Stand Under My Umbr(ELLA).

Backup Plans Can be the Best Plans.

This weekend, three of my friends (Sherri, Leslie and Tom) hosted a birthday party at The Royal (http://theroyalnyc.com/). The Royal is located near Union Square and tends to be a bit of a cluster-f. I arrived around 10:45pm and the place was already OVERFLOWING. The bouncers are some real winners (read: asshats) too. Some of my friends left the inside party and we left to start our own party somewhere else. Someone in our group suggested Ella (http://ellalounge.com/), a lounge that features live music in Alphabet City. The venue is a bit narrow but also has a basement..but the basement was booked for a private party, so it looked like we would be hanging on the main level. I took a photo below, the lighting is cool but not as cool as my photo (due to an illuminating effect on my camera, sooo not cool to use a flash in the club!). 

The signature cocktail, appropriately named the Reyka Vodka, St. Germain, Watermelon and Lemon Juice. They use fresh watermelon, evidence below. 

Overall, it was a fun spot, but the narrowness of the venue makes bumping into people almost a guarantee. If I come again, I'd come for the live music and then leave before it converts into more of a dance venue (after 11pm). 

Until next time,

Liz

Let Me See that Lobster Roll

The MBA Life: Hamptons Edition

This past weekend has been a great break from the grind of the city. At Stern, each class is separated into blocks; I am in Block 3. One of my blockmates, Lilian, really spearheaded organizing the trip and the rest of us pitched in with cooking. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting The Lobster Roll Restaurant (http://www.lobsterroll.com/) in Amagansett. 

Since the seasons are changing, our server suggested a special drink. It was a Blue Point Pumpkin Ale with a cinnamon-sugar rim. It was DELICIOUS! I'm not sure if it was the best drink to pair with seafood, but whatever. I loved it!

As an appetizer, I was intrigued by the fried blowfish! How interesting! We had to try it, so a group of us selected a half-order to share.

You can probably see in the picture above that there is a small fin. When they fry puffer fish, it is the tail! For my main, I clearly had to get a lobster roll (I mean, the place is called The Lobster Roll!). Instead of the traditional style, I ordered a hot lobster roll. It is basically lobster meat prepared in butter and served with hot dog buns on the side.

It was delicious and really filling. The food isn't cheap, but you get a large quantity of lobster! With our bellies full, we headed to the beach.

The weather was lovely. I love New York City. I think being away from all the hustle and bustle gave me time to reflect on how much I love Stern, my friends and my family.

Cheers,

Liz

A Cause for Celebration!

Visiting NYC's Hottest New Restaurant, Piora

My close friend, Liv, and I had two huge reasons for celebration: after a year of recruiting, interviewing, and interning, we have job offers. It feels great! I tend to celebrate momentous occasions with food and drink. Allison, the fabulous entrepreneur behind Brenne Whisky (http://drinkbrenne.com/), recommend this spot: Piora (http://www.pioranyc.com/). In addition to carrying her incredibly whisky, the restaurant is currently ranked #1 on Eater Manhattan's Heatmap for Where to Eat in Manhattan. Given these two pieces of information, I made a reservation!

As we reviewed the menu, we ordered cocktails. I ordered Fall Leaves (Plymouth Gin, Calvados, Apple, Maple Syrup, Tea and Lemon). It was yummy! It reminded me of fall, a blend of apple cider flavors and maple! Liv ordered the Wear and Tear, a play on an Old Fashioned, made with Old Overhold Rye, Aperol, Chartreuse Jeune, Cinzano  and Angostura. 

Fall Leaves

Wear and Tear

Once we got our cocktails, the chef presented us with an amuse-bouche. It was crisp, light and tasty. A nice way to prepare the palate for what was to come!

Amuse-Bouche

We had to order the Monkey Bread!! It is served hot, warm, sweet and salty with two awesome spreads: Lardo (aka pork fat) and Seaweed Butter. Each spread was awesome in its own right and I'm not sure which I preferred.

Monkey Bread - Lardo (left) and Seaweed Butter (right)

For our entrees, we started with a split order of Bucatini. The pasta is black because it is made with black garlic and a little squid ink is added. There is also crab and mushrooms on top - simply divine. Since we split the pasta, our server was gracious enough to separate into two bowls. It can be awkward to split pasta!

