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April 22 2013

An Evening in Another Era

With all this talk about the upcoming Gatsby movie, it seemed perfect timing to finally check out Duane Park, the recently reopened supper club.

If you’ve ever yearned to live in another era, then Duane Park certainly fits the bill.

On Saturday night, our group arrived for the 9:30 event (there’s 6:30 and 9:30 seatings), which included a 3-course dinner and a burlesque show that had us mesmerized until 12:30am. Not only was the decor “dressed up” in a by-gone era - most guests were also dressed to the nines, some even sporting head-dresses, feathers and smart suits.

Here’s the breakdown:

Food
When I’ve gone to burlesque shows in the past, the food certainly takes a backseat. However, Duane Park’s menu was not just decent….we all agreed it was so good that we’d return just for the food! And although it’s a prix-fixe, there are at least 6 options in each category to fulfill your cravings.

Entertainment - Cast of Characters

For the duration of our 3-hour sitting, the burlesque components entertained us for probably 2 hours with breaks in between acts. These “acts” included our Emcee, a beautiful, charming, provocative singer, two dancers, both experts in the “art of the strip tease” (which ended in tassels, not fully nude), one aerial performer who enjoyed putting knives and fire down her throat, and finally, a male comedian/magician who had us keeled over in hysterics.

For the hour or so breaks where there wasn’t a singer, dancer or comedian on stage, a four-piece band kept us more than entertained.

Our group sipped our martini and Manhattan cocktails, savored every bite of our meal, watched in awe of the show and every so often one of us would utter “why couldn’t we live in another era?!”

P.S. I kept the pictures PG, but that wasn’t always the case

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April 15 2013

SoulCycle on the High Line

There are “only in New York” moments….

And then there are “once in a lifetime only in New York” moments.

Last Thursday was one of those moments.

With one hundred bikes, candles and black lights, SoulCycle took over the High Line, one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, for a fundraising ride to to raise over $100,000 for the The Friends of the High Line.

Although cloudy weather blocked any chance of a stunning sunset, the incomparable views remained the same.

The energy was palpable and my love for this company grew x3.

I run social media for SoulCycle, so I spent the majority of the ride running back and forth between bikes, crouching on the ground with my iPhone (check me out to the left in the below pic)….

So I could capture shots like this one for Instagram.

And when all is said and done, you have to pinch yourself because although the term is thrown around fairly liberally, when you experience a true “only in New York moment’, you must savor it.

See even more event pictures here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SoulCycle/64759509591

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April 08 2013

When a Meal Starts with 6 Amuse Bouches…

You know it’s going to be special.

Prior to dining at Aldea, I had never heard of it. Clearly, I’ve been living under a rock because this Flatiron restaurant is definitely now on the list of one of my top five favorite New York City meals. In fact, I’m already trying to plan when I can return.

What makes it extra special is for less than $100, you can enjoy an 11-course Mediterranean-inspired meal at the Chef’s Tasting Table, an experience that typically would cost 4x the amount at other top-tier Manhattan restaurants. (*The menu states that this is 7-courses, but they give you so much more!)

Now, Aldea may not be for everyone, but for my specific culinary preferences, it hit the nail on the head.

So, if you love duck, farm eggs, sea urchin, foie gras, scallops, creamy cheese and decadent chocolate, make a reservation at Aldea as soon as possible!

Amuse Bouches:

Mojito macaron
Oyster
Croquette
Mussel soup
(Far right hand corner) Beet flower goat cheese puff
Beet pickled quail egg

Our action view throughout the night.

Soft Poached Egg (perigord black truffles, watercress benton’s bacon, shiitake broth).

Sea Urchin Toast. This may very well be the best plate from the night. I could eat 100 of these!

Foie gras terrine

Diver Scallop

Suckling Pig

Duck confit

Cheese course

Mango sorbet

Chocolate Tart (pistachio dragée, saffron-crème fraiche sorbet, candied piri-piri peppers).

