Twelve Years Later...

We remember. "Tribute of Light" marking the former Twin Towers will go on at sunset on September 11 and fade away at dawn on September 12.  (Photo credit:  www.inhabitat.com)

Free Macaron with US Open Ticket at Epicerie Boulud

Did you go to the US Open this week? If you did, save your ticket stub and bring it to Epicerie Boulud at 1900 Broadway to claim your free tennis ball designed macaron. The offer ends September 9. Hurry today!

The Dish That I Can Eat Over and Over Again: Ceviche

Ceviche Mixto at Panca, a Peruvian Restaurant in the West Village.  

Try it out! Panca is located on 92 Seventh Avenue South, www.pancany.com

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Art Exhibit at Washington Square Park This Weekend

This weekend, come to Washington Square Park (between W 4th Street and Washington Square Place) from noon-6PM to check out the Annual Washington Square Art Exhibit.  Now in its 83rd year, the event's website, the Exhibit began in 1931 when Jackson Pollock, the American artist known for his "drip paintings," took some of his artwork and sold them on the street to raise funding to pay for his art studio.  He was soon joined by Willem deKooning, another important artist during this period.  

To learn more about the details of the event, please visit http://www.wsoae.org/aboutus.html. The Exhibit will be held over two weekends starting tomorrow and it's free to attend.

Shake Shack Coming to Grand Central Station

Yep, it's coming to Grand Central Terminal. Danny Meyer's Shake Shack will be located in the space that was formerly occupied by Mexican restaurant, Zocalo.  I browsed through a few blogs to see if there is a target date for opening.  AMNY reported on May 8, 2013 that it should open by the end of October.  

More to come!

Wafels & Dinges--Finally!

The cart with the Dinges listed 

I was hanging out in the Union Square area this afternoon to do some shopping at the Greenmarket when I spotted the Wafels & Dinges food cart.  Because my doctor has alerted me to my high sugar problem,  I ended up ordering one of their mini wafels with spekuloos spread and banana dinges (toppings) and a small iced coffee to wash it down.   The spekuloos spread had the texture of peanut butter but with the taste of gingerbread--it was like eating a combination of melted peanut butter and cookie dough.  The portion was just enough to entertain my curiosity.  For more info or where to find your nearest truck in NYC, visit www.wafelsanddinges.com.

My order came in a box pictured below and the iced coffee came with a gingerbread cookie.  I saved the cookie and gave it to my daughter when I got home. She loved it and happily ate it with her milk.

I would definitely order from this food cart again, but maybe after my blood sugar levels drop-- hopefully in a few months.  

Trying out Recipes at the Food Network: Homemade Saag Paneer

I live in a Brooklyn neighborhood that has a great selection of Chinese and Italian restaurants, however, I miss the variety of eating foods beyond these two types of cuisines.  So, today, I decided to make Indian--specifically, Saag Paneer.  Indian cuisine boasts some of the best vegetarian dishes in the world--hearty with lots of flavor.  The recipe I used was one by Aarti Sequeira, the Season 6 winner of Food Network Star.  To check out the recipe, visit:  

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/saag-paneer-spinach-with-indian-cheese-recipe/index.html

Homemade Cheese

The Finished Product

Tenth Annual Dumpling Eating Contest and Festival

Looking for something to do in New York City this Fall?  Visit Sara D. Roosevelt Park to watch the 10th Annual Dumpling Eating Contest.  Admission to the event is free, but if you are participating in the tasting, it will cost $20 for four tastings of  dumplings from around the world.  Visit www.dumplingfestival.com for more information.

Make this part of you summer plan in NYC for 2014

Recap of the 2nd Annual Balut Eating Contest Hosted by Maharlika and Jeepney at the Hester St. Fair.

37 Balut in 5 mins.

Back in the Saddle Again

So I've been MIA for about two years now.  Having a child and the juggling act that followed caused me to take a step back from blogging.  But after having mastered diapers, baby purees, and mommy and me classes, it is now time to start publishing again!

More to come!

Sweets by David Chang of Momofuku Milk Bar Among the Free Treats Being Offered Tomorrow at Uniqlo.

As part of the "Japan Week" festivities in New York City, Uniqlo will be giving out free treats on the following days:

Uniqlo (666 Fifth Avenue) (877-4uniqlo)
Friday, March 9, 4PM-6PM
Saturday and Sunday, March 10 &11, 2PM-4PM


Sweets from the following establishments represented are:
David Chang and Christina Tosi's Momofuku Milk Bar
David Bouley's Brushstroke
Tea by Sugimoto
Kyotofu

Get them while supplies last.

