Side Conversation

Happy New Year!

2011-01-20T09:37:00.022-05:00

As amazing as 2011 has been in just 20 days, 2010 was pretty spectacular, and if I hadn't have begun this year on a sail boat for a week with my favorite person by my side, 2010 would have been my best year to date. Nothing monumental, exceptionally profound or even motivating; but simply a great year full of very few hardships, a lot of laughter and surrounded by great people in some of my favorite American cities.

January 2010 in Vermont

February 2010 at Medieval Times in New Jersey

March 2010 in Ft Worth with my sister, Krista and my nieces

April 2010 tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys

May 2010 in California wine country with my parents, my sister Audrey and my nephew

June 2010 at the polo classic on Roosevelt Island

July 2010 in Greene Hall, TX for my best friend, Melissas 30th

August 2010 being skipper on Joes boat in Branford, CT

September 2010 in Santa Barbara

October 2010 Halloween as a My Little Pony

November 2010 in Barnegate Light with Jamie, Joe and Ted

December 2010 in Marco Island with Joe

And January 2011 in the British Virgin Islands!

Scott's Pizza Tour

2010-02-05T16:02:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday, Joe, Heidi and I jumped on a yellow school bus for Scott’s Pizza Tour

(http://www.scottspizzatours.com). We started at 11am at Lombardi’s, the first established pizza restaurant in America and ended with a couple that I had never heard of out in Brooklyn, including Sam’s Steaks and Chops (who knew that they had incredible pizza). We learned a lot about the history, science and our own love for a perfect pizza.

Murderer

2010-01-11T11:05:00.001-05:00

Its time to buy a new fish for Oliver to kill.

Well-Rounded Weekend

2010-01-11T10:29:00.004-05:00

My Saturday started with an Indian buffet in Queens, with Jamie then MoMA’s PS1 and ended with Korean BBQ in K-Town then Professional Bull Riding in MSG with Joe.

My Sunday started with church and French brunch then Kandinsky at the very crowded Guggenheim with Doug and Morgan and ended with Joe, football, wii, and much-needed couch time.

Go Rangers!

2010-01-07T08:58:00.002-05:00

Last night Joe and I went to a Rangers game with Scott and Kathryn. I didn’t get to see any full-blown fights, but the view from our seats couldn’t have been better!

(I am now aware that my sweater and flash photography is a PG-13 combination)

Cathy Night

2010-01-06T12:31:00.002-05:00

Once a month or so, I like to have what my Bookclub and I refer to as a “Cathy Night”, because we shamelessly take on the character of the Cathy comics. I put on my most comfortable and unflattering loungewear, eat foods that one wouldn’t normally in front of other people (for me it’s a box of mac n cheese with hotdogs cut up in it or a can of refried black beans with a few rolled-up tortillas dipped in it), usually watch back-to-back episodes of the Golden Girls while snuggling with my cat and attempt to not drink the entire bottle of wine.
Last night was my “Cathy night”. I had cheese toast, a bottle of zin, read through several cookbooks, and entertained my cat as I made piles of unworn clothes to donate. As ugly and boring as a Cathy night seems, it makes me feel really refreshed and in control of the next day.
(pictured is my cat taking advantage of the rare time I spend at home)

Haaaaaappy New Year!

2010-01-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

For the 3rd year in a row now, I have spent my New Years Eve at Cube 63, a BYOB sushi place in the LES. Lots of friends, lots of alcohol and lots of kissing.

Our New Years Day was spent on the couch with truffles, foie gras and even more champagne... and then a stomach ache to compliment the hangover.

Proctologist

2010-01-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

This guy randomly greeted us on our walk to brunch yesterday.

Beers of the World

2010-01-04T13:37:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the beers of the world poker tournament. Its exactly as it sounds; we all have a share of several beers from around the world that we have yet to taste, then comment aloud as I note everyone’s opinions, all the while play poker for honor.

Here are the notes from the Torry Pines IPA, San Clemente, CA:
Noah (bro-in-law): Good grief it smells good. It’s like butterscotch
Audrey (sister): Wow. I haven’t had anything like that. It’s sweet
Noah: That is good. Wow. This is a fantastic beer
Me: I don’t like the aftertaste
Audrey: Yeah, it is pretty bitter
Pop: It’s got a butterscotch flavor
Audrey: It’s pretty good but I don’t thing that I would buy it
Noah: You’re kidding me? You can pour this on my grave
Pop: I’ll take this on the 19th hole

Al the Wop (“I’m not racist; its in the phone book”)

2010-01-04T11:14:00.006-05:00

I spent the last few days in Sacramento visiting the wineries in El Dorado and Lodi (some which are just as good as Napa, btw).
Not only are the wines great, but the nearby strange town of Locke is home to the steak sandwich at Al the Wops. Steak, garlic bread and peanut butter. Its weird, but it works.
(this is my mom partaking)

Improving my Kitchen

2010-01-04T09:46:00.006-05:00

The kitchen has always been the heart of my families’ home. Even from high school, I have more memories of sitting up on a bar stool in the kitchen than I do of anywhere else in their homes. So its no surprise that most of the gifts that I received this year are for my own kitchen; a cutting board, mandolin slicer, bread knife, S&P shakers, and cookbooks (one of which my parents made for us, complied of all of our favorite family recipes). On my last night with my family, my dad hosted a cooking class for me so that I can learn my favorite recipe in the book; his Vietnamese Bouillabaisse.

