Monthly Archives: March 2012

March 7, 2012 · 1:23 am

Brunch at Barrel

Recently, I dined at The Barrel for brunch, a lovely restaurant serving European cuisines at the edge of St. Mark’s Place. The Barrel’s interior is a wonderful earthy experience. A copper paned window entrance accents the restaurant’s décor while shielding the street’s view,  leading to a dining area where there is barrel-inspired booth seating. The tables are made of beautiful polished-shiny wood. There is also a bar located further inside with drop lighting, a wine tree and other intricate details like white flowers and beautiful wine glasses which accents the entire restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The brunch menu looked varied and delicious with great pricing: $11.95 for the meal including coffee, tea and a complimentary beverage (including alcoholic). It was a tough decision, but I finally settled on Steak & Eggs which came with home fries, creamed spinach, homemade bread, and  eggs (however style we wanted). Everything was prepared beautifully. The steak was cut into smaller pieces, making it easier on us and was simply delicious, especially covered in the sauce provided. Every part of the meal was delectable on its own, as well as together.

What I have to try next time: Grilled Chicken and Mushroom Fusseli Pasta “sauteed with herbs, garlic, white wine and butter finished in a parmesan cream sauce.”

Brunch at The Barrel was a truly delightful experience, complete with wonderful service- The waiters were attentive and accommodating.

Address: 10 Stuyvesant Street.

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March 4, 2012 · 11:32 pm

Shopping at Strawberry


If you haven’t heard of Strawberry stores let me enlighten you. This is one of my absolute favorite places to shop. Strawberry is a New York-based store with low priced fashion forward and fun junior, junior plus and misses clothing and accessories. They feature current hip fashions of denim, dresses, shoes, outerwear, lingerie, and much more.

My recent trips had me looking for dresses and pants- specifically color pop skinny pants in red, navy or pastel blue and hot pink. I found 2 dresses that were really cute in different ways. The first dress was a blue-turquoise color with a deep V-neck, an intricate brown, deep blue & tan paisley swirly design with a soft flowy look and movement to it. Price: $20.

The other dress I fell in love with when I spotted it on my way out and luckily it fit perfectly. Black background with flowers of all different colors: White, red, orange, and a sprinkling of dark blue and hot pink. The cut fit in all the right places, enhancing the bust and waistline, with the skirt draping in a flattering way. I loved the flirty playful feel of this dress. Price: $20.

As for the pants, I picked out a smart red pant by Flirtatious – not exactly skinny jeans, but beautiful in color, fabric and design. I also found a rock and roll style white jeans ripped style in front and silver crystal gem accents by Almost Famous. Price both $25.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locations: There are several locations in Downtown, Midtown, Upper East Side, Upper West Side in Manhattan as well as Brooklyn/Queens and Pennsylvania, Maryland & other states. The Strawberry stores I frequent are in Midtown- the Manhattan Mall; 14 W 34 St and 129 E 42 St by Grand Central. For a full listing of all the locations, click here.

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March 3, 2012 · 3:04 am

Dueling Pianos!

Tobacco Road features the original NYC Dueling Pianos show, Shake Rattle and Roll which is an all request rock and roll singalong where two guys sit across from each other on the stage, battling songs out on the piano (and singing them). The capable piano men play anything from Billy Joel to Lady Gaga, to Meat Loaf. They really do know every song.

I got to go with Random Events (where I’m an Assistant Organizer) to this crazy show and we were seated at the bar and in front. We were definitely a fun and spirited crowd. In the beginning of the show, we played a game on which side of the room was loudest, and since we were a raucous, vocal bunch it wasn’t hard to win.

The pianists played quite a few of 80’s songs. My personal favorites: “Jessie’s Girl” and “Take Me On.” Of course they also played the classic songs everyone loves: “Brown Eyed Girl” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” We also heard “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from Lion King which was awesome, “Faith” by George Michael, and a medley of Monkees & Michael Jackson songs. Plus much more of course.

Later in the night, I put in my request for Hanson’s MMMBop (thanks to my co-organizer’s funds)… I know most of you will groan when you hear the name Hanson, but it’s actually a really good song to play on the piano and sounded amazing live. And if you actually listen, the lyrics are wiser than you would think:

You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all the pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they’re gone so fast

There were also many jokes and toasts. The pianists would ask us if we would like to hear a dirty or clean toast, and we would invariably answer “Dirty!”  However, my favorite toast was not a dirty one, but a sentimental one: “There are ships that sail, and ships that… But the best ships are friendships.” What a sweet and true statement.

The night was filled with karaoke-style singing along, dancing, toasts, laughter, screaming and more.

 

If you go, it is every Friday and Saturday night at Tobacco Road. $10 with a two-drink minimum and it’s a good idea to make reservations to ensure you have a seat as this show is almost always sold out. Also, bring some cash as you will have to wrap your song requests in money if you want to hear it.

Address: 355 W. 41st St

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March 1, 2012 · 10:37 pm

Safe House & Dinner


Safe House, starring Ryan Reynolds is about a young CIA agent who looks after a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he is finds himself on the run with the notorious fugitive. The movie is excitement filled,  intense fight scenes that show off both Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington skill and physical power in combat.

Ryan plays his role extremely well with sex appeal, and though doesn’t seem to be muscular and tough enough to go up against Denzel and countless others, he really holds his own. He makes you believe that he truly is that character. Denzel also gave a virtuoso performance as the ultimate bad guy.

This movie definitely captured my interest. I had to concentrate a little bit as the plot was a bit complex, but very engaging. I also enjoyed the more tender moments between Matt (Ryan Reynolds) and his girlfriend as well as the surprising tender moments between Matt and Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington).

Afterwards, my friend and I went to eat at City Crab. I’ve always passed by the restaurant but never been so finally had the chance to try it, and it did not disappoint. Our waiter, Jack was charming and cute, and was knowledgeable about the food. I chose the Steam Pot which was filled with lobster tail, crab legs, andouille sausage, shrimp, scallops, corn. It also came with mussels and clams which I couldn’t bring myself to eat. Everything else was delicious, flavored wonderfully and dipped in butter.


I also tried their Oreo ice cream cake which came with raspberry syrup. It was decent- I liked the ice cream part of it and it did taste like Oreos but I expected more. It just didn’t blow me away.

Overall, a very satisfying meal which I somehow got for less than the advertised price… Always a nice surprise.


Address: 235 Park Ave S (19/20th St)

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