Hump Day Distractions

This is terrible. Also, outstanding.

Well, we had a few glorious teaser days of spring weather for a hot second, but now temps have dipped again and the skies are gloomy. I'm not complaining though. I promise I won't complain as long as the puffer jacket doesn't have to come back out! Here to get us over the hump (and hopefully on to sunnier skies and warmer days) are some goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

* NYC current vibe.

* A flirty hairdo perfect for spring (and easy enough to try at home!)

* How those always chic Frenchies decide between flats and high heels.

* Dreaming non-passover, pasta-filled, dreams. Mmmm...

* Amy Winehouse, a musical goddess gone far too soon. Apparently there's going to be a documentary about it. 

* I'm thinking I need a spiralizer and this one is the Amazon BestSeller. Any other suggestions!?

* Oh hello Mara Hoffman! I'll take one of everything please :)

* These will never stop being awesome (I want one so bad!)

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!

If I can make it there, I'll make it... anywhere?

NYC Poo with 'tude

Last weekend I experienced an ultimate New York moment. I am proud to add the experience to my list of quintessential New York City happenings, even though it is disgusting and something only a New Yorker could boast about... Last weekend I encountered a giant poop on the subway.

Yup. A poop. On the floor. Of a public subway car.

Are you laughing or painfully cringing (or maybe a little bit of both?!)

Most experienced NYC subway riders know that if a train pulls into the station and you notice 1 car significantly emptier than the others, there is something going awry in said car. The A/C isn't working, a person is behaving or smelling strangely, the possibilities are endless, but the result is the same - people avoid the car. Well on Sunday, I stepped quickly onto a subway car and immediately realized that the car was only half full and that half was pretty much all on one side. uh-oh. Directly across from me was a man, sitting casually on a bench all to himself, with a bandana across his nose and mouth. Double uh-oh. I notice a strange smell, not overwhelmingly unpleasant, but not great. I look right, a bunch of people... I look left, no people except bandana man. I look left and down... GIANT SH*T ON THE FLOOR. AHHHHH!!!! It is too late to exit the car, the doors have closed. I can't go right bc this is the last car of the train. To evacuate the premises I will need to go around the doodie and through to the next car. I do not pass go (but I do pass the poo!) as I scurry quickly (noticing that it looks like it came from a freakin horse and has clearly been sitting there for some time) to the door and into the next car. I briefly look back. I kind of regret not snapping a picture. I cringe and then smile, then go back to my day getting just a little bit excited to retell this story as soon as I get home. Welcome to New York.

Hump Day Distractions

Is this only funny to ppl who come from a family of dentists?

Perfectly timed to break up my vacation recap/photodump, here are some hump day distractions for your reading, viewing, eating and enjoying.

* This first grader's compassion and kind heart is probably going to make you cry (you've been warned!)

* Superbowl food you must eat and decor/theme ideas you're going to love.

* All you need to create these sassy (ikea hack) bookshelves are some thumb tacks and cool fabric (click through the pin to CupOfJo to read exactly how they were created... ps I want to live in that apartment:) 

* In case you were wondering just how much moolah (sp!?) you need to make to officially be a part of the 1% 

* Through the eyes on an NYC toddler

* I am a HUGE Ghostbusters fan, but I'm not sure how I feel about THIS.

* This is one of the best family shows on tv (in my humble opinion!) and I'm really sad to see it go.

* Because every car needs an "insane mode" right!?

* If you are a fan of Humans of New York, you've probably heard about THIS amazing campaign, but if not, you should get up to speed (and maybe make a donation!? No amount is too small)

Broadway Baby!

If you can make it there...

You know what I just realized!? In all the years I've been blogging, I've never done a post about one of the absolutely greatest and most unique things about NYC - Broadway!! I love going to the theater, whether it's a play or a musical and there is nothing that brings tears to my high school-thespian eyes like curtain call after an amazing performance. Living in NYC means having access to an overwhelming number of shows... from the off broadway find to the celebrity-cast long running favorite, there is a show for you in NYC. 

First of all, you need to know what's playing. Broadway.com is great (and always updated) resource for what's currently open on the Great White Way. HERE is a list of the most popular shows and below or some Merry Meri recommendations and wishlist items:

Recommended:

* Book of Mormon - Crude, hysterical, modern, offensive, amazing.