Frying a Holiday Bird

2010-01-04T09:23:00.007-05:00

Sometime when I was in high school my family began frying our holiday turkeys. This Christmas turned out the best fried bird to date. (thanks pop!!)

And just as impressive, Joe and his family of Yankees turned out a mighty fine bird for our Thanksgiving.

I'll be Home for Christmas

2009-12-23T10:53:00.003-05:00

I leave tomorrow for Christmas at my parent’s house in Sacramento. I’m so excited to be in a decorated house with my family and our traditions of my father reading from Luke in the Bible, playing poker while drinking beers of the world, coffee and Baileys with sausage balls, George Winston’s December, and a deep fried turkey.
In my own home, I’m not much of a seasonal decorator other than this nativity scene I bought in Mexico last year for 30 pesos.

Doug's 30th

2009-12-23T09:25:00.002-05:00

Last night was my “other boyfriend” Doug’s 30th birthday. We started with wine and cheese at his apartment and ended with a seasonal and impeccable 3 course dinner at Ici in Brooklyn. In true Doug form, he (and his boyfriend, Justin) didn’t miss a detail.

Curbing Cabin Fever

2009-12-21T10:48:00.003-05:00

This weekend New York got a blizzard Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. We did our best drinking all the Baileys, wine and champagne on hand and staying out of the snow (and then the black/brown/yellow slush that comes with an NYC snow storm) only leaving to stock up on nacho ingredients and Zicam.

Christmas Balls and Weiners

2009-12-18T10:37:00.004-05:00

I’m not sure how I managed to live here for so many years without going to Rolf’s during the holidays. Its like eating inside of a Christmas tree, but with wieners, schnitzel and steins of beer.

(As appetizing as the picture looks, the food is mediocre. Next year we are planning to just get a weizen at the bar and eat somewhere else)

Bauhaus and Cheese

2009-12-17T10:04:00.004-05:00

Last night I went with Jamie and Joe to a PopRally party for the MoMA’s new exhibit, the Bauhaus. I should probably be ashamed to admit that I was unfamiliar with the Bauhaus before last night. I was also unfamiliar with the “fornication chair” (pictured)

Despite the free wine, naughty chair and getting a sneak peak of the Tim Burton exhibit, the highlight was the dinner of French onion soup and fondue fromage at Le Bonne Soupe.

Librarian Whore

2009-12-16T15:49:00.007-05:00

I went to the New York Public Library to pick up my latest subway reads (I’m cheap) and when I couldn’t find my reserves on the shelf I had this conversation with a rather judgmental librarian.

me: I don’t see my reserves on the shelf.
old bag: (after scanning my library card) Lets see… you’re picking up ‘My French…’ ohhhhh, my.
me: ‘My French Whore’
old bag: Yes, I see that. (shooting me a scornful look)
me: Its by Gene Wilder. The comedian. Willie Wonka? Blazing Saddles?
old bag: Mmmmmhmmmm (twisting her nose in more scorn)
me: Its not porn or anything. Its about his wife. Like a term of endearment. Like me calling my girlfriends ‘my bitches’ or something.

I eventually got my books and I’m pretty sure a flag on my library account.

Tis the Season for Bringing Wine to Parties

2009-12-15T11:45:00.007-05:00

Since I came across this post on thekitchn, Joe and I have been making our way down the list. So far the biggest hit (and only $5.99 a bottle!) has been the Trentatre Rosso.

White Party Wines from Trader Joe's
• 2007 Kunde Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley $8.99 - Toffee, toasty oak nose, Creamy palate with ripe apricot , melon flavors. A bit hot on the finish, but definitely an appealing party wine.
• 2008 Jean Luc Colombo 'Les Abeilles', AC Côtes du Rhône Blanc, France $9.99 - The least aromatic of all the whites tasted, which might detract from its popularity. But appealing herbal and stone fruit flavors.
• 2008 Lacheteau, AC Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $6.99 - A delightful wine. Floral nose, orange blossoms. Juicy flavors, some honeysuckle notes, slightly off-dry, refreshing and bright. This was one of our favorites. No harsh sides to it.
• 2008 Laugel Cuvée Michel Léon Gewürztraminer, Alsace, $9.99 - Another firm favorite. Especially, as a day earlier a friend asked if I thought he could get a nice Gewürztraminer for $10, and I said ‘unlikely’. Well, I ate my words. This wine was well balanced. Classic rose petal, spice, and lychee aromas. Nice texture, refreshing and good flavor intensity. Not a masterpiece, but very well-made.
• 2008 Anton Bauer Grüner Veltliner 'GMÖRK', Wagram, Austria $7.99 - Another pleasant surprise. Dry, showing good Grüner typicity of savory aromas (dried grass, green bean) and white pepper. Simple, but enough fruit flavor and refreshing.
• NV Pacific Rim Riesling, USA $7.99 - I have tasted this wine before and liked it better. This example I found a little forced. Quite a fusel/kerosene nose. Ripe fruit flavors, but a little astringent on the palate.
• 2008 Chateau Saint Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley $8.99 - Attractive floral nose. Light bodied with pleasant stone fruit. Easy drinking and refreshing.

