You've Gato go to Gato

One of my favorite things about living in NYC is that one day you can be walking down a street you always walk down and suddenly there's something brand new and cool there that wasn't just a day before. Enter Gato, a restaurant I noticed immediately last summer when its chic storefront on Lafayette St. suddenly appeared along the walk between my spin studio and the subway. 6+ months of failed attempts to dine there later (I do not suggest trying to just walk-in or secure a "normal" dinner time reservation day-of) I am here to tell you that you've gato go to Gato (God I love puns!!)

Gato turns out to be a Bobby Flay joint, artfully decorated in a very Soho, industrial chic style with a gorgeous bar, windowed kitchen and a floor so gorg I actually got tile envy.

Ambiance is everything dahling.

The menu is priced somewhere above reasonable and below expensive (aka, Manhattan-y) and filled with inventive and unique "New Mediterranean" cuisine from a tapas list to funky topping'ed pizzas,  "spreads" with pita and a breadth of entree and vegetable side options. I found it nearly impossible to decide what to order, but between Dr. H and I we settled on the White Chicory Salad, Pizza with Lamb Sausage (appetizer-me-up!), the Porterhouse Pork Chop and the Kale and Wild Mushroom Paella (so f'ing unique and good I will have to fight the urge to re-order this every time I go back).

Who knew a vegetable paella could be so sexy!!?

With a chic and lively atmosphere ("loud" as your parents might call it), gorgeous setting and a menu jam-packed with items worth ordering, I am already looking forward to my next trip to Gato. I suggest making reservations early, heading over on a weeknight (5:30 and 9:30pm still available for tonight) or being flexible about your dining time on a weekend (we booked a 10pm table just a few hours before heading over). Plus, it's been reported that Bobby is often in the kitchen cooking, so be on the lookout for your very own celebrity chef siting!

Hungry.

Nom nom nom.

Today is a hungry day. I woke up hungry and I've been hungry ever since despite eating breakfast and a mid-morning snack (and a ridonky delicious bite of apple fritter that my colleague brought in all the way from HERE... I swear just a bite!) Annnnyways, since the best cure for the eats (that isn't actually eating) is thinking about eating... here are some recipes I've stumbled upon lately that have me salivating as we speak. Enjoy!

Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Carbonara. YES ma'am!!! Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Or maybe a classic Spaghetti Carbonara is more your style? I've never done it, but it looks pretty easy!
Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Because my unwavering love for carbs does occasionally extend beyond pasta (occasionally!) here's a mighty tasty Broccoli Cheddar and Wild Rice casserole. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

And now back to pasta (Mmmm) with this light, simple and well seasoned Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs (perfect for a week night perhaps paired with grilled chicken or fish!?) Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Sunset at Hotel Belmar

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: So. True.

Interesting: Want to know how to prevent your hydrangea bouquets from instantly wilting!?

Tasty: It may not be winter, but I still want to eat ALL of these NYC eats.

Site I Love: Fancy having more pretty Paris pictures in your life!? Well Paris in Four Months is a lovely little blog I stumbled upon a few months ago, written by Carin, an incredibly talented photographer who moved to Paris for a few months from her native Stockholm and never looked back. Her photos are swoonworthy and she also posts interesting articles and tid bits about the world of high fashion as well. In it just for the pictures? You can follow Carin on Instagram HERE. 

Bunnies and Chocolate

I searched the internet extensively for a
real bunny next to a chocolate bunny. How
has no one taken that picture yet!?

Even though I don't celebrate Easter, I think the thematic decor and sweet treats for the holiday are just about the best the year has to offer (and don't even get me started on the candy!!!) Perfect for welcoming spring, a bridal/baby shower, little lady's birthday or your Easter brunch are some eats and treats from around the web. Enjoy!

These peeps cupcakes are so easy to make and even more adorable to look at. Full instructions from Mommysavers HERE or Pin it HERE.

Adorable, thematic and HEALTHY!!! Doesn't get much better than that! Full instructions from SaavyMom HERE or Pin it HERE.

At first I was going to dismiss this Jelly Bean Garland as way too involved a craft for me, but the full instructions from OhHappyDay (HERE) prove to be super simple. As if there weren't already enough reasons to love piping bags hehe.

