This. Is. 50.

It's official -- we have a quinquagenarian in the house!  It doesn't exactly come trippingly off the tongue, but she does indeed make 50 look good!

Carey had herself a jam-packed 50th birthday, starting with a day trip to Syracuse to have lunch with her mom and sister. Then home for presents and a birthday dinner at Innovo Kitchen. Topped the day off with Greta's homemade flourless chocolate cake and the season finale of "Survivor 41!"

My meal: Cider Monster Braised Beef Grill, featuring Nine Pin Cider-braised beef, aged cheddar, onion jam, horseradish sauce and roasted peppers. Yes, I scraped all that tasty stuff off the grilled ciabatta bread, shocking the waitress when she came to clear the plates, wondering if I hated the meal and hadn't touched my sandwich.  :-)

Greta's selection: A salmon burger with pickled cucumbers, arugula, worcestershire aioli and red onion on a toasted roll.

The birthday girl's dish: Winter Burrata salad with chicken. What's that mean? Roasted tri-color Brussels sprouts with a warm spiced brown butter butternut squash puree, a big ball of fresh mozzarella, toasted hazelnuts and a hot honey drizzle.

Linc's choice: Something called an "i-Burger" -- featuring a special grind, aged cheddar, onion jam, house-made bacon and bread & butter pickles