Red Party Wines from Trader Joe's
• 2007 Albero Monastrell, D.O. Jumilla, Spain $6.99 - Made from organically grown Monastrell grapes (known as Mourvèdre in France). Earthy, lots of ripe dark fruit, prunes, plums and some leathery notes. Simple but amazing value and tasty.
• 2007 Trentatre Rosso, IGT Salento, Italy, $5.99 - A blend of the local Montepulciano grape, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On the nose, cassis notes of Cabernet prevail, proving that a little Cabernet goes a long way! Some obvious oak notes, but not over-powering. Ripe, smooth, well made with lots of black fruit. Excellent value.
• 2008 Ruffino Chianti, DOC Chianti $6.99 - Easy drinking, fruity with lots of strawberry, red-currant and cherry flavors. Light-to-medium body. Little astringency on the finish, but it does not detract from the wine. Refreshing and ideal for a party.
• 2008 La Loggia Barbera d'Alba, Italy $6.99 - Another tasty gem. Simple but has lots of ripe red cherry-berry flavors. Soft and smooth on the palate. Very juicy and refreshing.
• 2007 Yalumba Shiraz-Viognier, South Australia, $7.99 - Upfront ripe, sweet fruit - raspberry, blackberry. Soft tannins and easy drinking. Probably the most 'stylized' of the reds tasted. Also a little sweet on the finish. But sure to be a party hit.

Sweet Berry Wine

2009-11-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

Last night Joe and I got invited to sit in on a class in Kevin Zraly’s Windows on the World Cooking School. The school itself is an 8 week course for $1000, but we became friendly with the girl who does the PR and arranged for us to be a free guest for a week. We picked the class based on dates not knowing that we chose the best night for us; Red Wines of California. Despite being from the region and visiting countless CA tasting rooms, I learned so much about why I like the wines that I do.
And apart from learning a subject as valuable as wine, it was a lot of fun!!

Random Awkward Guy in the Back

2009-11-09T16:07:00.004-05:00

This isn’t an invitation to pop into the back of my future posed pictures, but the ‘random awkward guy in the back’ pictures are some of my favorites.

Carmen Miranda and Crocodile Dundee

2009-11-02T10:49:00.005-05:00

Once again, I have a hard time half-assing Halloween. Its only fitting that I should date a guy with the same love for a holiday wrapped around dressing up and candy.

Jello

2009-10-30T09:29:00.002-04:00

In “only in New York” form, last night I went to a happy hour that Joe won in midtown and followed it with going to a gay bar to watch Donna and Christina Jello wrestle each other.
Hilarious.

Breath Right

2009-10-27T10:47:00.001-04:00

Joe and I went to my first NFL game on Sunday. For a girl who hates to watch any kind of sport on TV, it turns out that I love going to live games, which I now know includes The Giants (especially since they pass out Breath Right Strips and the cold air was “nothing compared to how the rest of the season is going to be like”).

No Spring Chicken

2009-10-27T10:26:00.012-04:00

I turned 30 yesterday to finally end the birthday month.

The first birthday toast of sweet berry wine started 3 weeks ago in Napa/San Francisco with my parents, little sister, my best friend, her hubby, my favorite married couple, and my boyfriend.

Then came the night of close friends, tacos, tequila, champagne (in a can) and compliments of Donna and Suzanne, one too many shots.

As if that weren't enough, I started the actual birthday day with Donna, lobster and black truffle mac n cheese then ended it with Joe, caviar deviled eggs, yellowfin tuna and wild boar lasagna.

If my birthday month is any indication, my 30’s are going to be chock-full of many cocktails, great wine, great food and great company.

Party at the Plaza Hotel

2009-10-20T09:55:00.001-04:00

Its legal according to Martha.

(and that girl knows how to throw a party!!)

Awksome

2009-10-08T17:24:00.003-04:00

My friend Rob made up a word last week; awksome.

Awksome: -adjective

1. Awkward for you while being awesome for me.

Robs example: “Watching Joe meet your dad for the first time is going to be awksome.”

(pictured is our modern Shakespeare, Rob)

I'm Back (a bit, anyways)

2009-10-06T11:56:00.009-04:00

My reasoning for stopping my blog was a mixture of wanting to be an author someday and not wanting to blow my wad on this stupid blog, having my camera stolen, and simply not giving a shit. But for those of you who have been annoyed by logging onto this site and seeing this dumb last post about the Girl Scout cookies over and over; you’re welcome.

Most notable since my last post, I am an aunt to this little girl,

I’ve been dating this wonderful guy,
and I’m the new owner of this thing (the camera, not the mountain range).

No promises for an updated blog at all times, but if something worth writing about comes my way, I’ll try to do better at posting stuff.

Its Cookie Time

2009-05-01T14:28:00.000-04:00

Nothing good can come from this.

Fat Birthday

2009-05-01T09:03:00.001-04:00

In honor of Oliver’s 6th birthday, here is his most compromising picture.

And this is the fat ass giving me a death stare after getting a bath.

(and happy 1st birthday to my niece, Madeline!!)

Running with Cherry Blossoms

2009-04-29T10:17:00.002-04:00

The last 2 evenings I took advantage of the unseasonably warm and went for a Central Park run. The Reservoir is covered with cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it delightful to run on a track peppered with pink confetti.

