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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

stardust restaurant and vintage kawaii


On a recent visit, my Mom shared some awesome vintage  "Party Toppers"  found at a garage sale back in the 70's. Made in Japan, this odd and endearing collection of characters with a fifties aura were still sealed in their original plastic packaging...high time to let them out and have some fun!
Yesterday, they came along for a festive meal at Stardust, a Southern and Thai-inflected spot in Old Town, Alexandria with great vintage flair, along with my wonderful girlfriends and fellow foodies Steph and Christal.
Stardust's starry ceiling sets a dreamy tone:
Maybe this trio would care for a drink?
Silvery reflections:
I usually order Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Cheesy Grits and Greens, but these other yummy selections may expand my repetoire next time...
Steph's Wok-Seared Vegetables with Chicken:
Christal's Thai Style Grilled Beef Salad:
Reflections at the bar:
Finally, dessert and party time for the Party Toppers:
Loved how the red rose petal matched the elephant's chapeau!
 
 
After lunch, a brilliant blue sky:
And fuzzy buds on trees, blowing in a strong breeze:
Still early, but small hints of spring are emerging!

14 comments:

Angi said...

I honestly had to go back and read that 4 times... you can order grits/greens and asian dishes at the same place? How wicked is that!?!?!

I saw crook neck squash in it too... man when I get home and I go grocery shopping... security is going to have to pull me out of the squash display... oohhhh how I miss eating them!

Ain't gonna lie I've done scrolled up twice to look at them again :D

Bentobird said...

Angi, your comments rock! Yep, Southern and Asian yummies all at one cool place! It is wicked indeed. Loved your comment about the squash causing a security incident--too funny! They really are a flavor of back home, no? Really hoping you'll blog your visit home, girlfriend!

Unknown said...

Wow, looking at all that delicious food makes me drool! Yum! The party toppers are wonderful and festive in your dessert!

Bentobird said...

Thanks Jenn for your visit and cool comments--so nice...this was a fun little "vintage" project!

hapabento said...

Hi Jenn, Once again I'm mesmerized by your post. How cute are you to take your vintage picks along for "restaurant dessert embellishment duty"!

Happy Little Bento said...

Your picks really did do a great job on the partyriffic desserts! What a fantastic afternoon. How lovely :)

Lia Chen said...

I love reading your post because you always take so many pictures for us to enjoy. It's amazing! Party toppers are cute ... are they from wood?

Bentobird said...

Hi Debra,
I'm always thrilled to have you along! Your comments make blogging so rewarding :)

Bentobird said...

Hi there sherimiya! Thanks--they sure are quirky-cute...love the term partyriffic! See you at your blog :)

Bentobird said...

Thanks, Lia, I feel so lucky to have such sweet and creative people like you to share my pictures with!
The partytoppers are made out of styrofoam, I think, and covered in soft felt, with pipe-cleaner details. Its interesting to me how different they are in mood and construction from contemporary decorations...

megan said...

wow, what a cool and eclectic spot - so glad you decided to take pictures and share with your internet buds, thanks! the toppers are just adorable, the elephant is my favorite. genius of you to bring them along!

Bentobird said...

Guess what gamene--the elephant is my favorite, too! Thanks so much for coming along for this retro visit and for your wonderful comments, they mean so much to me :)

tinyskillet said...

I know I am way last on my comment here, but I just had to comment on the vintage toppers. I love vintage and have a lot of vintage kitchenware. It's so funny you brought them along for a photo op at the restaurant:) It's also funny they have a southern shrimp and grits(what no chop sticks?) and Asian dish on the same menu. The food looks awesome though, actually the whole place does!

Bentobird said...

Thanks dear Lyndsey for these sweet words!