A little over a year ago, our family took a trip to San Diego where we discovered one of my all-time family restaurants - Ray Degado (Brazilian Churrascaria). When we discovered that there was a churrascaria in SF, Mike and I took the opportunity to try it out and boy, was it a discovery!! So when Mike asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I jumped at the chance to go back to Espetus and we brought several of our dearest friends along.
For those who aren't familiar with churrascarias, it's similar to a buffet but instead waiters come along and serve varies meats on long skewers. Matter-of-fact we found out that "espetus" is Portuguese for skewers. Everyone raved about the food and struggled to say "no" to some of the skewers that were passing by.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: As Scott was struggling to keep going, the restaurant lights dimmed and Scott said, "Did the lights just go down or am I passing out."
Cos & Jo (Tuesday date nights and ministry partners)
Er & Becks (Newly weds and ministry partners) 
Scott & Jen (Partners in crime and Mike's long lost twin (Jen))
I can never get these two to take a serious picture 
She ALWAYS makes me laugh (not to mention herself)
Travel and theological discussion partners
Let the celebration begin!
Appetizers anyone?
There is a lot to chose from; my favorite side dish is the pickled mango salad. Yummy! My favorite meat was the sirloin.
Cos trying the chicken heart
This is not a camera trick; this was prepared by our waiter in anticipation of our desserts
Does this look familiar?
Several of the couples order this; I think it's a sort of chocolate mousse
We ended the night back at our home; the guys sat outside talking story while we (the girls) stayed inside. Everyone left around 3 in the morning; I would say it was one of the best birthday dinner parties I've had. Thanks to those who came along; to share this special time with me and willing to fork out the "shells" for the dinner.
