Oyster

OMG are you dying?

This weekend, my friend, Kat (who I haven't seen in forever) and I went for an afternoon date to Hog Island Oyster Co. located right on the San Francisco Bay. We enjoyed a dozen delicious oysters paired with two glasses of Rose and a bowl of the best clam chowder I've ever had. The cool overcast skies over the bay was a perfect backdrop for our afternoon outing leading me to further conclude that I love all things San Francisco

Wine Country

This past weekend, I joined a group of about 20 friends to Sonoma to go wine tasting for our friend, Will's birthday. For obvious reasons, it was one of my top two favorite weekends here. We all met at Will's at 9am for a some mimosas and a light breakfast of scones and croissants before we all piled into a party bus where the drinking of mimosas continued. Not to be trashy, but I was kind of drunk by the time I got there...as in 11am. With the tasting of wines keeping my hearty buzz going, I enjoyed the perfect weather, stunning views, and some great company.

All in all - perfect Saturday afternoon.

Grapefruit Salad with Homemade Dressing

Last week I went on a date with this super cute guy at Ragazza, a small Italian/pizza restaurant across the street from my apartment. While there, I had the blood orange (Blood Orange & Avocado Salad w/ goat cheese, fennel, black olives & chili oil $9). I basically lived for it and died for it at the same time. Truly, the wine and pizza were pretty amazing, too. SO - when I cooked for him last week I decided to make one that was similar:

Salad:
Mixed greens
Two grapefruit
Goat cheese
One avocado
Red Onions

Dressing:
Equal parts olive oil and lemon juice
Chopped fresh rosemary
Oregano
Salt
Pepper

The Cask

One of the things I was REALLY looking forward to when I moved out here was having the chance to work (in person) with my good friend, Maureen. We've worked together at PRO @ EA for almost three years, but I was in Baton Rouge and she was here in California. Obviously we'd chat all day (J/K Matt and Rose) via IM, but it's just not as good a being in person. Well, when I told her I was moving she dropped the bomb that informed me that she I was actually replacing her here. She was leaving! #ugh #wtf #thischangeseverything

Well, since she lives so close we were able to get together in San Carlos at The Cask to enjoy fancy wines, cheeses, and spreads. I love downtown San Carlos - it's charming and quaint with surprisingly good shopping and eateries. We had so much fun catching up, gossiping, and (obviously) drinking. Luckily, since I have 11.5 days off for Christmas, we'll be able to do it again soon!

Sarabeth's

 

OMG this place is so good!

My neighborhood, TriBeCa (the Triangle Below Canal Street) is such a beautiful area filled with cobblestone roads, cute families, beautiful buildings, and some of the best restaurants in the city. With all of them in walking distance, I've been loving picking a new place for brunch/lunch/dinner almost everyday.

Right before Hurricane Sandy, my friend, Tony, came in for his birthday so the morning of, we went to this great little restaurant that I've run past every morning called Sarabeth's. Knowing that I was going to be eating a heavy lunch and dinner, I opted for a lighter option of hot porridge with fresh fruit and honey and a vanilla latte. It was a little pricy for what I got, but I know I'll be back. It's like an all white restaurant with huge windows and beautiful flower arrangements literally draws me in and I can't escape.

Murray's Bagels

 

I've walked past Murray's Bagels on several occasions and everytime I think to myself - MMM...that place looks yum. Usually because I've just eaten or I'm on my way to go eat (I eat a lot), I haven't had a chance to stop. Yesterday, I was doing some shopping and found myself in Chelsea...right in front of Murray's. Perfection.

There are so many options to choose from it's almost overwhelming...and that's just the bagel choices. Don't even get me started on the individual speciality sandwiches and cream cheese, salad (chicken, shrimp, etc), and fresh fish options. I went with what I thought would be most appropriate of a first timer: The Traditional. It came with fresh Nova Scotia salmon, rich cream cheese, juicy beefsteak tomatoes, crisp red onions, and salty capers. It. Was. Worth. Every. Calorie.

Now I'm completely hooked. What do you think next? I'm thinking NYC Deli Classic.

Is This a Date?

I think so. I hope so.

After joining a few friends for brunch this past Sunday, a guy (remaining anonymous) and I left the group to grab a latte in the Meatpacking District at this great shop called Kava. My latte, our conversation, and the coffee shop were all great and I really enjoyed myself. I'll leave it at that because if he ends up being one of the 6 people that reads this blog, I'd be really embarrassed.

Finally, the weather doesn't feel like it does in Louisiana (which is what it's basically been like for the past week). Saturday night, the temperature dropped down to 50ish degrees, so yesterday I was able to bust out my fall wardrobe - basically one of the best days of the year. As I was walking to the subway after I left en route to Tribeca, I couldn't help but smile. I love this city. I (insert heart) NY.

Hot Night, Cool Drinks

Well that was fun!

Last night, a few friends and I enjoyed some wine, beer, and spirits at Bin 77 (formerly The Grape) in Perkins Rowe. What started as a little date with Krystal from A Pinch of Lovely turned into a pretty large get together with pretty much the usual suspects. Even though it's often crowded and a little "chainy", Perkins Rowe really is a fun place to go for some after work drinks and eats. I just feel so so fancy when I'm there.

PS - Happy Friday!

BLEND's Opening Night

Last Monday night, I got the VIP treatment with a few of my friends as we were invited to the opening party at BLEND, the newest wine bar in Baton Rouge. I blogged about BLEND a few days ago when a few friends went to check it out before it opened. I have to say I was quite impressed. When it was converted from The Wine Loft into BLEND, several aesthetic improvements were made that now give the space a fun, unique-to-Baton Rouge look.

We were served an assortment of cheeses, chocolates, and teasers from the kitchen as well as the house's blend wines - one white and one red. Everything was delicious. According to Andy, one of the owners, they hired an amazing chef with fresh ideas and great taste. I'll second that.

If you haven't had a chance to go, I highly recommend you check it out. I can say it's a perfect place to bring a date. It's in the space where The Wine Loft was for years in downtown Baton Rouge (corner of Laurel and 3rd). Enjoy!