1000th Post!

I just realized this day was coming  last week and it just about floored me.  I never thought I would write so much when I first began.  I started this blog after reading countless others and felt the need to give back.  As a transplant to NYC I remember how daunting this city can be at first and the many blogs that helped me along the way.  Now I truly consider NYC my home and I can't imagine living anywhere else. I thought I would share a few things I love to do the most in this city to celebrate...

I love strolling past Gramercy Tavern early morning and looking into the calm, empty restaurant.  I usually close my eyes and picture the people who will be dining there later in the day.  I imagine the first timers and feel excited and a bit jealous for the experience they're about to have.  I almost wish I could have a first time experience there all over again. 

I love walking home from work each day.When I first moved to the city I had a mission to walk Broadway from start to finish and experience the culture change in each neighborhood.  Now 12 years later I've done so much more than that...whether it's over the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO or across the Ed Koch from Queens, I can always find a different path to explore each unique area of this city.

I love spending the day hopping around the amazing craft beer bars and stores in the city.  I've been a regular at Blind Tiger for years and now I feel right at home at some of the new guys like Good Beer and Top Hops.  It's an amazing time to be a craft beer fan and I can't wait to see how it continues to grow.

I love Eataly:)

I love every new moment with Mr. T (nicknames excluded), even the ones that may seem daunting and scary.  If you never try something new you never know what you can become and it's great to have someone at your side when doing so.

Thanks for reading and I hope I helped you out at least once in these 1000 posts...let's get back to the amazing weekend of food ahead.  Cheers!

This is a CRAZY Weekend for Food and Drink!!!

There are so many fantastic events going on this weekend I may need to go into a serious detox program when all is said and done.  Let's get started with the list:

Manhattan Cocktail Classic-  The annual celebration of cocktails and culture returns this Friday with the fabulous opening night Gala at the New York Public Library.  This black tie affair is always amazing and the party continues all week.  There are 168 events at 71 different venues throughout NYC over the span of five fabulous days!  Not to mention the incredible Industry Invitational at the Andaz Hotel.  It will certainly be a "spirited" week.

Manhattan Cocktail Classic

The Great Googa Mooga-  Okay last year left a LOT to be desired but they apparently have been listening to feedback and promise much shorter food lines, beer set up and more cell service.  I'm hoping for the best and excited for the incredible line up of food vendors.  Not to mention the idea of lounging in the park eating, drinking and listening to music all day.  How can you argue with that?

Googa Mooga

Taste of Tribeca-  Some of the best chefs in Tribeca come together to support the art and enrichment programs at the local schools.  You can expect lots of fun family attractions and wonderful food plus free wine tastings throughout the Tribeca wine stores all day long.

Taste of Tribeca

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival- Ninth Avenue absolutely comes alive with tons of kebobs, tostadas, drumsticks and of course the giant chair.  This event is best experienced with the aid of many beers.  So go early, grab a table and set up shop.

Ninth Avenue Food Festival

Madison Square Eats-  Okay this actually started two weeks ago but it's always a great event and currently in full swing.  The old standbys have returned like Roberta's, Asiadog and Ilili while  some newcomers like Seoul Lee Korean Bar B Cue and Mason Jar NYC join the group.

Madison Square Eats

Alewife

I've been taking a quick ride on the 7 train a lot more this year since Alewife opened.  I could tell you I'm going for the Fried Egg and Duck Confit Poutine...

...the shredded meat and runny egg could make anyone think of a return trip.

The crispy garlic fries are also a great reason to stop on by, but the real draw  is their incredible beer list.  Alewife has over 25 taps and a long list of well chosen bottles.

There's almost always something new and exciting to try out and if you're lucky they may even have something incredibly rare while your there.  My last visit we enjoyed some special Alewife beer that was well...special ;)  So take a ride on the 7 train and check out one of the best new beer bars this city has going right now.  It's worth the trip.

Alewife

Lunch at Radiance Tea House

It was a cold and rainy Wednesday...a perfect time to settle in with a soothing pot of tea.

I love green tea so the Genmaicha with Matcha was perfect.  It had wonderful fresh aroma and a sweet, nutty flavor that could sooth just about anything. 

For lunch I ordered a box set which came with a big mound of cold noodles topped with cucumbers and chicken...

Two steamed veggie dumplings

Edamame

...and an Asian salad with a nice little bowl of sesame sauce in the center for dipping.

The food was absolutely wonderful and I cannot tell you how happy I was eating from a compartmentalized plate. I was literally on cloud nine.  Warm soothing tea, calm relaxing space and some alone time...I turned that crappy Wednesday into a great afternoon.

Radiance Tea

Happy Mothers Day!

I'm so lucky to have the best Mom in the world.  I didn't get to celebrate with her today but I will soon...

 I did get to celebrate with some delicious cakes from Blackhound Bakery with the other best Mom in the world Mrs T!!!  Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's out there that make us who we are!  Thank You!