Just want to say I am pretty impressed with the list you’ve put together on your own.

> Headed into town Saturday at lunchtime. Modern Apizza for lunch?

You’ll get a million different opinions on pizza here. Modern isn’t my first choice but it has absolutely earned its place as one of the “big three”. No change needed here but I will toss in my controversial plug for De Legna’s

> Yale Art museum, green, old campus, Barcade after lunch.

This is a great day, can I join you? I’d add on the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library to this list l, which is really unique and only adds on about 15ish minutes or so.

> Booked a night at the Blake. Mostly for walkability.

Solid spot.

> Birthday dinner reservations at Union League or Olea?

Union League has been the standardbearer in fine dining for a long time and for good reason. That said, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants in New Haven. If you are dead set on fine dining, I will second your nomination of Union League but Zinc (also mentioned here) belongs in the conversation.

> Nightcaps at High George?

Good spot mostly for view and ambience. I’d recommend Ordinary for drinks though. Really unique cocktails and great bartenders. It is a smaller spot but its previous occupant (Richter’s) was a bit of a New Haven landmark.

> Any recommendations for a great place for an early breakfast on the way out?

I will second the recommendation of the Pantry, another New Haven classic. They pretty much make two dishes (eggs Benedict and cinnamon roll pancakes) but they knock those out of the park. Another controversial opinion Bella’s / Lena’s have always been crazy overrated. Not worth a detour.

I will toss in an oddball breakfast recommendation of Trinity Pub. New Haven used to have a ton of irish bars and this place is the last man standing. Chef/owner is a great guy and it will be a more relaxed breakfast.