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A Nice Wine Bar with TEENY TINY Seats

Dates, Drinks, WineLizComment

Pierre Loti, Where the Seats are Not a Loti

The excitement and panic of a second date! Where to go? What to do? To my complete shock, my date suggested that we meet for an actual meal...dinner! I cannot even remember the last time I went on a date with someone and had food. This is likely because many of the men I have met never make it to the second date, either by my or their decision. It is hard to find two people that are mutually attracted to each other.

Before we met for dinner, I suggested drinks. As the forward thinking woman that I am, I planned to make a move to pick up the tab for this portion of the date. I was successful at doing this because I am a swift ninja when it comes to paying the bill. I also wanted to demonstrate that I didn't need to be wined and dined. I like him and by paying for something, I feel it shows you're also into the other person.

Anyway, I digress. I suggested Pierre Loti's Midtown East location (http://www.pierrelotiwinebar.com/midtown/index.html). For our first date, we were going to go to the Union Square location but we ended up changing the location and time. I was clearly still determined to go here with this person. I did not realize, however, that this location has super tiny tables and small chairs. If you have some junk in the trunk (like me), the barstools can be a bit of a challenge. At least I could work on my core muscles as I attempted to balance myself.

We ordered two glasses of wine each. I cannot remember which ones I got. I recall that they were very good and red. So, there you go. My wine knowledge as defined by color. The spot gives out random Asian crackers to nibble on (think wasabi peanuts and puffed sesame sticks), yet it is described as "Turkish" on Yelp!, so who the hell knows.

Anyway, I like the selection at this place (there are three locations in NYC). I would recommend Union Square as the set-up (and seating) is better.

Cheers,

Liz

Ten Degrees of No PDT

Drinks, Happy Hour, LunchLizComment

Pick Up Your Phone When You Give PDT Your Number!

After Scott and I finished dinner and dessert, we wanted to visit PDT, located within Crif Dogs. You go within the unassuming hot dog spot to discover the hidden speakeasy. The phone booth has a number that you call. Then, someone within PDT opens up the phone booth and either 1. Invites you inside or 2. Takes your phone number for a reservation. We fell within 2 and Scott left his phone number. We decided to kill some time at a bar right down the street, Ten Degrees Bar (http://10degreesbar.com/).

I've been here before as it features a pretty awesome Happy Hour. 2 for 1 Drinks, 7 Days a week from noon to 8pm! Of course we entered the bar right after 8pm. I ordered a glass of red wine, I believe Montepulciano. It was $9 and quite nice.

Yay for Red Wine!

Yay for Red Wine!

While we were at Ten Degrees, Scott's phone rang. Naturally, he didn't have the volume up or the phone even out, so we missed the reservation. When we showed up at PDT, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. So, we just went home. I am still determined to go there sometime soon! If you're in this area, check out 10 Degrees for an affordable drink.


Cheers,

Liz

Spot Stole My Heart

Desserts, AsianLizComment

New Favorite Dessert "Spot"

After Scott and I finished up our Ramen dinner, I was ready for dessert! While we walked on St. Marks, I noticed Spot Dessert Bar (http://www.spotdessertbar.com/). I have wanted to go to this place for A LONG TIME but the time never presented itself. Tonight, however, the stars aligned! We didn't ease into dessert either, we ordered four dessert tapas. Clearly, one would have been enough. Though, who thinks clearly when dessert is involved?

Our desserts came out in the order I posted the photos below. As a funny coincidence, the order they came out in was also my preference of the desserts. To begin, the Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake stole my heart.

Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake

Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake

The cake was heaven on a plate. It was hot and cold - the perfect balance of a straight out of the oven cake and freshly scooped ice cream melting on it. God help me, I need another one. NOW. The warm soft dark chocolate cake is filled with a green tea ganache, green tea ice cream and walnut soil. It is perfection and beautiful. Next, came the Golden Toast!

Golden Toast

Golden Toast

The Golden Toast is so completely random yet delicious. It is honey buttered toast with condensed milk, vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. This tapa reminded me of French toast without the maple flavor. It was a nice complement to the lava cake. We would have been ahead just stopping with two desserts. However, we already ordered four because we are gluttonous pigs. Next up, Kabocha Brulee Cake - an Asian interpretation of pumpkin pie.