Viva La Mexico

2009-04-23T09:46:00.012-04:00

I just came back from a week in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico for my favorite married couple, Rob and Marisol’s wedding.
Adding to why they are my favorite couple, they had a “white trash” themed party a few nights before the wedding. Here are a few of me “in character”/bringing shame to my family.

The very classy bride and groom.

We did have moments of rock climbing, snorkeling, boat riding, volleyball and being classic tourists in town, but for the most part the rest of the week was spent on the beach consuming guacamole and endless cocktails.

And of course, the wedding.

Modern Dance

2009-03-20T08:47:00.003-04:00

Last night I went to a Danspace Project performance to see Doug's boyfriend dance. I'm not a fan of ballet, let alone modern dance. It was only the second time that I've been to a modern dance performance and its the first time that I actually stayed to the end. Not being a critic or even someone who appreciates modern dance, the only word I can think of to describe it is entertaining.

When my niece, Grace practices modern dance however, mesmerizing seems the more appropriate description.

(I don't know what I like more about this video; my sister holding back the laughter or baby Madeline popping in the shot)

Gig ‘Em… whatever that means

2009-03-19T08:58:00.001-04:00

This morning I gave up my seat on the subway for a very pregnant woman. I'm not writing this to sound like a good samaritan. I'm writing this because more than half of those seated around me were men and for the first time that I can recall, I miss the men in College Station, Texas.
Granted, they also say "ma’am" to 19 year old girls, they have no problem yelling at you should you accidentally walk on the grass, and their idea of a good time is chasing their dip with a pitcher of beer at the Dixie Chicken. Regardless, I spent 4 years riding Texas A&M shuttles and I think that its safe to say that I never stood while a man sat. Here in New York chivalry is dead; at least in public transport.

Smell

2009-03-18T09:06:00.002-04:00

I don't have a picture to accompany this entry, which is actually quite appropriate.
Last night I went to a lecture by the New York Times perfume critic, Chandler Burr. The nerd side of me came out as it was an enlightening evening where I learned first hand the reason that Tide cost more than any other detergent (the patented added scent), why the process of creating perfumes is not too far off from prescription drugs, and why synthetics are more valuable than natural materials in perfume.
Most shockingly, we learned some of the "old school" processes of how a particular molecule was literally extracted from a tortured cat's rectum. I also learned that my nose smells Chanel No. 5 as "my Grandma; so either Chanel No. 5 or Oscar de la Renta", the additive to all detergents as "a clean floor" and the fragrance Cool Water as "a good looking man".
The evening inspired me to branch off from the only scent I've worn for over 6 years and to see (or smell rather) that there is an artist in a perfumer. It also made me feel normal surrounded by a room of people who also have way too much fun in Sephora or the Duty Free.

Erin Go Bragh

2009-03-17T15:35:00.004-04:00

This is going to have to cut it since I have a hole in my wardrobe in the green department. If it weren’t for Heidi’s cookie delivery, I would have really been screwed.

Weekend Recap

2009-03-16T11:02:00.004-04:00

Saturday began with endless mimosas (and a blue shot) at Bondi Road with Suzanne, Deena and the other Erin.

And it ended with 8 hours of drinking at Black Mountain wine bar in Brooklyn with Jamie, Maria, John and Gonzalo.

In turn, Sunday was spent on my couch with this fat guy.

The Armory

2009-03-09T09:27:00.008-04:00

After dim sum, Doug, Deena and I went to The Armory Show on Pier 94 where we saw a lot of fantastic art.

And a lot of very strange art.

Berkleysitting

2009-03-09T09:24:00.004-04:00

Sandwiched between brunches, dinners and finally running outdoors; I was a dog sitter for Donna and Kat’s puppy, Berkley. It was surprisingly enjoyable walking Berkley around the Lower East Side, going at a slow pace, looking in store windows and having an opportunity to talk to cute dog-owning boys.

Brooklyn Cooking

2009-03-05T10:30:00.002-05:00

Last night I trekked out to Brooklyn to cook a wonderful dinner with Katie and Doug at Doug’s new apartment. Its big, has a proper balcony, 2 floors, overlooks a park, and is only $200 more than what I pay for a shoebox in the LES. Brooklyn has never looked better; until it came time to go home and it was impossible to find a cab (not to mention the lack of bars on every corner).

Pictured is our homemade feast. I don’t know why we don’t cook more. It’s a lot more fun and significantly cheaper than, say the Allen & Delancey evening Lisa and I had the night before.

Foam Finger

2009-02-27T09:40:00.002-05:00

Last night I went to my first Rangers game with Scott, Kat and Ariel. Scott has amazing tickets that are 3rd row just behind the goal box, but after a few $12 beers, it was the foam finger that proved to be the biggest excitement.
(Thanks again Scott!)

Headshot

2009-02-26T10:25:00.003-05:00

My office and I got a little less professional this week when they added a “picture wall” in the break room. I have absolutely no idea when they took this picture of me or why of all the identification/credential pictures they have of me they used this one. Regardless, I'm feeling very unprofessional with this picture up. And as my mom said, people who scan the walls will say “which one is the fun girl?!?!?!”

Jersey Girl

2009-02-26T09:54:00.003-05:00

In the 5 years that I’ve lived in New York, I’ve been to New Jersey maybe 10 times; 2 of which occurred this week.
Last night I went to visit Eric, Paige and Baby Addison in Hoboken to see their fantastic new apartment and to get plenty of holding of possibly the cutest non-niece little girl I’ve seen.