Petite fours

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April 02 2013

Lady’s First Trip Back to the Dog Run

After four months of hibernation, Lady finally returned to the Leroy Street Dog Run last weekend. It’s one of my favorite dog parks in the city for two reasons.

It’s in the neighborhood
It’s pavement instead of the typical gross mulch that lives in most dog runs.

To say Lady was over the moon would be an understatement.

Check out the last photo to see what I mean.

For now, I’ll be dreaming of the day when she can finally be off leash in a lush green dog park no matter what time of day (Central Park only allows early am weekend hours).

Good thing it’s just around the corner.

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April 02 2013

I spent the morning shooting pictures for work on the High Line.
Thank goodness for that hood!
Even with the the current 37 degrees and dagger-like wind chill, it was worth it.
Frozen but smiling!

I spent the morning shooting pictures for work on the High Line.

Thank goodness for that hood!

Even with the the current 37 degrees and dagger-like wind chill, it was worth it.

Frozen but smiling!

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March 08 2013

Today’s morning walk around the West Village.

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January 25 2013

Last weekend I scored a same-day 9:30pm dinner reservation at Red Rooster, Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s celebrated Harlem restaurant.
I had called earlier in the week and was told nothing was available that short notice, of course. I called the morning of to see if there were any cancellations and still, no dice. Finally, that afternoon around 4:30, I tried once more and they were able to squeeze us in following a last minute cancellation.
BINGO!
According to the website:
“The menu reflects the roots of Harlem’s diverse population as well as Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s own rich background, while celebrating local farmers and artisanal purveyors.”
The background they are referring to is the fact that Marcus was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden. This truly was reflected in the menu with items like fried chicken (maybe the best I’ve had), catfish and grits, salmon gravlax, and Swedish meatballs. Oh, and lest I forget to mention the cornbread. Now THAT is cornbread!
But the best part of Red Rooster had to be the scene. When we entered the bar/lounge area, I immediately felt under-dressed/unstylish, but not in your typical New York way, more of a different era/retro way.
Men wore fedoras, women strutted around in birdcage headdresses. A couple men had long thick mustaches or canes (not because they needed them) while women wore fishnet stockings (in the classiest sense) and striking red lips.
The whole evening was as much a feast for the eyes as for my taste buds.
Definitely making a note to return for their Gospel Sunday Brunch. From the website:
This is Harlem, so of course Red Rooster’s Sunday brunch comes with a side of Gospel. Local belter Belinda Munro perform gospel and spiritual favorites at what has become the hottest brunch party in NYC. The neighborhood’s cultural history takes center stage, as Red Rooster pays tribute to the music, food and spirituality that have helped make Harlem famous. Our special Sunday brunch menu is served 11:30 am-3:30 pm, and it’s first-come, first-served with no reservations, so come early and dress sharp.

Last weekend I scored a same-day 9:30pm dinner reservation at Red Rooster, Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s celebrated Harlem restaurant.

I had called earlier in the week and was told nothing was available that short notice, of course. I called the morning of to see if there were any cancellations and still, no dice. Finally, that afternoon around 4:30, I tried once more and they were able to squeeze us in following a last minute cancellation.

BINGO!

According to the website:

“The menu reflects the roots of Harlem’s diverse population as well as Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s own rich background, while celebrating local farmers and artisanal purveyors.”

The background they are referring to is the fact that Marcus was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden. This truly was reflected in the menu with items like fried chicken (maybe the best I’ve had), catfish and grits, salmon gravlax, and Swedish meatballs. Oh, and lest I forget to mention the cornbread. Now THAT is cornbread!

But the best part of Red Rooster had to be the scene. When we entered the bar/lounge area, I immediately felt under-dressed/unstylish, but not in your typical New York way, more of a different era/retro way.

Men wore fedoras, women strutted around in birdcage headdresses. A couple men had long thick mustaches or canes (not because they needed them) while women wore fishnet stockings (in the classiest sense) and striking red lips.

The whole evening was as much a feast for the eyes as for my taste buds.