Kabocha Brulee Cake

Kabocha Brulee Cake

This was OK. If I had not already enjoyed the lava cake and toast, I would have likely thought this was a better dessert. However, in comparison to two star performances, this one was doomed from the start. This cake is a warm Japanese pumpkin cake (more of a custard though), with walnut "soil" aka crumbs, and condensed milk ice cream.  The final dessert was super disappointing even though it contained Thai Tea flavors, the Thai Tea Crème Brulee.

Thai Tea Crème Brulee

Thai Tea Crème Brulee

This final dessert was a huge letdown. Frownie brownie. It was a Thai tea infused cream custard with caramelized sugar and served with a cup of hot Thai Tea. Ugh. Wish we didn't order it but sometimes you don't know until it is too late - with dessert and many other things, am I right?

Anyway, you MUST go here. Maybe just get 1 or 2 desserts. Stick with my first two choices and you are golden (no pun intended).

Cheers,

Liz

Hot Ramen. Cold Nights.

Asian, Dinner, RamenLizComment

Of Course I Ordered Extra BBQ Pork!

In order to escape the polar vortex that plagued NYC last week, my friend Scott and I filled our faces with a hot bowl of noodles otherwise known as Ramen. Scott suggested Ramen Setagaya (http://www.ramensetagayany.com/), located near NYU on St. Marks. I've walked by it many times without knowing it was any good. Isn't that common in this insane city? There are simply too many fantastic options we take for granted.  

Customized Bowls? This place means BUSINESS!

Customized Bowls? This place means BUSINESS!

I haven't had a ton of ramen in my life, but the last time I got it, I ordered spicy miso ramen. It was fantastic, so I stuck with that. At this spot, the miso ramen contained many of the typical characters: BBQ pork, salt tasted eggs (I usually pass on that), bamboo shoots, beansprouts, cabbage, corn, and of course glorious noodles. I paid $2 extra for additional pork ("chasyu"). This was a shrewd decision and Scott copied my move. He is a smart one!

Spicy Miso Ramen!

Spicy Miso Ramen!

This is a tiny spot, like most Ramen spots, that is worth visiting. I would note that even with paying the upcharge for additional pork, there wasn't that much. Boo!

Cheers,

Liz

Lantern's Keep

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

I finally made it to this hidden bar!

After my wonderful date, I had plans to meet a good friend of mine (Scott) at Lantern's Keep (http://www.iroquoisny.com/lanternskeep), a small bar located at the back of the Iroquois Hotel. When I attempted to go last time (on a date), the bar had already closed...apparently midnight is late for hotel bars in Midtown, ugh.

I already had two strong cocktails at Measure and thought I should order something to at least nibble on with my cocktail. I ordered the mixed nuts with rosemary and a Manhattan. The cocktail was good even though it was a bit strong. I preferred the Manhattan at Measure.

Manhattan

Manhattan

This bar is a hidden gem, a class act. It is a bit cozy and has a certain "mood" to it. I enjoyed it and look forward to coming back.

Cheers,

Liz

A Date that Measured Up!

Dates, Lounge, DrinksLizComment

Cocktails and Jazz at Langham Place

I have been in Arizona with my family for the past 2.5 weeks. While I have had a wonderful time relaxing at home, it has put a bit of a kink in my dating strategy. I tend to prefer to not talk to a potential date too much before I meet him. Most of the time, one person ends up saying something that is misinterpreted (texting is the devil) and then it is awkward. Especially given the amount of time I would be home, I was reluctant to really chat with a potential date. However, I had way too much idle time and naturally started talking to someone. By some sort of miracle, we didn't end up hating each other after two weeks of talking long-distance and we set up a time to meet when I got back to NYC.

We were going to meet at The Bar Downstairs at The Andaz, but there was a 30 minute wait and I was not having that. So, I asked him to meet me at Measure, the lobby lounge at Langham Place, a super swanky hotel (http://newyork.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/hotel-dining-measure.htm). The cocktail menu is impressive and it was hard to pick a drink to start. I went with a reliable order: a Manhattan.