Bucatini

For the entrees, we split the Duck (a perfectly prepared breast) and the Halibut (with mushrooms and brown butter)

Duck...Duck...

...Halibut!

With our dinner, I ordered a glass of white and Liv ordered a glass of red wine.

A pair of happy glasses

You know we totally got dessert! Liv ordered a glass of Port, but I wanted to try the ice cream (chocolate, salted caramel and vanilla). Liv is such a good friend that she offered to try it too!

3 Scoops of Awesome

The owner, Simon, came by our table and we chatted about our mutual friend (Allison, mentioned above). I should say that I know her more, since she is a celebrity of sorts - we got a complimentary dessert! It was lovely.

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Before we left, I had to snap a photo of the back-bar. I saw Allison's bottle of Brenne! I am so proud of her! I realize the photo is bad. It was tricky taking a photo without completely infiltrating someone's personal space.

Brenne, right next to Blue Label - so impressed!

You must try Piora!

Liz

Burger Joint Moves Downtown!

Friends and Fries!

I always heard really great things about Burger Joint, a secret burger spot located within Le Parker Meridien, but never quite made it there for one reason or another. I received an email from the new location (http://www.burgerjointny.com/8thstreet.php) right by NYU with an offer for a free dinner of burger and fries for up to 10 people. As any smart full-time MBA student (read: no current source of income), I jumped at this opportunity and gathered friends to scope out the new spot!

The Burger Joint!

While we waited for our food, we ordered drinks. I got a beer (it seemed appropriate given the food). I believe it was Ommegang. It was a nice and light option.

The glass reminds me of a grenade

It's showtime! The burgers have arrived, mine is personalized! I think it says Liz?

I *meant* to take a photo, but I was overwhelmed and had already started to inhale it. Oops.

The burgers are great! Just so you know, Burger Joint has an incredibly small menu. What it lacks in variety, it makes up for it in quality.

I love the sign in the restaurant. It makes you think. Does it say "Eat" or "Fat" or "Who cares?"

CHECK OUT BURGER JOINT! It is awesome. Support local businesses!

Cheers,

Liz

Brass Monkey...

...That Funky Monkey

Last night was apparently a birthday bonanza for Stern! Isaac was celebrating his birthday and picked the Brass Monkey (http://brassmonkeynyc.com/) as the meeting spot. I have heard about this spot for a long time but never quite made it over. I first saw it on The Real Housewives of New York when Bethenny and Kelly met to discuss their awkward "friendship". It is clear that Bethenny has moved on to better things, not including Brass Monkey. 

The venue reminds me of the type of place a ton of people end of going that don't want to deal with the hassle of covers and VIP lists but want to go to Meatpacking - such a hot spot. The crowd seemed to be heavily skewed to the B&T (Bridge and Tunnel) population, which is never a good sign. This crowd tends to be very annoying and a hallmark move is the always reliable "I have somewhere more important to go than you so I'm going to shove through the crowd with my massive purse and you're just going to have to f-ing deal with it because I drove here in my new outfit" move. It is super annoying. The bar lets in WAY too many people, so everyone is shoving and moving about, especially to make it up to the rooftop. 

It was nice once I escaped the frenzy of the first two levels. The rooftop had places to sit. It was also two other classmates' birthdays: Trent and Lilian. It was nice to catch up with each of them in an area that lent itself to conversation. It sounds like I'm asking for a lot, but I like to hear what the other person is saying during a conversation.

Overall, Brass Monkey will not be on my list of places to return. There are far too many other great places to go to in the city that aren't jam-packed with people. I'd rather pay $15 for a cocktail at a nice spot than return here for a vodka & soda (all they can really make) that I will likely spill on myself because of the B&T move described above.

Cheers,

Liz

Celebratory Drinks!

