Outfit of the Day: Silk and Sunshine

So I grabbed these phenomenal green silk shorts at Nordstrom a few weeks back and they’re perfect to either dress up or dress down. I love camo green, I think it looks great on everyone and it’s a really cool twist on neutral that’s not black (I’m pretty sure everyone in New York lives monochromatically).

These shorts also add some sex appeal because they have high thigh (look at that rhyme) slits on the side but they’re so comfortable they almost feel like you’re wearing pajamas. I was out on Long Island for a boat and beach weekend and couldn’t resist throwing them on. The tank I’m wearing is a basic flowy dress tank from H&M, the shoes are my favorite and most comfortable MIA wedges and the necklace is a very summery turquoise beaded necklace from J.Crew. To tie it all together I went for my trusty Ray Ban aviators that make everything an outfit.

I love this outfit because it’s easy to transition from day to night, and it’s really comfortable and breezy, perfect for an unfettered day on the island and the haziness of early summer.

 

 

Finding Your “Spot” in NYC

So we all know how hard it is to survive in a city of millions. It can be dirty, it can be gritty, you get pushed, you get shoved, you get unceremoniously yelled at by grumpy people and it smells (don’t you want to move here now?!). Still though, New York City is THE CITY. It’s where everyone goes to fight for their dreams and if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Part of my survival tactics though involve having a secret spot that I can just go to and chill, an extension of my living room if you will. Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that no one else can access it (I’ll invite you all over when I have my own private rooftop with a bar, promise) it just means somewhere for you. Some of my criteria are as follows:

-It has to have a rooftop for the warmer months.

-There has to be good food that you can munch on.

-They have to have good drinks! I’m a huge prosecco and rose gal so that’s a must.

-It has to be easy to get to, and easy to get home from (I love you Frying Pan, but you’re basically in Guam).

-It has to have a view.

 

(I’m really easy to please, can you tell?)

I want to share with all of you my happy place, so you too can come and experience it’s magic. It was with incredible happiness and surprise that I discovered Rare Rooftop on Lexington. Now clearly, Rare Rooftops are no big secret in NYC (there are a few of them) and I’ve been to their steakhouse a few times but I was BEYOND excited to find out they were redoing their HUGE rooftop. The first time I went was on opening night, a breezy and gorgeous night in the city with the rooftop slightly illuminated from the pink of the Empire State Building that evening. Now I go at least once every other week if not more. The space itself is gigantic, filled with these wonderfully romantic nooks and couches and picnic tables that make it feel really intimate, and it’s not overly crowded. It just feels like you’re in a huge garden, but with a casual (jk) view of the Empire State Building. It’s cool in the summer and it smells great because it’s so high up so it’s basically a New York City dream. It’s also fairly close to Grand Central so I highly recommend going if you have a spare night.

The Food 

The food is delicious bar bites, there’s calamari with a creamy chipotle aioli, delicious brisket quesadilla, buffalo lollipop wings and if you want to venture downstairs to the restaurant, phenomenal steaks and ahi tuna. Even though the food is great, you’re really going for the view.

The Drinks

They have a ton of great beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. They have 2 huge jugs of homemade red and white sangria and all the prosecco and rose this girl could ask for! They also have my FAVORITE beer of the summer available, Hell or High Watermelon, a watermelon ale and if you haven’t tried it, do so it’s amazing.

How Faymous Was It $$

The drinks are surprisingly affordable for being in such a sick space and the food isn’t absurdly priced either. Honestly, it’s such a wonderful place to just hang out for the night, it feels like a true escape. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the city, or you just want to drink in the views, head to Rare Rooftop on Lex. I promise you won’t regret it.

 

Tacos & Tequila: A Love Affair

Every so often I’m reminded of a certain food and I want it immediately. I’m not a particularly patient person and very much a proponent of instant gratification (why not sate your desires?) so I usually indulge that day.

Such is my passion for tacos and margaritas. A few weeks back, I hopped into Calexico in the Lower East Side for a Mexican feast (fittingly in celebration of cinco de drinko). A delicious night filled with spicy people and spicier drinks, we spent hours sharing stories over guac and other Mexican delicacies. Calexico is a small space so be prepared to wait a while for a table, but you can go to the bar to grab drinks.

