DO IT! My grocery store is having a special this week, 2 lobster tails for the (very reasonable) price of one, so that's what I'm having tomorrow, without paella tho!

INCREDIBLE flavor, add it as long as its not overwhelmed by the other flavors. Mine: just lemon!

I made paella once, about twenty years ago. I just remember having a tough time finding saffron at the last minute.
It sounds like you have a special day planned. Cheers!

I think it's only for the coloring. Turmeric is a yellow colored substance and is a whole lot cheaper. Neither one has any flavor. That's what I'm planning on using.

A fairly strong flavor. May I suggest an experiment: Make a risotto Milanese and the same risotto without saffron (I can give you recipes if you like). I guarantee that you would taste the difference between the two.

Tumeric also has a distinct flavor, but not as strong as saffron.

It's pretty much indispensable. We go through about an ounce a week for the paellas at work (Spanish place).

Oh well, always next time!

And do add the lobster - you wont' regret it!

You will have a great birthday with paella. I've had it in Costa Rica and 5 places in Spain and each time it was different. All good. I certainly recommend saffron, adds lots of flavor and color; it was cheap in Spain, wish we could buy it in US for that. Shrimp, clams and lobster are so great but it's good even if you can't afford all. The Spanish usually added peas and north of Barcelona the sauce was brown and did not taste like tomatoes.

How did your paella turn out? I made it once but never did get the crunchy bottom.

Sure was a lot of work. I think it's a once a year dish.