Mr NQN was keeping a secret from me. I tried with all of my powers of persuasion but alas he wouldn’t budge. My birthday dinner location was going to remain a secret until the very last minute.
One evening, a few nights prior he said to me “I’ve booked somewhere for your birthday on Saturday night…just the two of us” which surprised me because in the entire twelve years we’ve been together, he hasn’t ever made a restaurant booking.
“It’s Pizza Hut, all you can eat” he said giving me a cheeky grin and carried on the joke for several days.
The evening rolled around and he started to pace, nervous. “I’m a bit worried” he admitted. As for me, the control freak and organiser in me was getting very excited at not knowing what the plans were. I warned him that I was enjoying it so much that from now on, he might have to organise all meals. We got in the car and drove down Anzac Parade. In the left lane, I saw Cleveland Street coming up. “Ooh Cleveland street?” I asked and he drove straight past. Going into the tunnel heading north was another surprise and we settled into the lane going towards Mosman and Manly.
“Any idea where we are headed?” he asked. I thought about it, and said that since we had to leave at 7:15pm exactly and we would get to Mosman or Manly at 7;45pm and that was an awkward time for a booking, that maybe we were headed even further north?
I’m surprised again when he turns hard left and we head towards Cammeray. He pulls over and we walk into the door of Bar Fredo. We walk towards our table when I see to my right a large group of my nearest and dearest friends who yell out “Happy Birthday!” to me. Such naughty cheeky buggers and I have to say that they hid the secret very well. Some like Teena and Queen Viv even said that they would be away then so they couldn’t make it. Others like Viggo and Louise we had seen only the night before and they had kept the secret completely without giving any hints!
We take a seat and have some champagne and I spend the first half hour in a daze as this is the second time Mr NQN had taken me completely by surprise (the first time was when he proposed). The food starts coming out and the service here is wonderful. Hot Dog, who is notoriously difficult with wait staff is immediately wrapped around the waiter’s finger and tonight, we are dining from their $45 a head menu.
Mix Dips: Tzatziki, Hummus, Taramosalata with Pita Bread
The mixed dips are the first to arrive and they are made up of tzatziki, hummus, taramosalata and they come with warm slices of fresh pita bread. The tzatziki is a favourite as it is creamy and fresh.
Chorizo and Haloumi Skewer: Crispy Traditional Chorizo with Haloumi Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction
This was my favourite-what’s not to love with chorizo and halloumi and the halloumi here was soft and squeaky and not hard at all. The balsamic reduction gave both the salty elements a nice sweetness.
Salt n Pepper Calamari: sweet and tender Calamari served w/ Mixed leaves, Roma Tomato and Garlic Lemon Aioli
The salt and pepper calamari was a tad too salty but the calamari itself was butter soft and piping hot and it came with a garlic, lemon aioli.
Patatas Bravas
Always a crowd pleaser, the patatas bravas had pieces of crispy potato and a rich, spicy tomato based sauce on top.
Chicken Melitzana
The mains start arriving and we can smell the aroma of cinnamon as this dish is set down and it’s a pan fried fillet of free range chicken breast topped with a slice of meltingly soft eggplant and halloumi cheese with a blanket of tomato, honey and cinnamon sauce. Whilst the flavour of this was good, the chicken was a little dry. To the side are green beans which are nicely cooked and sweet.
Seafood paella
The seafood paella is packed with well cooked seafood. Sometimes the seafood in paella can be overcooked but these were all cooked til tender and the aroma of saffron is immediate as they bring them out. I can’t help but go back for more morsels of seafood.
Slow cooked lamb
There was a change from the lamb skewers to the slow cooked lamb on the menu. The slow cooked lamb was so soft, rich and lovely. However I thought that the paella was the last dish so I filled up on that!
Dessert
Ahh sneaky and clever Mr NQN! That afternoon he did the grocery shopping voluntarily by himself (which should have alerted me as he loathes it) and he went to a cake shop to buy a little birthday cake. Served alongside this was their tiramisu which was very soaked and had a strong coffee flavour. Mr NQN gets more alcohol in his piece than I do as mine doesn’t taste much like alcohol so perhaps there was an uneven splashing of the alcohol.
So tell me Dear Reader, how do you feel about surprise birthday parties? Have you ever had one or planned one and if so, were you or the birthday person surprised?
