests were asked to be there by 6pm so that everyone would have time to settle down because the party would start promptly at 630pm. And indeed it did! My friend Anna and I got there at about 630pm and as we arrived, the opening prayer had started. We made our way to our table - we were seated with many of our other high school batchmates - just as dinner was about to be served. Chef Jessie is known for great food so we really enjoyed our dinner. And because I shared a table with high school friends, many of whom I don't get to talk to very frequently anymore, the night felt like a bit of a reunion.

After dinner, the program started. There were speeches from several people from all parts of Jenny's life: family, high school and college friends, colleagues, and choir mates. Everyone shared such awesome and amazing stories of Jenny, which wasn't a surprise because I know how great a person she is. Then we got to the musical portion of the evening. Jenny is an incredible singer; she was part of a well-renowned choir in college and is now part of another topnotch choir. Interestingly enough, her son also sings. He entertained the guests by singing while playing the guitar. He then had a very lovely duet his mom. Then Jenny, who is a classically trained singer, regaled us with several songs that were all quite difficult to sing and require a high degree of vocal proficiency. Her solos were very impressive. Finally, she joined her choir as they closed out the night with fine music and incredible voices. It's not every night you get to attend a milestone birthday celebration that turns into a veritable concert.

Beautiful music from an amazing choir

It truly was a beautiful evening, filled with great food and wine, exceptional musical performances, and great conversations with friends that continued even after the program ended. Definitely one for the books. It really was an honor to have been part of this very special and memorable evening. Happy birthday, Jenny!