My smart, funny, and massively good-looking friend, Danny (you’re welcome) celebrated his birthday last weekend at margarita-haven, Velvet Cantina.

Though I had never been, I was excited to try something new and, lets’ face it, surround myself in the company of beautiful and hilariously fun male friends. We started the night with a few pitchers of fresh fruit margaritas. Now my body can’t handle much tequila, but I did enjoy a sip or two of the generously boozy drinks from my boyfriend Alex’s glass. In between the whispers about our studly waiter and the intellectual conversation on a friend’s psychology research, we shared some pretty tasty bites.

I wasn’t able to capture all of the food in it’s clean and simple Mexican charm, but I was able to snap a few shots of my favorite dishes.

Clockwise from top left: Ceviche, Guacamole, Smores Nachos

The ceviche was tart and perfectly cooked with the bright addition of mangoes and crunch from thin tortilla chips. The guacamole was very different than most I’ve had before. It was sans-tomatoes, which made it much more decadent and thick. Then there were the sinfully sweet smores nachos. Who would have thought that crisp cinnamon sugar chips, chocolate sauce, and torched mini marshmallows could be so delicious? Actually, scratch that. Who wouldn’t be all over this combo?

The night was a huge success and everyone had an amazing time. Maybe it was the margaritas. It was probably the margaritas. Either way, cheers Danny! Happy 24th! Looking forward to many more birthdays, and many more trips to Velvet Cantina!