Drinks The margs here are to die for. I started with a spicy mint margarita that was zingy and refreshing. Next I had a blood orange margarita that was almost reminiscent of a grown up and tequila infused dreamsicle. Simply delicious.

Food While waiting for a table at the tiny but endearing bar, we all split some of their homemade guac and fresh chips. I’m never one to say no to guacamole and avocados are my second boyfriend (cheese is my first) so I was happy to munch while we waited. When we were seated it was almost an hour later, so suffice to say we were hungry. We ordered the Elote which is sweet corn grilled with cotija cheese, chili powder, sour cream, cilantro and lime and is one of the best things to happen to corn since it popped. We also split a side of chile cilantro fries which we got with extra crack sauce, and then I had a baja fish taco with beer battered fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa and more crack sauce and a pollo asado taco with grilled chicken, avocado sauce and pico de gallo. A note on the crack sauce, order extra and get it on everything. It’s basically a southwestern reinterpretation of aioli and I worship at it’s feet. Seriously, all hail the crack sauce.

How Faymous Was It $$

 

Relatively inexpensive for the deliciousness of the food. Though it’s a small space, it is fully open in the front in the summer creating a very cool so-cal vibe and the food is too divine to pass by. Bottom line: get the crack sauce.

 

Princess for the Night at Oheka Castle

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a truly inspiring and magical evening at Oheka Castle, in Huntington, Long Island. For those of you that don’t know, Oheka Castle is a magnificent castle built in the Gatsby era on Long Island. It is turreted, creamy, opulent to a fault and absolutely breathtaking upon first sight.

 

I attended the tenth and final chapter of AMND: A Midwinter’s Night Dream, a foundation started by some of my nearest and dearest friends to help fund research for ALS when one of their teachers was diagnosed with it. The evening itself was incredible and a wonder to be a part of; I am continually amazed by the strength and decency of my friends, and the lengths that they have gone to over the past decade to champion this cause are awe inspiring.

 

The evening itself was literally like living in a dream. My wonderful partner surprised me with a room for the night in the castle (so yes I was clearly a princess for the night), and it was all a whirlwind from there. I was surprised upon arrival with a chance to get my hair done, which was such a treat, that further solidified my entire Princess for a Night experience. I dressed in our suite, toasted the evening with champagne (and a shot of whiskey) and slipped into my inky midnight blue gown, truly ready and expecting to play royalty. We spent the evening bidding on outrageous items at the silent auction, trying to win things at the raffle, laughing with great friends and celebrating life. We partied till the wee hours of the morning, and  I woke up the next morning bathed in the happiness that can only stem from waking up in a castle after a magnificent evening. The most difficult decision I had to make all night centered around dessert: did I want a s’mores canapé or a pistachio cannoli? Not one to be left out, I had both.

 

How Faymous Was It: $$$$$, but also Priceless. A night like this, spent with wonderful friends and championing a magnificent cause, filled with inspiration and dreams can’t be topped.

 

It was truly a dream come true, I’ve never felt more like royalty than floating through the halls of a castle with a warm champagne glow, only to wake up the next day in a tower like a princess.

 

 

 

 

What is Queen of the Night?

So all of you that follow me were aware that I attended Queen of the Night this past week and raved about it. Without ruining the surprise of the evening I want to do my best to describe it. First of all let me say, it is hands down one of the most incredible evenings I’ve had since moving to Manhattan, and I have done a lot. Secondly, it is not for the inhibited, shy or faint of heart. Queen of the Night is a hands on performance theatre piece from the people who developed Sleep No More. Expect to be touched both physically and mentally, and to leave a much less inhibited person than you were when you entered.