Manhattan

Manhattan

The Manhattan was made with Rittenhouse Rye, Carpano Antica and Bitters. It was delicious! It was a lovely balance. The next cocktail I ordered was much more of a liquid dessert. The Jazzy Razz, made with Vodka, Framboise, Godiva Liqueur, Espresso and Cream.

Jazzy Razz

Jazzy Razz

The cocktails were wonderful! The lounge has a great date vibe. After we were there for an hour or so, a jazz group started playing. It was a bit loud at first, but ended up adding a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised that (for once) my date was even better than my drinks. I'm cautiously optimistic on future dates. I will keep you posted!

 

Cheers,

Liz

New Year's Eve Cocktail Suggestions

DrinksLizComment

Ring in the New Year with Terrific Tipples!

This year, I will be celebrating NYE with my family in Arizona and not attending an overpriced shindig in New York City. While I am a lover of cocktails, I am not a fan of jam-packed events with strangers that cost $200+ per person. Last year, some of my Stern friends (Mark, Sean and Tom) hosted a get together at their apartment. It was a nice, low-key affair and no one projectile vomited. To me, this is a very positive outcome for one of the craziest nights of the year. In honor of the hosted event, I wanted to share some of my favorite celebratory recipes, both single format and large format, for you to imbibe on this December 31st. Cheers!

Large Format Drinks

A Crowd Pleaser that is Pleasing to the Eye: Southern Comfort Punch (recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart, your favorite convicted felon)

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients: 6 lemons, 4 navel oranges, 2 six-ounce frozen lemonade concentrate, 1 six-ounce frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 liters lemon-lime soda, 1 liter Southern Comfort

Step 1: Line two baking sheets with plastic wrap, and set aside. Slice lemons into rounds as thin as possible. Arrange lemon slices in layers on one prepared baking sheet. Repeat with oranges; layer on second baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until fruit slices are frozen. LIZ NOTE: This is a game-changer! You can prepare the fruit days in advance and just have them ready in a ziplock (once they freeze on the baking sheet, remove and put in a baggie and they will not stick together). This way, as you refresh the recipe, you can keep it chilled and not dilute it!!

Step 2: Just before serving, open the cans of frozen lemonade and orange juice, and place the frozen concentrates, whole, in a large punch bowl. Add the soda, Southern Comfort, and several handfuls of ice. Remove frozen fruit slices from freezer, and arrange over the top of punch. Serve immediately.

Servings: The recipe says that is serves 12 - 20 people. LIZ NOTE: This is laughable. I tend to pre-prepare at least 2 batches of large format cocktails (for 10-15 people) with ingredients to make more quickly.

Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/260517/southern-comfort-punch

 

Spice up Store Bought Eggnog!

Ingredients: Premade eggnog (making it from scratch takes A LOT of effort and the purchased variety is just fine!), bourbon, nutmeg

Steps: Add bourbon in a ratio of 1:4 (bourbon to eggnog). Make sure to mix it really well and put into a serving container or just pour into glasses. Top with freshly grated nutmeg! LIZ NOTE: I would recommend using Bulleit Bourbon. If you have your own preference or prefer whisk(e)y - go with that! For the eggnog, I tried a Pumpkin Spice one and it was lovely!

Source: Me :)


Individual Cocktails

Cocktails with St. Germain = Fancy: The Texas Sipper (recipe courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka)

Photo Courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka

Photo Courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka

Ingredients: 1.5 parts Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 0.5 parts St-Germain, 1.5 parts grapefruit juice, Top with club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig. LIZ NOTE: I would substitute the Tito's with Smirnoff or Ketel One since I like to support my people!

Steps: Combine Tito’s, St. Germain, and juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain over fresh ice. Top with soda. Garnish with a mint sprig

Servings 1. LIZ NOTE: You can multiply all the ingredients (except the club soda) and pre-make a large batch for your party. When you serve it, just top off with club soda and the mint sprig.

