Yesterday I walked from my apartment down to the Lower East Side, wandered around there and Chinatown for a bit, then walked over the Brooklyn Bridge to Carroll Gardens. From Canal St to my final destination was approximately 3.5 miles, and I'd imagine that I walked at the very least two more beyond that. Moral of the story: walk more.
(*a.k.a. Washington Square Park)
I had seen this a few months back, but reminded of it by Jordana: What the Fuck Should I Make for Dinner? In case you run out of fucking ideas about what to make for dinner.
Last night, I went to the one year anniversary party for the Summit Bar after lobster rolls at Ed's Lobster Bar with the Lovely Miss Katie (I love their little chocolate lobsters that they give out with the check!). I had, as I often do, come straight from work, but on this particular day, I was dressed in a particularly lawyer-y outfit, beyond my regular "business casual": full on skirt suit, peep-toe heels, a chunky red necklace and my red glasses. I got soooo many compliments and comments from the cocktail crowd, who usually doesn't see me in what I refer to as "my lawyer costume." I'm starting to think that I should buy more suits and funky shoes/acessories to keep the compliments coming. Either that or wear my glasses more often . . .
Last weekend I took a trip with Mom & Stephen to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (after a lovely brunch at James). It was a gorgeous day, and quite relaxing to wander through what feels, at times, like wilderness, despite being right in the heart of Brooklyn. It was the first time I ever saw a rabbit in New York City that wasn't on a plate in some form . . .
This weekend was filled with a quiet night on Friday, a run Saturday, which was a perfect way to reflect on the anniversary of 9/11, errands, and a bi-borough night out with friends galore and stops at Death & Company, Dram, and Fatty Cue.
Today started with challah, french toast followed by an afternoon trip to visit law school friends for a back to school party. It's always so nice to see their kids, but walking into a small apartment filled with well over a dozen kids was quite overwhelming, to put it mildly (there may have been palpitations involved). It got much more enjoyable as the crowd thinned out and I could chat with their girls (and them) in a calmer atmosphere. The rainy evening has made me tired, so I'm headed to bed early tonight, hoping to get a jump start on the week.
Yes, I baked it myself! As always, the Jewish New Year is a time of reflection, the beginning of repentance in preparation for Yom Yippur, sometimes a trip to services, and always, an excuse to get people together over a meal. Last night I had my brother and some friends over to celebrate the holiday. Many of the guests didn't know each other before that night, and we had a great time — the last stragglers stayed till around midnight. I was particularly thrilled that someone took me up on my dinner invitation via a post on my Facebook page! That said, I'm happy that all 800+ of my Facebook friends didn't take me up on it; space might have been a bit of an issue. Bill, Laura, Karen, Zach & Samantha — it was a pleasure to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and break bread with you. I'll be sure to keep you posted if there's a Yom Kippur break-fast in the works.
The menu and recipes are below:
Challah (1/2 recipe); Vegetarian chopped liver (made from mushrooms, onions and walnuts); Butternut squash soup with parmesan and fried sage leaves; Cook's Illustrated slow cooker brisket; A Jewish homesteader's potato kugel (from Joan Nathan's Jewish Cooking in America); mixed green salad; flourless chocolate cake (from Falai, via Dean & Deluca), apples and honey.
I was lucky enough to be included in a small group for a private dinner at Brooklyn Fare Sunday night. Short story — it was amazing. Go.
As I read this article about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I was once again reminded how much I admire this woman. I wrote a paper about her equal rights work when I was in law school and I have had the honor and good fortune to see her speak several times. She is small and slight (even shorter than I am), but commands a room with the power of her words. Truly remarkable. So tonight, I'll raise a glass to Ruth — my favorite Supreme. (Please forgive the photo; it was taken with my old crappy cameraphone when I saw her last in person)
What a relaxing week — cooking, runs, yoga, laughs, naps, and sand between my toes. Thanks to Em & Jenn for keeping me company and to John for the hospitality. I returned to NYC late Friday night to ease the transition, and had a fantastic Saturday at the Greenmarket, followed by some lounging in my backyard (a.k.a. Washington Square Park) and a visit to the Rhum Rhum Room with @daisy17, @cocktailspirit, later joined by Jordana & Daniel. After that, a trip to Brooklyn for a cocktail soiree hosted by @paystyle and Vanessa with @selenawrites also in attendance. Finished out the night back at the Rhum Rhum Room.
Sunday was a dim sum bachelorette brunch for Deb L. at Jing Fong followed by a nap, and capped off with a trip to Town Hall to see Rachel Maddow & Ira Glass with @cocktailspirit. After Mad Men, it was off to bed for a good night's sleep for the week ahead.
When's the next vacation? Ah yes, mid-October for a long weekend in L.A. Watch out, West Coast!
After a long weekend in the woods of Maine, I'm now off to the beach — Kismet, on Fire Island — for the remainder of the week. Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, there will be plenty of relaxing to do. See you on Sunday!
