Celebrate

Clay's birthday is April 1. And this year it was one of those "big ones." I made a reservation to spend last night at the new J.W. Marriott - just to do something a little special. We had dinner at Six-One-Six in the hotel.

So just as we were getting ready to leave home last night I got a text message from Drew and Michele: "We're lonely."

What could I do but invite them to dinner with us? Good times, great dinner: a bottle of wine signed by the winemaker, a sushi appetizer (I finally got my husband to try sushi!), baby spinach salad, scallops with a creamy risotto, the house specialty hand-rubbed steak cooked to perfection, after-dinner coffee. And the special birthday greeting above.

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Our room was on the 16th floor of the hotel. I requested "river view," and it was a great view in spite of the cold, rain and clouds. Everything there is first rate (there are only 6 of these hotels in the world, afterall). Very fitting for a birthday - whether it's a "big one" or otherwise. (Click to see larger photos.)

The Van Andel Museum from the 16th floor of the hotel

Another view from our window

 

Room 1617 at the J.W. Marriott

 

Lighting overhead at Six-One-Six

 

Looking down into the lounge from the 3rd floor

 

Well, yeah, it's the restroom in the restaurant

 

Lily centerpiece