* The Lion King - Stunning sets and costumes combined with Disney classic tunes will keep even the tiniest tykes engaged (also, the level of decorum in this theater is a bit more kid-friendly thanks to their target audience skewing so young)

* The Phantom of the Opera - A total classic and one of the only shows on Broadway I've seen multiple times. Recently started debating going for round 3.

* Les Miserables - Another classic. Though I haven't seen this latest revival, the music, staging and costumes from my viewing 15+ years ago left a big impression

* Jersey Boys - Saw this last night (hence this post!) and loved it. Songs you know and love telling a story you (probably) never knew about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

* Motown - Another show filled with radio hits that's sure to have you dancing in your seat. A Dr. H personal favorite

* Cabaret - Love love this iconic show playing at the iconic Studio 54. A limited engagement with the truly fabulous Allan Cummings (and now Emma Stone) this one is not to be missed

* Chicago - Simple Broadway goodness, from the sets to the dancing and songs

* Once - A unique stage setup, simple sets and a stunning score will make this musical memorable for sure (another Dr. H favorite)

* Rock of Ages - Saw this one in the standing room section (yes, you can stand at the back of the orchestra section for some shows) and it felt like a concert. Raunchy broadway rock music fun.

On my list: Hedgwig and the Angry Inch; Kinky Boots; Aladdin; Matilda; If/Then

"But what about the cost!?" you ask? While I do not deny that Broadway tickets are super pricey these days, there are some great ways to score deeply discounted seats:

* TKTS - This discount box office has 3 locations in the city, one right in the heart of Times Square and the others at South Street Seaport and in downtown Brooklyn. These box offices post shows with available tickets daily and individuals waiting on line can score tickets at up to 50% off their original price. Same-day and next day performance limitations apply and don't get your heart set on a certain show (since it may not be "up" on the board) but TKTS is an amazing way to get a last minute deal for some of the best Broadway has to offer. To learn more, click HERE.

* Goldstar - Simple as can be, no membership fee required, Goldstar is a discount website which allows individuals with an account (just sign up, it's free) to score discounted tickets to Broadway shows (sports events, concerts, exhibits and more). I check Goldstar frequently just to see what performances are available and to learn about cool events happening in the city. Check it out HERE.

* TDF - The Theater Development Fund is an amazing non-profit membership organization which allows select groups (teachers, students, military, retirees, etc) to purchase deeply discounted tickets for Broadway shows in advance of the actual performance date. Though you cannot guarantee what shows will be listed or where your seats are, I can personally vouch for the amazing selection and seats consistently available through TDF which make the membership fee more than worthwhile. To learn more, click HERE.

* Rush Tickets - Every theater has a different policy for "rush tickets", but most have some sort of opportunity to score amazing unsold seats at deeply discounted prices, on the day of the actual performance. Ranging from waiting on line at 10am to putting your name in a lottery, I recommend calling the theater box office for that "show you just can't get tickets to" (particularly helpful with limited engagement celebrity casts) and seeing if they have a Rush Tickets policy. Scoring a hard to get ticket at a discounted price? Doesn't get much better than that!!

Hump Day Distractions

So true.

Hellllooo out there from blustery, soggy NYC! For grey day number 2 here in the city the weather gods have at least given us snow flurries instead of steady rain and for that I'm grateful (#desperate). Here to help you over the hump and through this gloomy weather are some goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

* Looking forward to more stunning snowy days ahead, like THIS.

* I want YOU. I want you so baaaaaad babe.

* For my fellow yogis. 

* What you and your kiddos should not miss this holiday season in NYC.

* Adding this to the dinner queue. 

* Because everyone knows someone who is always complaining that they're cold.

* A nifty little tool for anyone who uses Google on multiple devices. 

* Child geniuses.

Strange and Sad Times

Grand Central Station on Wednesday 12/3/2014

The past 48 hours in NYC have been... interesting. After following along during the Michael Brown case and subsequent riots in Ferguson, Missouri, on Wednesday the racial tension between minority Americans and the police force came to our backyard when a grand jury failed to indict a white police officer in the choke-hold death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man. Garner's death was completely captured on video tape (watch HERE and prepare to be horrified), ruled a homicide by the coroner and he perished while clearly stating repeatedly that he could not breath... Nevertheless, the officer will not be charged.