Source: http://titosvodka.com/drinks/ontherocks/the-texas-sipper/

 

Champagne & St. Germain = BF4L

Ingredients: Champagne (dry Champagne or sparkling wine) and St. Germain (elderflower liqueur). LIZ NOTE: St. Germain isn't a cheap option (unlike Triple Sec) yet it is versatile and worth the investment. You can use in multiple cocktails, like the one above :)

Photo Courtesy of St. Germain Facebook

Photo Courtesy of St. Germain Facebook

Steps: Pour 1/2 ounce chilled St. Germain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne. Enjoy!

Source: Myself :)

 

Keep Your Guests Awake with The Tiramisu Martini

Ingredients: 2 parts Rum Chata and 1 part Espresso Vodka. LIZ NOTE: For the vodka, I prefer Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso or Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka. Smirnoff used to make one, but it is no longer available! Rum Chata is amazingly delicious - think of the milk leftover in the bowl after you have Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal! Bailey's just released Vanilla Cinnamon which is very similar :)

Photo Courtesy of Rum Chata

Photo Courtesy of Rum Chata

Steps: Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate. LIZ NOTE: Drizzle chocolate syrup in the glasses and freeze. It makes a festive design and adds to the flavor profile of the cocktail as it melts! Yum!

Source: http://rumchata.com/#/recipes/74/thetiramisumartini

 

I hope you have a fantastic New Year's Eve and start off 2014 in the company of your loved ones. If you choose to imbibe on this wonderful holiday, please do so responsibly. Thank you for visiting my site!

Cheers!
Liz

A Hot Deal on Hot Drinks

Happy Hour, DrinksLizComment

Happy Hour in the East Village

After Melissa and I finished at Cha-An Tea House, we wanted a spirited beverage, preferably hot, as the weather was quite brisk that day. It was a weird time though, 4:00pm-ish; it isn't the sweet spot for bars to be open. This seems odd to me though, as we were near NYU, which doesn't exactly have a population of people on a 9-5pm schedule. After some false starts, we finally walked by a spot that was 1. Open! 2. Serving Hot Beverages! and 3. Offered Happy Hour! We were delighted to go to Vbar (http://vbarandcompany.com/) and get cozy at the bar!

 

Hot Cider with Captain Morgan!

Hot Cider with Captain Morgan!

I loved my first drink (above). The hot cider and Captain Morgan were mixed really well. It was a dangerous drink - went down far too easily (there has got to be a "That's What She Said" joke in there).

Coffee with Baileys

Coffee with Baileys

I was being responsible and ordered a coffee (with Baileys) as my second drink. I had to present in my evening class for a group project and wanted to be ready to go. This is totally random, but I've been taking screenshots of random wireless network names that are hilarious. Check out what I found at Vbar below.

Walrus Mode?

Walrus Mode?

If you're in this neighborhood, Vbar is a solid choice for a Happy Hour beverage (we got our $12 drinks for $6!).

Cheers,

Liz

 

Tea for Two at Cha-An

Asian, Tea, Desserts, JapaneseLizComment

One Last Get Together Before Break!

Before we parted our separate ways for break, Melissa and I got together for one last fun activity! We wanted to meet for afternoon tea and did some research. We ended up selecting Cha-An (http://www.chaanteahouse.com/) after debating among many choices. As my review will show you, we may have not made the best decision!

The Outside is Inviting!

The Outside is Inviting!

I took a peek at the menu online before we got there. I ordered a dessert set-up: Cha-An's Sweets, with cookies, a fresh baked earl grey scone (the highlight of the visit) and pound cake. This was $16 and I assumed it would included Tea....since it was for Afternoon Tea. I read the fine-print and it was $5 more for tea!! I thought this was a bit expensive for what it was, especially since a tea set-up generally includes tea.

Cha-An's Sweets - earl grey scone on the lower right!

Cha-An's Sweets - earl grey scone on the lower right!

I (unhappily) paid $5 for tea - I got a black tea - Darjeeling 2nd Flush. It was a smallish pot and I drank most of it before my desserts even came. I could get refills of course...but it was $5. Other places I've been for tea, the tea is unlimited. I've been spoiled apparently!

Darjeeling 2nd Flush

Darjeeling 2nd Flush

There are much better places in the city for tea. I doubt I'll come back. If you stop by, maybe just order a small dessert - the black sesame crème brulee with black sesame ice cream is "famous" there.

