Maison des Rêveries

flor de mayo: not your mama's chicken dinner

2012-02-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

pollo a la brasa

watercress

sweet plantains

Flor de Mayo is one of my favorite places to go when I'm craving a hearty dinner. One of the last chino-latino restaurants in Manhattan, this place is always just SO GOOD and is incredibly well-priced. Other favorites on the menu include lomo saltado, shrimp with watercress, and chicharrones de pollo. See additional pictures in my old post including the chicharrones and shrimp with watercress.

Read more about it on my yelp review here!

jack's wife freda: quintessential nolita

2012-02-12T16:12:00.000-05:00

fried zucchini chips with smoked paprika aioli

vegetable curry bowl with couscous and house chutney

bloody mary moules frites

jack’s burger with grilled tomato and fried onion served with hand-cut fries

It's amazing how much you can take a personal day to yourself for granted until your schedule doesn't allow you any free time. Spent the day yesterday doing things that relax me: early morning workout, home-cooked lunch at home with the boy, roaming around lower east side boutiques and being inspired by young entrepreneurial creativity, checking out a new low-key restaurant in nolita for a quiet dinner.

jack's wife freda is a new quintessential nolitan restaurant located in one of my favorite little intersections of manhattan, petrosino square. neighbors to some nyc institutions like osteria morini, la esquina, ed's lobster bar, spring natural, and café select, jack's wife freda is definitely hanging with a good crowd. they just started a dinner service menu that i tried last night, but i also hear breakfast and lunch here are really great. looking forward to another visit back to try their brunch menu!

Read more about it on my yelp review here!

puddin' by clio: the banana cream dream

2012-02-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

The Banana Cream Dream at Puddin' by Clio. Freshly made banana pudding, toasted graham cracker crumbs, banana cake baked in-house, and homemade whip cream.

Possibly one of the best things I've eaten in a very long time. Yes it might not be as cheap as your run of the mill JELL-O pudding cup but this is really a very small price to pay for something that will make you feel weak in the knees.

Make sure not to go too late in the day - they tend to sell out of the good flavors, which is everything.

Read more about it on my yelp review here!

this land is our land

2012-02-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

Dawn in New York has
four columns of mire
and a hurricane of black pigeons
splashing in the putrid waters.

Dawn in New York groans
on enormous fire escapes
searching between the angles
for spikenards of drafted anguish.

Dawn arrives and no one receives it in his mouth
because morning and hope are impossible there:
sometimes the furious swarming coins
penetrate like drills and devour abandoned children.

Those who go out early know in their bones
there will be no paradise or loves that bloom and die:
they know they will be mired in numbers and laws,
in mindless games, in fruitless labors.

The light is buried under chains and noises
in the impudent challenge of rootless science.
And crowds stagger sleeplessly through the boroughs
as if they had just escaped a shipwreck of blood.

Dawn. Federico García Lorca

the chocolate babka: russ & daughters

2012-02-04T22:54:00.001-05:00

A thing of beauty - a slice of chocolate babka from one of my neighborhood favorites, Russ & Daughters. Moist, flakey, deep chocolatey flavor.

If you're not crazy about chocolate, don't be afraid to try out their cinnamon babka! Infamously known as "the lesser babka" from Seinfeld's The Dinner Party episode, I actually think the cinnamon babka is equally as delicious as the chocolate. Then again, you can't really go wrong when you're inside Russ & Daughters.

Read more about it on my yelp review here!

zucker bakery: baked goods with heart on east 9th

2012-02-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

zucker rugelach with dates, almonds and clove

love loaf with mixed nuts and fruits

alfajhores: dulce de leche filled cookie sandwich

Zucker Bakery is an adorable new addition to one of my favorite streets in the East Village, E9th. Not your typical bakery fare, you'll find interesting cookies and treats here, including dulce de leche filled cookies (amazing!!!) and mini crescent-shaped rugelachs, all for the wallet-friendly price of $1.

Order a few treats along with a cup of Stumptown coffee and you're in for a perfect afternoon.

Read more about it on my yelp review here!

prefall 2012 wishlist

2012-01-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

this sweater. alexander wang

these colors. acne

this bag. 3.1 phillip lim

these lines. alexander mcqueen

this attitude. givenchy

this comfort. theyskens theory

this ease. theyskens theory.

this is it. celine.

the cheese store of beverly hills

2012-01-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

the cheese store of beverly hills. a one-stop, get everything you need to have a fabulous night in, kind of place.

don't let the name fool you, the prices here are good and the service is very friendly.

i left here with a half pound of my favorite cheese, Garrotxa, a quarter pound of very spicy Soppressata for the boy, and a bar of dark chocolate just because.

sunset marquis: magical west hollywood hideaway

2012-01-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

details. the reformation top. t by alexander wang shirt dress. ysl shoes. chanel 2.55. céline sunglasses.i spent one of my last days in los angeles at the sunset marquis hotel in west hollywood and had such a great experience. the venue itself is too picturesque for words and pretty much sums up what i love about a LA vacation. casual, luxe, friendly, relevant.

we ate at the aptly named Restaurant at the hotel, which is situated in an open-air space overlooking a beautiful mosaic tiled waterfall, kodak-moment worthy bridge, koi pond, and lush trees cape. i couldn't think of a better way to end an amazing trip and can't wait to go back to visit the hotel.

read more about it on my yelp review here!

sushi and sun

2012-01-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

mango ceviche

crunch dragon roll

details. complex geometries top over chloé dress. chloé shoes. chanel 2.55. bliss lau body chain. céline shades.

simple california sushi lunch at niko niko sushi in irvine on a hot december day.

rayuela: sunday brunch in the les

2012-01-21T23:30:00.000-05:00

guava and apricot cava sangria

basket of freshly baked pan

chewy deliciousness. order this! TRUST ME.

arepa con huevo: corn arepa stuffed with eggs, chorizo, and melted manchego cheese

homemade granola with fresh fruit and yogurt

rayuela on allen street is a great option for sunday brunch in the lower east side when you're looking to escape from the winter cold city streets in hopes for a brunch cocktail and quality food. they have a $10 cava sangria open bar, the food is delicious, great attentive service, and the restaurant space is beautiful - not what you'd expect in this neighborhood.

sister restaurant to another one of my les faves, macondo, you can see quality and good looks seem to run in the family.

read more about it on my yelp review!

bottega louie: easy italian in downtown LA

2012-01-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

grilled octopus

modena salad: butter lettuce, candied walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, shallots, garden herbs, with creamy balsamic vinaigrette

classic caesar: romaine hearts, reggiano parmesan, garlic, and herbed croutons

eggplant parmesan

brussels sprouts & pistachios

pan sautéed trenné pasta with braised prime rib eye, Tuscan black kale & shaved Grana parmesan

burrata pizza with burrata and grand parmesan cheese, rapini, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and prosciutto di parma

bottega louie in downtown la. a go-to when you're in need of a casual yet still elegant dinner option. sparse and open with an almost new york city vibe. uncomplicated menu, easy food, frighteningly speedy service, choice of flat or sparkling water on the house. two thumbs up!

read more about it on my yelp review here!

tomorrow, at dawn

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

golden california, my escape.