Thankfully, NYC has not reacted with riots or violence, but it has reacted. As I walk around my neighborhood, I note the increased police presence surrounding my apartment and nearby protestor gathering spots like Union Square. There have been continuous helicopters overhead for 2 nights. I've seen gatherings and marches up and down major streets and blocking tunnels and tourist attractions. Jon Stewart, who filmed on Wednesday shortly after the grand jury decision was released, captured the horror of this entire situation quite poignantly:

This is not a political blog and I don't want to point fingers, but I do want to say that I'm horrified and saddened. I want to talk about it because change only happens when a critical mass starts shouting loudly and persistently for however long it takes. I'm not optimistic, but I'm hopeful. In a nation that was built on racial segregation, one which has never successfully viewed all men and women as equal, I hope that people continue to protest and talk and one by one be the change themselves so that our next generation will have it just a little bit better than the last. Just a little something to think about this weekend...

Good Eats in NYC

What I found when I searched "pigs eating" on Pinterest.

This weekend might as well have been titled "Meri eats Manhattan" because that's pretty much what it was. Starting with a delicious home-cooked Blue Apron meal on Friday evening (followed by a slice of pizza at a party and then late night mac cheese (it was a fun Friday!)), Saturday included two delicious meals out (more on those in a minute) and Sunday started with Dim Sum, took a trip to Citi Field for a Nathan's hot dog and ended with sushi and bubble tea from the restaurants attached to my apartment building. I consider weighing anything less than 300 lbs this morning a modern miracle. But because all good meals should be shared, I wanted to tell you specifically about Saturday's eats so that you can venture out and (over)indulge just like I did.

* Cafe Habana (17 Prince St. at Elizabeth)

I have been walking past this little blue Cuban shop in Soho for years, reading that its a favorite of Matthew Mcconaughey's and keeping it high on my "for someday" places to eat list. Well, Saturday was the day and Cafe Habana did not disappoint. Ever since going to see Chef, I have been craving some delicious Cuban cuisine and Cafe Habana totally nailed it! A tiny restaurant that did require a 15 minute wait (not too bad for 2pm on a sunny Saturday) Dr. H and I sat at the bar counter and enjoyed every last bite of our Cuban and Molletes sandwiches (I also highly recommend the spicy bloody mary!) And though we didn't order the "famous corn", it was only because I went for chorizo and avocado on my molletes and even I would have had capacity issues at that point. Obviously we will have to go back. The perfect spot for summer brunch with your ladies or an informal but quintessentially ethnic NYC dinner with your man, check out Cafe Habana today!

* Babbo (110 Waverly btw 6th & Washington Sqr Park West)

Babbo is a fancy pants Greenwich Village spot serving up high-end Italian fare from the infamous chef Mario Batali. Thanks to a generous gift certificate from Mommy-in-Law and a fortuitous stroll past the restaurant that afternoon nabbing a reservation for that night (more on that in a minute!) we enjoyed a 3 course meal of impeccably prepared and served food. Babbo is one of those spots where everything on the menu is delicious and unique. From grilled octopus and warm lamb's tongue with a 3-minute egg to chianti stained pappardelle and black spaghetti with rock shrimp, it's nearly impossible to go wrong. And considering the prestige of the place, with main courses all priced within the $20-36 range, Babbo is certainly expensive, but by NYC standards not at all outrageous. Getting in on the other hand can be tricky, since reservations are almost all scooped up promptly 1 month in advance. But for my fellow night owls, Dr. H and I dined at 10:30pm on Saturday and once before  at 10pm (and neither time with much (any?) advance planning) so you can be organized or flexible, either way being worth the trip!

Hump Day Distractions

Nerd Humor.

Today is the day we hump my friends! Let's do this and get 1 day closer to the weekend shall we!?

* So... when can I move in?

* A delicious (and healthy!) way to use some of the basil I've been growing.

* Will someone please make these adorable umbrellas for me!?

* Oh you poor little thing, but we all feel that way about babies!

* An interesting take on why "our" generation is struggling to find happiness.

* The best way to tie your running shoes.

* Adorable "new home" printables.

* A sassy manicure idea for (gasp!) fall.

* Get out and about in NYC this summer (you don't have to be a kid to love this list!)

* How to respond when your text messages go unanswered...

Hump Day Distractions

Can you even handle this cuteness!?

I've been looking forward to this post all week because not to over-hype, but I've got some seriously awesome internet gems to share with you!! So let's not dawdle, let's get to the distracting!

