A little over a week ago I was invited to attend a Trend Tribe dinner by Nicole, the Editor of Trend Tribe. She told me that about 8 bloggers from Southern California were getting together at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar and asked if I would like to join them. I am not going to lie. I was more than a little intimidated. For someone who considers herself an extrovert, the idea of having dinner with 7 people who did not know me BUT all knew each other sounded a bit overwhelming.
I went back and forth on whether I was going to attend and then realized I was being a baby about this whole thing and committed. What was the problem with meeting new people who shared a passion for blogging like I did? Absolutely nothing. So last Friday I left the hubby at home with the kids and headed out for my first girl's night that did not involve someone that I knew...plus, I got to dress up.
For those who are not familiar with Five Crowns, it has always been known to us Orange County locals as "your Dad's restaurant". It was a place you went for formal celebrations with your family (Thanksgiving, 50th Birthday parties, there are a number of options here) and very rarely did you return with a date or group of friends. Apparently since my last visit Five Crowns has decided to shake it up a bit and the look and feel was completely different from what I remembered. It had a much hipper vibe and the menu seemed to follow. We were there to try out the new Chef's Supper and I had no idea what to expect. Little did I know it would surpass all expectations.
As the girls and I began chatting about EVERYTHING, cocktails and food began to arrive and continued to arrive for THREE HOURS. It was out of control. I believe there were 7 courses (all paired of course with a cocktail, wine, beer or champagne) but I hit a food coma around course #4 and everything that I inhaled from there on after was blur. This is just a small preview of what we enjoyed (or perhaps my empty plate because I ate it too fast and did not get a photo of the before).
I have never taken so many photos of food in my life. It was beyond. I did attempt to get one photo of the group but this is how bad it was. I should have thought about this BEFORE 10pm....
When dinner was over the conversation did not end so we headed to their micropub, Side Door, which has a CHEESE BAR. I repeat. A CHEESE BAR. Unfortunately I was too full to eat more but it is now on my list for a future date night.
When it was time to leave, I thought back to how anxious I was to go and how happy I was that I did. It truly was a fabulous night. It was also a good lesson for me. Just because I am comfortable with those that I know around me, it never hurts to step outside and meet new people. It could not have been a more fun evening. Thank you Trend Tribe, Letters for Lucas, Wendy Nielsen, Cupcakes and Cutlery, San Diego Momma and Hip Mama B for having me and thank you Five Crowns for hosting us!
* Juggling in Heels did receive a complimentary dining experience from Five Crowns but the opinion is 100% my own. The Chef's Supper is offered on Friday night with only 1 table available. Your party must have a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 10. Reservations are required. To learn more about this experience click here.