A sweet spring decor idea just in time for forsythia season! If you've got some cute rainboots to spare (or maybe a trip to Target is in order!!?) all you need to create this adorable idea are vases that fit inside them. Sneaky huh!? Full instructions from On Sutton Place HERE, Pin it HERE.

Potato lovers rejoice!

There is a place... a heavenly place... where the potatoes are baked and sweet, fried and smashed, pure or smothered with toppings and sauces... The name of this potato utopia is, naturally, Pota*topia.

You see, several months ago, as I was walking home from the W4 subway station, I noticed a small "coming soon" storefront on 6th Ave between Waverly and 8th St. that immediately caught my eye:

Hello friend....

As a life long potato lover (duh), clearly I was going to have to visit this fine institution. Well..! last week I was on my own for dinner, hungry and hopping off the subway when it struck me - my date with potato destiny was THIS night. So I walked in to Pota*topia and was immediately floored by the sheer number of options, combinations, potato styles and sauces...

But fear not my fellow potato loving friends! The helpful staff at Pota*topia is there to support and guide you as you select a pre-created "signature meal" combination or devise your own potato masterpiece...

And while yes, 10ish dollars is a pretty penny for fancily dressed potatoes, if you consider that I was stuffed to the brim after my baked po loaded with homemade veggie chili, fresh veggies and topped off with chipotle sauce, then it's not too bad at all! 

Basically, I cannot sing the praises of this pota-stitution highly enough. I want to go back a bajillion more times to try the smashed and the au gratin, the sweet potatoes and the fries. With so many options,the combination possibilities are endless. Also, they're open late (4am "snack"!? Yes please!!) and have some pretty hysterical/witty branding. So do not delay, get your Pota*topia on today!!!

All around excellent eats

New York City is home to over 4,000 restaurants, but somehow when I'm trying to make plans to eat out, I often feel like I have nowhere to go. Not "nowhere" in the "no options" sense, but nowhere in the "there are so many choices, I can't even think of the places I like in that neighborhood, but I kinda want to try somewhere new, but how do I even know what to consider!?!" sort of nowhere. It's overwhelming... but thankfully, there is The Smith.

The Smith describes itself as "a casual American Brasserie" and since opening its first location in the East Village (3rd btw 10th and 11th) in 2007, the restaurant has since expanded to include locations in Midtown (2nd at 51st) and Lincoln Center (Broadway at 63rd). All three establishments have a similar lively atmosphere accomplished with big black paned windows, white subway tiling and an industrial-meets-French-brasserie decor that is chic, but also inviting. I've been to The Smith for both brunch and dinner and both menus are fantastic!

The Smith's bar is always bustling with people waiting for their table or who just popped in to have a bite from the menu's many Bar Snacks and Starters. I can personally, highly recommend the deviled eggs, beer battered string beans and mac+cheese! I can also vouch for several of the house-made cocktails (Angry Apple, Tickled Pink, Dirty Jane) or go wild and combine one of the homemade sodas with your favorite liquor (I suggest Pomegranite Lime with vodka!!)

The menus at The Smith are almost impossibly diverse, with everything from chicken pot pie, to mussels, to an awesome ahi tuna salad and of course an out of this world burger (don't forget great pasta!!) If you're going for brunch, good luck deciding between sweets off the griddle, staples like steak and eggs and outrageous options like the potato waffle benedict and sicilian baked eggs. The good news is that I've never had a bad bite, no matter what I've ordered.

The Smith is perfect for large groups (most of the locations actually have private rooms if needed), a girl's night out, brunch with your in-laws or even a date because the atmosphere is lively and the tasty menu has something for everyone. Next time you have "nowhere" to go, remember The Smith!!

Last Minute goodies!

awwww

Hello my friends and happy "we're almost there" day to my fellow stuck-at-work'ers (yes there are some of us at work today!) In an attempt to spread a little more Christmas cheer before the big day, here are some more (super easy to create at the last minute!) eats and treats (first edition HERE) to ensure that the gifts under your tree aren't the only thing making loved ones smile this holiday!

