I'm in a New York state of mind!

What a week!

After a crazy work week, finally getting around to catching up on life.
Monday I had the opportunity to jet over to my fave city for a fun night of dinner and a show but not just any show.
Celebrating 20 Years Disney On Broadway at the Amsterdam theatre in New York was non-stop entertainment that included performances by most of the original cast members from Aladdin to Phantom of the Opera...

We started the night with a fabulous dinner and drinks at Aureole and ended all too quickly with a chauffeured ride back to Philadelphia...

It was a fantastic night and really made me realize just how much I love the theater!

A Perfect NYC Break

The snow put on damper on many things including our annual Spring Break trip abroad but that didn't stop us.  What better place to play tourist than in the greatest city in the world that also happens to be less than 2hrs. from home.  The optimist in me says, WooHoo to less time spent on planes, trains and automobiles plus, being in NYC is kinda like being in a foreign country...did you know that almost half – 49.1% – of New Yorkers speak something other than English at home?  Spanish and Chinese are off the charts as the next languages of choice followed by...drum roll...Russian!
It's no wonder the Big Apple is often referred to as the melting pot and what better place to learn why and how it earned that moniker than a visit to Ellis Island!

After living and working in NY for close to 10yrs., I finally got to experience many of the wonderful and unique touristy attractions the city has to offer.
From Roosevelt Island to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, there is so much to see an do... just take my advise and don't try doing it on a Holiday weekend.
The 2hr. wait to board the Ferry...

Despite this little setback, what's awesome in the city?  What's not!

The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt is on and starting April 16th, the beautiful eggs completed their journey to their final nesting place at Rockefeller Center, where they will be on display until April 18th.  Like what you see?  On April 22nd, you can get a crack at owning one of your own during the Grand Auction at Sotheby’s...

This one by Ralph Lauren that Jacob is leaning on is $6,500!Fabergé not your thing? Want something a bit more "affordable"?  Then the Lego store is for you!

Ice Skating Ring at Rockefeller Center...

With a playground in every park, the city is an awesome place for kids to hang out and make new friends... 

This playground in Union Square was a great break from all of the walking and just around the corner from our favorite sushi spot!

Taking a break before filling up the belly on his favorite food...

To Be Continued

So Much To Do

So Little Time in NY...
I spend 2 days in one of my favorite cities and packed in more work and fun than humanly possible!
Stayed at the Awesomely cool Bowery Hotel...

Partied at the Bowery Terrace where I won 2 tickets to see Beyoncé!

After hours Party at the chic Gold Bar...

Woke up to a gorgeous view of Manhattan...

 Breakfast Meeting at Think Coffee...

Lunch meeting at Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's Lambs Club...
For the record this is NOT all that I ate!

Somewhere in the middle of it all, finally checked out Eataly...WoW!

 and squeezed in a lunch meeting over Greek delicacies...

Needless to say, I'm in full detox mode!

US Open

12 Douces

Four-hours and nine-minutes of pure jaw-dropping tennis 

Epic match between Djokovic and Wawrinka
The top-seeded Serbian finally defeated first-time major semi-finalist and ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka 2-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday for his 50th match win of the season. 
It was Tennis at its most Amazing and we were so lucky to have witnessed it!
Here is the moment is all happened!!!

The Restaurant at The NoMad Hotel

was Buzz-worthy!
The other day, I was fortunate to have lunch at the chic NoMad and just had to share the experience but, what's better than a great meal?  I love food to not a lot I know but...
Knowing that it was for a great cause in support of the 4th Annual Bowling for Breastcancer.org event as part of a “Lunches of a Lifetime” program.

I know what you're thinking...someone paid to have lunch with you?  Why Yes friends and if I may say so, it was money well spent...I hope!
But there I was, caught between a rock and a hard place -you'll get the reference later I promise- fully engaged in conversation while at the same time, wanting to fully dive in and embrace the sights, smells and tastes of what was being placed in front of me.
Even before we had the chance to order, we were presented this beautiful loaf of fresh out-of-the-oven rustic bread adorned with rings of bright green zucchini and herbs...now how do you say no to this?  

I started my culinary journey with Sweetbreads croustillant with parsley, listed on the menu as "Snacks" but when was the last time you had a snack that looked like this?

If you've ever been to chef Daniel Humm’s and partner Will Guidara’s #10 best restaurant in the world, Eleven Madison Park, you would notice that the food at the NoMad is more accessible and laid back but the quality of ingredients is comparable and so meticulously plated that you almost hate to eat it.  Of course I had no problem with that but not until I photographed each plate as it arrived…for you my faithful readers, and this Scallop dish was no exception.  Seared with sorrel, lemon and maitake mushrooms, it was the perfect blend of artistry and taste..

To complete the meal, I went with their signature Milk & Honey Shortbread, Brittle and Ice Cream dessert and let me just say...it was AlyaBuzzzz worthy!

It is said that the Rolling Stones inspired The NoMad's mix of Rock and Roll chic and Gatsby elegance so if you ever feel like You Can't Always Get What You Want, then check out the NoMad Restaurant and You'll Get What You Need!
OK, I'm done but also so very hungry now!!!

I ❤ NY!

I can never get enough of New York city and, despite the freezing cold, this weekend was no different!
We stayed at the ever so chick and fabulous Nomad Hotel...

Had a delicious pre-theatre dinner at SD26...

Rosemary Goat!

Took in a show, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? was amazing but I'm going to warn you...

It's 3 hours long and intense so manage your alcohol intake and think twice before ordering the adult-sized sippy cups... 

The night ended at Glass House Tavern where we mingled with the show's understudies and had a Keith Carradine sighting!

All in all an awesome day and night that I -surprise surprise- was not appropriately dressed for.
Can you say freezing my A-- off!