How I’ll be feeling later today 😉
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I snapped the above shot of the Pillsbury dough boy at last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (we’re pretty close to the parade route). While we’re skipping the parade this morning to volunteer at our local senior center instead, last night we watched all the balloons get inflated – which I actually think is more fun than watching the parade! And later today, I’ll be ready to stuff myself silly :). What about you?
I’ve been obsessed with the Australian coffee shops that have been popping up around the city lately (I’m looking at you, Bluestone Lane). I recently stopped by Citizens of Chelsea, which offers breakfast and lunch fare in a bright, airy setting in – where else – Chelsea. The “Smashing Avocado” called my name; however, I decided to branch out a bit and ordered the coconut and raspberry bircher meusli – rolled oats soaked overnight in coconut milk, honey and raspberry, topped with cacao nibs, hazelnut crumble, dragonfruit panna cotta, and fresh fruits.
I’m not even going to pretend that’s a healthy option because this. was. DELICIOUS. On the off chance it *was* a healthy option, I solved that problem by ordering a side of bacon. It’s my M.O. when ordering a sweet entree, whatcha gonna do.
My eating buddy ordered the brekkie sandwich – scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, spinach and beetroot chutney served on a cheddar chive biscuit with a side of green spinach salad. You better believe that I reached over for a hearty bite. That cheddar chive biscuit was divine!
A fresh cucumber and mint limeade completed the meal for me, along with a healthy dose of people-watching.
If you’re looking for a cool, casual brunch spot with menu options that are delicious BUT won’t make you feel gross afterward, check out Citizens of Chelsea and let me know what you think!
Confession time – while I eat pretty much anything now, I definitely had my particular food preferences right up until I went to college. No raw fish (including oysters, which are now my FAVE), blue cheese of any kind, spicy food – man, I was missing out! All of these things are on my very extensive list of favorite foods now, along with another later-in-life favorite: caviar. I had my first try of caviar during NYC Restaurant Week at The Russian Tea Room, and I was hooked. The fresh, briny taste that reminds me of the sea, the “pop” texture – caviar is known as a luxury, but such a wonderful indulgence. Plus, who can resist the feature of caviar in one of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies – “What ARE you doing? You’re taking all the caviar? That caviar is a garnish!” (Bonus points if you can name that movie).
I spent this past weekend in Montauk, at the very end of Long Island. While the Hamptons swell with visitors and beachgoers during the summer, at this time of year it is refreshingly quiet and laid back. While out there, I visited the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in New York, authorized by George Washington in 1792.
While I love (and I mean LOVE) my French toast, waffles, and pancakes (as you could probably tell from my previous post), every so often I have a hankering for more diverse brunch options. On such an occasion, I decided to give Timna in the East Village a try. A chic and sleek Mediterranean restaurant, Timna offers a generous brunch menu that will satisfy even the hungriest brunchgoer.