* As a glasses wearer, NYC enthusiast and admirer of creative people's work... I love THESE.

* Looks like Sis got it right with the whole Dentist thing... 

* When moms send texts. 

* Theme of today.

* I didn't even know that it was happening but given my full blown OBSESSION with Wet Hot American Summer, I'll be seeing this movie asap.

* 8 interesting facts about Rose wine.

* I want to say my friends and I would never have done something like this, but... Poor kid.

* Must return to Morocco. Must go to HERE.

* As a collector of cards for every occasion, this is a great roundup to have on hand. 

* Way to go Barbie (and way to go Mattel!)

* This banned commercial is so freakin funny. 

* And finally, this guy is my hero... for how he handled the whole ordeal, how he managed to get it on film, how he endured that death stare and how he celebrated his victory. Way to go guy!

Hump Day Distractions

Shut up with this ridiculously random adorableness.

And then the never ending week reached Hump Day and Merry Meri declared, "hark! I can see the weekend in the distance! onward ho!!" For reals. Let's get on with it shall we!?

* A bit of inspiration for us all from one man's near death experience on an airplane.

* I cannot tell you how much self control it has taken not to buy THIS. (I'd be all "yel-low!? Banana Phone here!")

* This mom tackles the tough topic of explaining sex for pleasure (as opposed to just procreation) to her young son. It's an interesting read.

* Get your Gatsby hair on.

* A veggie/mexican skillet for dinner tonight anyone!?

* I want to go to there.

* Everything you need to know about for this summer in NYC.

* It's your journey. Own it.

* Never knew how so many of these foods grew (via exPress-o)

* Sure to make you smile, meet Biddy the Hedgehog (he's obvi my new fav Insta friend)

Finally, I made a super awesome sandwich for lunch yesterday and I was so pumped about its tastiness that I'm going to a) eat it again today and b) share it with you:

- 1 Toufayan Low Carb Pita (only 3 WW points and it's BIG!)

- Boar's Head Low Sodium Turkey Breast

- Thinly Sliced Granny Smith Apple

- Robert Rothschild Wasabi Ginger Sauce (gives it a nice little kick, awesome compliment to the apple!)

I whipped this bad boy up in 2 minutes in my office kitchen and was so happy with the result that I was literally announcing to my cubicle mates that my homemade sandwich was "f*cking awesome" (ya gotta take the cheap thrills when you can get em, AmIRight!?)

A Weekend to Remember.

Yup.

Not to toot my own horn or anything... but this past weekend I pretty much rocked Dr. H's birthday socks off (toot TOOT!!) There were surprise visitors and festive dinners, late night shenanigans and even horseback riding. We ate like kings (and drank like fish) and overall it was just one of those weekends that reminds you that these are truly great times.

Since now I look and feel kinda like THIS, I thought the best thing to do today was give you a little recap of some of our adventures since I heartily recommend everywhere we ate/drank/went/played.

* Friday - La Esquina & Brinkley's

Do not be fooled by the "taco counter" storefront at street level! Walk in the main door, head down a flight of stairs and through the kitchen (literally) and you end up in a cave meets-awesomely decorated bar and sit-down restaurant space. Though La Esquina can be a biatch to get a large group reservation at (one month in advance, limited space, etc) their price fix menu includes copious amounts of insanely delicious food which go quite nicely with their awesome cocktails. For a regular dinner, arrive early, make a reservation or be willing to sit at the bar and La Esquina will be a chic and tasty night on the town.

I've walked past Brinkley's dozens of times, but post-La Esquina (just around the corner in Soho) was my first time heading inside. The bar had a great atmosphere, a decent number of tables and barstools and though it got crowded as the night went on, it never filled to the "whose armpit is this in my face?" capacity that I detest. Gonna have to head back for eats sometime soon!

* Saturday - Coffee Shop, Union Square Farmer's Market & Ginny's Supper Club

Rising and shining(ish!) on Saturday morning our crew of 6 (siblings and 1 tiny niece included!!) headed to a birthday brunch at The Coffee Shop in Union Square. This spot is a go-to for me in the neighborhood with a menu filled excellent options (brunch or lunch/dinner) at reasonable prices. Items like the "Hangover Sandwich", pancakes, french toast and steak and eggs were hits all around my brunch table and the atmosphere is always lively (plus outdoor seating!) Reservations recommended if you want to avoid a wait.

