Must Eat: Lovecraft

June 3, 2015

If you ever find yourself in ABC City, make it a point to have one of your meals (or drinks) at Lovecraft. Tucked between Avenue A and B on 3rd street, this sci-fi themed restaurant pays homage to H.P. Lovecraft. Less than a year old, the space is finding itself at home in its new hood.

Inspired by Lovecraft's imagination, little monsters adorn both floors (yes, this place has two floors) and all are hand painted and etched. The gallery wall on the main floor is dedicated to sketches of Lovecraft himself or his conjured creations. If you're there early (i.e. brunch) the wall is insta-worthy for those that are digitally obsessed.

The bottom floors are always bustling with energy from the community (in a good way). The night I attended there was a local gallery showing and another room was getting prepped for an open mic. I was also told that costume parties are pretty popular there due to its fantastical decor.

The spot recently dived head first into the food scene and nothing my friend (absolutely nothing) is left behind when it comes to taste. The American trained chef and 2009 Chopped Winner, Chris Coleman, prides himself on using the freshest ingredients and doing things the right way. When I met with him, he hinted at the possibilities of new additions and fun changes for the fall season. Um YUM!

Lovecraft carries a full bar but let's be honest - don't come for basic drinks. Come for their vodka infusions and absinthe cocktails. Normally I stray from drinking on a work week but I had to sip their fig and sage vodka infusion - so delish, so strong, so what I needed. There are a few odd infusions on their list, but sometimes the weirdest combos taste magical.

Headed there soon? Here are a few recommendations straight from the Chef and I: Seafood Bouillabaisse, Montauk Lobster Tacos, Maryland Crab Cake, or try their Skirt Steak. Going for a boozy brunch? Then you must absolutely try their Fried Chicken & Waffles or Crab Cake Benedict. For another $15 get unlimited drinks to accompany your waffles.

I'm definitely trying their Fried Chicken & Waffles and maybe an absinthe drink (or two) when I revisit later this month. Can't wait!

Restaurant hours + tidbits:
50 Avenue B
Hours: M-T 4p-12p, F 4p-1p, Sa 11a-1a, Su 11a-12a
Happy Hour: 4p-8p | $3 off all cocktails + infusions

www.lovecraftnyc.com

All images via Lovecraft Bar NYC.

NYC: 5 Things for the Weekend

May 22, 2015

Apparently this pollen thing that has swept the city isn't limited to NYC borders. In fact it's consuming the entire Northeast under the alias Pollen Tsunami. If there ever was a time to buy Allegra in bulk - it would be now.

Either way, that should not be the reason to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend:

1. Elie Tahari x Vespa

Elie Tahari is collaborating with Vespa and will be featuring their iconic scooters in their NYC + Hampton boutiques. Or should we say Taharized. Each scooter will have seat covers made from the same signature fabrics used in his SS 2015 collection. I'm going to head over and view them myself since it's an awesome Insta-opp (anything for an insta haha). All Vespas will be available for purchase at Vespa Brooklyn.

View the Vespas @ Elie Tahari here: 510 Fifth Avenue, NY; 417 West Broadway, NY; One Main Street, East Hampton, NY

2. View the Cherry Blossoms @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you're in NYC, you must (!!) experience the power of the Cherry Blossoms. It's such a spectacular site along with the rest of the garden. Going solo? Bring a book and sit under a tree. Or, bring the whole fam and a camera (maybe some snacks) - great spot to capture a family photo.

Get more info here.

3. Brooklyn Flea Market

I've been making quite the discovery at the Brooklyn Flea (50 Kent Avenue). There are so many different vendors here you're bound to find something magical. My only advice is to wear light clothing (cause it does get hot) and comfortable shoes (birks are a good choice). After you're done shopping head over to Smorgasborg, it's in walking distance, and TRY all of the foods.

Get more info here.

4. Northern Territory

Das it you guys! I found my rooftop bar for the summer. This place made it onto my monthly round-up for a slew of different reasons: great views, great crowd, lots of restrooms, bloody mary bar... Okay, so definitely sold on this place after experiencing the bloody mary bar. Either way, a great place through and through! Plus, they serve food downstairs (#winwin).

Get more info here.

5. Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room

Does this photo look familiar? You may recognize it from your instagram feed - I see it daily. And everytime it pops up it's like a reminder to quickly go and catch the installation. It's a pretty cool concept too. Before you enter the room you're given colored dots (stickers) and to place anywhere in the room - it's an interactive experience if you will. I'm a huge fan of Yayoi Kusama and have caught her experiences and works each time they're in town. She never disappoints but instead in inspires me to create.

Get more info here.

NYC: 4 Things For This Week

March 24, 2015

Oh NYC, your bipolar weather has taught me to be prepared for the unexpected. Case in point, snow on the first day of spring. Thankfully, it was only a few flurries so my 'tude is still in good standing + I spent a good portion of this month pampering myself (which helps).

Here are a few new-to-me places to learn and relax this month:

1. Deify Beauty | Laser & Beauty Lounge

I've been treating myself to a little bit of laser hair removal - the perks of being a well-bred hispanic girl. Not sure if this is too taboo to talk about, but in the past I've bleached my hair and am basically over that bathroom mess. I found a great deal onGroupon (search Deify for all their deals!!) and never looked back.

Get more info here.

1. Museum of Natural History x Etsy

Definitely not a new place of interest as I've been coming to this museum since my Pre-K days. BUT, what is new is this awesome collaboration between Etsy and the AMNH. Together, they teamed up to create products inspired by the natural world and the museum's magnificent collections. The 22 different Etsy designers have created scarves, tote bags all the way to games and a birdhouse. You can find these unique items in the museum's gift shop and online.

Get more info here.

1. Gotham Writers Workshop

Another amazing place to get your learning on and network with a group of like-minded peers. As a blogger I feel it's essential to keep practicing my written word and receive criticism on how to improve. IF you can't afford the classes (i.e. me after rent) try attending their free classes. They tend to have two free classes a month and on a variety of classes - which I love to attend (free is the magic word).

Get more info here.

1. Wink Brow Bar

If you ever wanted to see and truly understand what "brows on fleek" actually mean, you go to Wink Brow Bar. Found this place through Gilt City (love me some discounts) and tried their brow shaper service - loved it. After that I decided to throw caution to the wind and also did their brow tint - loved even more. When it comes to brows, this place is the holy grail and a must try.

Get more info here.