Sunday, December 28, 2008

LANDMARC

I love this place and I was one of the first 50 customers at their bar when they opened way back when. I continue to go and eat at the bar with a small plate and a half bottle of wine. Today I had the steak tartare and a half bottle of Sancerre. Delicious and the staff and atmosphere are very comforting in this troubling economy.

Please go and spend some money here with family and friends. Also a great place for a first date. Upstairs is wonderful for a private event or dinner party.

Marc and Pam are great!

Mercer Kitchen

Hello and welcome back to you and myself after a long semester at school.

I finally was able to make a reservation and go to Mercer Kitchen today with Guy and we had lunch/brunch. Whatever it is called these days, just because it is a weekend, doesn't mean it has to be BRUNCH.

The staff were push and forced me to sit at our specifically reserved table (made the reservation on opentable.com and I always ask for a booth or banquette). But anywho, enough about me. Offerings were something for everyone. I started with the Tomatoe Soup-although presentation was lacking, the taste was very delicious with seven grain bread and cheddar cheese (although not my favorite it worked with the soup today). Guy had the shaved fennel salad and did not complain.

Entrees were a smoked salmon and bagel plate and I had the lamb sandwich with house made chips. Both were adequate at best, although there could have been more chips.

Bloody Mary's weren't spicy enough for Guy and the waitress forgot to ask me if I would like another drink before dropping the check. On a scale of 1-5 I would rate this a 1.5 at best. We might, or I might, try it again something upstairs and see if the rating changes.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Sorry for the lapse of entires

Hello all,

I have been absent from this site for a while since the end of the Summer and will be getting back to it shortly. The Fall is an exciting time for me. I started my leadership degree at Bank Street College of Education on a scholarship and have been very busy both work and school; starting a part time job on campus at Bank Street in the Technology Lab in the afternoons before class. Have a technology question for me? Shoot it to my email. Look for future entries to reference a guy named GUY who has become someone very special in my life! Best to all. SB

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Aja Asian Bistro and Lounge

Arrived shortly after 9:30 last evening and met my Guy and his good friend Lady Anne at the bar in the lounge. Tanqueray Gimlets on the rocks and dirty martinis were the courses on the evenings agenda of libations. Small bar crowd watching the Olympics; men's and women's swimming-GO MICHAEL PHELPS!

Some locals at the bar and mostly casually dressed except for two guys at the bar dressed in suits and the guy who repeatedly circled, cross-eyed in business attire.

I am looking forward to going back and try the sushi and other delectable food options.

Monday, August 11, 2008

PAX and Adelphi University

What a great week! Arrived back in Manhattan on Friday afternoon to sleep and relax after a week of working orientation with 400 international students who will enjoy being hosted by families around the country. From places like Alaska or California to New Jersey and Maine, these students will be given the opportunity to explore our culture, education and living experiences while working with families in our great country. The week started for me on Monday with my friend Rebecca on the Long Island Railroad bound for Garden City, Long Island. We checked in and then spent some downtime reading under the sun before our first of several meetings would commence for the week.

Tuesday, I was helping with registration and part of the WELCOME WAGON as the students arrived at the University City and then checked into their door rooms for the weeks' stay.

Wednesday was a full days' tour of Manhattan. Included in our trip was the Empire State Building, Times Square, Plant Hollywood for lunch, a walking tour of Central Park, Ground Zero, Chinatown and finally South Street Seaport. Lots of fun.

Thursday was orientation day for the students and small breakout workshops before a BBQ and DISCO. We did finally get off campus for a nice glass of wine at the end of the night before staying up all night to make sure the students boarded their buses for their destinations.

Friday; my crew departed the university at about 8:00 for Pennsylvania Station where they would board an 11:30 a.m. train for Brattlesboro, VT. All we accounted for and I am looking forward to the adventure again next year. Perhaps, next year with a large role in the organization of the daily activities.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bottino 07/24/2008

After a wonderful reception cour testy of the MEN EVENT, (www.themenevent.com) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guy and I decided to go to dinner. Jumped in the car to go to Red Cat-CLOSED. So, since we were in the neighborhood and I haven't eaten there, we went across the street to Bottino (10th Avenue between 24/25, http://www.bottinonyc.com/). We were seated immediately, but both wanted to wash our hands as the rain had just started and we came out of a car without air conditioning. Ugh. The table turned out to the be the hottest (temperature) table in the restaurant, so we requested to move and found a colder spot.

The menu consisted of many scrumptious delights. We are started with the Squid and Tuna Tartar. The "CALAMARI" consisted of no sauce on the plate, but the preparation didn't require anything more than a fresh squeeze of lemon. The tuna was on a bed of watercress leaves lightly dressed with a balsamic dressing.

Dinner was accompanied by two glass of Tolosa Pinot Noir, Spaghetti Del Noir (ink spaghetti with lobster and rock shrimp)and Orrechiette (blood sausage, broccoli rabe and garlic). Both yummy additions to our palettes. Looking forward to heading back sometime soon. Check it out

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

CELEBRATE FLATIRON CHEF's at M.S.P.

