Brooklyn Adventures

     I have been to Brooklyn quite a few times this summer and I don't hate it.  In fact, I greatly enjoy it.  I recently ventured into Williamsburg/Greenpoint for a friend of a friend's birthday party.  The party was at a bar named Northern Territory and aside from the amazing view, the vibe was quite chill and beachy and the drinks were on par.  See above for an unedited picture of the sun setting.

Make out bug

     After hanging out there for a while, we decided to move to another rooftop bar (quite prevalent in the area).  Along the way, Ashley and I stumbled upon one of the coolest things ever--essentially a bar, street vendors for food and jewelry, mini golf, ping pong, and live music, all at night in a huge warehouse.  Plus a photo booth and neon lights.  To say we had a blast would be an understatement.  There was also an old VW Beetle that you could sit in and watch a screen that flipped through car make out scenes from old movies.  This amazing place is named the Brooklyn Night Bazaar.  MAKE A TRIP.

     Once we finally arrived at the bar we planned to visit, we were exhausted and craving some fried food.  So we quickly opted for the fancy french fries that appeared on the menu.  Upon arrival, Ashley took a moment to admire the fries in all of their glory.

     Two other highlights to mention here: I have become quite skilled in cooking mexican food and so I ventured into the shrimp realm and made some garlic lime shrimp and guacamole.  I knocked it out of the park, just saying'.  Not that many things can top my cooking skills, but, the image of Matt Bomer in the flesh did just that.  They were filming White Collar outside of my office at 8AM and so I got to see him in all of his glory.  Not many better ways to start your morning.

HEYYOO MATT BOMER

Art and Food

Sunset view from East Village

Signing a disclaimer...

     I hate lines.  Lines are the worst.  And in NYC you often have to wait in line for just about anything.  I have decided though that I will only wait in line for art and food.  Two of my most favorite things. 

Sugar baby

     Saturday I went to Williamsburg and met my friend Rodney at the Domino Sugar Factory to see the exhibit they have up.  It is only viewable on the weekends and only lasts until July 6 so go see it!  There was a very very long line, but it moves extremely fast so don't be deterred.  The project is by artist Kara Walker and is titled "A Subtlety." I highly recommend it!  The factory smells very interesting--a kind of burn sugar smell.  (Side note, we had to sign disclaimers to enter, mainly telling us that if we touch anything and get sick/die, they are not responsible…) 

     After viewing the sculptures, Rodney took me to an amazing fried chicken restaurant named Pies 'n' Thighs.  I had the chicken and waffles with blueberry compote and it hit the spot.  If you go see the exhibit, you must go here for lunch/dinner/snack/whatever. 

     Saturday night I took a much needed resting night for myself and sat in bed and watched Pulp Fiction.  I had never seen the flick so I was really looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed.  Quentin Tarintino and his point of view is so interesting to me.

     Sunday I met a friend from high school for brunch in Union Square.  We went to the Coffee Shop and it was pretty great food.  A bit pricy, but I recommend it nonetheless. We had some delicious mango mojitos which rocked.  

Mini Kobe beef sliders

     Later that day I met up with a few sorority sisters at Tavern 29 to watch the game.  GO USA!  While I will admit that I am not the biggest fan of soccer, this game was amazing so I quickly found myself engulfed in the atmosphere of wanting America to win.  We drank a lot of beer and had some delicious burgers.  I am such a fan of burgers.  No way I could ever be a vegetarian…  Anyways, after the frustrating end to the game, we went downtown to Houston Hall for a friend of a friend's birthday.  After that we went to the friend's apartment and he had a sick view of the city from his balcony.  All in all, another great weekend with friends food. 

Happy Monday! 

Rays of Sunshine

   

View from Rare Bar

     This weekend was absolutely beautiful weather wise.  Saturday was sunny, high of 75, and breezy.  It was so nice out that I walked from 34th to 74th without realizing just how far I had walked.   I then put a towel down in the park and tried to get a little bit of a tan.  I just got a new bikini bottom from Cacao Bikini, a company based in Australia who specializes in cheeky bikini bottoms.  And anyone who knows me, knows that I love to show off my rear end.  The suits are a bit pricy, but the quality is top notch and they are very comfortable!

     After spending a few hours lounging and reading, I walked home and spent a little time cleaning my apartment.  I also took a nap because my schedule of working long days and then partying is starting to catch up to me after four weeks… I was actually sick this week but managed to bounce back after chugging some OJ and going to be early.

     Saturday night I met up with a couple of W&L friends at Rare Bar.  Rare is very close to me but I had never been and was very glad I did go last night because the views on the roof are amazing.  I'm such a sucker for rooftop bars and restaurants because I love to be outside and see the NY skyline.  After Rare we went down to the Standard Biergarten and then I went to meet up with some work friends at Ace Bar.  I ended up staying out pretty late last night and did not get home until after 5AM!  I also tried out the $.99 pizza place by me and was thoroughly impressed. I will definitely be making some trips back…

     Because I went to bed so late, I also slept very late today… and by sleeping late, I mean that my friend woke me up when she called me at 11:30.  After waking up, I called my Dad and thanked him for being the best ever, and then headed out for a walk around town.  I am very interested in exploring the Murray Hill area and look forward to trying new restaurants around me.  I then walked towards Union Square to check out at bakery that I read about having good chocolate babka.  On the way I developed a strong craving for a bacon cheeseburger.  The line for Shake Shack was obviously way too long, so I continued onwards hoping to run into some kind of burger place.  I happened upon New York Burger Co., a place I have never heard of, but was pleasantly surprised.  And they have the cutest little bags for their french fries!

     Breads Bakery did not disappoint.  When I lived in Great Neck I used to always visit a place named Bruce's, a place that my Dad used to even visit when he lived there.  Sadly, Bruce's closed last year and so since then I have been on a hunt for comparable babka to the one Bruce's made.  And I think I have found it.  This babka is a bit hard and crisp on top, but then very soft and gooey in the middle.  I had to remind myself twice that eating the entire thing in one night would be regrettable.

Time to go watch the season finale of GOT!!!! 

Happy Sunday :)

P.s. on Friday, on my walk to work, I went through Grand Central and saw a bunch of police officers and their dogs. I inquired as to the gathering and an officer told me it was for the dogs graduation from police training! Too cute.