Bar Fredo
504 Miller Street Cammeray NSW 2062
Tel: +61 (02) 8920 1083
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57 Comments | Add your own
What a perfect surprise birthday with good friends and great food! Mr NQN sounds very thoughtful indeed.
Happy Birthday Lorraine
I hope it wasn’t too long again and I haven’t missed it hehe ~
That’s so sweet of Mr NQN! He surprised you and all your closest friends kept it a secret too woo hoo! That’s the best
It looks like a great place to have dinner and I think it’s nice that they have a set menu because then you don’t need to worry about ordering different dishes and which ones are best for sharing and things like that hehe
Unfortunately, I’ve never been thrown a ‘surprise’ party lol i’m always the one surprising others, baking others cakes and doing all that stuff hehe
But Mr Bao does try and surprise me on my Bday and take me to places I’ve never been before hehe
Happy belated birthday! The food looks fabulous, and $45 per head sounds very reasonable.. x
It sounds all fun and delicious to me your surprise birthday party! Well done, Mr. NQN!
Oh, lucky YOU!! happy birthday!
Oh I love this story!!! How gorgeous is your husband. I had a smile from ear to ear while I was reading! What a sweetheart.
Mr GG did something similar for me for my 40th. My birthday falls at Christmas so I never really have a celebration because everyone is either away or has plans. Mr GG organised a surprise party for the month before. Needless to say I was gobsmacked!! Friends and family came from all over Australia and my head was spinning. Plus I had the opportunity to ease my way into the big 40… there were banners and balloons everywhere, by the time I actually turned 40 I was okay with it
I’ve never had a surprise birthday party and I’ve only organised one for John. How boring are we?
Happy (belated) Birthday – it sounds like you all had a terrific time at Bar Fredo!
What a fabulous surprise! Well done Mr NQN and a Happy Birthday to you
The lamb sounds so nice, as does a well-prepared paella–and I could positively eat taramasalata on anything. Anything. Love it, though this one didn’t get your top nod. What a lovely surprise for you–Mr. NQN did really well. I hope you had a splendid evening…nay, week, nay, month (I believe in birthday months) in every way.
I am always embarrassed when surprised…I prefer to know what is going on.
I would love to be surprised! Nobody has ever thought to do it yet though.
I’m so glad you reviewed this place because we dine in Cammeray often but haven’t tried this place yet. Sounds like it would be great with a group like you had. Whenever I drive past it seems to be buzzing.
I bet it’s not easy to surprise you – especially where food’s involved
Looks like a fab night. Happy Birthday!
What a great group of friends!
I love the look of the paella and the lamb sound perfect for the colder weather.
I’ve never had a surprise party before, but I did organise a surprise 40th adventure away for my hubby and his two best mates. They had a blast !
The Husband and my best friend sprang a surprise party on me for my 40th. I was astonished that those I love could be so duplicitous!
)
Yum! Surprises are nice, but I too am a total control freak and organiser and always want to know where, when, how etc. The suspense kills me!
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday! I would love to do that with my hubby but he doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.
Awwww Mr NQN is the sweetest! No shopping, cooking and a dinner at an obviously delicious fancy restaurant? Awesome!!!
Also happy birthday for yesterday!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Wow, what a wonderful birthday surprise! How clever of Mr NQN and all your Seret Squirrel friends.
I had a surprise birthday at Thai Pothong in Newtown and u was so shocked that my legs wouldn’t stop shaking for most of the night! Looks like you had a wonderful night!
Well done Mr NQN, very impressive
Pleasant venue with appetizing food, but, methinks, the surprise element and your closest fun friends together was the best thing on the menu! Mr NQN is to be commended
! Oh, would love to have a plate of that slow cooked lamb in front of me now! Am not much into celebrating my own birthday: June normally saw me at the European trade fairs anyhow, but have been instrumental in organizing some fab surprises for others: remember a couple of dear gfs nearly passing out from total shock 
!
Happy Birthday! Very sweet of Mr. NQN!
♥♥♥
Sue
Aww..so sweet..happy belated birthday,sounds like it was wonderful:)
Happy Birthday! WHOO HOO!
Always fun to be surprised too!
Expected the unexpected when it comes to me!
Surprise my be my middle name or ingrained in my WHOO HOO personality!
Happy happy birthday! I love birthday surprises, and it looked like Mr NQN knocked this one out of the park!
xox Sarah
Happy birthday Lorraine!!! May you have reason for joy in your life always.
