Esther Cook has fun, food-filled birthday week

Arbomar resident Esther Cook celebrated her 80th birthday Thursday, Feb. 28, not one day, but seven.

Helping her ring in the big 8-0: 25 friends, primarily from Arbomar and St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church. As a special treat, her friend, Kathy Kozbial, flew down from Fishersville, Ky., Monday, Feb. 25, staying through Sunday, March 3.

Cook first met Kozbial, a nurse, 35 years ago in Michigan, when accompanying her husband to his doctor’s appointments. The two went from acquaintances to close friends 21 years ago, when Kozbial read Cook’s husband’s obituary and then paid her respects at his funeral.

“We’ve been fast friends ever since,” Cook said.

With a milestone birthday and an out-of-towner in tow, Cook had multiple excuses to indulge, which she did with pleasure.

Here’s a rundown of her gastronomic whirlwind of a week:
• Café L’Europe
• Cedars
• Jack Dusty’s at the Ritz Carlton
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Marina Jack
• Lazy Lobster — three times