Cheers!
Liz

 

Cocktail Places to Explore in January!

DrinksLiz1 Comment

Ringing in the New Year Right!

I've put together a list of spots (and respective cocktails) that I'd like to enjoy during my month off in January. I do realize my list is expansive a bit aggressive, but goals should be that way. I want to challenge myself to check out some new neighborhoods and cocktails! Unlike many of my business school friends that will be jet-setting around the world, I will be exploring New York City!

If you have been to any of these places, please leave your comments and recommendations. Also, if you want to join me, please let me know! :)

Manhattan Spots

  • East Village
    • Maharlika (http://maharlikanyc.com/) has quite the reputation for its Sharon Cuneta, a Filipino twist on an eggnog
    • Evelyn (http://evelynnyc.com/) is a spot that has a cocktail list that I've been wanting to experience. The "Is It Good?" is made with rye, rum, cloves, cardamom and matcha foam. Also, the Creme de Julius is a play on the oh-so-classy Orange Julius! Sign me up!
    • PDT (http://pdtnyc.com/) - how have I not gone here yet? I'm embarrassed. I should go to Crif Dogs for something wrapped in bacon and then enter through the phone booth. I know it has become a bit of a tourist trap, but I'd love to go to at least say I've gone. Seasonally, TONY (Time Out New York) recommends the Great Pumpkin.
  • TriBeCa
    • Distilled (http://www.distilledny.com/) the Mystic Mead (honey wine and spices served warm) looks incredible. I plan to go here for dinner - I want the Country Fried Duck and Waffles and the S'mores for dessert!
  • Lower East Side
  • NoHo
    • Saxon + Parole (http://saxonandparole.com/) has a super quirky drink that I'm intrigued to try. I know my friend Liv would love it: the Celery Gimlet!
  • Flatiron
  • Midtown West
    • Lantern's Keep - I've tried to visit this tucked-away bar in The Iroquois Hotel with no luck before. I will be more successful this time! The mood and setting is perfect for a cold winter's night.

Brooklyn (mostly Williamsburg)

  • Williamsburg
    • Dram (http://drambar.com/) is located on the South Side. It is a super hipster cocktail spot and, based on Yelp!, it looks like the Hot Toddy is yum city
    • Post Office (http://www.postofficebk.com/) cozy whiskey bar in Brooklyn. They have a drink called The Jersey Fire Drill, made with applejack and hellfire habanero bitters, and the Pick-Me-Up, made with Bourbon, coffee, sweet vermouth and orange bitters. Must. Go.
    • The Richardson (http://www.therichardsonnyc.com/) serves up classy ass cocktails at a good price. The North by Northwest, a gin based cocktail, Twin Palms, vodka based with cider.
    • Ba'sik (http://basikbrooklyn.com/) has a cocktail featuring CACHACHA (also has hibiscus, mulling spices and lime) and is right next to The Richardson!
  • Cobble Hill / Gowanus

Cheers!

Liz

 

What's the Omelette De Jour?

Brunch, FrenchLizComment

The Omelette of the Day. Ok, I'll Have That!

Before going our separate ways for Winter break, I met up with Eileen for brunch. She was bound for Spain but not until we met for brunch at Lafayette (http://lafayetteny.com/). This is a lovely place for any meal. They make all of their breads at the restaurant; there is a bakery that displays all of the extravagant pastries. The croissants, French macaroons and sticky buns, among other items,  looked DELICIOUS. I will need to stop by again for coffee and sweets when I'm on campus sometime .

It was a picturesque day to meet Eileen - a perfect winter afternoon, complete with snow! I had a great time working with her over the summer at Diageo - I look forward to working with her again after I graduate. I ordered the omelette special. It featured bacon, cheese and sliced potatoes with a side salad. I ordered a coffee that was really great - I hoped it would be since it was nearly $4! Those crazy French people! haha

Omelette Special

Omelette Special

Lafayette is on my list to return to in the next semester. It is very close to campus and a great place to take a break in.

Cheers,

Liz

 

So This is Ladies Night

Dinner, Italian, Wine, TapasLizComment

Sotto 13 for a Delicious Meal!

