Eric's Birthday

Eric's birthday was actually on Tuesday, but with it being in the middle of the week, we didn't really celebrate until tonight. I asked him where he wanted to go, and he said Hollyhock Hill.

Now if you're not from the Indy area, me saying that means nothing. So let me tell you about it... Hollyhock Hill is one of those places that's been around for over 80 years, that is essentially an old house converted into a restaurant. It's a true family style restaurant. They're specialty? Fried Chicken. And how's this for old school... when you make you reservation, you tell them THEN you having the fried chicken dinner. And it's not you KFC style... no... it's true family style. As in, multiple course of home cooked food brought to your table on serving platters and bowls. So there's the standard fare... mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits... but then there's the oddities that you know are served as part of tradition at this point. Like pickled beets, cottage cheese, and a 'salad' that is essentially just lettuce with their special dressing on it. After your meal, they bring out hot wash clothed to clean up with, and then, if you're still hungry, you get dessert. What else but vanilla ice cream with a trio of sauces to top it with, including mint! So while this is all kind of odd if you've never been there, it's pretty damn good.

So back to Eric's birthday. To his surprise, Hollyhock Hill now serves alcohol. This was an 'improvement' from the last time we were here, and we guessed that they jumped on the opportunity when the state was literally auctioning liquor licenses off a couple of years ago. They had to know it could only be a benefit. So Eric ordered his Sun King and then had to snap a picture of it on one of the doilies on the table. Our food came out, one course at a time, and we enjoyed each course thoroughly. I think Eric enjoyed having his birthday dinner there, kind of like being a kid. They even brought out some brownies with candles when they found out it was it birthday celebration. Again... he enjoyed it more than he'll admit - you could see it on his face.

I didn't think that we'd end up at Hollyhock Hill for Eric's birthday. But I can say it was likely the best place to end up. Eric just seemed to really unwind and relax for once. And actually enjoy his birthday.