Demain, dès l'aube, à l'heure où blanchit la campagne,
Je partirai. Vois-tu, je sais que tu m'attends.
J'irai par la forêt, j'irai par la montagne.
Je ne puis demeurer loin de toi plus longtemps.
Je marcherai les yeux fixés sur mes pensées,
Sans rien voir au dehors, sans entendre aucun bruit,
Seul, inconnu, le dos courbé, les mains croisées,
Triste, et le jour pour moi sera comme la nuit.
Je ne regarderai ni l'or du soir qui tombe,
Ni les voiles au loin descendant vers Harfleur,
Et quand j'arriverai, je mettrai sur ta tombe
Un bouquet de houx vert et de bruyère en fleur.

Tomorrow, at dawn, at the hour when the countryside becomes pale with snow,
I will leave. You see, I know that you are waiting for me.
I will go by the forest, I will go by the mountain.
I cannot stay far from you any longer.

I will walk with my eyes fixed on my thoughts,
Without seeing anything outside, without hearing any noise,
Alone, unknown, back curved, hands crossed,
Sad, and the day for me will be like the night.
I will not look at the gold of the evening which falls,
Nor the faraway sails descending towards Harfleur.
And when I arrive, I will put on your tomb
A green bouquet of holly and flowering heather.

Victor Hugo. Demain dès l'aube. Tomorrow, at Dawn.

saigon vietnamese sandwich: nolita banh mi love

2012-01-15T19:33:00.000-05:00

saigon vietnamese sandwich deli: one of my favorite sandwich shops in manhattan. the owner is adorable, sandwiches are all under $5, fresh ingredients, fast service, perfect for when you're on the go.

banh mi is a must if you're looking for some affordable eats in the city.read more about it on my yelp review here!

on the streets

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

details. the reformation silk tee. t by alex wang silk long shirt dress. opening ceremony skirt. unif hell raisers

these shoes do double duty living in new york. comfortable everyday walking shoes and doubles as a just-in-case-i-need-some-extra-sense-of-security-on-a-late-night secret weapon.

a wild ride

2012-01-14T23:58:00.000-05:00

this past year if anything was a tumultuous. moved three times, finally found an apartment i love to call home (tiny, but awesome), strengthened some amazing friendships over an unforgettable nyc summer, experienced heartbreak you could only know as a 20 something trying to make it work despite the distance, felt a sense of true growth in terms of career goals, and ultimately reunited with the boy in the city that we both love.

exactly two weeks into two thousand twelve. let's keep the momentum going.

black shadow

2012-01-11T23:09:00.000-05:00

details. céline shades. chloé cardigan and dress. theory fur vest. chanel 2.55. ysl boots

still adjusting to new york city life after my recent trip to california. sunshine and vacation can help you easily forget what stress, problems, and frustrations feel like. my 20 minute nyc subway commute to work brings it all back in an instant.

nyc you're aging me. let's grow old together.

pizzeria mozza: newport beach

2012-01-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

♫ yay let's make pizza! ♫brussels sprouts with prosciutto breadcrumbsmeatballs al fornopizza: funghi misti, fontina, taleggio & thymesunshine, brussels sprouts with prosciutto breadcrumbs (!!!), and a delicious crispy crunchy pizza loaded with lots and lots of mushrooms. who could ask for more?

pizzeria mozza newport beach on 800 west coast highway. read more about it on my yelp review here!

it's the cookie

2012-01-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

this is that cookie you start out with great intentions, saying you will only have one bite - and then end up hungrily devouring the last bite wondering what happened to the rest of the cookie. you couldn't possibly have eaten the whole thing by yourself in about 0.8 seconds. worth every moment, each bite better than the first. find it asap at my FAVORITE new bakery. DOMINIQUE ANSEL located on 189 Spring Street between Sullivan and Thompson. The man himself has been there every time I've gone to get my fill of quality made to order madeleines or dominique's legendary kouign amanns.

beauty and truth

2011-12-20T22:30:00.001-05:00

love needs both. here's to more years of more.

I died for beauty, but was scarce

Adjusted in the tomb,

When one who died for truth was lain

In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?

"For Beauty," I replied.

"And I for truth,--the two are one;

We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,

We talked between the rooms,

Until the moss had reached our lips,

And covered up our names.

- Emily Dickinson

dia: beacon

2011-12-20T22:25:00.002-05:00

details. burberry shearling coat. complex geometries sheer tunic. chanel 2.55. unif shoes.

celebrating another anniversary with the boy by spending an unforgettably beautiful day in upstate new york at the dia museum in beacon. if you're a richard serra admirer like me, i would highly recommend a trip out here to see some of his works on long term view. it's an otherworldy experience having the chance to actually walk into one of his sculptures.

the infinite horses

2011-10-31T21:28:00.003-04:00

I have seen them asleep on the grass,

mirroring themselves in the fields;

seen them furious, on their knees,

like haughty gods, all white,

dressed in ribbons, save

with manes flying like the loose hair

of leg ended sirens on the shores.

Vile vipers have dreamt of them,

reeds and bedded mothers

keep them closed in the palms.

Trembling they foretell battles,

like the beat of their trotting hoofs,

like applause thundering in a vast theater.

They have seen wounds bleeding into the clay,

died among flowers, in the mire,

intimates of birds and vermin.

They draw near bearing armed men,

approach on their backs vile tyrants,

dressed in blood and purple.

I shall remember implacable horses:

Russian trappings; the Przewalski;

the names of the hundred and twenty

Roman horses, chiseled in marble;

at the Olympus of Dionus of Argus,

with a hard penumbra aphrodisiac on

their bronze flanks, the horse

most favored by the others

was that of Altis; he who was so loved

by Semiramis, the queen of Asia;

those who tasted with blessed transports--

long before the Chinese tasted them --

green tea from those inspired leaves;

that horse created by Virgil

whose benign and virtuous shadow was gifted

with the power to heal all horses.

I shall remember in an orange sky,

horses so left in shadow,

concernedly bringing lovers together

in peaceful grottoes from a distance.

- The Infinite Horses. Silvina Ocampo translated from the Spanish by William Carlos Williams

young love

2011-10-31T21:13:00.004-04:00

I thought I understood it, that I could grasp it, but I didn't, not really. Only the smudgeness of it; the pink-slippered, all-contained, semi-precious eagerness of it.

I didn't realize it would sometimes be more than whole, that the wholeness was a rather luxurious idea. Because it's the halves that halve you in half.

I didn't know, don't know, about the in-between bits. The gory bits of you, and the gory bits of me.