Last Friday, Elspeth, a lovely lady from my block at Stern, organized an unlimited (I love the sound of that!) wine meal at Sotto 13 (http://sotto13.com/). This spot is known for its boozy brunch, which I still need to check out!

For our dinner, we had a great selection of different tapas and pizzas. We had calamari, arancini balls, meatballs, shrimp scampi and two different pizzas (cheese and sausage). We also had a great selection of wines: different reds, whites and roses.

I was too engaged in conversation with the other ladies in my block and sampling the different wines to document each part of the meal. Trust me, it was yummy. I will need to go back for the brunch. I snapped a photo of the group of ladies.

The Beautiful Ladies of Block 3

The Beautiful Ladies of Block 3

The vibe of the spot is nice. It is in a great neighborhood and right next to Flex Mussels, a favorite place of mine. If you'd like a glass of wine and some tapas, stop by Sotto 13. I hope you're also having a great night and preparing for Christmas! :)

Cheers,

Liz

 

Since You've Been Von

Drinks, Dive, Happy Hour, WineLizComment

Happy Hour with a New Friend :)

This past Friday, I got drinks with Ashley, someone I was introduced to by Justin, an MBA 1 at Stern. I should note they are a very cute couple! I really liked her when I met her and only saw her randomly at school events. I wanted to see her on purpose. So I sent her a Facebook message and asked her out on a "friend" date. It sounds silly, but it is hard to meet new girl friends sometimes! I was glad she wanted to meet me for drinks. We picked Friday the 13th - it would be Spooky Drinks! She suggested a spot that had a solid Happy Hour, Von (http://www.vonbar.com/). The Happy Hour is from Monday - Friday, 5pm to 7pm and Saturday - Sunday, 3pm to 5pm. I ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was $6 and quite nice. After this drink, I ordered a glass of the mulled wine. It was delicious!
The

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

Do you see the hot steam coming off that wine? It was so comforting on a chilly December evening. I had a wonderful time with Ashley and I look forward to getting together with her (on purpose!) again. Also, Ashley has an amazing website: The Fiscal Femme. You should check it out: http://thefiscalfemme.com/

Cheers,

Liz

 

Pastrami for DAYS

American, DeliLizComment

Carnegie Deli FTW

Last week, after our dinner at Indochine and cigars at Lexington Bar & Books, Scott and I were naturally hungry for a second meal. Hours had passed and drinks had been drunk - it was time for a late night deli. But where? Not surprisingly, not many diners are open past midnight on the Upper East Side. We thought about going to Katz's (as I, sadly, have never been) but it was closed at that point. We went to old reliable: Carnegie Deli (http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php).

Open Till 4am, FOR YOU!

Open Till 4am, FOR YOU!

Naturally, I ordered my favorite. A hot pastrami sandwich, with LEAN pastrami. Even ordered this way, it has a healthy serving of fat on it. Otherwise, I just can't bring myself to eat it - the texture is too...chewy? I get it with mayo; fat in a form I can handle. I find it annoying that you have to ask them to bring extra rye bread. Does anyone seriously eat the sandwich below as is? I mean, can YOU break your jaw like a python to eat that thing?

Lean Pastrami

Lean Pastrami

Scott ordered some ridiculous sandwich from a part of the menu called "In the Heat of the Sandwich" - it was open faced and called the Lil' Abner -hot brisket of beef with gravy and steak fries.  

Lil' Abner

Lil' Abner

The meal was amazing and the left-overs the next day were also great. While we were there enjoying our food, the late night staff was cleaning out the dessert display. Can you even handle the glory that was laid out in front of us? I hoped they wouldn't noticed if one of the cheesecakes went missing, but they were on top of their game!

Desserts on Parade!

Desserts on Parade!

Who knows what this dessert is but it is epic. Gotta love it.

The 5th Avenue

The 5th Avenue

The 5th Avenue is a peanut butter and chocolate cream pie. It looked magical, but after our first dinner, drinks AND a sandwich, I needed to know when to say no.

