Melissa was spending her actual birthday with the new man travelling Asia, so the week before hand, we were headed over to Mango Tree. But before we left it was time to give Melissa her gift. Pippa and I had figured this out months ago, and had been beavering away the last few days to get it finished in time for Melissa's fake birthday. We had bought her 21 presents, one for every year of her life. From Mac, to Starbucks coffee, to a plastic Monsters Inc spoon and bowl, her birthday hamper was filled with everything that reminded us of Melissa. We giggled our way through the unwrapping and a rather emotional Melissa was thrilled with each and every one.
After presents, it was time to get ready, and a quick snap accompanied by some incredible lemon meringue cupcakes, before zipping in a car across to Mango Tree.
We met Jack, Gemma and Harriett in the bar of the 5 star Thai restaurant situation in London's Belgravia, where we welcomed by the friendly and incredibly knowledgeable staff. Both the bar and restaurant ooze Asian sophistication and we were quickly transported into a world far away from London's Victoria. We gladly took cocktail menus and were sufficiently confused and blown away by the extensive list of original and classic mixes. Spying a blue lagoon, I was quickly contented, and we were all happy customers when an array of rainbow liquors arrived for us. Toasting the fabulous 21 years of Melissa, we were quickly and efficiently sat at our table not a minute passed nine, shortly followed by the vast menu.
We snacked on the most delicious prawn crackers while mulling over our menus. Thai food has never been my favourite, but even I was dazzled by the delicious array of dishes on the menu.
I eventually settled on a talay pad cha. A classic.
Ok, so I had never heard of it before either. But wok fried scallops and squid with peppercorns and kachai root? I was sold.
Our food arrived in perfect timing to soak up the cocktails and wine and we quickly tucked in. My dish was one of the greatest things I ever eaten. And helping myself to Jack's Jasmine rice it was the perfect amount of flavours and textures, if a little too spicy for my usual taste. But this only heightened the taste and we all agreed our food was flawless. We passed on dessert, and were almost the last people in the restaurant by the time we said our goodbyes.
When my group of friends get together it's almost impossible to tear ourselves away. Regardless of how long we have been apart, from a day to a few weeks, we always have so much to talk about and conversation and wine will always flow in equal measures.
But with cupcakes awaiting us at the apartment the girls and I merrily piled into a cab and headed home.
For information and Reservations at The Mango Tree: http://www.mangotree.org.uk