The Experience 

Again I want to promise to preserve as much mystique around the evening as possible because that is part of the incredible allure, you don’t know what you’re in for. Expect to be lead away on mysterious journeys, to be spirited off to hidden chambers for potential seductions and tastings, perhaps kissing a french chef on the cheek for a sample of foie gras. Queen of the Night is an evening that delights in tickling your sensuality and crossing boundaries. Dress to the nines (opulence and elegance are the norm, and black tie and ball gowns are encouraged). Expect to be physically touched and to have your senses aroused, let yourself be led away by the temptations that appear. The show itself is based loosely on Mozart’s the Magic Flute, and the choreography and acrobatics are nothing short of jaw dropping. I was one of the lucky few to be selected as part of the Queens Court which enabled me to an even more intimate experience of the evening. Without ruining anything else, I was integral in one scene that involved a milk bath, and when given the choice to soak in said milk bath…of course I said yes.

The Food 

Absolutely incredible but prepare to be hands on. Each table gets a different delicacy ranging from tender brisket, to cages of lobster, to ribs and guests are encouraged to sample different tables offerings by trading (or stealing!). Divine food, and dessert culminates in a way you would never expect. I traded brisket for lobster with Coco of Ice loves Coco fame, which she ever so graciously accepted.

The Drinks 

Queen of the Night has delightful signature cocktails with lemonade, vodka and mint known affectionately as the Queen’s Bush, and a bourbon orange concoction as well as a full bar, champagne and carafes of white wine, sparkling wine, and red wine on each table. I shared some celebratory end of the evening champagne with Lance Bass of Nsync, a truly once in a lifetime moment.

How Faymous Was it $$$$

All tickets include the meal, with options starting at $150 for certain week nights at the Gala level. From there the options increase if you want an open bar which comes with Premium tickets that begin around $200 (which features only the Queens cocktails but they’re delicious so DO it) and then Ultimate tickets which start at around $300 and feature reserved seating for you and your party plus the open bar. No experience is bad, I do recommend the open bar if only to lower your inhibitions and allow you to more fully partake in the show. Gala and Premium tickets however, do sit closer to the action so beware.

If you’re looking for a life changing, incredibly provocative and engaging evening in Manhattan this is your choice. If you are even the slightest bit curious, I encourage you to take the plunge and experience Queen of the Night. I promise you’ll leave in awe. And it just might change your life.    

Shipping up to Boston

So one of my absolute best friends in the whole wide world graduated from Grad School this weekend! Besides being super proud I knew I wanted nothing more than to help her celebrate her success so I headed up to Boston with another bestie.

Friday night we stayed in and caught up since we go months without hanging out, so we popped champagne and watched Armageddon when we finally got in. Saturday we were up bright and early to try Boston’s version of Soul Cycle, the Handle Bar. The Handle Bar is a boutique spinning studio with an adorable theme and a kick ass workout, we chased the beat at the Shakira ride (our hips don’t lie). From there we spent the afternoon drinking rosé al fresco and eating Maine lobster at Granary Tavern, followed by shopping at the Farmers Market and Faneuil Hall. That evening was a debauched, Veuve Clicquot and tequila filled evening for my besties graduation party. We left the next morning to make it back in time for Mother’s Day and managed to survive in 1 piece.

I just want to say I love Boston, for all it’s charm (and good smells). So many New Yorkers look at Boston with disdain for being provincial and I think it’s such a shame because it’s a magical city on it’s own. Boston is charming and welcoming, much less in your face that it’s behemoth sister New York, and you don’t need to compare the 2 to love them both separately.

#ThrowbackThursday: Isola at the Mondrian Soho

Soho is notorious for having phenomenal restaurants, people and shopping, but finding somewhere as romantic as Isola is hard to do.

Hidden in the Mondrian Soho, this is a gorgeous garden eatery filled with soft lighting and glass everywhere. It’s really well known as a crudo bar. Their pasta is delicious but it’s really the delicate atmosphere you go for, the restaurant is so beautiful it’s like a secret you don’t want to share. I half expected wood nymphs or sprites to appear while we were dining. The entry way itself is romantic and special, a huge, vine covered path that looks like you’re in a romantic fantasyland.

How Faymous Was It: $$$

It’s really a beautiful spot if you’re in the mood for anything romantic or just want to feel like you live in fairy wonderland.