Madison Square Park celebrated its' Flatiron (the neighborhood) Chef's including none other than Mr. Matt Corbett, Executive Chef at Punch (Broadway Btwn 20/21). I had the privilege of helping him and offering his culinary delights to the guests who strolled around on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Anise Hyssop and Verbena Lemonade, amazing; the little petals of the Anise flower float around and give a hint of licorice to the mouth. Morrocan Spiced Chicken Skewer with Minted Cucumber Yogurt was another homerun to the fans of our table. And the Gazpacho Verde with Sweet Pickled Shrimp (perhaps a secret ingredient was divulged throughout the course of the night, but who is to say) was my favorite and a crowd favorite as well. Several women throughout the course of the event came back to tell Chef Corbett and myself the Gazpacho was the best thing they had all night.

I ran into Peggy Lauber (WOLFFER ESTATE WINES) who assisted me in securing more than a half case of wine before leaving. Of course I shared with others and left the case at Punch because as the night continued I was too tired to carry it home. Also, several people from the Pellegrini Vineyard, Martha Clara (ENTENMANN's), Macari, Corey Creek and Bedell just to name a few.

Good times were had by all. Looking forward to eating at Punch in the near future.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Dinner at Rosa Mexicano, Union Square

Made reservations on OPEN TABLE for 8:30.

I was invited to dinner my Guy Emile Harley to see if we might hit if off. There was a definately attraction when we met on Pride at Nisos' restaurant over a drink with my now ex-boyfriend Michael Plunkett.

I arrived, as I do for almost everything in life, early and checked in with the hostess to alert them to my presence. Grabbed a tequila and soda and waited by the BIG BLUE WALL for Guy to arrive. Busy place, quite the scene.

Guy arrived at 8:25 and we checked in together to see if our table was ready. The hostess handed us one of those vibrating alert mechanisms and we went to the bar to get Guy a cocktail. Pomegranite Frozen Margarita! YUMMY. It was another ten minutes before we would sit, so we exchanged small talk in the crowded bar; while I looked into his deep blue eyes. Wait a minute, my knees just got weak again.

My pocket started to vibrate and we were escorted to one of the tables infront of the BIG BLUE WALL and immediately ordered some Mild Guacamole. Yummy; Warm chips and heated tortillas accompanied it to the table. We talked for another half our about our day and beginning of the summer. Ordered from the menu, Guy: Chicken Enchiladas, Steven: Tacos con Carne. Delicious; I love a big piece of rare meat with cheese and...oh wait a minute.

We finished the night at Cookshop with a Bourbon Julep and kissed all the way home to his apartment. Did someone say ELBOW GREASE! LOL. I am looking forward to seeing him again soon.

July 10, 2008

Oh what a week kids!

Michael and I ended our relationship over dinner at DISH on 8th Avenue on Monday night. We discussed future plans and decided that we didn't exactly fit into what the other has planned for the future. Glad we figured it out sooner than later.

Monday and Tuesday were my two days of CONFLICT NEGOTIATION classes on the Lower East Side. A class that the Department of Education (TWEED) is paying for me to attend. I am hoping to roll out the program back at PS/MS 31 in the Fall of 2008. Working with the Social Studies Curriculum to see when I can push into the classroom.

Wednesday brought lunch with Rebecca (BEX IN THE CITY) at Parea on East 20th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue South. Yummy treats. We started out with a bottle of Restino-Greek white wine-and were presented with delicious seasoned olive oil, mixture of olives-delicious-, and a firm Greek cheese accompanied by some toasted pieces of bread. Our first course of the $19.95 Prix Fixe we had Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Herbs and Spanakpoita, followed by a Crab Burger with seasoned french fries and Mousakka-traditional Greek dish. Dessert was Baklava-did I spell that correctly.

Then we were off to Punch to see my buddy Matt Corbett who is the executive chef there and holding his own in a neighborhood that is full of new and very successful restaurants. He treated us to an air dried piece of beer rubbed with extra virgin olive oil, topped with black truffles, Caesar vinaigrette, artichokes and tomato marmalade. YUM-O! A few glasses of Malbec and then I was ready to go.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

MacBeth at the Clinton Castle

Well, well, well, Michael and I started our afternoon after work outs at the gym by meeting downtown by Battery Park. Stopped by the Wall Street Tiffany's store to say hello to Joel and then picked up a bite before sitting at the Pier 17 building to see the WATERFALL's along the East River. Beautiful to sit out anywhere on a beautiful day in NYC.

Stopped by the Pacific Grill for a frozen Lime Margarita and then off to the west side via Water Street and Battery Park loop before finding our destination of the Clinton Castle. I found during the day, a listing for MacBeth being performed outside in Battery Park; part of the River to River Fest. When we arrived, to not a person on line waiting for the venue, we were greeted by one of the Park Service people who told us, "they start you outside and then invite you inside to watch the balance of the performance." At that point it was time to reconfigure our evening.

