7.30.12 Lady Mendl's Tea

Today, I went to Lady Mendl's 5 course tea service at The Inn at Irving Place (56 Irving Place, New York, NY). It was lovely. All the food and the tea was absolutely delish!

On my way there, I noticed this plaque on the building across the street. Washington Irving lived here! I guess that's why it's called Irving Place. I never knew that ...

Washington Irving's house ... not so shabby ...

The pretty table setting at Lady Mendl's ...

The amuse bouche ... a delicious butternut squash tartelette ...

Second course ... Finger sandwiches ... I had the smoked salmon and egg salad.

Third course ... Cranberry scones with clotted cream and preserves.

Fourth course ... Layers of crepes with raspberry sauce. Delish!

Fifth course ... Assortment of cookies and chocolate covered strawberries

Afterward, I went home and changed my sheets. Exciting stuff.
Chewie is as excited as I am about our new lamb sheets.

7.28.12 Cocktails at the Waldorf and insanely good food at Txikito

My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary this weekend. Our actual anniversary is on July 24th, but my husband was away for work, so we celebrated a little late. First stop was Txikito - a Basque-style pintxo (aka tapas) restaurant in Chelsea. It's the best restaurant in NYC ... at least in my opinion. I'm transported back to San Sebastian every time I eat there. *sigh*
                          (Txikito is pronounced [chi-key-toe] as the "tx" is a "ch" sound in Basque.)

I'm happy because I know what I'm about to eat.

Lucas is also happy ... We ate the roasted peppers before I could snap a pic.

Kroketas ... boom chica bow wow ...

Pulpo ... heavenly.

Berenjena ... traditional Basque eggplant dish ... This might be the best thing I've ever eaten ... in my entire life. I almost ordered a second one. It was a special that night.

Pochas (this is my fave dish from their normal menu) ... Perfectly cooked mussels. Perfect.

Lucas had the lengua. He loved it.

Quesos for dessert and wine in proper Basque glasses. I die.

Cocktails at the Waldorf Astoria after a bottle of wine at Txikito ... oofah!
The Bull and Bear bar ... Admittedly, not as fancy as I had hoped, but just as pricey as I had anticipated. womp womp.

Manhattans for two ... Trouble. ;)

7.19.12 Basil in Crown Heights

Tonight, my friend Leah and I went to Basil Pizza & Wine Bar in Crown Heights. I had been there once before for a work function and I couldn't wait to return. The pizza is amazing! And, bonus, it's certified kosher!

This time, I opted for the seasonal special with no regrets. I had pan seared hake with tempura battered zucchini blossoms stuffed with brandade atop fava beans and sauteed morel mushrooms (hells yes!).

My friend Leah got the Daurade-Roman style which appears on the dinner menu regularly.


Once again, I can't wait to go back! Delish!

Chewie, my yorkie, also got a haircut today. Looking smart, Chewie, looking smart ...

7.11.12 Surf City Bar and Restaurant in Jersey City

Today's adventure was to Surf City - a bar and restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. They open at 4pm, so I met my friend Kris there early to beat the after-work crowd. I was pleasantly surprised that their lobster roll and cole slaw was delicious. It was only $14.95 for the lobster roll and, in the vicinity of NYC, that's pretty damn good. Kris and family ordered the burgers and I don't think the burgers were as good as the lobster roll. They have an area of the bar with sand and some fire pits around, so I imagine it's also quite nice to drink by the water at night here.

The walk there was a little weird. If it weren't for the giant sign ahead beckoning me forward, I wouldn't have thought I was headed in the right direction. If you pass some questionable construction and parking lots, you'll find a little harbor with loads of boats. Sitting right on the water with boats passing you by makes you feel like you're not in the city for a minute ... well, until you look up and see skyscrapers. :)

It was cool; I'll go back there ... and get another lobster roll.

The walk there ... You see what I mean ... but well worth it!

But then you get there, and it's nice ...

Bar right on the water

The lobster roll ... Mmmm

7.9.12 Yonah Schimmel's Knishery and Russ & Daughters

Today entailed a trip to the LES for a visit to the famous Yonah Schimmel Knishery and Russ & Daughters for some treats from the sea. I grew up in New Jersey and I've lived in New York City since 2007. I have no excuse as to why I'm just investigating these joints until now.

Yonah Schimmel's Knishery
In any event, Yonah Schimmel's knishery did not disappoint. I love carbs ... and I love spinach. Hence, I had the spinach knish which was delish. (ha). Behold!



Russ & Daughters
As a pescetarian (though part-time vegan), I enjoy an occasional treat from the sea. Today's score was some gravlax, French smoked herring (never had this!), and some whitefish roe (which I'll be enjoying with some cheese and crackers later tonight).


I walked over to Whole Foods on Houston afterward and got some Gardein goodies to enjoy later this week. Yum! Tomorrow, it's off to The Cloisters for the first time. yay!

7.6.12 Brunch at Tom's and Keith Haring Exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum

The first order of business was a visit to Tom's Diner to sample their famous pancakes and a trip to the Brooklyn Museum to see the Keith Haring exhibit before it was over on July 8, 2012.

Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes (aka The Danish) at Tom's Diner in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.


So, my first visit to Tom's ... I have to say that these were good, but no better than the standard diner pancake. Sorry ... But they did inspire me to create my own version chez moi in the near future. It was a delicious greasy spoon breakfast in any event which I welcome any day I can sneak it in.

Keith Haring Exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum
I love Keith Haring! This exhibit was small, but fun. Who doesn't love some angel on dog action and pics from Danceteria circa 1980? I mean, I'm still in the Madonna camp ... make that the Debi Mazar-meets-Madonna and hangs with inspiring people camp. (Debi Mazar is my style icon. I will track her down and kneel at her vintage-sporting feet one day.) OK. I got side tracked, but this exhibit brings up a lot of fabulous thoughts for me. Enjoy ...

Basquiat snuck in!


I ended the day in my 'hood with crab tostadas from Tacos Nuevo Mexico complemented by one of the best margaritas you'll find in Brooklyn. Delicious!