Pasta and more.

Where do you want to go to celebrate this year’s birthday, I texted to George Three.

He deliberated. Pondered. Thought it over. Figured he wanted to try someplace he’d never been.

Francesco’s Cucina, he decided.

My dear wife Karen, terrific daughter Elisabeth and I had appreciated the Italian place on Syracuse’s north side.

Piled high.

We were all enthused at this choice.

The joint was packed on a Saturday night, but after a short wait, we were led to the back room for our reservations.

Quite a special.

The regular menu is fabulous, and my three dining partners went for pasta, chicken, and shellfish.

I couldn’t take my eyes off one of the specials, a surf-and-turf that featured a plank steak and lobster tail.

Abundant and very tasty, and a pretty good deal at $62, I decided.

We all loved our meals.

My photo of George’s shellfish bowl was blurred, but I did get this moment at an art piece that featured his name.

Another year around the sun.

Francesca’s was a fine choice, for sure.