Since my move to Hoboken a year ago, I rarely go into the city during the day on the weekends. This is partially due to the fact that I enjoy relaxing in my apartment on the weekends instead of commuting into the city but this Saturday, I got an opportunity to go to the MoMA (a museum on my bucket list) early in the morning before the museum opened (aka no crowds or lines). My mom and I jumped on the opportunity to see Edvard Munch’s The Scream, on exhibit until April 29^th, and other captivating famous works of art which you might have seen on Instagram.

After touring the museum for several hours, we stopped by Sarabeth’s at 40 Central Park South. Famous for its brunch, I tried the pumpkin waffle with pumpkin seeds, raisins and strawberries. Absolutely delicious, and well worth the wait which was out the door by the time we left.

Once we finished eating, we walked by Bergdorf’s and headed downtown and stopped by the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale at 260 Fifth Ave. I make sure to go to this every year since her sample sales are full of crossbody bags perfect for commuting at half-price. What could be better?

After that we stopped by The Garage Antique Flea Market, a hidden gem that pops up on 25^th Street between 6^th and 7^th Ave. The 2 floor parking garage fills with antique jewelry and home furnishings every weekend. You never know what pieces of treasure you’ll find for a good deal. After working up another appetite, we topped of the day at Pinkberry – the only frozen yogurt place I really enjoy – and tasted its yummy new Gingerbread flavor. Sounds like a perfect Saturday to me.

What does your ideal New York City Saturday look like?

Last week, I posted about where I was thinking of having my birthday dinner. After hearing from friends and followers, The Lion seemed to come up as the most suggested place to go so the reservation was made the day before (yup!) and the dinner was wonderful.

The restaurant is very low key located in the West Village on West 9^th Street and 6^th Avenue. The American restaurant comes from the former chef at the Waverly Inn and is known for its trendy crowd. The vibe reminded me a bit of The Darby, like a flashback to a different era, very old school New York. The food was outstanding – I enjoyed the herb French fries, parmesan crusted spinach casserole, truffle gnocchi and dessert platter which included pumpkin cheesecake in a jar. Let’s just say the birthday indulgence took over and the Halloween diet wasn’t in effect.

If you’re looking for a new restaurant to try or are visiting New York anytime soon, add this restaurant to your list. The Lion will not disappoint.

Any there any New York restaurants you’ve been dying to try?

Last week, I was given  the opportunity to  treat myself to a dinner anywhere in the city by my agency because of my job performance. After a crazy, hectic week it was just the kind of reward I needed to unwind. For those that live in the city, you know it’s always difficult to choose just one place to try for dinner because there are so many places on  the list that you want to experience. For this night, I chose to check out The Darby, which is a restaurant/nightclub in the West Village.

Entering The Darby is like walking into a different era. The restaurant has a live band with a retro feel and a raw bar with delicious seafood options. As a seafood lover, I had  the  Branzino  which was topped with asparagus. Yum. The live band was  a great  change and experience to watch as you enjoy your meal and  drinks.  I didn’t end up staying late, but the restaurant also includes a nightclub downstairs.

If you have a night to splurge on a nice dinner and are looking for live entertainment, definitely try The Darby on W. 14th Street.

What other restaurants in the city have you been dying to try?

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There’s nothing better than ending a long day of work at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.  Lately with the summer heat, I’ve been scouring the city for rooftop hangouts. Below are my top three this season:

STK Rooftop
12 Little West 12th Street
Relax on couches and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Standard. Be sure to walk the Highline afterwards.

Rare View Rooftop Chelsea
152 West 26th Street
Enjoy a summer cocktail and view of the Empire State Building.

Sky Room Times Square
330 West 40th Street
Have a happy hour at one of the highest rooftop bars in Manhattan overlooking Times Square.

Where is your favorite rooftop bar in Manhattan?