I have never been surprised before. But I wonder what will it be like…
I think that’s really lovely that he went to so much trouble to give you a special b’day with him and your closest friends. Well done everyone on keeping it under wraps. That glass of champagne looks like a great way to start the evening xx
My husband never remembers my birthday so I don’t have to worry about surprise parties.
Many happy returns Miss Lorraine.
Sounds like you had a whole heap of fun and Mr NQN certainly scored some brownie points for being a real sweetheart in organising the whole event. Life certainly can’t get much better when surrounded by good company (and good food)!!!!
I have managed to organise a few surprise functions-mostly for my ex-husband over the 27 years we were married. I loved the anticipation before the party and subversive collaboration with family and friends behind the scenes.
Happy Birthday Lorraine!
I have never had a surprise birthday party and I would LOVE to have one. I have even hinted. My man has not taken up said hint however does spoil me on birthdays.
Yummy food and it looks like you had a lovely night amongst good friends – woohoo xxxx
Kylie
That’s very sweet of Mr NQN, personally surprise parties terrify me so thankfully I’ve never had one. The last time we ate here I think this restaurant use to be Credo Cafe, might give it a try. Hope you had a great night and belated birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday Lorraine!! Sounds like you had a wonderful and very special birthday, and how terrific is MR NQN, the man definietly has romance in his soul, and that’s always a good thing. I always say I am not so concerned about the gifts, in saying that, that doesn’t mean I don’t want any, it just means so much more to spend your birthday surrounded by those you care for most, your family and friends; that’s the greatest joy and what makes it a cherished day. Love and best wishes to you, Tricia xoxox
Happy belated Birthday wishes to you Lorraine! I love a good surprise and it sounds like the Mr came up with the goodies
Organising a surprise nearly kills me. I have to pretty much tape my hands across my mouth to stop words from leaking out.
Happy Belated B-day Lorraine! Haven’t had a surprise b-day party for quite long time… Mr. NQN is very sweet!
I think I could cope with a surprise birthday dinner, but I think I’d want advance notice for an actual surprise party.
Happy birthday dear Spay Lady (again). And well done to the sneakypants Mr NQN
I’ve never had one but I have hosted one. I held a surprise B dinner for Will at home a few years ago. He got home and I had set up a big table and lots of balloons. I left work at 12 and somehow did that and organised dinner for 10 before he got home at 5. He was very surprised!
Sounds lovely NQN
Happy birthday
Lindy
A belated happy birthday to you! What a lovely surprise
Dear Lorraine,
Miller street in Cammeray seems to have produced a few good restaurants over the years. The slow-cooked lamb looks like a good choice for winter.
Hi Laura-He is so clever, the sweet thing!
Hi Daisy-Thanks Daisy!
I know, he really picked well 
Oh would you like one? I’ve always wanted one but I know others that wouldn’t want one. That’s very sweet of him!
Hi celia -Thanks Celia!
Isn’t it just! x
Hi Marina-Yes he is awfully clever
Hi Susan-Thanks Susan!
Hi Julie-Thank you! Oh you are sweet
Oh wow, that sounds absolutely epic! Well done Mr GG! 
Hi Maureen -Not at all! So many people never have one! Thank you Maureen, I did!
Hi Katy-Thanks very much Katy!
Hi Victoria-Me too, I usually have to keep myself away from it just in case!
I like your way of thinking re birthday
months!
Hi Kristy-Oh I’m sure there is time to drop hints! Yes it’s a good group venue, well that I can vouch for
Hi Phunk-Haha I know! I’m amazed that he managed to do it! Thank you
Hi Rebecca-They are definitely!
Yes I ate so much of them both! Aren’t you sweet! I’ll bet he did! 
Hi Amanda-Haha well that’s one way to look at it!
Hi Erin-I know, I am SO the same but you know I really started to enjoy the feeling! It was fun
Thank you!
Hi Julia-Thanks Julia!
Ohh really? Oh well!
Hi Choc Chip Uru-Hehe I know, he’s so clever and sweet
I never knew he was a planner inside! Thank you! 
Hi Bronnie-Thank you so much! Haha secret squirrel friends-love it!
Hi Anna-I know, I was shaking for ages! I was so excited and stunned! I did thanks
Hi Rah-I agree absolutely!
Hi Eha-Absolutely, it was so nice to see everyone and I couldn’t believe that he got everyone there! They must have
definitely been surprised!