I love her deer-in-headlight eyes next to my ridiculously squinty ones.

Showers in Jersey

2009-02-23T13:29:00.002-05:00

Saturday I Suzanne and I rented a car and drove to New Jersey for Marisol’s wedding shower.
It was really nice to meet more of her family and help her get ready for her marriage, but I learned a lot of lessons the hard way:
1) 4 hours of sleep the night before isn’t the best way to look your best for old ladies at wedding shower
2) Having a wicked hangover isn’t the best way to look your best for old ladies at wedding shower
3) Don’t trust mapquest when driving through New Jersey
4) New Jersey is lacking street signs
5) Always pay for the GPS when renting a car to go to New Jersey

The Bourgeois Pig's Squeel

2009-02-19T09:58:00.003-05:00

I'm only allowing myself to consume fruit and steamed veggies today- we’ll see how long that lasts.

Yesterday for lunch at Telepan, I had a 3 course menu of trout, scallops, custard and wine. Then dinner of gruyere tartines, crab fondue, and of courses plenty of French red at the Bourgeois Pig.
I'm going to be 10lbs heavier by the time Heidi’s birthday week is over.

¡Pura Vida!

2009-02-17T13:48:00.004-05:00

Before going to Costa Rica, I had considered myself to be a person whose idea of the perfect winter vacation consisted only of laying on a lounge chair with a book in one hand and a frozen cocktail in the other.

Instead of the veggie trip, I met Max in Costa Rica where I zip lined through a jungle canopy and rafted through a rainforest. Fantastic fun and pura vida!

Look Up

2009-02-05T09:34:00.008-05:00

I went with Heidi to see Fuerza Bruta last night. It was the second time for me to see it, but I could easily see it once a month. It’s a sensory overload, incredibly bizarre and just plain fun to watch and be apart of.
I’ve never been to Rio nor dropped acid, but Fuerza Bruta is what I imagine both are somewhat like.

Not-So Sweet & Lowdown

2009-02-02T14:19:00.007-05:00

This weekend I consumed massive amounts of alcohol, and yet not a drop during Super Bowl time (I did make a large bowl of queso to take to Kim's party. But I'm the bad American that hates football and Bruce Springsteen).
Friday night I went to a new wine bar across from my apartment called Sweet & Lowdown with Donna, Kat and Kelly where I learned that when 4 girls consume 4 bottles of wine and a cheese plate for happy hour, I'm given at 9pm bedtime.

After boozing it up on Saturday with Kelsey at Schillers brunch we went back to Sweet & Lowdown then I met Suzanne for dinner at Double Crown, then a few more bars to end up with this bizarre clown at Marshall Stack.

I'm officially getting old and need to keep ibuprofen, not to mention sanity, in my pocket.

Homies

2009-01-29T12:10:00.003-05:00

Last month I saw a homeless man pee on the subway during the morning rush. I mean, took his wiener out of his pants and peed right there in the moving train.
I wasn’t sure if it was that instance that made me more aware of the homeless or if it’s the cold weather that brings them to the concentrated underground, but I seem to encounter at least 5 homeless every time I swipe my metrocard.
Its not in my head; I just read that New York has 9,720 homeless, up from 5,192 in 2000.

(And yes, I occasionally take pictures of snuggled homeless. What else am I to do for entertainment when I forget my book at home?)

My Parents Win

2009-01-28T16:11:00.003-05:00

Paul Simon’s new ‘Lyrics’ book and a batch of homemade/grown meyer lemon bars.

The best care package ever.
(thanks guys. love you!)

Swine and Wine

2009-01-26T09:09:00.002-05:00

After a 4 hour unlimited mimosa brunch with Heidi and her out-of-towner Patrick (who I'm now calling ‘Fun Patrick’) Jamie and I went to an event called Cochon 555. It was a pork and wine fundraiser with 5 chefs, 5 whole pigs and 5 wine makers. We didn't eat all that much, but between the lard and liver pate, the chocolate-dipped bacon and the roasted pig face, I have never felt so drunk and fat.

G'Day

2009-01-23T10:03:00.014-05:00

Last night Deena and I went to a gallery opening for Nomad Australian art hosted by Hugh Jackman and Donna Karen. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Nomad art but I'm a big fan of Hugh, an open bar and party food dipped in white truffle sauce.
We were quite happy to be so close to Wolverine's beard.

It was also a night of noteworthy footwear.
Donna Karen's Shoes.
The gallery curator’s shoes.
The artist’s shoes.
And my shoes.

Also, I got hit in the face with this Aussie's man-braid.

Hey Hey Hey

2009-01-22T09:46:00.001-05:00

Between an otherwise dull night of the gym and filing my 2008 taxes, I witnessed Heidi in Whole Foods buy enough dinner and dessert for a family of 4.

Oh Happy Day

2009-01-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

Even Starbucks has Inaugural spirit.

I'm an Aunt...Again!!!

2009-01-16T17:23:00.003-05:00

It appears that my sister, Krista is having a baby hamster.

(due August 16th)

Bull Shit

2009-01-16T12:23:00.001-05:00

Its going to be a long week.