- Like Crazy. Director Drake Doremus. 2011

maison premiere - oyster paradise in brooklyn

2011-10-08T11:33:00.003-04:00

details. raquel allegra silk back tee. helmut lang skirt. acne leather jacket. chanel bag. isabel marant earrings. ann demeulemeester shoes.
food details. maison premiere. read more about it on my yelp review here!

had an amazing time recently at maison premiere in brooklyn getting my fill during $1 oyster happy hour. definitely try to sit in the garden while you still can! fall weather in new york is finally here!

under the stars

2011-09-29T23:42:00.000-04:00

paris at night.

paris via instagram

2011-08-30T20:45:00.008-04:00

1. letters from monet to rodin 2. the thinker 3. madame grès 4. versailles 5. adorable european candy 6. cafe near basilique du sacra cœur 7. romaine lettuce salade at the bristol hotel 8. un café 9. charm on every corner 10. a familiar face found at musée d'orsay 11. ladurée treats 12. ladurée pastries 13. favorite haribo crocodile gummies 14. one of marie antoinette's many chateaus 15. candy mania 16. the start of the versailles gardens

find me on instagram @ maisondesreveries

confession

2011-08-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

Touched by all that love is
I draw closer toward you
Saddened by all that love is
I run from you

Surprised by all that love is
I remain alert in stillness
Hurt by all that love is
I yearn for tenderness

Defeated by all that love is
at the truthful mouth of the night
Forsaken by all that love is
I will grow toward you.

- frantisek halas

a weekend at the huntley

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

One of the best weekends of the summer spent at The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. An amazing place to relax, stunning views, great service, beautiful simple rooms, and a location right in front of the beach you can't really beat. Can't wait to go back for round two!

a postcard

2011-08-04T23:45:00.003-04:00

And so she let herself fall back through the past, until her memory with seeming randomness pulled a postcard from her life, and she told the story of an old piano she and her sister found washed up on a beach. They were bright little girls then, vacationing with their grandfather in rainy Deauville. The next day the piano had gone, carried back out to sea on the tide. She was especially upset. Late that night her grandfather found some paper and told her to draw it, to bring it back with her memory.

- Everything Beautiful Began After. Simon Von Booy

i do not love you except because i love you

2011-08-02T18:23:00.005-04:00

the exquisite view of a california sunset at the ritz carlton dana point. moments like these are little reminders how lucky we are to be where we are.

details. complex geometries top. mongolian lamb fur vest. location. balcony overlooking the ocean at the ritz carlton laguna niguel.

I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.

I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.

Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.

In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.

- pablo neruda

85C bakery

2011-07-28T11:51:00.001-04:00

A familiar scene outside popular Taiwanese bakery and cafe 85C in Irvine - the masses gather here to buy bread like it's bread armageddon. I'd recommend stopping by here just to see people go gaga for bread.

taro bread. my favorite thing to eat here, plus it's fun to look at! sort of resembles a willy wonka fantasy land dinosaur egg

it's best to eat this while it's piping hot. the outer shell is chewy, soft, and flaky all at the same time, and the taro filling is melts in your mouth good.

find the address and read more about it on my yelp review here!

kind words

2011-07-28T11:42:00.002-04:00

[Infinite Love] is a weapon of matchless potency.
It is the "summum bonum" of Life.
It is an attribute of the brave, in fact it is their all.
It does not come within the reach of the coward.
It is no wooden or lifeless dogma but a living and life-giving force.
It is the special attribute of the heart.

- mahatma gandhi

a little something to remind ourselves of every day. it's a blessing of the human heart to receive and feel love.

raya at the ritz carlton, dana point

2011-07-25T18:11:00.007-04:00

Photos from an absolutely beautiful dinner at Raya at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. The pictures here don't do it justice because the sun had already set by the time we settled down for dinner, but I would highly recommend this place if you're looking to do an early dinner or weekend brunch so that you can sit by the mile-high long windows and enjoy their spectacular view of the ocean. Oh and I suppose it doesn't hurt that their food is delicious too.

oxtail carnitas ramen with a poached egg, pickled green garlic, guajillo mushroom dashi, and spring peas

korean chile marinated chicken breast with yucca purée, curried coconut-chayote salad, and huitlacoche-goat cheese dumpling

maine lobster salad with sweet potato, baby lettuce, lemon vinaigrette, chile ancho-port reduction, and chive oil

vintage natural newyork sirloin with alaskan king crab potato purée, grilled pickled onions, chipotle hollandaise, and truffle chimichurri

king crab mashed potatoes - this was buttery heaven!

rice pudding brulée with jasmine rice and vanilla bean custard

read more about it on my yelp review here!

something a little different

2011-07-15T12:51:00.001-04:00

It is true love because
I put on eyeliner and a concerto and make pungent observations about the great issues of the day
Even when there's no one here but him,
And because
I do not resent watching the Green Bay Packers
Even though I am philosophically opposed to football,
And because
When he is late for dinner and I know he must be either having an affair or lying dead in the middle of the street,
I always hope he's dead.

It's true love because
If he said quit drinking martinis but I kept drinking them and the next morning I couldn't get out of bed,
He wouldn't tell me he told me so,
And because
He is willing to wear unironed undershorts
Out of respect for the fact that I am philosophically opposed to ironing,
And because
If his mother was drowning and I was drowning and he had to choose one of us to save,
He says he'd save me.

It's true love because
When he went to San Francisco on business while I had to stay home with the painters and the exterminator and the baby who was getting the chicken pox,
He understood why I hated him,
And because
When I said that playing the stock market was juvenile and irresponsible and then the stock I wouldn't let him buy went up twenty-six points,
I understood why he hated me,
And because
Despite cigarette cough, tooth decay, acid indigestion, dandruff, and other features of married life that tend to dampen the fires of passion,
We still feel something
We can call
True love.

- true love. judith viorst

a little something that made me smile. happy Friday!

XIV

2011-07-04T10:35:00.002-04:00

Cucumber pomegranate deluxe (front) made with  krol vodka, fresh lime, pomegranate juice, cucumber, and mint.
21st century margarita made (back) with corzo silver tequila, domaine de canton, rosemary, fresh lime, topped with a sea salt/grand marnier foam

Mediterranean dips served with crispy lavash

freshly made popcorn with black truffle butter - heaven!

Ahi tuna tartare with asian pear, sesame, ancho chili, and mint

Market asparagus with caesar dressing dip - this was cooked so perfectly!

Crunchy “KFC” jidori chicken wings with gochujang and sesame

fun night out with the boy in west hollywood - highlights of this meal were definitely the market asparagus with caesar dip and the truffle popcorn. read more about it on my yelp page here!

when the storm has passed

2011-07-04T10:30:00.000-04:00

When the storm had passed I still had the feeling I was not alone in the house. My only explanation is that just as real events are forgotten, some that never were can be in our memories as if they had happened. For if I evoked the emergency of the rainstorm, I did not see myself alone in the house but always accompanied by Delgadina. I had felt her so close during the night that I detected the sound of her breath in the bedroom and the throbbing of her cheek on my pillow. It was the only way I could understand how we could have done so much in so short a time. I remembered standing on the library footstool and I remembered her awake in her little flowered dress taking the books from me to put them in a safe place. I saw her running from one end of the house to the other battling the storm, drenched with rain and in water up to her ankles. I remembered how the next day she prepared a breakfast that never was and set the table while I dried the floors and imposed order on the shipwreck of the house. I never forgot her somber look as we were eating: Why were you so old when we met? I answered with the truth: Age isn't how you old you are but how old you feel.

- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Memories of My Melancholy Whores

looking back

2011-06-28T23:19:00.005-04:00

In a solemn way, as if he had just thought of it, he said: The world is moving ahead. Yes, I said, it's moving ahead, but it's revolving around the sun. He kept my Sunday column because he could not have found another cable editor. Today I know I was right and I know why. The adolescents of my generation, greedy for life, forgot in body and soul about their hopes for the future until reality taught them that tomorrow was not what they had dreamed, and they discovered nostalgia. My Sunday columns were there, like an archeological relic among the ruins of the past, and they realized they were not only for the old but also for the young who were not afraid of aging. Then the column returned to the editorial section and, on special occasions, to the front page.

- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Memories of My Melancholy Whores

by your side

2011-06-25T14:05:00.006-04:00

happy moments on a beautiful afternoon spent by the pool at The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica that led to sitting by a fireplace by the beach, watching the sunset, and talking until the world went dark about everything and nothing.

food details. charcuterie and cheese platter. candied pecans. california grapes still on the vine.

July 24, 1940

I cannot get that beautiful afternoon out of my head, above me where I lay the grass was silhouetted against the blue of the heavens, small clouds were rushing past as the wind drove them on an endless journey. Then close to me was the most lovely of all, your soft hair against my cheek, your kisses so cool and unearthly and my happiness was so great.

Julia Lee-Booker to Lieut. Pat McSwiney. The couple was separated for three years during the war but were married in 1944.

LACMA

2011-06-17T19:05:00.002-04:00

at the LACMA to see the Tim Burton exhibit. This was my first time at a museum in LA - I love how everything in Cali is so outdoor friendly. Must be nice to have this kind of weather every day!

details. complex geometries block t. ann demeulemeester lace up sandals.

another year

2011-06-14T21:40:00.004-04:00

details. amazing red velvet cake from doughboys in LA. strawberries and champagne at The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica.

things i've learned as another year has gone by:

acceptance of both the good and the bad are a decisive factor in growing up.

directing all your love towards those who truly love you back builds the most meaningful relationships.

appreciate the little moments that take this life from good to out of this world great. memories are after all fragments of these little moments. might as well remember the moments worth remembering.

life may not stay on the path you'd like. adapt. every moment you decide to take as a learning experience is part of the bigger picture. every little moment you decide to let affect yourself negatively is part of you remaining small.

looking forward to the next year and all the challenges and opportunities that it will bring. here's to another year!

geoffreys malibu - oceanside dining paradise

2011-06-14T20:53:00.006-04:00

refreshing mint julep

ahi tuna tartar with avocado, scallions, ginger, and red onions, served with wonton crisps and spicy tobieko caviar

tobieko caviar - loved the addition of this on the top

sautéed Maryland lump crab cakes served over a sweet corn butter sauce, topped with a pasilla chile and grilled corn relish. this was so fresh and delicious. perfect for someone who loves corn and crab cakes! had a great sweet flavor.

rosemary potatoes

Geoffrey’s classic caesar salad with grated parmesan and fresh garlic croutons

amazing memorable brunch date with the boy at geoffreys malibu - the view here is just breathtaking.

details. creatures of comfort shirt dress. chanel aviators. bliss lau body chain.
food details. geoffreys malibu along pacific coast highway.

follow my food reviews on yelp here!

ocean avenue

2011-06-09T23:34:00.002-04:00

The older I get, the more I'm noticing what a creature of habit I've become. Go to food on a sunny day - oysters and wine. Go to clothes - anything everything oversized, sheerness a plus, fur accents a major plus. Go to sunglass shape - aviators. Maybe it's because with age, the more you've seen and experienced, and in the midst of all that madness you really start to hone in on what makes you happy and feel comfortable, and exactly what doesn't.

details. back by ann sofie back shirt. helmut lang shearling denim jacket. chanel aviators.
food details. bp oysterette on ocean avenue in santa monica.

BP Oysterette at Santa Monica

2011-06-08T18:56:00.007-04:00

crab dip with baguette toasts

lobster mac & cheese with gruyere, herbs, and truffle oil

Gorgeous Saturday afternoon at BP Oysterette enjoying wine, oysters, and comfort seafood. Life is good when the beach is only steps away from a great meal.

starting a yelp account. read more about it here!

a little taste of chocolate heaven - mast brothers in brooklyn

2011-05-24T22:44:00.002-04:00

Just the smell alone at Mast Brothers Chocolate in Williamsburg is something that will take your breath away and bring you to that happy sugar/chocolate high place. Not only are they delicious, but the packaging is almost too pretty to rip open. My thoughts are... buy two so you can eat one and keep the other one to sit on your desk and look pretty. Although, it might only last sitting there a week. Tops.

favorite things part 1: rio bowls at juicy lucy

2011-05-17T14:40:00.003-04:00

a few of the many things I look forward to on the weekends - waking up to sunglight peeking through my window, 11am spin class, early afternoon stops at Juicy Lucy for an iced coffee and rio bowl, reading a book at the dog park while watching Meeko play with other dogs.

oysters at john dory in the ace hotel

2011-05-10T23:32:00.003-04:00

I feel like I'm constantly on the hunt for the best place to do oyster happy hour and/or brunch - is it the spring fever New Yorker in me or am I just really into oysters and brunch? Probably a little bit of both. If any of you city dwellers out there have recommendations for me, please send them my way!

John Dory - I wasn't so into your decor but the oysters were good. I guess there's always the added bonus of being able to pop into the Ace Hotel Opening Ceremony shop post drinks to do some drive-by shopping?

Ahh cava - you are mighty refreshing right around 6pm and dangerously good at putting me in the mood to shop!

caffeine buzz at blue bottle

2011-05-07T17:27:00.002-04:00

Blue Bottle in Williamsburg is hands down one of the best places to get coffee in New York other than my go to spot for a caffeine fix, Abraço. No surprise here when I found at that the co-owner of Abraco used to be a barista at the Blue Bottle in San Francisco.

No this isn't a science experiment - these are the contraptions they use to make their out of this world good Kyoto style iced-coffee. Room temp water is slowly dripped over coffee grounds for hours to make a supreme coffee concentrate that is then diluted over ice. In other words, dark, rich, and delicious.

$1 biscotti - perfectly thin and crispy! Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the dark Kyoto iced coffee.

Homemade smore with Mast Brothers chocolate on the inside

read more about it on my yelp review here!

bagels at russ and daughters

2011-05-04T23:15:00.003-04:00

A lower east side institution. No one does bagels and all the fixins better than Russ & Daughters.

