Soaring back from NYC

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend in NYC with some of my favorite people, doing some of my favorite things - putzing through art galleries, taking walks, eating delicious meals, dancing and talking.

E.M. told me that Maira Kalman, my favorite artist since childhood, was having a show at The Jewish Museum. We had to go! I've never seen her work in-person, and - at the risk of sounding a little crazy - it was something that I'll remember forever and ever. If in New York, you must see it. If you can bring a child along, all the better!

Maira Kalman, Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World)

March 11 - July 31, 2011

Then there were so many great conversations with my wise and hilarious girlfriends, had over meals and walks ...

"And then my mother said, 'It's not about what you have. It's about the life you have.' You know, she can be so insane and irritating, but she's so right about that!" [laughing] - anonymous

The Smile

26 Bond Street

Tiny sweet potato biscuits, champagne with grapefruit juice, baked eggs with avocado, crushed tomato, manchego cheese and toast. Marvin Gaye and Lauren Hill in the background.

Manicures at Ten Over Ten

112 Reade Street

A lovely, serene spot that carries posh nail polish lines like NARS and Chanel. They even provide ipads and crisp fashion mags, but without pomp and circumstance or insane prices.

And, of course, fashion fashion everywhere! (These heels from Aldo! )

I leave you with this: A TED talk, "Maira Kalman - The Illustrated Woman"

To the beautiful ladies in NYC that made this weekend so special. OM who has the most fabulous eye for style and will make you laugh until your stomach hurts. EM, who is such a cheerleader for others' dreams and smart as can be. To MB, who will dance like crazy and get everyone else in the place dancing too. And to MQ, who always thinks before she speaks and has seen me through so many chapters. Oh, the places we'll go, ladies!

NY, NY

Dear [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE],

As it turns out, blogging is a little like exercising. A few days off makes it that much harder to get going again. But I'm back and promise daily reads once again (discipline, discipline). I let a weekend in New York and a few very fun, late nights get the best of me. It happens. Please forgive me.

I'll make it up to you by passing on some of spots I visited while in NYC. Hopefully they'll make your next trip that much more fun.

The Blind Barber

By day, a men's barber shop offering steam shaves and complimentary cocktails with every service. By night, an East Village bar overflowing with attractive people, good music and stiff drinks. Go early to beat the line or bypass the line because you're a regular and/or wearing a killer ensemble and a smile. Either way, vow to close the place down and visit with some of the cool guys that own the place. (339 East 10th Street, between Avenue A & B)

Milon Restaurant

You can spot Milon's lights from a couple blocks away. Packs of people huddle on the front steps waiting to be seated, holding all the beer and wine they can. I was skeptical about the idea of an Indian BYO and waiting for teenagers to finish their Bud Lights didn't help. But once we were seated, I immediately got the allure. Indian pop music blared, drinks flowed, and the food was actually really good (and only $12). I'm a fan. (93 1st Avenue, between 5th and 6th)

Cafe Gitane

After a lively dinner at Milon, I was craving something more mellow Saturday night. We headed over to The Jane Hotel for dinner at Cafe Gitane. I love their Nolita cafe and was happy to find the same charm with just a little more elbow room. The menu was familiar and delicious. A bottle of Sancerre was reasonably priced. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends or bring a date. (113 Jane St. at West Street)

The High Line

A walk along the High Line has been a staple of my recent trips to New York. It was lovely to stroll along the river in the quiet cold. I momentarily stopped complaining about the wind to bask in a quintessential New York moment.

(Thank you to all those who made this weekend one for the history books)