We decided to head up the west side and spend the night in Hastings. Walked from Battery Park to Nisos' and had a quick tequila before hoping in the car for Westchester. Ran into Dennis, David and the usuals at the bar. Swung by the wine shop and picked up a bottle of Gruner Veltliner and a Rioja before shopping at the Fresh A&P to get the necessities for the pasta Michael would effortlessly combine for dinner. Yummy! Calamata olives, grape tomatoes, garlic, capers, fresh basil from the garden, grilled chicken and penne!

Night time for bonzo! Stay tuned for the weekend's festivities. July 4th at the Pines and weekend with the Family in Bayport.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Cannot wait to share all I have to tell about this past weekend on the Beach!

Ah the Pines!. Good times always. Was able to re-connect with friends, have lots of laughs and I think I pickled my liver-yes again BEX!!!-but, it was a memorable weekend, as always. More to come.

Mr. B.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Fire Island Pines June 20-22, 2008

Looking forward to the weekend ahead. Driving out with Michael tonight after he gets off from work.

After school today, I am hitting the gym, going to stop by Trader Joe's for a little bubbly and then home to pack and await the signal to get out of town.

GOOD TIMES!

Allen and Delancey

Well, well, well...



After three weeks of waiting in anticipation of a wonderful meal, the night finally arrived.



Michael and I started out with friends and "FAMILY" at Splash for the Official Kick Off Party to NYC Pride 2008 sponsored by SKYY Vodka. The cocktails were flowing, people were chatting. Great to see Jonathan, G, Greg, Jeff and Kevin, just to name a few. Bought tickets to attend the PIER DANCE and also WON tickets to attend the PIER DANCE: i.e. I have two extra tickets for sale! Good times!



We left Splash and drove down to the Lower East Side to have dinner at Allen and Delancey. Yummy. Michael and I walked in the front door after exchanging a peck on the sidewalk and pulled back the heavy curtain to reveal a beautifully appointed room with a comfortable bar-the bartender seemed to be on her first shift-EVER! A friend Gerry was at the bar and then I heard my name screamed from the other side of the bar-DOES EVERYONE KNOW ME? LOL! Analise, I am sure I spelled that incorrectly, with whom I worked at Compass Restaurant before we both departed, is now employed at A&D. We waited to be served at the bar, but to no avail, so we walked to the dining room and Analise brought us to the booth in the corner surrounded by candles. Wonderful.



We were started with complimentary glasses of champagne and then looked over the menu. It terms out my buddy James is also the sommelier, but he had left for the evening. He will start at Per Se, THOMAS KELLER's restaurant in the Time Warner Building, in upcoming weeks. Looking forward to that.

Everything at Allen and Delancey was spot on. From the pretzel flavored sourdough rolls that started the evening, the champagne brought to us by the hostess, each course of culinary delicacies was better than the next and I cannot wait to come back again very soon.

Michael and I drove home up the East Side and saw this cute little orange car that I tried to get pictures of, if anyone wants pictures of it, please email me. LOTS OF FUN.

A sleepover presented itself and we fell asleep in each other's arms.

GOOD TIMES.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The End of the Second School Year

Good times is a reoccurring theme here at PS/MS 31. This year I met Mrs. Rochelle Washington Smith who became my new work wife. The story is too funny to mention and must be told in person. Please ask me about it the next time you see me.

As the year comes to an end, I am sad to see so many of the people who I have worked so closely with over the past two years move on to greener pastures. Bex, one of my other work-wives is moving to San Francisco after a fun-filled summer here in NYC, Jessica K. will be moving to Buffalo to continue her education and Jessica D. secured a position on Long Island; a coveted position at a great school district.

Many of my colleagues will also be returning, but in new capacities and/or responsibilities. I look forward to collaborating with them and all of our new additions to the PS/MS 31 Family.

The next seven days bring with it anxiety and a heightened level of stress as the year comes to a close. Last night was the eighth grade prom, Friday is their graduation and awarding of their diplomas which have been earned through hard work. The families and the students themselves should be proud and inspired by their accomplishments achieved this year.

I am looking forward to the end of the week and the end of next week as we say good-bye to our friends, students and colleagues and say hello to the summer period of rejuvenation, exploration and re-energizing for the year ahead.

Hello to Summer 2008!

Kick Off to Pride NYC 2008

Good day bloggers,

Looking forward to tonight's festivities started in Splash Bar at 5:30 tonight and then heading off to Allen and Delancey for dinner with Michael and his friend Jerry. Please be sure to check back tomorrow as there will be a full review of the evenings events and the culinary experience of A&D!

SB

This is my test post


Hello to all who have found this site by accident, or to those whom I have sent the link. I look forward to sharing my experiences in life with you. This will include, but not be limited to, food, wine, school and work, family, love and friendships. In other words, no one is safe!


Keep up to date by checking back on a daily/weekly basis, as I will update my information as life presents itself.


Thank you for stopping by!


Mr. B.