I absolutely love the Union Square Farmer's Market. The produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods, meats, fish, (Martin's Pretzels!) and more are fresh, delicious and locally sourced. Though it can get a bit crowded on beautiful Saturdays, arrive early and get the fresh stuff before the crowds. (Open M,W,F,Sat 8am-6pm, more info HERE)

Below the (deservedly hyped) Red Rooster Harlem restaurant, is Ginny's Supper Club, a modern reincarnation of the glamorous Harlem speakeasies of the 1920s and also serving delicious eats by chef Marcus Samuelsson.  Our table for two had a prime view of the wonderful live jazz performance and the food was Ah-MAZ-ing. From the chicken and waffles and deviled eggs appetizers to our "Helga's Meatballs" and Mac and Greens (a mac and cheese of epic deliciousness in my humble opinion!), every bite was more delicious than the next. I even glutinously enjoyed the homemade ice cream sandwich for dessert because... BECAUSE. If you like live jazz and you want a glam, unique, DELICIOUS night on the town, reservations at Ginny's Supper Club should be it. (Note - you can also just buy tickets for the performance and drink/listen at the bar in the back!)

Dr. H is obsessed with horses (strange, but true) and somewhere in my birthday surprise hype-building we developed a running joke that I was getting him "a stallion" for a gift. The stallion jokes invaded daily conversation so much that I felt I had to do something horse-related for my beloved equine-enthusiast. Recalling an episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte went riding in the city and turning to our trusted friend Google, I discovered Kensington Stables located just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Bizarrely situated just like any other business on a city street corner, the stable is home to more than 20 horses and for the reasonable price of $37 you can take an hour-long ride through the park (including an only-in-NYC, is this really happening? horse ride through a traffic circle to get into the park!) The horses are all beautiful and riding through the city park was truly a unique experience. Kensington Stables also offers lessons or for just $3 your kiddo can take a pony ride up and down the block. Not too shabby NYC, not too shabby at all.

Where's my invitation to The Ball!?

As a New York City gal and lover of all things high brow and high fashion, the Met Costume Gala has always been my absolute holy grail, "wish upon a star" NYC event. Infinitely more glamorous than opening night at the opera or ballet, I would, without hesitation, give anything for a chance to attend the Met Ball (who needs a first born anyway!?). 

For those not determined to sell their soul in exchange for a night on the town, the Costume Institute Gala, popularly known as the Met Gala or Met Ball, is an annual fundraising gala to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The event is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive social events in NYC and one of its biggest fundraising nights (a reported $9 million raised in 2013!). The affair has been held at the Met since 1971 and is considered to be the fashion industry's premier annual red carpet event.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better... the party has a THEME!! (you all know how I luuurve a good theme party!) Unlike last year's "punk theme" (ick), this year ladies are requested to pay tribute to Charles James (a fashion designer known as America's first couturier, so ready your ball gowns girls!) and men are left to interpret "White Tie and Decorations" (Fred Astaire meets Office Space!?) I cannot tell you how many dresses I flip past in magazines or thumb wistfully in stores and think "if only I had somewhere to wear it..." and lordy that somewhere would be the Met Ball.

While I await an invitation to Monday's big soiree from Karl Lagerfeld or for Tom Brady to take me instead of Gisele, anyone willing to foot the $25,000 per ticket price (up a measly $10k from last year!) in the name of making Merry Meri dreams come true, do be in touch:)  

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. 

Girls on the Internet.

Yes. Yes please now.

I can clearly remember several years ago, sitting on my living room couch with 2 girlfriends, surfing the internet for engagement rings. I wasn't really in the market at that time, but it can't hurt to look right!? Then came wedding dresses, so many hours spent browsing for dresses, even with friends who were already married or not even engaged. It was just the girlish thrill of looking at those gorgeous gowns and we were all doing it so that made the obsession seem acceptable.. 

Well now it's real estate. Apartments, houses... doesn't matter that I'm locked into a lease until this fall and nowhere near financially able to buy, Dr. H receives emails of  "dream home" listings several times per month. Gone are the diamonds and dresses, now I fantasize about crown molding and tall windows, parquet floors and built-in bookshelves. And at first I thought maybe I was a little whack-a-doo (I am), spending time pouring over real estate listings for really no reason, until a girlfriend showed me her Trulia App, which she said she uses to casually peruse listings from her phone whenever she's bored, despite the fact that she moved to a new home very recently! I instantly felt better, at least I'm not alone!! And besides, I've got Pinterest boards filled with decor for an imaginary home, might as well start shopping right!? What do you spend your time, wasting your time, browsing the internet for?