 

Outfit of the Day: Country Club Attire

Restrictive dressing has never been my forte. I’m bad at business casual, was routinely sent home in middle school for my shorts being too short and I hate pants. So dressing when we go out to the country club can be a bit of a hassle with all of it’s rules.

This Sunday, my family and I went to our country club for brunch in honor of our mother. Both my sister and I are very last minute outfit planners so what came together was kind of a miracle. I threw on some new harem pants I picked up this weekend at Urban outfitters, my favorite Harlowe and Graham white summer blazer (this thing is an obsession and so worth the price tag), a basic Michael stars tank and MIA wedges. Add to that a Stella and Dot statement necklace borrowed from my mom and I passed all tests. My sister wore a stunning green sheer maxi from Urban and strappy sandals from there as well. Take a peek at our looks!

 

 

To Mothers Everywhere

This past Sunday I spent the better part of the day at our Country Club celebrating mamas everywhere. A day filled with mimosas, carving stations and lobster ravioli. And even on a day that was supposed to be totally about her, my mother was still the incredibly selfless and supportive woman she is; helping me take endless style shots (love you mom) as well as just making me feel so happy to be home.

I think everyone’s mother, be they blood related or not, are incredibly special and strong people. In honor of my mom, who has triumphed and done so much, I wanted to write a little thank you for her. For some background, she graduated college and was given the choice between a full ride to Stanford to study chemistry for her masters or to go to New Zealand as a Fulbright Scholar to study Geothermal Chemistry, (she was also offered an opportunity to photograph and work with the Viking mission to mars but that’s another story). To the surprise of no one she went to New Zealand, where she lived for 12 years. She threw fabulous dinner parties, went hot air ballooning every weekend, joined a ski club on a volcano and befriended Alan Gibbs, the inventor of the aqua car. When she finally moved back to the United States, she had done more in her life than most people ever dream. Through all of that she has remained magnificently selfless and strong, an anchor for 4 kids who have had mental and physical battles with life and she continues to fight for each and every minute of our happiness.

So in honor of mothers and their incomprehensible, oft times super human strength, I thank you. For being there, for loving us kids, for insisting we take $20 each time we get on the train, or taking us shopping whenever we come home, but most of all, thank you for being the best listener and support system that exists. Love you mom!

 

Lazy Sundays and Cheese Boards

Sundays are best made for lounging in bed, brunch and binge watching marathons. While I love to get out and wander or run (most of my races are on Sundays), there are occasional days when I just want revel in the luxury of doing nothing.

The perfect lazy Sunday is an art form, a tried and true way to spend a day without overtaxing your productivity before the week ahead. There’s a fine balance between luxuriating under your covers, indulging in the finer choices Netflix has to offer, and being a total slug who doesn’t move all day except to answer the door for Seamless delivery. I prefer to think of myself as the first one (though I’m sure there have been Sundays when I’ve gone full slug).

This past Sunday was filled with diner omelettes (the best), fro-yo and discovering a lovely restaurant in Kip’s Bay (a hidden gem if you will). I didn’t want to go far for dinner and was up around midtown so we were thrilled to find Whitman and Bloom, a charming farmhouse styled restaurant, that had food that appealed to both of us and real candlelight (which I adore).

The Drinks

I  started with a very smokey mezcal pink grapefruit drink called the Smoked Piña, that was definitely intense but enjoyable if you like mezcal. From there I tried the Herbal Breeze that was a delicious pineapple mint vodka drink that tasted like I should have been enjoying it on a beach in Hawaii. Refreshing and delicious!

The Food

We started with the farm to table cheese plate that was served with fresh berries and honeycomb. The cheeses were all delicious, melt in your mouth buttery and paired perfectly with the fruit. I then had the citrus salad with grapefruit, fresh oranges, pine nuts and arugula which was deliciously clean and light. I also had the roasted cauliflower, perfectly charred and crunchy, that was served with a soft goat cheese and marjoram. I have an addiction to roasted cauliflower (and Brussel sprouts) and this was too delicious for words.

How Faymous Was It
$$$

All in all, it was delicious food in a bright and cheerful setting that’s a great spot in a neighborhood better known for recent graduates and beer specials.