Taking Class out of Cake

2009-01-15T14:22:00.006-05:00

If you are in the market for a naughty cake, look no further than to my friend, Jenn who has taken the proverbial bachelorette party penis cake to a whole new level when she made “Garden of Penis”.

Not to be outdone is her “Penis of the World” cake that she did for Melissa’s bachelorette.

Please note the confetti in the Mexican penis’ moustache “because Mexicans like to party”

Nice work Jenn. Way to help keep it classy.

Chocolate for Dinner and Spring Awakening

2009-01-15T09:26:00.008-05:00

Last night Heidi and I went to the second to last performance of Spring Awakening on Broadway (quite good, btw). But on our way there we went to the Ritz Carlton Chocolate Bar for the preview party of what they call “chocolate carnival”. It was just that. A chocolate ferris wheel, chocolate roller coaster, chocolate merry-go-round, waffle and cotton candy station; all for us to sample. Of course we made dinner out of the heavenly desserts, not to mention the chocolate martinis and champagne.

Friendly Advice for Girls in Dresses

2009-01-14T10:57:00.002-05:00

With a wind chill temp of 5 degrees this week get a pair of the crotch-high socks at American Apparel. (Thanks Kat for recommending them. I now own 3 pairs.) Wear them over tights or wear them alone; either way I’m calling them the next generation of long underwear.

Recession Dining

2009-01-14T10:15:00.002-05:00

I saw this on my way home last night. Had I not already had dinner plans with Jamie at a not-so-recession-priced Café Charbon, I would have stopped.

You Can Take the Girl Out of Texas...

2009-01-12T09:40:00.005-05:00

On Sunday Suzanne, Donna, Kat and I crashed my work’s box at MSG for the Professional Bull Riders.
Granted, not as funny as the Truckee, CA rodeo I grew up going to where the opening prayer said “at the pearly gates God would say ‘welcome, cowboy your entry fee is paid’” but it was still hilariously filled with angry bulls, chaps, manure, Coors Light and foot-longs, all right here in the middle of Manhattan.

(I sadly look a lot like Melissa Etheridge in my Grandpa’s old pearl snap shirt.)

Marisol Returns and Suzanne Dances

2009-01-05T10:39:00.002-05:00

After too much Sunday sangria day drinking, Suzanne, Erika, Lisa, Marisol and I went to tapas at Pipa. The last time I ate at Pipa I swore it off since a cockroach fell from the ceiling, but I was happy to return. Lobster paella, rioja, bacon-wrapped dates, and live music.
Suzanne did the honors of dancing with the pictured adorable yet sweaty man. Then he called me ‘chicken’ when I refused him.

LES Bar Crawl

2009-01-05T10:18:00.010-05:00

I haven’t been on an official bar crawl in years. But Donna’s friend Katie coming to town brought a 10 LES bar agenda for Friday night. Good times happen when Katie is around.
You learn, for example:

A penis pump can be used on your face

Dancing in alone in a bar can lead to C-List celebrity nerds to join in
(and who knew that the Kenneth from 30 Rock, Rachel Dratch, and the stalker from Flight of the Concords are friends)

One can have a lot of fun with a pair of glasses and wine served in a cup and saucer

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T11:29:00.001-05:00

This year’s New Years Eve was one of my favorites to date. I went to BYOB sushi dinner with Donna and Kat then went to Max Fish. It was no-nonsense, low-key, and all just a few blocks from my warm apartment on a zero degree night.

Not Being a Pervert...

2009-01-02T09:55:00.006-05:00

I'm a sausage connoisseur. I didn't know it until this week, but I am. I went with Max to a new Austrian restaurant called, Café Katja where we had Bratwurst and Bernerwurstel (prosciutto-wrapped and cheese-filled sausage). An hour after dinner I swore off sausage through 2010.
(pictured is Max and I before the inevitable sausage coma)

Then yesterday morning I ate the best kolache that I have ever had; not just any kolache, but a jalapeño cheddar kolache. Donna brought it back from Texas. It was at least 2 days old when I ate it and still it was the best I’ve ever had. One can only imagine the delicious goodness that such a kolache would taste like fresh out of the oven. Its perhaps the reason why some Texans never leave the state.

Brokeback Bar

2008-12-30T10:03:00.003-05:00

Strangely enough, one of the highlights of my Christmas weekend in Texas was the night that I went with Rob, his brother Ronnie, and Doug to Round-Up Saloon. Who knew that the worlds best themed gay bar was in Dallas? Its like Brokeback Mountain only gayer. The bartenders wear jeans, big buckles, cowboy hats and no shirts. There's a dance floor with men line-dancing flamboyantly and two-stepping with each other. The TV monitors play a slideshow of pictures of bull riders and roping cattle.

The pictures don’t do it justice. (I was too embarrassed to be taking pictures in an obvious way) Doug and I had our mouths wide open with strange glee, deciding that its our new Graceland.

Come and Get It

2008-12-30T09:35:00.002-05:00

This is what I consumed for lunch at Babes Chicken House in Texas. It might have something to do with why its such a fatty state.

Of course, I had no trouble eating it. As Oscar Wilde said, I can resist everything except temptation.

Bettie Crocker has Nothing on us

2008-12-23T10:25:00.003-05:00

I think that it’s a clear sign that you spend too much time in a bar when holiday gifts are exchanged.
Regardless, Lisa came over last night and we decorated sugar cookies to give to the bartenders at Marshall Stack.