I love this place! Go go go!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Keeping it Classy at a Cigar Bar

Drinks, AmericanLizComment

Smoking a Cigar is Sexy...until you cannot wash the smell out of your hair for days

After our dinner at Indochine, Scott and I went to Lexington Bar and Books (http://www.barandbooks.cz/lexington/) for a classy evening of brown liquor and cigars. As my first cocktail, I ordered a Hot Toddy made with Bushmills Irish Honey, orange liquor, lemon juice, honey and spices.

Hot Toddy and a Lexington Cigar

Hot Toddy and a Lexington Cigar

I love hot beverages on a cold night. It is so soothing. I hardly smoke cigars (I've smoke one like 10 years ago?) so I didn't want to have anything too aggressive. Our server recommend the Bar and Books Lexington. It is described as having flavors that are "tantalizing and complex, while mild in body, the smoke is smooth and easy." I really enjoyed it while I was smoking it. However, immediately after, I never wanted to smell it again. That is the thing about cigars: they don't know when to say goodbye. They are CLINGERS. When I got home I must have washed my hair about 5x. It didn't matter. Today, several days later, I am free of the smell. #toughlife

As my second cocktail, I got the Apple Cider made with Tuaca, lemon juice, fresh apple cider, and cinnamon - served hot of course!
made with Tuaca

Apple Cider

Apple Cider

This is a great spot for a classy cocktail. Be forewarned, if you do not want to smell like smoke, stay far away from here! Otherwise, enjoy! :)

Cheers,

Liz

 

Indowhat? Indochine!

Asian, Drinks, Dinner, French, VietnameseLizComment

Colonial French Vietnamese, or something like that

Last night, I had a wonderful night catching up with one of my favorite MBA1s: Scott! We had a night (sort of) planned out. We knew we were going to go to Lexington Bar & Books, but weren't sure where to have dinner. Luckily, Scott had an idea! He recommended a spot near school: Indochine (http://www.indochinenyc.com/index_F.html).  I haven't had much Vietnamese food and I have never had Colonial French Vietnamese food - so what is not to love? Naturally, we started the meal with a cocktail. But which one? According to Yelp! reviews, I went with a clear winner: the Indochine Martini, made with citrus vodka infused with pineapple and ginger and fresh lime juice.

Indochine Martini

Indochine Martini

It was quite good - far too easy to drink. I only ordered one since we were going uptown for cocktails and cigars after. For dinner, we split three items. The Spicy Shrimp sautéed with long beans, fresh tomato and basil, the Glazed Duck Breast, with long stem bok choi and a baked Vidalia onion broth and Sautéed Rice with shrimp, green peas and egg.

Spicy Shrimp

Spicy Shrimp

The shrimp were so tasty! The spice level was just right - it added flavor without being overbearing. Ugh, I hate that!

Glazed Duck Breast

Glazed Duck Breast

The duck was also lovely. The broth really complemented the side of rice.

Sautéed Rice

Sautéed Rice

I loved that the shrimp were normal size in the rice. Sometimes fried rice can have "baby" shrimp which just taste super fishy to me. Barf. This was not like that, yummy!

If you want a special dinner near campus, check out this spot. Also, on our way out, we saw the actor Wallace Shawn (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001728/?ref_=tt_cl_t5). He is best known as the voice of Rex in the Toy Story franchise, Cyrus Rose in Gossip Girl, and Vizzini in Princess Bride. I didn't take a photo because I'm not a super weirdo.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Oh Dennis, You Got So Skinny!

Drinks, DiveLizComment

After brunch, we headed to a bar near Michelle and Ilya's place: Skinny Dennis (no website; http://www.yelp.com/biz/skinny-dennis-brooklyn). The name alone should be reason enough to visit this spot. Also, you get peanuts (in shell!) and the drinks are strong & cheap - gotta love Brooklyn.

Skinny Dennis is well know for its (locally) famous "Willie's Frozen Coffee" - it is like a Frappuccino with Bourbon - Starbucks is totally doing it wrong.

Willie's Frozen Coffee

Willie's Frozen Coffee

I love the double paper cup it is served in - such a funky twist on the classic bodega coffee! The vibe of the spot is super casual and comfortable.

