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.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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