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

Yesterday was a GREAT day! If anything, it was more of a turning point in my life than just a Thursday. After several years of planning, researching and preparing, I got a job offer to join my dream company. Over two years ago, I started the process of applying to business school and transitioning to a completely different industry (real estate to wine, beer and spirits) and function (investment banking to marketing). I am thrilled to start this next chapter of my life. In the spirit (pun intended) of celebration, I met with a new friend from Stern, Scott. In a small world twist, we actually know each other from my first job. We were in the same hire class in Charlotte, NC over six years ago - crazy! He was near my neighborhood, so I suggested a fun spot near me that has fantastic dessert cocktails, Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html). 

I started with the Raspberry Chocolate Martini. It was DIVINE! It is made with Chambord and Kahlua. It is also served with an 80% dark chocolate truffle - YUM! The cocktail was rich and creamy - so much so that I needed a spoon at the end to get up all the chocolate shavings!!

Raspberry Chocolate Martini

Next, I ordered a lighter cocktail. It was still sweet, but not weighed down with cream. I ordered the Bohemian Pear. It is a mix of Absolut Pear, St. Germain, Angostura Bitters, and Fresh Lime Juice. I loved it! It was light and refreshing!

Bohemian Pear

As my final cocktail, I ordered the Pomegranate Martini. It is made with Ketel One Citroen and Pomegranate Juice. This drink was a bit *tart* - I don't think that the juice was sweetened. This likely made the drink have fewer calories, but my face was puckered. I enjoyed it, but it was my least favorite. 

Pomegranate Martini

The weather was lovely last night and we sat outside. My only complaint would be that they wait to throw out all of the garbage until the venue closes for the evening. I found it a bit distracting/disturbing that the workers were putting out garbage bags (on the street) while patrons (including us) were sitting outside. Garbage isn't exactly 1. nice to look at or 2. neutral smelling. I found it odd, my only improvement to an otherwise great cocktail/dessert spot.

Cheers!
Liz

You Have the Right to Remain...Happy

Drinks at the Ginger Man

I'm trying to be more spontaneous in my dating life. If you read in my previous posts, I seriously injured my foot wearing a pair of super high heels the other night out on a date. In the effort of looking hot, I was left being forced to wear a hot flesh colored (yes, I hope you are uncomfortable reading that) bandage on my foot. I look like some sort of limping mummy-footed person - it is really an awesome look for my first couple days of school as an MBA2. 

I had been chatting with a new suitor on OKC. The title of this post can hint at his occupation. I think in the initial stages of dating new people, you need to keep your options open. The first date could be great and then go downhill very quickly on the next date. It is incredibly time consuming to go on many first dates, but lately, there has been a flood of new people on my radar on OKC, so when the getting is good, get after it, right? Anyway, back to this new gentleman. We had originally discussed going out a week from now. I figured, by then, I could wear normal shoes. I HATE wearing flats/flip flops on first dates. I feel much more confident in heels. I was out with my some school friends and got a text from this gentleman, he said he would be free tonight and asked if I wanted to meet for a drink. Again, in the spirit of spontaneity, I said yes! I gave him a heads up about my foot and he didn't seem to really care, if anyone cared it was clearly me. Sometimes I need to learn to get over myself. This is proof that dating teaches you a lot about yourself.

He said he liked beer bars and I wanted to check out The Ginger Man (http://www.gingerman-ny.com/). It is fairly close to where I live, so I wouldn't have to walk (read: limp) that far to get there. The first drink(s) I ordered was a flight of Fruit Beers. 

St. Louis Framboise; Elysian Omen; 

Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale; Ithaca Apricot Wheat

This isn't a shocker, but I knew that the Framboise would be my favorite beer. This is because this style of beer essentially tastes like raspberry juice. The Omen was GROSS - way too dark of a beer for me. The Blueberry and Apricot beers were ok, but weren't that cold. I think most people can agree with me that a cold beer is much better.

Read Glass Above

Next, I ordered a Hoegaarden. This is typically a safe bet, light and with a hint of citrus.

St. Louis Framboise

My final selection was my "go to" beer. I was very happy with this selection. Solid choice. This is a great spot to check out for beers. The setting is also good for a date - it isn't too "fratty" or loud for Midtown. It is respectable.

Until next time,

Liz

Blue Ribbon Bonding

Back to School Beers!