Hump Day Distractions

That is one sassy lookin camel!

Hump Day comin in hot!! No time for chatting, just gotta hump it!!

* Someone PLEASE throw this party and invite me (Grilled Cheese 4 eva!)

* In NYC there are more than 26,000 people living in each square mile! More awesome NYC facts HERE.

* OMG remember mixtapes!?

* Spring-ify your home... Sounds like a good idea to me.

* I'm not picky, any 1 of these 24 will suit me just fine (please and thank you!)

* This polar bear melted my heart! (via exPress-o)

* What's that? You want to buy me this scarf in green and gold because it's on sale!?

* 2 dudes rockin out with cellos. Seriously. (it's AWESOME)

* If you need a smile (and several "ohmygosh-es"), these pictures are 100% for you.

Street Meat

My kinda lady :)

One of my favorite things about NYC is that beyond our incredibly diverse selection of outstanding restaurants (every cuisine at every price point!) we have a killer street vendor situation. Now yes, in the past few years there's been a proliferation of "food trucks" of every variety in NYC as well as in lots of other major metropolitan areas (a great roundup of the best NYC trucks HERE, HERE and HERE and a nifty truck tracker app HERE), but I'm not talking about food trucks, I'm talking about vendors, vendors who serve up freshly cooked, ridiculously tasty "street meat".

I LOVE street meat. To me there is nothing more delicious for lunch than a freshly prepared gyro meat salad, covered in mystery spices and sauces, served up by the friendly gentleman who runs the cart on the northeast corner of 46th and 6th. (My order = lamb gyro platter, no rice, yes to the soft boiled egg, spicy, all the sauces, toasted pita and sure I'll take a free samosa while I wait!! Grand total, $8) I've also been known to indulge in "chicken on a stick",  burritos, falafel, shawarma and egg sandwiches from various NYC vendors. 

But some people find street meat to be super sketchy. The idea that the food is stored and prepared in a cart on the street evokes concerns about sanitation and safety to which I say... meh. While I obviously recommend you take a look at the situation inside a cart before you get to ordering (how fresh does the meat look? is it generally clean inside?) the reality is that these vendors have permits they risk losing if they feed you something funky. Just like any food establishment, accidents can happen and carelessness is possible, but in my humble opinion that small risk is worth the mighty tasty reward. Plus, if NY Magazine is publishing lists about it, I'd say street meat is most certainly the real deal. Now excuse me, I've got some eating to do!

Spring Attack

Who's ready for tulips!?

It is approximately 9:30am as I type this and I think I have wished at least 25 people a "happy first day of spring" already. HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! From the moment I peeled my eyes open I've been in spring "attack mode" - mint green pants with gold flats (no socks!!!) my beloved striped trench coat, enthusiastic spring wishes to everyone from the doorman to the chick pouring my iced coffee (ICED coffee!) and even though temps are still a bit low, the official arrival of spring means the relentless cold of our snow-tastic winter MUST be behind us... right!? There is just something so refreshing, invigorating even, about this season. Here to celebrate spring are a few spring-a-licious goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

After years of faithfully sporting black Converse, this weekend I'm going white. Chucks with a casual dress, with shorts or with cropped pants are an excellent uniform for spring (or if Converse aren't your speed, I adore my Keds and Toms and I've heard great things about Bensimon.)

Something about this "chicken bake" feels decidedly springy to me... Simply combine chopped tomatoes, a jar of artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese in a bowl (season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic, etc), then place in a casserole dish with lightly seasoned chicken breasts, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 until chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted (it's not an exact timing science since thickness of your chicken breast may vary!) Top with basil and perhaps serve with a side of tasty, healthy Shirataki noodles for a delicious and easy spring dinner!

How absolutely adorable are these Spring Chocolate Flower treats!? And even better is that they're beyond easy to create - all you need are pretzels, spring colored M&Ms and Hershey kisses! Click HERE to Pin it or HERE to go straight to the step by step instructions from The Frugal Gals.

Hello lover!

Lastly, click HERE for everything you need to know about what's going on in NYC this spring.