Definitely making a note to return for their Gospel Sunday Brunch. From the website:

This is Harlem, so of course Red Rooster’s Sunday brunch comes with a side of Gospel. Local belter Belinda Munro perform gospel and spiritual favorites at what has become the hottest brunch party in NYC. The neighborhood’s cultural history takes center stage, as Red Rooster pays tribute to the music, food and spirituality that have helped make Harlem famous. Our special Sunday brunch menu is served 11:30 am-3:30 pm, and it’s first-come, first-served with no reservations, so come early and dress sharp.

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November 29 2012

A steady stream of guests comes with the territory of living in New York City.

Last weekend, my college friend turned London resident, Lauren (remember her here?) visited and the weekend was jam-packed with some of my usual guest go-to’s, including:

Martinis at Commerce (the best in the city, in my opinion….)
A stroll through the Village - West and Greenwich
Lunch and people watching at Extra Virgin
Discovery of Myers of Keswick, a British shop in my neighborhood. Might be a sign…
Mulled wine at Buvette
A late night of dancing to Motown oldies at Bowery Electric
Taco overkill at Tacombi

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November 12 2012

This past weekend was glorious.

Why?

For the first time in almost three months, I had the entire weekend to myself. No traveling. No visitors. Not even a fiance in town. Nada.

When your calendar is empty, it’s interesting to note what the highlight of your day becomes. For me, it was a very uneventful Sunday morning.

I woke up rested and refreshed (again, for the first time in ages), put Lady on her leash and headed out the door for two stops.

1) First up? My new favorite neighborhood cafe to pick up a latte and croissant. Lady sat outside and put on her “poor me” face….even though she could see me the whole time. Fortunately, five seconds after this photo, a crowd of adoring strangers/fans swarmed her and saved her from three minutes of no attention.

2) Second stop? The stoop of a gorgeous house in the neighborhood. It’s currently being gut renovated, which means the owners aren’t living there, which means I like to treat it as my own stoop to drink coffee and people watch. Lady does, too.

Easy enough.

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September 20 2012

Fellow New Yorkers - I implore you to get your behinds to Central Park this weekend and bask in the warm sun, crisp air and pre-Fall colors.

Take a cue from our gathering last weekend - throw on some shades and grab a sheet, baguette, prosciutto, wine, cheese, fruit and macarons. Don’t forget to wear layers to easily adjust to the changing temps (warm at noon, cooler at 4pm).

Add in a couple furry friends and you’re all set.

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July 02 2012

Best NYC Oyster Special
Although oysters are typically only meant for months with “R”, I love them so much that I forgo the rules and enjoy them year round.
The best New York oyster deal? Easy - Fish.
$8 buys you 1/2 dozen oysters + a glass of wine or PBR.
Anytime. Any day.
A glass of wine or PBR at Fish would already cost $6 or $7, so the 1/2 dozen oysters are essentially an added bonus. This past weekend I went through 25 myself without blinking an eye.
The oysters themselves are fairly large and tasty. They’re certainly not the best oysters, but they are above average and the price can’t be beat.

Best NYC Oyster Special

Although oysters are typically only meant for months with “R”, I love them so much that I forgo the rules and enjoy them year round.

The best New York oyster deal? Easy - Fish.

$8 buys you 1/2 dozen oysters + a glass of wine or PBR.

Anytime. Any day.

A glass of wine or PBR at Fish would already cost $6 or $7, so the 1/2 dozen oysters are essentially an added bonus. This past weekend I went through 25 myself without blinking an eye.

The oysters themselves are fairly large and tasty. They’re certainly not the best oysters, but they are above average and the price can’t be beat.

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June 14 2012

Christmas in June

“Only in New York”…..

My best friend hates this quote, and truthfully, it is overused to the point that it sometimes makes me gag, but there’s really no other way to explain what I experienced yesterday.

Upon turning on to my street yesterday evening, I was met with a full blown movie set for the upcoming film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The crew was in the process of creating 1940’s Christmas, which meant tons of fake snow.