Two wonderful people in my block, Michelle and Mike, had the bright idea to organize a drinking occasion after our "first last day of school". It is hard to believe, but I'm already into my second year of business school! 

They suggested a relatively newish rooftop beer garden that opened, Blue Ribbon Beer Garden (http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/rests_beer_garden_main.htm). I'm not a huge beer drinker, but figured I would order that vs. a glass of wine ("When at a Beer Garden"). I got a bottle of Sapporo Light for $7 - it seemed a bit overpriced and wasn't that cold - wahhh. I do realize that at these places you're really paying for the location - an awesome rooftop setting in the Lower East Side. Some of the people in our group played beer pong. Not really my thing, but play on players. 

I'm not sure if I would go back since there are so many other places I still need to discover. 

Cheers!
Liz

Pretty (J)bird

Trekking to the UES for Cocktails

I terribly underestimated the discomfort that would result by walking from the subway stop at 63rd/Lexington to 75th and 1st Avenue. In order to look hot for my date with a very tall suitor, I wore my highest heels. I haven't worn these particular shoes in a hot minute. They are hulking platforms, probably 4''+. I won't lie, they aren't comfortable for even short periods of time, let alone an estimated 19 minute walk from subway to destination (thanks HopStop). Did I have flip flops in my purse? Of course. Did I put them on? No. I didn't want to "give up" before the date even started (giving up = putting on flip flops). In hindsight, this was silly. I told myself I could break in my heels by walking! If anything was broken in after, it was my feet. I had no idea the UES was incredibly hilly. I realize these "hills" are merely slight changes in the slope of the sidewalk to people in flat shoes, but I felt like a newborn colt, trying to find my footing after crossing the street. (Note: the time provided to cross a wide street is not enough in said heels). 

Anyhoo, I will stop mumbling about my shoe situation. I finally found an opportunity to visit Jbird (http://jbirdny.com/). This cocktail spot has been on my radar for awhile, but for one reason or another, I just haven't gone! Well, it was fantastic, the perfect spot for a great first date. I started with a cocktail that was as beautiful as it was delicious: Jbird Swizzle. It is made with Jasmine Flower Rum, Don's Spices, Lime, Pineapple, Blueberry Syrup, Orgeat and Bitters. This cocktail fell under the menu's "Tart & Refreshing" category.

Jbird Swizzle

Next, I wanted to order a more dessert-like cocktail. I stayed within the "Tart & Refreshing" family and ordered the Golden Cadillac, a luscious blend of Galliano, Creme de Cacao, Orange Juice and Heavy Cream (YUM). This tasted like an Orange Julius with a hint of chocolate - is is described on the menu as "Dessert in a glass" - I agree!

Golden Cadillac

Following this heavier cocktail, I wanted to switch it up. I had read about the Honey-Nut Old-Fashioned on several Yelp! reviews so I had to check it out. It is made with Roasted Peanut Bourbon, Honey Syrup and Aromatic Bitters. This cocktail fell under the "Stirred & Boozy" family of drinks. Hot damn! I agree. The drink was lovely but STRONG. At this point, it was my least favorite, but the bar was very high! My first two cocktails were incredible.

Honey-Nut Old-Fashioned

On our third round, my date ordered the Moscow Mutt, a spin on the classic Moscow Mule. It was made with Vodka, Lime Juice, Blueberry Syrup and Ginger. It was presented with such style, I had to snap a photo. Luckily, my date seemed ok with all my picture taking and wasn't annoyed. I love cocktails and sharing them with you all and pictures really help!

Moscow Mutt

My final drink had to cleanse my palate of the incredibly strong cocktail I just ordered. I wanted something a bit sweeter. I ordered the Good Humor Fizz (again under the Tart & Refreshing family of drinks). It was a complicated drink! It is made with Blanco Tequila, Campari, Passionfruit, Lime, Vanilla-Infused Agave, Egg White and Cream Soda. It reminded me of a Creamsicle (as the menu suggests). 

Good Humor Fizz

It makes sense that my last photo may have been a bit blurry - after four drinks, my iPhone started to get a buzz! I highly suggest visiting Jbird, but, for my sake, consider your footwear ladies if you're taking the F Train like I did. 

Cheers!
Liz