My Life is Full of Sen

Cocktailing Event at Sen NYC

Last week, I organized an event for a club (Cellar) at Stern at Sen (http://www.senrestaurant.com/nyc/). It was a hands-on cocktail demonstration with paired Japanese cuisine. The venue is super swanky and our small group had a wonderful time. I was enjoying myself and didn't snap too many pictures of the cocktails or food. I managed to get one before the activities started of the bar set-up. 

We had four different cocktails. The Shiso Spritz (highlighting Vodka and Shiso Leaves), The Sen Mojito (highlighting Katana Sake and Malibu Rum), The Sen Cosmopolitan (highlighting Sake and Triple Sec) and the Mizu "NYE" Cocktail (highlighting Prosecco and St. Germain).

We nibbled on sushi, tempura, chicken wings and chicken skewers. So yummy!

I'd recommend going back here. The best feature of the restaurant is its square bar. It is an awesome focal point. Check it out during Happy Hour!

Cheers,
Liz

Colicchio & Sons Tap Room

Dinner and Drinks

Tonight, I had dinner at Colicchio & Sons Tap Room (http://www.craftrestaurantsinc.com/colicchio-and-sons/). It was fantastic. The bread looked amazing but I didn't have any - I'm still doing a special diet and cannot have any of that, wah! I ordered a Ketel One and Soda. It was great, as usual.

For my entree, I ordered the Skate. It was DELICIOUS! It is such a light and yummy fish. If you haven't had it, definitely try it if you see it on a menu.

One of my friends ordered dessert. He got the beignets (little balls of fried dough goodness). Again, couldn't partake but I lived vicariously through him and it looked/smelled lovely.

Instead of giving patrons a mint or something else when the check comes, the server gave each of us a freshly baked pumpkin spice muffin to go! What a great idea! I gave mine to my friend.

Happy Sunday!

Liz

Tuttles!

Is Murray Hill Cool?

I went on what ended up to be a really great date this past Friday after my pre-date with Christine (heart her!). My brother lives near a bar I've walked by multiple times: Tuttles (http://tuttlesnyc.com/blog/). My date also lives in the area, so I suggested going there.  

A great feature of the spot is its exterior garden - it's a little too late in the season for it though. We sat at the main bar and had a great time. Sometimes it is too awkward to take photos of drinks on dates, so I didn't end up taking one. I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan - if it ain't broke, right?

This is a great casual spot that is worth checking out if you're in the area, especially in the warmer months!

Have a good one,

Liz

Gramercy Tavern

Catching up with a Mentor over Manhattans

My old boss, John, was in town and suggested we catch up over a meal at the bar at Gramercy Tavern (http://www.gramercytavern.com/). He has been such a great mentor to me over the past couple of years; especially in my transition to business school from investment banking. To celebrate my job offer, I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. I need to support my brands!!

Bulleit Rye hits the Spot - the brandied cherries are a classy touch!

As an appetizer, I ordered four oysters. So yummy!!

Oysters, on the rocks

As my main course, I ordered the crispy duck leg with zucchini and grilled pole beans. Absolutely delicious. 

Quack Quack Nom Nom

To round out the meal, I finished with a Blue Bottle cappuccino.

I heart this drink

This place is super fancy (even at the bar area where we ate) - it has one Michelin star. It was a wonderful place to catch up with John. I will need to go back - that was one hell of a Manhattan!

Cheers, 

Liz

Tapas at Salinas

The Fun Continues in Chelsea!

After we left the Tippler on Friday, Christine and I headed several blocks uptown to Salinas (http://salinasnyc.com/). We wanted something a little more to eat beyond what was offered on the first venue's menu. We started with the Trio of Charcutero - it was delicious. It came with some toasted slices of bread and a fig spread; Christine said it was tasty. 

Meat on Meat on Meat

To complement with carnivore dream, we ordered some cheese. We got the daily selection of "Quesos Artesanales" - naturally, this is translated to "the expensive cheese" - not really, but basically.

More Cheese Please - MASSIVE GRAPES!

The spot definitely had mood lighting. I didn't want to use my flash so all my photos have a red hue...how mysterious. I ordered my go to drink for now - try to guess!

Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan

I had a date scheduled later that evening after my date with Christine - I am such a double booker! So, I ordered a cappuccino to keep going. 

You think you're fancy? Yes, of course!

Salinas is a lovely spot. There are a lot of tapas places in the city that I want to explore, so not sure if I would go back.

Cheers!

Liz

Some Tipples at the Tippler

Visiting the Tippler

My good friend Christine was finally free this past Friday! It was a joyous occasion that demanded celebratory drinks. She wanted to go to the Tippler (http://thetippler.com/) and I had been there once before and loved it, so our location was set!

The Outside

If you haven't been to this spot before, it can be tricky to find it. If you go, look out for the lit "Open" sign to guide you! I've been on a Manhattan kick lately, so why stop it? I ordered the Flight of Manhattans. It included (from left to right), a classic Manhattan, a Greenpoint (with Green Chartreuse) and a Little Italy (with Cynar). I liked them in descending order! The classic was clearly the winner. The Greenpoint was interesting. Green Chartresuse is a green liqueur made with over 100 herbs and plants. It had a nice flavor. The Little Italy was not that pleasant. I had not yet had Cynar...it is odd. It is an Italian bitter liqueur made with herbs and plants, the predominant taste profile from the artichoke....ehhh. It doesn't taste like artichokes it just doesn't taste great. 

Manhattan Flight

Christine ordered the featured special - an alcoholic egg cream. The dusting of cinnamon on the top was a lovely touch!

Alcoholic Dessert :)

We got hungry and ordered appetizers. I got a shrimp cocktail and Christine got one of the featured toasts with white bean puree. Nomnomnom!!

Shrimp Cocktail

White Bean Toast

For our last round, I got a Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan and Christine got some interesting drink that tasted like orange soda (but was alcoholic). I only snapped a pic of mine though, oops!

Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan

This is a fun spot right by Chelsea Market. There is a lot of bar seating and standing table room which is an awesome feature. If you get there before 9pm, you could probably find a spot to sit without much trouble.

Check it out if you're in the area!

Cheers,

Liz

Visiting Temple (Bar)

Drinks with the Girls

Last night, I caught up with two close friends from Stern (Michelle and Olivia). I wanted to try out a bar I read about near school, Temple Bar (http://www.templebarnyc.com/). I love trying out new places - there are simply too many bars in this city to always go to the same places. I read about Temple Bar's reputation for expertly crafted cocktails and was convinced I need to visit it immediately, if not sooner!

Beautiful Interior Features a Sculpted Wood Bar

I asked the bartender if they made their own pickle juice - specific question, I know! Instead of a dirty martini, I enjoy a pickle martini. The flavor profile is a bit more subtle and less salty if the pickles are made in-house. Naturally, I ordered it with Ketel One. 

Dirty Pickle Martini

Next, I wanted a Perfect (sweet & dry vermouth) Bulleit Manhattan. I had one this weekend and I loved it. Instead of a cherry (hate them!), I ordered with a twist. Such a good choice!

Perfect Drink! :)

I loved the set-up of the back bar. I snapped a photo. 

Swank City

This place would be a great date spot - check it out! I hope to check it out on a date sometime soon :)

Cheers,

Liz