Everything bagel with caviar cream cheese and smoked salmon. Yes you read that right - caviar cream cheese. This stuff is heaven.

It also doesn't hurt that your bagels are wrapped in the most adorable packaging - although I suppose those thoughts are secondary when you know what lies in store on the inside.

cubana social on north 6th street

2011-05-02T22:44:00.003-04:00

Two bloody marys with a hidden surprise - pickled onions (!!)

Chicken empanada - plump, crispy goodness

Kale and avocado ensalada tossed with lime, ceviche’d onion, and jalapeño

The boy and I walked by this adorable restaurant in Williamsburg and had to go inside. We had a small snack but I left wanting a real meal. I loved their brunch menu that consisted of heavy hitters like rum toast (thick slices of cuban bread soaked in battenkill creamery milk, flor de cana rum, and organic eggs, topped with fresh fruit and house roasted nuts) and also simple, clean dishes like a side of avocado sliced with lime and chili. Not only was the service great, my bloody mary spot on, and the food great, but the roomy, sun-filled atmosphere was perfect for a beautiful weekend afternoon. Cubana Social, I will definitely be back!

sundays at the brooklyn flea

2011-04-30T16:37:00.003-04:00

One of the best ways to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon is at the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg. I like this flea even more now that they hold it at this location on Sundays because the view is so great. I ended up buying mini antlers that are now hanging on my white brick wall but to be honest I think the star attraction at this place is the food. They have so many amazing independent food vendors - make sure to go on an empty stomach!

These donuts made by DOUGH especially caught my eye. They were really big - the size and width of a healthy sized bagel. I guess size sometimes does really matter ;)

Details: The Reformation black tunic top, Rag & Bone high waisted black shorts, Proenza Schouler ankle boots, Chanel 2.55 bag, Ray Bans, self-made body chain

crispy crunchy goodness at nicky's sandwiches

2011-04-28T19:13:00.003-04:00

oh Nicky's sandwiches, how I love thee.. let me count the ways.

the bread on your sandwiches is so crispy and crunchy, I honestly don't know how you do it

the meat is so juicy, tender, and flavorful

the vegetables inside are perfectly pickled

you offer a whole wheat bread and tofu option (fit for all food lovers!)

sandwiches here are only $5 that will fill you up. $5 for a good meal in Manhattan, pretty hard to come by

go now! 2nd street and avenue A.

a long road

2011-04-25T09:21:00.002-04:00

Details: Chloé leather jacket, Elizabeth & James shorts, Prada boots, The Reformation sweater

Coming off of a wonderfully real and perfect four day weekend. The past few months, I've come to realize how often we don't appreciate the beautiful things we have to be thankful for in our day to day lives until they get taken away. Guilty as charged. Slowly regaining some of these forgotten privileges and working towards finding more ways to be well-rounded this summer. Looking forward to sunny days this summer.

grits, monkey bread, other goodies at Peels on Bowery

2011-03-23T14:02:00.006-04:00

Shrimp and jalapeňo grits with a fried egg

Fried chicken sandwich with honey mustard and french fries

Monkey bread and mascarpone frosting

I wrote a quick post on Peels a while back ago but I thought I'd share some food shots from a recent late breakfast. I really enjoyed my plate of shrimp and grits although I had hoped the monkey bread would've lived up a little bit more to the name! The line here for brunch gets a little bit crazy but I'd definitely recommend it for a late breakfast. They also make great brunch cocktails if you like to keep the party going after a raucous Saturday night.

i remember you as you were

2011-03-17T23:18:00.003-04:00

I remember you as you were in the last autumn.
You were the gray beret and the still heart.
In your eyes the flames of the twilight fought on.
And the leaves fell in the water of your soul.

Clasping my arms like a climbing plant
the leaves garnered your voice, that was slow and at peace.
Bonfire of awe in which my thirst was burning.
Sweet blue hyacinth twisted over my soul.

I feel your eyes traveling, and the autumn is far off
gray beret, voice of a bird, heart like a house
towards which my deep longings migrated
and my kisses fell, happy as embers.

Sky from a ship. Field from the hills:
Your memory is made of light, of smoke, of a still pond!
Beyond your eyes, farther on, the evenings were blazing.
Dry autumn leaves revolved in your soul.

- Pablo Neruda, I remember you as you were

Holding onto the last bits of winter. I remember how nothing could keep us cold this night.

details: rick owens mohair scarf, alexander wang mesh hoodie, t by alexander wang maxi dress, yves saint laurent boots, self made body chain, bottega veneta silver rope ring, 1960s vintage bag, Chloé cashmere fingerless gloves

rag & bone + smith westerns tonight at saks new york!

2011-03-10T11:02:00.003-05:00

CALLING ALL NEW YORKERS!

please come join me at Saks New York tonight to celebrate the launch of the new Rag & Bone shop on the 5th floor at Saks Fifth Avenue. The Rag & Bone team will be there including the designers, David and Marcus. There will also be a live performance by the Smith Westerns and free drinks!

What better way to spend a Thursday night after work :)

See you there!

eataly - italy on our island

2011-02-23T23:57:00.003-05:00

Something about Eataly makes me feel like it's always been a part of New York. The city has certainly welcomed it with open arms and the indoor market feel of the space makes it unmistakably New York despite the fact that it's still so new. I have a lot of fun roaming around spaces like this just picking items off the shelf, reading the label, and putting it back. Seeing interesting packaging and exploring food items and ingredients that are unfamiliar to me is strangely appealing even if I don't end up tasting or buying anything. Not that I don't end up buying things at Eataly. I've had meals there as well as buying food to take home - my suggestion would be at the least to try their gelato. It's delicious. Oh and Alex.. next time we have dinner side to side, I will try not to act like a giddy school girl and maintain composure. Once a fashion crush, always a fashion crush.

Honestly I would love a mattress made out of panettone. hey don't judge.

left my heart in california

2011-02-05T11:38:00.002-05:00

sweet treats at peels on bowery

2011-02-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

currently the most popular stop on bowery's restaurant mile, the coffee and dessert bar at peels serves some really great coffee (stumptown coffee to be exact) and creative twists on classic dessert favorites.

Cappuccino left, americano right

Crispy thin chocolate chip cookie and a brown butter rice crispie treat.

lights at café lalo

2011-02-02T20:50:00.004-05:00

Walking by the beautifully lit lights at Café Lalo on the Upper West Side. Manhattan seems romantic on a night like this.

lombardis - late night

2011-01-29T00:22:00.000-05:00

rawr - late night munchies

tacombi!

2011-01-25T20:52:00.003-05:00

Recent trend seems in NYC food seems to be this idea of experiential eating - I love the way Tacombi has set up shop on Elizabeth Street serving up little tacos on an adorable vintage VW bus. Way to outshine the standard food truck.