What Goes In...

2008-12-19T11:08:00.005-05:00

Last night I went to BYOB dinner with Marissa, Lisa, Suzanne, Kara and the other Erin.
BYOB with what Lisa 'Big Time' Benson calls “small bottles” of champagne (normal sized bottles. Big Time is used to magnums), vodka and lots of wine.
After dinner we went to Bond Street where Marissa, Darius and I polished off the bottle of vodka.

All this to say that I just threw up.
At work.
Where my co workers shit.
That's where I put my face.

Ouch the Owl

2008-12-17T14:07:00.002-05:00

I just had sushi with Kelsey and her new friend ‘Ouch’ (she named him Ouch because apparently it hurts like hell to get a tattoo on the top of your foot)

White Christmas After all

2008-12-16T13:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I didn't wear a jacket when I went out to get to lunch.

This is what is out my office window today.

Do Not Touch

2008-12-15T13:39:00.002-05:00

I see this woman most mornings in Starbucks.
She's less than friendly and clearly would like to keep people from touching her many Duane Read bags.

I Heart Steak

2008-12-12T11:41:00.005-05:00

Last night I joined 3 other carnivores Suzanne, Erika and Deena for dinner at Angelica's Kitchen in the East Village. We chose this restaurant because it was on a BYOB list and neither of us had been. None of us had been because its vegan. I'm fine eating vegetarian but not vegan. No eggs, so no pasta. No milk, so no butter on the dry bread. The food was less than impressive and smelled like a homeless woman, but we enjoyed the absurdity of 4 meat lovers trying tempeh, burdock and kamut for the first time.

I did love their reasoning for being cash-only though (pictured)

Blazy: –adjective. Averse or disinclined to blog, activity, or exertion; indolent.

2008-12-12T11:27:00.002-05:00

Lately I’ve been as my friend Jenn coined; blazy. Its not that I haven’t been up to no good or encountered stories of hilarity. Its just blaziness.

Dottie gets credit for bringing me out of my blaziness.
This lady that I work with, Dottie (she's this little old black lady... She one of my favorites) anyway, she came up to my desk and said, "Are you getting any wood in your stocking for Christmas??"
Me: "What do you mean??"
Dottie: "Wood!! I know you must have a man... Are you going to get some big hard wood in your stocking?"

She's like 70 years old!! I have never laughed so hard in the office.

Im Not Perfect

2008-11-14T09:17:00.001-05:00

Confession: I looped Pink’s “So What” in my iPod at the gym.
It played something like 12 times.

Judge me all you want, but I ran like the wind.

Melissa's View

2008-11-13T09:06:00.002-05:00

I got an email from my best friend with this picture and a subject line that said “My view in class tonight”.

LGBTs

2008-11-13T09:01:00.002-05:00

Last night I walked by cops getting briefed for the Prop 8 Protest outside of the Mormon Temple where we overheard one of them referring to those protesting as “the LGBTs”.
The LGBTs. Nice, buddy. Nice.

Puccini, Chagall and Mom

2008-11-12T09:19:00.003-05:00

For my moms last night in town, we went to see Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera House. It was my 3rd time to see Madama Butterfly but I cried just the same; overwhelmed by the sad story, the breathtaking costumes and the powerful voices.

And as much as I love the opera, I love the opera house even more. The 2 massive Chagalls alone are worth going to the opera for.

Family in Town

2008-11-11T14:24:00.004-05:00

This weekend has been a whirlwind with my older sister, Krista and her family in town (and my mom is still here).

It was a great opportunity to learn first hand all the kiddy entertainment that New York has to offer.
As it turns out the best entertainment that New York has to offer Grace was in my apartment.

Indian with Mom

2008-11-06T09:48:00.004-05:00

My mom arrived last night!!!

We were both pretty tired so we went to an early dinner at the best Indian food in the East Village; which doubled as a light show.

Fire

2008-11-06T09:44:00.002-05:00

I finally charged my camera battery. This is the picture I took of the fire that some ass hole started in celebration.

Change

2008-11-05T09:28:00.004-05:00

I worked until 12:30 last night then went home to the Lower East Side where hipster trust fund kids (80% of them are white) were joyfully shouting in the street, knocking over newspaper stands and starting fires to trash. Hopefully their bull shit ways of "celebrating" has subsided.

The Empire State Building was a divided red and blue last night.

Tonight it will be blue!!!!

Woody Allen and Lady Bunny

2008-11-04T09:08:00.002-05:00

Last night was a random New York Monday. Heidi and I first to the Plaza Hotel for a Leica camera tribute to Woody Allen then we went to a Shiseido launch party.

Random: champagne, Woody Allen, lots of lip stick, a drag queen named Lady Bunny and cotton candy shrimp.

Lazy Weekend

2008-11-03T09:50:00.003-05:00

Since 100 proof vodka kicks my ass even 24 hours later, I spent Saturday on the roof with Lisa, mimosas, magazines and napping.

Sunday I went out to let Heidi shame my laziness as she ran yet another marathon.

No Place Like Halloween

2008-11-03T09:46:00.003-05:00

My Halloween night was spent in 2 hours of traffic and Heidi Klum’s party. There was plenty of body paint, random celebrities including “hey!! That's the guy from Desperate Housewives. I love that guy. Don’t know his name, but I love that guy”, and 100 proof vodka cocktails.

