40th Birthday party at Giro Osteria

Photos by Natalie Hayllar, Styling by Lisa Madigan at Giro Osteria

The 40th Birthday Party Celebrations have continued well into February, and have now officially come to an end at Giro Osteria Italian restaurant in Cronulla. And who said it was scary turning Forty! Obviously someone who was still only 30. So far it has been fabulous actually and I have no idea why I was so worried about reaching this milestone. Last weekend was the finale of what my husband has called the 'Festival of Forty'. I didn't really like the idea of having a big 40th Birthday Party at home (sounds like a bit too much work) so I opted for a intimate long table lunch with a few girlfriends at a local restaurant instead. And if I had my time over I would do it all again. Giro Osteria Italian restaurant, in my home town of Cronulla, was our very special location for the occasion. Its places like this that thankfully have helped turn Cronulla into a real foodie destination. Giro Osteria is the brainchild of former Rambutan owners Jo Natale and Oriana De Luca, who also opened another favourite Alphabet Street two doors up. This is the best kind of Italian dining in my book. Generous seasonal platters and a restricted menu designed for sharing. Friend and collaborator Lisa Madigan styled the tables for me with a gorgeous selection of pink and red flowers, hand written menus and I even had my own corsage. Apart from the constant flow of Prossecco, the divine stuffed zucchini flowers, gnocchi, slow roasted lamb and fresh whole snapper, the absolute winner of the day was the surprise watermelon and mascarpone 40th Birthday Party cake that the chef made for me and the girls. (Sorry no pics of the food I was too busy eating it) I have never tasted anything like it! Wow what a treat. I have a full heart (and a full tum) as I step into the next decade of life. Woo Hoo. 

Thanks to the lovely girls who came along and to the staff at Giro Osteria. You were awesome indeed. 

Natalie
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