Wearing: Acne dress, vintage sheer skirt, Phi boots

How do you buy one of these little guys? You pre-purchase a little blue poker chip which you can trade in at the bus for a taco. I hope to see more creative ideas like this sprouting up soon!

new and old

2011-01-19T19:57:00.004-05:00

Outfit details: 1960s vintage box bag, Ann Demeulemeester wrap cardigan, Sartore boots, Burberry shearling coat, Adrienne Landau fox fur loop, Chloé cashmere fingerless gloves

On a freezing cold winter night - avoiding the cold by wrapping myself up in as many layers as possible and picking one destination spot on nights I actually make it out. Surprisingly managing these low temps better this year than ever before. Not sure if that's a good sign that I'm getting used to the weather after all these years or if it's a bad sign that my insides are turning stone cold with age.

I'm in love with this little bag I picked up in the lower east side by the way. Excessively shiny and loveably noisy. I think I have a thing for bags with chain straps.

In other news, I'm trying to stick to my one new year's resolution this year and it's been a little tough getting there. I hope everyone is having a better go at theirs than me!

hungry for hung-ry noodles

2011-01-17T23:03:00.004-05:00

Thinly sliced apples on mixed greens

Lobster, escolar, sunchoke, and hen of the woods

Black feather chicken breast, leg, egg, and mixed winter greens

I took these photos while waiting to chow down on noodles at Hung-Ry on Bond street. My friend introduced me to this place several weeks ago and I'm in love with their chewy noodle consistency! Growing up, my parents would always take me to eat noodles at this Korean Chinese restaurant where a family friend was the chef and to this day, he still makes amazing hand-pulled noodles. The noodles at Hung-Ry remind me of those hot bowls I would enjoy when I was young. I'm wearing one of favorite Alexander Wang sweaters in the first photo, which the boy loves to point out is the most impractical sweater ever made because it has holes every where.

I guess my love for the unfunctional side of fashion doesn't stop at six-inch heels. Six is the new four folks.

the dream

2011-01-13T21:09:00.005-05:00

Cappucino from espresso phenom Abraço on East 7th.

I love how much you love this place.

Not long ago, in a charming dream,
I saw myself -- a king with crown's treasure;
I was in love with you, it seemed,
And heart was beating with a pleasure.
I sang my passion's song by your enchanting knees.
Why, dreams, you didn't prolong my happiness forever?
But gods deprived me not of whole their favor:
I only lost the kingdom of my dreams.

- The Dream, Alexander Pushkin

frittatas at vbar st marks

2011-01-13T20:38:00.005-05:00

Spinach and mushroom frittata

Fontina and ham frittata

Vbar - easy spot for a late breakfast or a quick after work drink. Frittatas are pretty tasty but $3 bloody marys take it from good to great on weekends.

on every corner

2011-01-11T23:34:00.002-05:00

Outfit details: Club Monaco hat, Ann Demeulemeester wrap cardigan, Adrienne Landau fox fur scarf, Alex Wang long sleeve maxi dress

I like wearing this big hat and burrowing my face in this big scarf. Best way to stay warm when the temps drop and pretend like I can hide in a city where everything is visible and everyone is invisible.

crif dogs on st marks - late night eats

2011-01-11T20:13:00.002-05:00

Best late late night eats when you've just had pizza the night before. Remember when you were in school and they served tater-tots at the cafeteria? Yeah these taste even better.

mangiami on stanton

2011-01-06T00:37:00.003-05:00

Sautéed calamari and black olives on a bed of organic greens

Fennel, arugula and shaved grana padano

Linguine with anchovies, breadcrumbs, black olives, and arugula

A simple place for a simple late night dinner. I like this place when I want to get away from a big crowd and I'm craving a fresh salad with a little bowl of warm filling pasta.

in the new year

2011-01-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

Outfit details: Helmut Lang shearling jacket, Chloé fingerless cashmere gloves, T by Alex Wang men's tshirt, Topshop jeans, Chanel bag, Chloé Docs

These past few days have been absolute bliss for me - the boy is in town for 1.5 weeks to celebrate the new year with me in the city and it feels just like old times again.

I hope everyone had a safe and amazing New Year's Eve celebration!

young love

2010-12-05T18:35:00.001-05:00

We met when we were just young kids lost in this big city. Six years later I still feel like the first day we met, having fun doing nothing and everything. Thanks for being my best friend. ♡ forever.

sunday brunch at gemma

2010-12-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

I love lazy Sundays when you can stay in bed hiding under the covers toasty and warm, pretending like you never have to wake up. Of course, the appeal of Sunday brunch always manages to help get me out of bed! Nothing quite like a bloody mary and basket of freshly baked pastries to kick start an afternoon of nothing but relaxation.

I'm starting to really appreciate the sudden new lineup of great restaurants on Bowery, like Peels, Pulinos, and DBGB, but I still do love the old standbys like Gemma at the Bowery Hotel.

Salad with watercress, pears, almonds, and gorgonzola. The salty bite of the gorgonzola is a genius addition to this salad. I made a mental note to do this at home!

Baked Eggs with avocado and prosciutto served with tomato sauce, fontina cheese, and tuscan toast

Contadina pizza with organic eggs, mushrooms, fontina, truffle oil. I can't tell you how delicious this smells when they bring it out to you. The smell of truffle oil over a hot steaming pizza is overwhelming - heaven.

blog shop update!

2010-11-30T22:56:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to posting some new items on Shop MDR! There are lots of great outerwear pieces, knits, and tops/dresses to wear for the holidays.

Send me an email to shopmdr@gmail.com if you're interested and make sure to follow me on twitter if you want to be in on the latest blog shop updates!

click here to find me on twitter!

fall flavor

2010-11-24T00:16:00.003-05:00

Pumpkin pie at one of my favorite places to eat, Urth Caffe Santa Monica

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I'll be spending my Thanksgiving holiday with my lil'sis and Meeko making/eating pumpkin pie, taking a few much appreciated days off of work (yay for mini vacations!), and braving the tourist shopping crowds on madness NYC Black Friday (say hi if you see a cranky old lady standing in the corner wearing sneakers and sweatpants because that will be me ☺).

I hope everyone has a delicious meal and is enjoying time with family and loved ones.

gros bisous ♡♡

redondo beach

2010-11-21T21:55:00.000-05:00

Redondo beach on a deserted Monday afternoon: eating freshly shucked oysters and steamed crab, bird watching on the pier, sitting on a bench looking out at the ocean view, discussing all the possibilities of the next years of our lives, soaking in the happiness of living in the moment.

Outfit details: T by Alex Wang shirt, Chloé dress and platform shoes, Of Two Minds suede jacket.

August 21, 1853

Have you really not noticed, then, that here of all places, in this private, personal solitude that surrounds me, I have turned to you? All the memories of my youth speak to me as I walk, just as the sea shells crunch under my feet on the beach. The crash of every wave awakens far-distant reverberations within me.