Gaga's Workshop at Barney's This Holiday Season

Photo Credit:  Barneys.com

This Christmas Season, don't forget to add Barney's New York's Madison Avenue flagship store on your "Must-See"  Christmas Shop window tour.  During the Holiday Season, Barney's New York is collaborating with Lady Gaga, and a team of artists to transform the fifth floor and the front windows into a unique interpretation of Santa's workshop. Titled "Gaga's Workshop," the installation will include limited edition artwork and designs which will be seen not only on the fifth floor and windows, but also on the holiday shopping bags and packaging.  Lady Gaga also teamed up with Nicola Formichetti, Mugler Creative Director and Lady Gaga Fashion Director to create special small gift items available for a limited time only. 25% of the sales of these products will be given to a charitable cause of Lady Gaga's choosing.

For more information, please visit:  http://thewindow.barneys.com/lady-gagas-workshop/

Barney's New York is located on  660 Madison Avenue New York NY 10065

Newly Opened: Dominique Ansel Bakery

Dominique Ansel bakery opened its doors November 2 on 189 Spring Street in Soho.  The shop features an array of French pastry by Dominique Ansel, formerly of Daniel Boulud and Fauchon in Paris, respectively.  Bakery insiders informed me that it was a successful opening with most of their sweets selling out by 4PM on Wednesday.

On your inaugural visit, Dominique Ansel Bakery recommends:

Breakfast: DKA--Dominique's Kouign Amann (pronounced KOO-WEEN AH-MAHN) which is a pastry with a flaky and tender center and a crispy caramelized outer crust. Each piece is made by the chef, Dominique Ansel himself.

Lunch: Roasted Pork Club

Dessert: Paris - NY (a twist on the Paris Brest made with chocolate, caramel, and peanuts)

Gifts: Mini-Me's (their signature line of miniature meringues)

The bakery also boasts macarons, brioches and the ever-French pain au chocolat. 

Pastries costs $2.50-about $5.75

Dominique's Kouign Amann is about $5.25

Sandwiches and salads are between $9.00-$12.00

Find them at 189 Spring Street.  Closest subway lines are the A,C or E.  Call 212-219-2773. 

 

A Blog That Has the Inside Scoop on Luxury Brands Sales

"Madison Avenue Spy" has its finger on the fashion pulse.   This blog tracks some of the most coveted sales in New York City and online.  When you scan this blog, you will find a wealth of information, including sales by Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Pucci and Dolce and Gabbana, just to name a few.  "Madison Avenue Spy" also reports whenever price increases on Chanel's purses take place.  She also reports on other categories within shopping such as Friends and Family sales by stores like Sephora, Saks, Seven for All Mankind and Bloomingdales.  "Madison Avenue Spy" does all the legwork for you and all you need to do is subscribe to receive the information and shop whenever the mood strikes you.

This blog was founded by Hayley Corwick, aka "Lila Delilah," a former fashion journalist. She is frequently mentioned in the New York Times in the "Style" Section.   If you are interested in reading or subscribing to her blog, visit: http://madisonavespy.blogspot.com/search/label/Budget.

Bronx Brewery is Launching its Beer in Manhattan on November 10

Photo Credit Bronx Brewery

If you are curious about what Bronx beer tastes like, you can now check out their product at their Manhattan Launch:

Thursday, November 10, 6PM-10PM

Amity Hall

80 West 3rd Street

New York, NY

RSVP via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=282598715094168

Enjoy and Bring Your Friends!

Some Whimsical Clutches to Add to Your Collection

photo credit: www.katespade.com. Clutch is priced at $295 not including tax  and

 shipping

 

       CHA CHA CHOCOLATE!

Just in time for the Holidays!  Kate Spade has designed  a series of bags inspired by one of women's biggest loves--Chocolate. The Chacha Chocolate collection features  items like fun clutches and shopper totes that you can use to accessorize your wardrobe or add to your growing bag collection.   The clutch featured to your left is perfect for  a cocktail party and goes well with your chocolate martini. 

Visit http://www.katespade.com/color-of-the-month/color-of-the-month-october,default,sc.html

for more information or www.katespade.com.