This easy to execute and adorable to deliver treat is perfect for your host and hostess or as a small gift for exchanges which stick to a lower price-point. Hot cocoa/chocolate milk powder with mini marshmallows inside and a Bailey's treat on the outside, plus, who doesn't love a good mason jar!? Pin it HERE.

Forget reindeer games, these sweet and salty treats are no joke! A glorious combination of pretzels, rolo and sixlets (which I've never heard of, but red m&ms would do just fine!) and you have an unmistakably awesome holiday treat perfect for dessert platter display! Pin it HERE (full instructions HERE).

Still stumped for table decor? This colorful idea requires just a few holiday items and will have guests complimenting your craftiness. Using mixed height candle sticks (painted in a favorite color at the bottom if you have time/don't mind the permanent paint job!) place small colorful ball ornaments (CVS has quite the selection still) and candles at the top. Store bought mini trees are an excellent compliment if you're able to track them down! Pin it HERE (more pictures and info HERE).

How freakin adorable are these tiny Santa snacks!? Perhaps the perfect thing to mix with pretzel/rolo reindeer, these santas are made of just 3 ingredients, marshmallows, strawberries and frosting. You can create your frosting beard with a piping bag if you're fancy or a plain old ziplock with the corner snipped off if you're an amateur like me. Santa's face goes on (pre-beard and berry!!) using edible marker. So simple, SO sweet to see (and eat!) Pin it HERE (full instructions HERE)

Quick & Easy

100% accurate

As we've discussed before (HERE; HERE; HERE!!) I loooove to eat. Thankfully, I also love to cook. I enjoy the process, the control over ingredients and flavor and the fact that Dr. H is an excellent dishwasher certainly helps:) But with a move on the horizon (not so humble brag: organized packing is my bitch!!) I don't have a ton of time to spare in the evening and the majority of my supplies have been put into boxes. So in order to avoid a delivery/takeout/dineout tour-de-force (bad for the wallet and waistline) here are a few quick and easy recipes for your dining pleasure:

Pasta is the key to my heart.

I'm a lover of straight up spaghetti and meatballs, but sometimes you feel like you need something with a bit more pizzazz. This recipe for Lemon Garlic Spaghetti (on Pinterest here) requires only a few ingredients and only a few more minutes than opening that jar of red sauce. If you're looking to add a protein, I'm going to try shrimp with some garlic and oil prepared broccoli on the side. Bon appetit! 

Chicken Ranch Tacos. Awwww yeah.

Mexican is a go-to for me when I'm looking for an easy meal. You can put the seasoned beef or chicken over lettuce with all the fixins (salsa, cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalepenos, refried beans!) for a delicious salad or go the hard shell/tortilla route. This recipe (on Pinterest here) calls for nothing more than chicken and the taco powder and adds ranch dressing for a lil something special. Serve with a side of rice and beans (Goya's prepacked mix is my fav) and you'll have your own little fiesta!

Get some slow cooker tips HERE.

I think I've mentioned my love affair with my crock pot before. If you don't have one of these glorious devices, you really must get one because they make cooking a more complicated meal much easier. Maybe on a night you order takeout,  use those 30 minutes waiting for the delivery guy to arrive to prep the ingredients for tomorrow's meal... When you wake up in the morning it takes 2 minutes to dump it all into the crock pot and bam! 8 hours later, dinner is served. SixSisters'Stuff is my favorite resource for crock pot recipes - check out 50 good ones HERE and HERE.

My country tis of thee...

Bright lights, big city.

... mid-week holiday misssssery, of thee I sing. 4th of July on a Wednesday!?! Don't get me wrong, I'll take a day off from work any day of the week, but WEDNESDAY!? This is gonna be an interesting week folks! Here to help you prep for the holiday ahead (and distract you from the 2 days we have to get through before it arrives) are some patriotic eats and treats of the red, white and blue persuasion.

Channel Betty (Crocker) to make Betsy (Ross) proud.

Patriotic brilliance on a stick!

Thomas Jefferson wants you to put a ring on it.
(Seriously, how ridiculous / awesome is this idea!?)

Be a hit with the kids at your BBQ (or have the coolest
yard in town!) Click HERE for the free printable.

A salty, sweet and patriotic treat.

When in doubt, stick a sparkler in it!!