I hear the rumble of bygone days, and in my mind the whole endless series of old passions surges forward like the billows. I remember my spasms, my sorrows, gusts of desire that whistled like wind in the rigging, and vast vague longings that swirled in the dark like a flock of wild gulls in a storm cloud.

On whom should I lean, if not on you? My weary mind turns for refreshment to the thought of you as a dusty traveler might sink onto a soft and grassy bank.

- Gustave Flaubert to his wife Louise Colet

tu me manques ♥

spitz in little tokyo

2010-11-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Wandering around Little Tokyo after a delicious meal of street cart french fries and salad at Spitz. This area reminded me somewhat of New York's East Village if only for the random smattering of Japanese ramen and yakitori spots.

Outfit details: Helmut Lang knitted hooded vest, Of Two Minds suede jacket, H&M long-sleeve knitted dress, Phi boots, Chanel 2.55

sunset on santa monica pier

2010-11-07T11:45:00.004-05:00

November 2, 1856

I already love in you your beauty, but I am only beginning to love in you that which is eternal and ever precious - your heart, your soul. Beauty one could get to know and fall in love with in one hour and cease to love it as speedily; but the soul one must learn to know. Believe me, nothing on earth is given without labour, even love, the most beautiful and natural of feelings.

- Count Leo Tolstoy to Valeria Arsenev

little next door

2010-11-06T13:58:00.005-04:00

Earlier this year, I enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the The Little Door, which is the sister restaurant that's situated alongside this café, Little Next Door. I promised myself the next time I got a chance, I would try this café and it really didn't disappoint! Both The Little Door and Little Next Door have quickly become two of my favorites places to eat in LA.

The boy wearing his favorite Burberry leather moto jacket.

Outfit details: Helmut Lang leather jacket, T by Alex Wang black pocket tee, vintage silk skirt, my favorite Phi boots, Alexander McQueen silk leopard scarf

Trio of deli salads: roasted quinoa, marinated baby artichokes, and green lentils

Grilled calamari salad with roasted bell peppers, shaved fennel, black olives on spinach and lemon caper dressing. This dish was so refreshingly light and perfect for a late afternoon lunch. I could see myself ordering this at least once a week if I lived close by.

Socca frites with aioli - this was surprisingly delicious! It's hard to explain what this tastes like... I thought it would be similar to chickpea fries but this was definitely different from any other french fry type side I've ever had. Apparently socca is very common in some areas of France? The waiter who was adorably so french, told me he grew up eating socca. We ended up asking for a side of harissa to use as our dipping sauce but I would highly recommend socca frites if you want to try something new!

Roast beef french dip sandwich on a baguette with horseradish mustard dip. The boy loved this sandwich - usually a sandwich like this would be served with some sort of au jus but this came with a thick, tangy dipping sauce. Of course we sort of ended up dipping our socca frites in the sauce too.

Pistachio and caramel macaron

Market fresh lemon cream tart - order this! It is SO good. Light, fluffy, and decadent. Just the right way to end this meal alongside a strong latte.

Naked, you are simple as a hand,
smooth, earthy, small...transparent, round.
You have moon lines and apple paths;
Naked, you are slender as the wheat.

Naked, Cuban blue midnight is your color,
Naked, I trace the stars and vines in your hair;
Naked, you are spacious and yellow
As a summer's wholeness in a golden church.

Naked, you are tiny as your fingernail;
Subtle and curved in the rose-colored dawn
And you withdraw to the underground world

As if down a long tunnel of clothing and of chores:
your clear light dims, gets dressed, drops its leaves,
And becomes a naked hand again.

-pablo neruda

dark red

2010-11-02T20:13:00.005-04:00

Halloween 2010 at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. I heard from several different people that this place is haunted and let's just say that the dim red lighting, sudden unexplainable creaky noises in the middle of the night, and the uncanny similarities of this hotel and the hotel from The Shining didn't help soothe my fears. I guess it was all in good fun though - the perfect setting for the general eery mood of the night.

Outfit details: costume cape, Joie knitted rabbit fur jacket, vintage silk skirt, Chloé platform docs, Chanel 2.55

minetta tavern again!

2010-10-28T08:07:00.004-04:00

This is where I like to go when I"m craving a simple plate of pasta - doesn't hurt that everything else on the menu is absolutely delicious as well. It's easier to get a seat during brunch but either way it's well worth the wait!

Cabillaud En Papillote baked cod in parchment with corn, chanterelles, cockles and baby leeks. I love fish baked in parchment paper - so flakey! And opening up the package is like opening up a present at the dinner table - always a plus!

Pasta Za Za fresh pasta with pancetta, sage, parmesan, and a fried egg (excluded the pancetta)

Black Label Burger selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites

Tavern Steak with pommes frites

barriochino

2010-10-27T00:22:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite places to grab a tequila spiked drink and chill out with friends. Easy eating. I think it's the Texan in me that gravitates towards these flavors. Guacamole, fish tacos, grapefruit margaritas, and good company are a no fail formula for a great night in my book.

something different

2010-10-25T00:13:00.006-04:00

I was really lucky these past few days to meet with the designers of some amazing jewelry lines and preview some of their upcoming collections. Ready-to-wear will always be my first love but sometimes it's so refreshing to see a new product category. Plus a big bonus of looking at jewelry - it's so easy to try on!

BING BANG

ANNA SHEFFIELD

Obsessed with this teardrop shaped silver bracelet

BLISS LAU

Needless to say I wanted to own every single one of these pieces. I also loved how she puts so much thought into the design - many of her chains can be worn several ways.

MADE HER THINK

PAMELA LOVE

UNEARTHEN JEWELRY

I love these little vintage watch pieces! What a great way to use old objects and make them new and precious all over again!

** please ignore the somewhat lackluster picture quality - taken with an old school Canon point and shoot. not so great for crystal clear shots but great for portability!

letter to josephine

2010-10-17T00:54:00.001-04:00

wake filled with thoughts of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating evening which we spent yesterday have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart! Are you angry? Do I see you looking sad? Are you worried?... My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for you lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah! it was last night that I fully realized how false an image of you your portrait gives!

You are leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours.

Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.

- Napolean Bonaparte

love letter

2010-10-14T07:52:00.001-04:00

My letters will have shown you how lovely I am. I don't dine at Court, I see few people, and take my walks alone, and at every beautiful spot I wish you were there.

I can't help loving you more than is good for me; I shall feel all the happier when I see you again. I am always conscious of my nearness to you, your presence never leaves me. In you I have a measure for every woman, for everyone; in your love a measure for all that is to be. Not in the sense that the rest of the world seems obscure tome, on the contrary, your love makes it clear; I see quite clearly what men are like and what they plan, wish, do and enjoy; I don't grudge them what they have, and comparing is a secret joy to me, possessing as I do such an imperishable treasure.

- johann wolfgang von goethe

bouchon las vegas

2010-10-05T21:38:00.004-04:00

Bouchon Bistro at the Venetian is very much hidden away and low key for being one of the best restaurants in Vegas but it's well worth the small trek to eat a Thomas Keller designed meal. I love the laid back atmosphere of the place, elegant, but relaxed - just the right spot to have a date night dinner with the boy.