And much to Lady’s delight, tons of people on the typically quiet street.

A couple of hours later I returned to the street and was met with a true winter wonderland of string lights, wreaths, garland….

Plus Carolers.

And vintage taxis.

Lady became a one-doggy welcome wagon, making friends with every Extra and Production Assistant in sight.

We tried to befriend Kristen Wiig, but she wouldn’t succumb to Lady’s charms.

The highlight of the evening? When Ben Stiller came by the production area (where Lady had made new best friends) and referred to Lady as “the talk of the set”.

Just call me Stage Mom.

At first, security try to shoosh us away, but I informed them that THEY were actually on MY street and I would hang out as long as I’d like (i.e until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore at midnight).

The end.

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May 18 2012

Last night, some friends came over for dinner.
I stopped by Murray’s on Bleecker to pick a selection of cheeses and fig preserves.
I then walked around the corner to Jones Street into Florence Meat Market, the old-school butcher shop (opened in 1931!), for precisely trimmed Lamb Chops.
The meal was topped off with tomatoes, maple glazed brussel sprouts, several bottles of wine and homemade chocolate chocolate chip cookies.
Not only do I like avoiding the post-work Whole Foods madness, but popping in and out of local West Village shops and supporting small businesses just feels good.

Last night, some friends came over for dinner.

I stopped by Murray’s on Bleecker to pick a selection of cheeses and fig preserves.

I then walked around the corner to Jones Street into Florence Meat Market, the old-school butcher shop (opened in 1931!), for precisely trimmed Lamb Chops.

The meal was topped off with tomatoes, maple glazed brussel sprouts, several bottles of wine and homemade chocolate chocolate chip cookies.

Not only do I like avoiding the post-work Whole Foods madness, but popping in and out of local West Village shops and supporting small businesses just feels good.

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May 02 2012

For my mom’s final dinner in New York, we continued our “small plates” tour de force with a meal at my favorite little Italian spot, Aria (see past review here).
Everything was so delicious, per usual, so much so that we weren’t able to decide which plate was our most or least favorite - they were all exceptional!
Clockwise from top left:
Lamb chops
Clams and spinach
Vegetarian lasagna
Eggplant wrapped goat cheese
Buratta with prosciutto di parma and tomatoes

For my mom’s final dinner in New York, we continued our “small plates” tour de force with a meal at my favorite little Italian spot, Aria (see past review here).

Everything was so delicious, per usual, so much so that we weren’t able to decide which plate was our most or least favorite - they were all exceptional!

Clockwise from top left:

Lamb chops
Clams and spinach
Vegetarian lasagna
Eggplant wrapped goat cheese
Buratta with prosciutto di parma and tomatoes

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May 01 2012

On day two of my Mom’s visit, we dined at Buvette, a French “small plates” ultra charming restaurant that I raved about before.
We sat at the bar, enjoyed some wine and mom left, essentially, obsessed with it.
I can’t say enough how strongly I recommend Buvette!
Clockwise from top:
Asparagus topped with goat cheese and shallots
Walnut pesto crostini
Us!
Special: Roasted rabbit in dijon mustard sauce
Mussels (with some sort of spicy mayo sauce)
House-cured salt cod spread with olive oil & garlic
Not pictured: Coq au Vin, which you’d probably be eager to try, but you should skip it. It was, unfortunately, our least favorite dish of the meal.

On day two of my Mom’s visit, we dined at Buvette, a French “small plates” ultra charming restaurant that I raved about before.

We sat at the bar, enjoyed some wine and mom left, essentially, obsessed with it.

I can’t say enough how strongly I recommend Buvette!

Clockwise from top:

Asparagus topped with goat cheese and shallots
Walnut pesto crostini
Us!
Special: Roasted rabbit in dijon mustard sauce
Mussels (with some sort of spicy mayo sauce)
House-cured salt cod spread with olive oil & garlic
Not pictured: Coq au Vin, which you’d probably be eager to try, but you should skip it. It was, unfortunately, our least favorite dish of the meal.

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