How to Get That Loser off Your Back at a Bar

Image Credit: ITunes.com

Most of us who once, or are still in the dating scene have had this problem at some point--lame guys who you would never date in a million years coming by to talk to you at a bar when all you want to do is hang out with your girlfriends.If you are one of those goddesses who are sick and tired of loser guys approaching you at a bar during "Ladies' Night Out," I may have a high-tech solution for you.  

Last night, I was looking through IVillage and discovered that there's an app in the market called "The Fake Boyfriend."  (www.TextBoyfriend.com) This app is targeted towards singles who occasionally need a boost of confidence by having an imaginary boyfriend send texts to the user--kind of like a modern-day version of sending flowers to yourself.   When I discovered this app, I wasn't necessarily thinking about recommending it to use as an ego boost, rather, I was thinking about how to use this to get men off your back at a bar or lounge.  Unfortunately, this imaginary boyfriend does require a commitment--a minimum of $1.95 a week.  

So this morning, I searched the web to see if there's a cheaper or free alternative in the Market. If you are an I-Phone user, you're in luck. It's called the "Fake-A-Message."   According to ITunes, the app is free, but in looking at other blogs, it appears that there may be a charge--know before you download.   If you desire to receive phone calls, you can check out "Fake Conversation."  For Android and Blackberry Users, SMS Faker and Fake-Call Me, (Android) and Fakecall and Phoney Call (BlackBerry). SMS Faker and Fake-Call Me are free,whereas, Fakecall and Phoney Call will cost you between $3-$5.
 
For more information, visit:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fake-text-free/id304870741?mt=8
https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/1225
https://market.android.com/
If you have better ideas, please share your thoughts.  

Birdbath Neighborhood Bakery

photo credit: www.newyorktimes.com

As I was trying to figure out where to eat lunch down in Stuyvesant Town following a doctor's appointment, I passed by the Birdbath Bakery on 13th Street and 1st Avenue.  Birdbath Bakery on 13th Street is one of four eco-friendly branches under City Bakery, a New York City fixture known for its hot chocolate. 

According to its website, Birdbath is "wind-powered and built from recyclable, vintage and sustainable materials."  The baked  goods ingredients are made of organic, regionally grown and seasonal.

Today, I tried their  chocolate chip cookie and chocolate croissant.  Both selections, were delicious!  If you like a straightforward chocolate chip cookie without the big chunks of chocolate chips, this one is for you.  I find those types of cookies to be overly sweet and it really kills my eating experience, not to mention my teeth.  Bird bath's cookie was thin, about 6 inches in diameter and had just the right sugar content, with lots of buttery goodness.  It's chocolate croissant was the same--not as sweet as your conventional varieties and I believe, they used the darker proportion of chocolate for the filling.

They have baked doggie treats too!

To check them out, visit:  www.buildagreenbakery.com.

Robots are Taking Over Manhattan One Hotel at a Time

Yotel, which is opening this summer, conjures up shades of the Jetsons' with its robotic operated hotel.  Guests check in at terminals located at the lobby, much like those that you find in an airport and baggage is then then transported to your room with the help of a robotic arm.

Check-in desk.  Photo credit www.yotel.com

The rooms, also called "cabins" are of a futuristic style complete with Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast in a "galley" that is located on each floor.

Premium Cabin.  Photo credit:  www.yotel.com

Yotel operates other hotels in London's Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and in Amsterdam.  The branch in New York is the first in the United States to open and in addition to the "space age" technology, it is offering rooms at an introductory price of $149.  I did a practice booking for July 4th weekend, and this rate is applicable.  Where in New York City are you going to find a posh room at this price??  If you do, let me know.



Yotel also will also house club lounges and a Japanese restaurant for those of you who wish to see the hotel just to hang out.



Check out:  http://www.yotel.com/Hotels/New%20York%20City.aspx to learn more.

The Bronx is Brewing!! Introducing Bronx Brewery

Photo credit: thebronxbrewery.com

Nestled in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, Bronx Brewery recently debuted to the public with an American-style pale, which according to its website is " brewed with five different barley malts, generous additions of Cascade and Centennial hops, and a unique strain of yeast.  The British, German and American malts used to provide a blend of caramel, biscuit, and nutty malt flavors, providing a pleasant bitterness with an intense floral and citrus aroma.  It is dry-hopped, unfiltered and unpasteurized."

Since its launch a few weeks ago, Bronx Brewery can be found in 11 locations throughout the Bronx and Manhattan including Amity Hall and DBGB. 

For more information on this product, visit: www.thebronxbrewery.com