The Bar

The Bar

It can't really be that shocking it is casual - you can shell your peanuts on the floor. It sounds silly, but it is super fun. Ilya ate through a bunch of peanuts and completely trashed the floor. Evidence below.

PEANUTS!

PEANUTS!

Shortly after we arrived, a band (described as "Honky Tonk" by Michelle) started playing live music. It was lovely!

Honky Tonk Band

Honky Tonk Band

This is a wonderful spot that I look forward returning to! All the cocktails were awesome, cheap and massive! Brooklyn for the win!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Oh Brooklyn, You're a Star!

Brunch, Drinks, SouthernLizComment

Brunch with my Favorite Bunch!

Yesterday, I had a lovely afternoon with two of my favorite couples: Michelle & Ilya and Olivia & Cullen. You may be wondering: why are they so awesome? Quite simply, they don't make me seem like a failure / leper when I am the single gal at the table. I don't feel like a fifth wheel, I feel like the fifth person in an awesome group of people. It is refreshing - why aren't all couples like this?

We decided to check out Brooklyn Star (http://thebrooklynstar.com/). It is a Southern style restaurant with a wonderful brunch in Williamsburg (the North Side). The cocktail list is pretty awesome. I decided to order two completely different selections. I started with the Bourbon Bonbon, made with bourbon, iced espresso and condensed milk.  YUM!!! The drink was almost too easy to drink. It was a bit sweet, so I only wanted to have one. Hangovers ruin Sundays...or any day.

Bourbon Bonbon

Bourbon Bonbon

For my next drink, I got the Bloody Bull. made with vodka, Bloody Mary mix, beef broth, and pickled string beans. It had a bit of a kick to it - yowzers! I only had one - so intense.

Bloody Bull

Bloody Bull

At brunch, I am constantly torn between sweet or savory. Shockingly, I miss the South sometimes - at least the cooking (and Warren!). I got the Shrimp and Grits, made with bacon, leeks and a fried egg.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

I really loved this spot. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is lovely and the drinks are tasty. I will come back for dinner sometime!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Whining About Finals Over Wine

Wine, Italian, Happy HourLizComment

Happy Hour For The Win

Melissa and I were walking in Chelsea after our nail appointment the other day and we were in desperate need of an adult beverage. As we were walking, we caught a sign for a Happy Hour at a cute little Italian Spot: Pastai (http://www.pastainyc.com/). I'm always down for an affordable glass of wine.

I've been dabbling more in red wines. I'm going to Napa again with a school group and I want to start developing a taste/appreciate for red wines. We each ordered a glass of a lovely Montepulciano. The wine is very jammy and easier to drink than many red wines I've had before.

Lovely Red

Lovely Red

The spot has its own personalized wine glasses - really classy. I want to come back for food - the kitchen was opening up when we were there and the fresh pastas looked delicious.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Venturing above 34th Street...

Dates, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

Another Day, Another Date

I was supposed to go on a date on Saturday, but I happened to already be up on the Upper East Side. The date was planned in that neighborhood and as much as I love traveling out of my way, I figured I may be able to get two things done with one subway ride - a study in efficiency!

Luckily, my date was flexible so we kept the location (Jbird, http://jbirdny.com/) but bumped up the date. I've gone here before and really loved it.

I ordered three completely different cocktails. The first was The Colonial. It was made with Rye Whiskey, Apple Brandy, Overproof Jamaican Rum, Demerara, and Tiki Bitters. The drink is described as "potent" and that is an accurate description. I love a strong drink but this was somewhat difficult to enjoy.

The second drink I ordered was the Golden Cadillac - I got this the first time I went to JBird and loved it. It is basically an alcoholic creamsicle, made with Galliano, Crème de Cacao, Orange Juice and Heavy Cream. Delicious and far too easy to drink!

The final drink I ordered was the Sunset Park, made with Rye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth and Apricot Liqueur. I thought I would love it given the ingredients but it was awful. Just steer clear - it was difficult to drink. Ugh.

I love this spot - it has a great vibe for a date. I would mention though, that there was random club fist-pumping music playing at times that didn't really go with the vibe I expected. The person in charge of the playlist should be fired.

Cheers!
Liz