Hi sue-Thank you so much Sue!
xxx
Hi Erin-Thanks Erin! It was a wonderful weekend!
Hi Joanne-Thanks for my birthday rhyme!! I love it!
Hi Sarah-Thanks lovely Sarah! I agree, I’ll let him off the hook for next year because this was hard to top!
xxx
Hi Anjelica-Thanks Anjelica for the lovely wishes!
Hi Michelle-Hehe I think it will be a happy moment
Hi Charlie-Yes I really couldn’t believe it, he is such a gem
Absolutely, that’s the way to start! 
xxx
Hi Debra-Oh what a shame!
Hi Kris-Thank you so much Miss Kris!
Hehe yes he definitely has a surplus of brownie points! Oh you must be an expert at it! I bet you organised some fabulous ones!
Hi Kylie-Thank you very much Kylie!
Oh that’s lovely that you get spoiled on your birthday! Yes, thanks, it was a very special night 
xxx
Hi Stefanie-Thanks! Oh really? I have heard some people don’t like the idea of them. I’ve always wanted one myself
Yes the food was great 
Thank you so much Stefanie!
Hi Patrizia-Thank you Tricia!
I know, he is amazing-I had no idea he had it in him! 
I know what you mean being with people is really the highlight! Love to you too! xxx
Hi Brydie-Thanks Brydie!
He certainly did! Oh you are so funny! 
Hi Nami -Thank you Nami! They’re fun aren’t they although I think it will be a while until I have another
Hi Hannah-Spay Lady you are too funny
Thank yoy lovely!! Haha sneakypants, I’m going to tell him his new name 
Hi Claire-Oh wow that’s a lot of work, I bet he loved it!
Hi Lindy-Thank you so much lovely Lindy!
Hi Fiona-Thanks Fiona! It was so unexpected which made it even lovelier
Hi ChopinandMysaucepan-Yes I don’t get there often enough!
HAppy birthday, Lorraine. It’s great when surprises work so well. Fun looking dinner… especially those chorizo skewers.. must try that one of these days since I LOVE chorizo.
I really wish my boyfriend would throw me a surprise party, he has never booked a restaurant (by himself) before, it’s always my decision and never was there a surprise element involved. The food looks fantastic! You sounded like you had a great night.
I’ve been to a surprise birthday before and boy was the birthday guy surprised. It was his 50th birthday and his wife told him to meet her after work at a bar, and the whole bar was booked out for him!
Happy Birthday! That was so nice of mr. NQN. The food and venue look wonderful. How very sweet of your friends, too. I love surprise parties as long as I have my face on and dressed to the nines! JT threw one for me for my 30 and 40th! I suspect he will do another next year
The paella: I make all the components separately and then assemble to avoid the over cooked bits!
It looks and sounds like it was a wonderful way to celebrate and the food looks fab. Well done Mr NQN! I hope you had a very happy birthday Ms NQN and many happy returns
xx
What a fabulous birthday surprise! I’d be fine about a birthday surprise if I knew it would turn out like this. You can’t control surprises, though, can you?
The food looks sensational. Happy birthday may your next year be as blessed as your previous .
Great way to spend your birthday. I’ve never had a surprise birthday, or organised one without being found out. I can’t be trusted with a surprise! Happy belated birthday. GG
How brilliant! I don’t think Ive ever been or had a surprise party, maybe one day….
Happy birthday! We almost have the same birthday – mine is June 15th!
Sneaky and clever? I’d say Mr. NQN is just awfully romantic! Lucky you, what a wonderful surprise and a fabulous birthday meal! I often get surprises from mine but never parties! He hates parties.
Happy birthday. What a great surprise, it sounded like a huge sucess- hopefully there will be more to come in the future
Happy birthday, what a wonderful surprise.
Hopefully with the success there will be more to come
oooh,..what a lovely post! Happy Birthday to you, my sweet friend!:) yeah!! xxx
A great & grand surprise dinner!
I love to be surprised!
Also the foods look all very tasty!
Oh wow that is so romantic! And also, very very thoughtful! Kudos to Mr. NQN.
Happy Birthday – What a great surprise
I literally live around the corner and have had many a good meals there. They use to do theme nights every Thursday and I went with a bunch of girls I had gone to Greece with to the Greek night. So much fun, great food (and lot of it!) and the staff are so friendly. We were even up dancing with them by the end of the night
What a fab night that sounds.. so glad you enjoyed your birthday..
Many happy returns…
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