Birthday dinner

Eastside Road, August 20, 2011—

A PERFECT BIRTHDAY, doing just what I wanted to do. Fine cappuccinos for breakfast, made with the beans I roast myself. Green beans and cherry tomatoes from the Farmers' Market for lunch.

Dinner with old friends at another Italian restaurant, quite a contrast with last night's, but still with a Roman flavor. I began with this spaghetti carbonara, only slightly revisionist (bits of chopped parsley, a hint of lemon), and featuring good Parmesan and pancetta. Afterward, Costole di manzo, braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus spears — out of season, you'd think, but remarkably good.

What? Oh: seventy-six.

Pinot Grigio, Lagaria (Venezie), 2008; Aglianico, Epicuro (Campania), 2007

• Risibisi, 154 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma; (707) 766-7600