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It’s been a while since we’ve done a restaurant review on our blog, but last week I finally got a chance to go to Catch in the Meatpacking District and wanted to share my experience. Since it opened last fall, I heard nothing but great reviews from seafood lovers and fans of its executive chef  Hung Huynh  of  Top Chef.  

The three-level restaurant is semi-hidden located on W. 13th St. and 9th. With a chic ambiance, it’s a perfect place to meet after work for drinks and appetizers. We tried the macaroni lobster & cream, crunchy rice cakes (with tuna tartare) and crispy shrimp in a spicy mayo. All delicious, particularly the macaroni lobster & cream  that comes in a sizzling pan.

For dessert we tried the peanut butter souffle with a peanut butter popsicles, fresh baked cookie bucket and chocolate brownie cake. Need I say more?  Plus if you stay till sunset, there’s a rooftop lounge with  panoramic views of Meatpacking  that opens at 9 p.m.

Have a favorite restaurant to go after work? Share with us.

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While networking for your career can seem like a chore at times, sometimes it reeps fantastic benefits.   Fabulous parties is one of them. Last night I had the pleasure of attending Brasserie Beaumarchais’ first anniversary celebration, and it was definitely not something to miss.   It’s hard to believe it’s only been a year that this unique, chic cafe has graced us with boozy brunches and delish dishes.

Be sure to make a reservation at Beaumarchais soon to catch a taste of the “daylife” you’re missing out on.   If you’re looking for a place to shake your tailfeather tonight, check out Beaumarchais’ sister and neighbor (and one of A’s favorite spots) Kiss & Fly.

October is one of my favorite months for a reason. Besides the crisp weather and thought of pumpkin spiced everything, it’s my birthday month! For my birthday weekend, I was tasked to find a brunch spot to celebrate. I wanted to find a place that turned into a crazy party with good music. Then I came across Brasserie Beaumarchais in Meatpacking. Turns out it’s the perfect brunch place for a birthday party.

The food was excellent. To put it into perspective, the pancakes came with peanut butter and nutella – enough said. Meanwhile, the drinks felt never-ending and the atmosphere was buzzing. At 3pm the curtains close and the dance party begins.  The trick is to make a reservation prior to 1pm and to stick around the bar till 3pm when the party starts. You pretty much forget that it’s daytime and it feels like Saturday night all over again.

I think we’ve officially found our new brunch spot – at least until Bagatelle reopens. Where’s your favorite place to brunch in the city?

images via brasseriebeaumarchais.com

Now that it’s officially fall, we are free to indulge in everything and anything pumpkin flavored, decorative gourds from street markets, and cozy sweaters with cashmere scarves. For me, nothing says fall like curling up in front of a warm fireplace with good friends for good conversation. So as the temperatures start to drop, my thoughts immediately warm up to plans of adult beverages around a fire. And believe it or not, you don’t need to trek to the Adirondacks to find it.   Here are a few of the top New York City bars with fireplaces to add a spark to your fall happy hours:

Brandy Library (Tribeca) – I obviously have a thing for establishments with a library feel. Bookish much?

The Back Room (Lower East Side) –  With a hidden entrance, this bar has the ambiance of a speakeasy. Also, they serve drinks in adorable tea cups! Drink up, with your pinky up.

Highlands    (Downtown)  -  This Scottish gastropub is very cozy and very Scottish.

Black Bear Lodge  (Gramercy/Flatiron) – Not only does this bar have a fireplace and a jukebox,  but also a rustic ski lodge feel. Fall at its finest.

The Beauty Bar  (East Village)  - A salon turned saloon, you can even receive a free  Blue Rinse margarita with a manicure (Wed’“Sun). Girl’s night out!

Union Pool (Brooklyn) – This bar does not have  a fireplace, but rather, a fire pit! Note to self – smuggle in s’more fixings.  If that wasn’t enough, they also boast a taco truck for your late night enjoyment.

What are your favorite fireplace haunts on the city?

image via Pinterest.com