Salade de Calmar - marinated squid salad with little gem lettuces, niçoise olives, lobster croûtons, and sweet corn vinaigrette. Absolutely delicious.

Plat du jour - braised short ribs. This dish was the home run of the night. It seemed that every table was ordering this and I felt bad for the couple next to us because they were sold out by the time they were ready to order.

Poulet Rôti - roasted chicken with fennel bulb, mission figs, sunchokes, and chicken jus. Aromatic and comforting.

Wearing my favorite piece of jewelry, Pamela Love's talon cuff.

encore, an inside peek

2010-10-03T12:48:00.003-04:00

Looking back on a wonderful getaway at the Encore in Las Vegas... this trip was full of relaxing pool time, shopping excursions at midnight, delicious meals, and important moments with the boy. No doubt one of the nicest hotels on the Vegas strip with an incredibly luxurious spa to match, I feel very much the lucky girl to have spent several days in this suite detoxing from every day Manhattan life and can't wait to steal away again.

spring '11 - rick owens

2010-10-02T13:09:00.004-04:00

all images via style.com

ethereal, dynamic, modern.

Wake me up in a world of Rick Owens. On a side note, I desperately need those shoes. Waiting list?

spring '11 - gareth pugh

2010-10-02T12:55:00.001-04:00

meaningful, abstract, alive.

I wish technology was as up to speed as the concept for this video. Gareth Pugh, the Neo of the fashion world?

emporio by candelight

2010-09-30T23:36:00.004-04:00

I love the rustic interior of this Emporio that's met with equally comforting homemade pastas and pizzas. A great place to go with friends for an intimate dinner for 4.

Gorgonzola with delicious sprinkles of sweet honey - made a mental note to self to make this at home

Buffalo mozzarella and black olive ravioli with heirloom tomatos and baby zucchini

Seafood pasta special of the night

Fettucine style squid ink pasta with New Zealand cockles, shrimp, and bottarga

tartinery - a little taste of france

2010-09-30T23:30:00.001-04:00

I love this little sandwich place in Nolita that serves deliciously simple tartines - perfect for a quick lunch or a light weeknight dinner.

Poulet rôti tartine with roast farm chicken, herb mayo, shaved fennel, and olive oil

Croque Madame tartine cooked ham chiffonade, gruyere cheese, béchamel, and a fried egg on top

Nutella Banane tartine - toasted multigrain baguette with nutella and banana. Simple but heavenly.

Rag & Bone/Refinery29

2010-09-30T09:42:00.004-04:00

For any of you lovely New Yorkers looking for a way to escape the gloomy storm this evening, please come join me and the Rag & Bone team for a night of foosball, beer, and a chance to shop their amazing Fall 2010 collection.

Image from Refinery 29's write up. Click for more details!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

good morning classic at pulino's

2010-09-24T07:00:00.003-04:00

Arugula and fennel salad with pinenuts, pecorino, and lemon

Patate Pizza with eggs, potato, sausage, mozzarella, fontina, and green onions

The thought of pizza for breakfast might be a stretch for most but really biting into one of these crispy squares of Potato breakfast pizza at Pulino's broke all preconceived notions of the classic pizza. If anything, the combination of these toppings just made so much food sense that it seemed almost ridiculous that I've gone so long without having tasted these flavors before. An easy reminder for myself that you should be open to an experience without judgement. Potato breakfast pizza, see you next Sunday.

the mermaid inn - west village

2010-09-24T00:43:00.003-04:00

I really love stopping in at The Mermaid Inn for $1 oyster hour - what could be better than fresh oysters at a price where you won't feel guilty eating a dozen (or two) on your own!

Now you see 'em...

Now you don't!

To make life more perfect, they also give you a free cup of chocolate pudding at the end of your meal (secretly I look forward to eating this pudding the whole time I'm there).

Spring '11 - Wayne

2010-09-22T23:59:00.003-04:00

The leather detailing at Wayne was really gorgeous - I love the idea of insanely thick leather belt wrapped around my waist. If only that was practical and I never had to sit down in front of a computer for the major part of the day.

Spring '11 - Suno

2010-09-22T23:50:00.003-04:00

How cute is Suno?!

As soon as I saw the shoes at this presentation, I knew it would be blogger ♡ material.

I hope this collection does well - the colors and prints seemed so fresh amidst all the nude/chiffon/beige/minimalism.

Spring '11 - Band of Outsiders

2010-09-22T23:42:00.002-04:00

It was madness getting into Band of Outsiders, which was right after the Alexander Wang show - pretty much the entire party migrated from Alex to Outsiders and the line was ridiculous to get in. Thank god for knowing people at the door...

Leave it to Band of Outsiders to have the cutest props - umbrellas, sand, bedtime. So adorable!

I crave your mouth, your voice, your hair

2010-09-21T21:24:00.000-04:00

I crave your mouth, your voice, your hair.
Silent, starving I prowl through the streets.
Bread does not nourish me, dawn disquiets me,
I search the liquid sound of your steps all day.

I hunger for your sleek laugh,
For your hands the color of the wild grain,
I hunger for the pale stones of your fingernails,
I want to eat your skin like a whole almond.

I want to eat the sunbeam flaring in your loveliness,
The nose, sovereign of your arrogant face,
I want to eat the fleeting shade of your lashes,

And I walk hungry, smelling the twilight
Looking for you, for your hot heart,
Like a puma in the barren wilderness.

pablo neruda

Spring '11 - Richard Chai Love

2010-09-21T20:42:00.004-04:00

It was so strange being at Lincoln Center for the shows this season. not even really because I miss Bryant Park (which I do) but because Lincoln Center was my college campus back in the day when I was trying to make it as a classical musician. It was also the first place where I lived when I officially moved into the city.. It's all strangely coming together at this point.

Richard Chai Love was the first show I saw during NYFW - this collection was very on trend: maxi lengths, pleat detailing, sheer nudes, slinky chiffon, the perfect trench. It must be so interesting for a designer to be creating collections when the trends work with their natural aesthetic.

Skirt-like pants, also seen in fine form at Theyskens' Theory. Definitely something on my personal Spring '11 shopping list.

How gorgeous is Liu Wen?

Gorgeously crumpled trench

Heidi Mount - look at those feline eyes.

Spring '11 - Frank Tell

2010-09-15T20:17:00.003-04:00

The knits in this collection just blew me away. If I had these in my closet, I probably wouldn't wear anything else, ever again.

Frank Tell - LOVE

I need these shoes in my life!

Spring '11 - Julian Louie

2010-09-15T20:15:00.001-04:00

The shoes at Julian Louie - enough said.

Spring '11 - Kimberly Ovitz

2010-09-15T20:10:00.003-04:00

I loved the graphic setting and makeup shown at this presentation - I wanted to walk out with every piece! Can't wait to see the whole collection up close and personal.