Batman Needs Coffee Too

2008-10-31T10:22:00.003-04:00

I work in the building where Regis and Kelly tapes their show, so I came to work bombarded with plenty of clever costumes.

However none caught me off guard this morning like this guy sitting outside of Starbucks.

Dang, I love Halloween.

Eddie

2008-10-30T15:59:00.003-04:00

I'm a little bored with work and the election coverage, so here is another random story not really related to tomorrow’s holy day.

As you can read on post below, Suzanne has a scary friend named Eddie. She used Eddie as one would use a crucifix for a vampire in the haunted house and took it to a great new level when she sent me this BBM picture saying that she was taking Eddie with her to LA.
(She’s perfectly sane. We had talked about her doing this to eff with fellow passengers.)

A few days later, Suzanne sent this one of “Eddie with his cousins”.

…I said it was a random story.

Holly at the Halloween Ball

2008-10-29T12:15:00.005-04:00

Last night I went with Heidi to the Central Park Conservancy Halloween Ball. The invitation read “black tie, masks and costumes encouraged”. I dressed as Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

There were more than a few Sarah Palin costumes, but the best came with a moose (who for some reason decided to stand alone during the cocktail hour)

Heidi was the emcee so she didn't dress in costume, but she was introduced as “the best looking meteorologist” (apart from Sam Champion, I agree)

The décor in the tents in the middle of Central Park were impressive (which made up for the mediocre food)

I flipping love Halloween.

Birthday Cocktails

2008-10-27T09:14:00.006-04:00

This weekend was my birthday. After one of the more delicious dinners Saturday night with many friends, we went to Sweet Paradise where I happily drank the always classy champagne in a can.

I was also not-so-happily hazed with double shots of “SoCo and Lime… hold the lime”

Beatles in Bloomingdales

2008-10-23T09:15:00.002-04:00

Last night I went to see the reason that Suzanne has been working longer hours and has needed to drink more. AKA, the opening of the Beatles Shop in Bloomingdales.
Even our cab driver pulled up to Bloomingdales and took pictures of the Beatles-filled windows.
Nice work, Suzanne!

Party in Grandmas Sweater

2008-10-22T10:13:00.004-04:00

Last night Heidi and I went to a party honoring art historian Rosamond Bernier at the Four Seasons Restaurant.
Rose champagne, escargot, caviar and way too much tuna tartar. I had a delicious time in my Grandma’s unflattering sweater.

Vegetable (and Rabbit) Lasagna

2008-10-20T09:38:00.004-04:00

Friday night I went to Bacaro with Kelsey and Kim. Kim is a vegetarian. And in the past has ordered the vegetable lasagna, enjoyed it, and decided to order the lasagna again. A few bites into it, the lasagna “tasted different...” so we asked the waiter who informed us that their lasagna is now made with rabbit.

Poor Kim.
But more for Kelsey and I.

Chilly Weekend

2008-10-20T09:25:00.001-04:00

This weekend was fairly chilly and low key, the highlights were Saturday brunch at Jamie’s apartment followed by baking pumpkin cupcakes then Sunday afternoon was spent watching Lisa’s boyfriend’s lacrosse game (with more than enough mimosas).

Halloween Cookies

2008-10-17T08:51:00.001-04:00

Last night I also learned the proper way to eat these amazing cookies that are from Ohio.
Its kind of disgusting to look at, but very delicious.

Blood Manor

2008-10-17T08:45:00.003-04:00

Last night I went with Suzanne and her out of town friends to Blood Manor, a haunted house in Chelsea. It was genuinely the most terrifying half hour I have ever encountered. One room after another of freight and gore.
We also encountered Eddie, a $1 Target purchase. Its intent is to be frightening, but Suzanne gave Eddie a funnier edge.

I couldn’t decide which clip was better, so I'm posting both.

Dinner with Papa

2008-10-16T10:29:00.002-04:00

My dad is in town for work, so last night instead of joining my coworkers with the final debate coverage, I went to the Empire Hotel roof bar for a cocktail, PJ Clarke’s for dinner, then Barcibo for a glass of wine and truffle crusted cheese.

We thought that PJs has a fantastic quote on their wine menu:
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they are going to feel all day.” –Frank Sinatra

Central Park Run

2008-10-14T09:18:00.007-04:00

Since the weather was perfect I spent my evening running in Central Park.

The leaves have officially started to change.
Theres a creepy green film on the Boathouse Pond now that the boats are stored for the winter.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir was crystal clear.
And there was a cute jazz band playing on the running path.

Art

2008-10-13T09:50:00.001-04:00

Returning from brunch Saturday I walked by some burned trash across the street from the New Museum on Bowery.
In my opinion, this clearly marked art is much more interesting than some of the commissioned work across the street.
Whoever did this; very clever.

Canine Dorothy

2008-10-09T16:16:00.003-04:00

A little something I found in my costume search.

My Graceland(s)

2008-10-09T16:11:00.003-04:00

During lunch I went with Heidi to complete our Halloween costumes. If you can’t guess based on the ruby slippers, I'm going as Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. The Halloween store just below Union Square is my Graceland. 2 years ago my old roommate, Marissa and I went at least 4 times.

And after the Halloween store we went to Taco Bell, my other Graceland.
It was the best lunch break ever.