NYC: Let's Eat!

April 8, 2016

I'll be gorging on delicious BBQ this weekend but that shouldn't stop you from trying scarfing down something just as tasty. Here are a few recos for the weekend:

1. Burger Mexicano

This a relatively new restaurant in my nabe of PLG. So if you ever find yourself in Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanical Garden - make this your go-to dining spot for after. The burgers are out of this world and stacked with ingredients that only make perfect sense once you take that first bite. The margaritas (although too pricey for my taste) are so delicious - it only makes sense to order a pitcher. Trust... You will regret not ordering a pitcher once you're on your last sip. I haven't had brunch here yet, but highly recommend the namesake Burger Mexicano (it's a no-brainer).

545 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Lefferts Garden, BK - get more info here.

2. Forget Me Not

I went here one sweltering day last fall for brunch and never had the chance to include it in a round-up. Probably because I fell into a food coma shortly after my dining experience. I didn't realize how much of a magnet this was for the "hipsters" but at the same time the food is amazing, the bloody mary revived me after my hangover, and the decor was so Instagrammable. Unfortunately, I was too hungover to take any snaps - but did feel blessed to come across and enjoy a banging meal here. If you're not in the mood for a hearty meal, head to their bar for delicious cocktails.

138 Division Street, Chinatown - get more info here.

3. Don Chingon

Ever get so hungry that you can't even think straight and therefore can't make a decision on where to eat... So you end up at Subway. Yea me too. BUT, one day after walking for blocks and blocks while my stomach was eating itself I found myself at Don Chingon. It was pretty empty which made me think it was either pricey or bad, at the same time I could care less. So I plopped down and ordered. What arrived at my table were three fantastic tacos with the most amazing homemade tortilla shells. It was like I was transported back to my aunt's kitchen and of course ordered more tacos. The margaritas were bomb too - I opted for a spicy one to go with my tacos. This spot is a little pricey compared to other Mexican joints but at the same time... The food is so GOOD that it all evens out. And obviously, get the tacos if you go there.

216 Flatbush, Prospect Heights, BK - get more info here.

4. Mission Cantina

So you're probably thinking "what's with you and all this Mexican food?" Girl, I can not help what my tummy lures me to and it's always been a no-fail option. The day I eat horrible Mexican food I'll probably curl up and die. ANYWAYS, Mission Cantina is a spot that is synonymous for having bangin' burritos that are anything but the usual Mexican fare. The chef Danny Bowien is always changing up the menu and experimenting which I love. If you're not into boring head here and try the Burritos (obvi) and the wings.

172 Orchard Street, Lower East Side - get more info here.

Must Try: Dry Salt Therapy

March 22, 2016

Ever have one of those days where everything and anything goes completely wrong. Well, that's me 8 times out of 10 basically every day. Sometimes the stress really starts to pile on, adding weight to my lower back - pretty sure that's not healthy.

I've mentioned my ongoing struggle with anxiety before and found holistic relief in a few ways: exercise (via Classpass + running), facials (take advantage of those Gilt & Groupon deals), and massages (the Soothe app makes this super easy - get $30 off with code HYBUE). My mom, an avid aromatherapy enthusiast, made me curious about what else is out there. And, you guys, there's a lot out there for us to explore.

One new-to-me approach is Dry Salt Therapy which I got learn more about at Breathe Easy, New York City's only Dry Salt Therapy Center. They graciously offered me a session to experience it firsthand and I happily obliged. One cold day I walked over to their location, conveniently located near Grand Central for all you commuters. Inside I was greeted by the front desk and directed to the lockers where I could change into something a little more comfortable or simply store my things. FYI, it's totally ok to come in your street clothes if you're not partaking in their Salty Yoga class.

After leaving the locker rooms I entered this heavenly light pink room which I later learned were blocks of Himalayan Salt. In fact, the entire room, top to bottom, is covered in Himalayan Salt. I then went over to a chair, took a few deep breaths, and felt myself slowly de-stressing from the day's events.

If you're wondering, what exactly are the benefits of salt therapy - don't worry, I got the full scoop. By spending, at least, half an hour in one of Breathe Easy's rooms you'll inhale micro-particles of pure Himalayan salt which in turn will help you breathe better (say goodbye to snoring), alleviate symptoms of major respiratory illness (such as asthma), allergies, as well as help you relax.

After one session, I felt so at peace and am definitely going to include Breathe Easy as a must-do when needing a moment to myself. (Fun fact: because of the micro-particles of salt floating in the air my lips did taste a little salty, similar to eating a bag of potato chips). If you're in NYC, definitely check them out if you're ever feeling stressed, dealing with allergies, or asthma. They have an awesome intro package ($50 for 5 sessions) and have four locations in New York.

Wellness Center Hours & Tidbits:
1 Park Avenue (in their lower level)
Hours: M-F 9a-9p, Sa-Su 9a-6p

www.breathesaltrooms.com

Must Eat: Olio e Piú

October 20, 2015

Let's head on down to Greenwich Village. One of my favorite neighborhoods filled with gorgeous stoops, quaint coffee shops, and lots of boutiques. I haven't been everywhere but that's what I love about New York City - there's always something new to discover. I've always had my eye on Olio e Piú, nestled between Greenwich Avenue (not street) and Christopher Street, so it was only a matter of time before dining there.

I've passed by Olio e Piú many a times, the energy has always been vibrant and the outdoor seating is prime for people watching. The fall menu for this Neapolitan bistro has been created by Head Chef Dominick Pepe, filled with fresh fall ingredients. The night the boyfriend and I went for dinner it was a bit chilly so we sat inside but near a window. The decor throughout was rustic - dimly lit lamps with a verdant exterior decorated with vines and dotted with a variety of plants and flowers. In the back of the restaurant there's a large wood burning stove. Wood burning stoves equal amazing pizza crust and an amazing smokey flavor. Sidenote: I'm starting to get a few hunger pangs just thinking about this meal.

We started off the night with the antipasto misto dish accompanied with fresh bread. However I tried to go easy on the bread knowing that we had a full course meal ahead us. You know, choosing my carbs wisely. The antipasto misto was followed by the burrata cheese - definitely our favorite app from the two.

For dinner I had the Gnocchi al Gorgonzolaand (cheesy perfection) and the boyfriend had Corneto di Bufala (a pizza), which for him was a heavenly mixture of pizza crust cheese and Italian meats. I must mention that I ate from his plate as well and he had to fight me back with his fork. And yes, a food coma soon followed but not before I tried one of their cocktails (the Go-To drink made with cucumber vodka mmm) and gelato (obviously one of each flavor).

We ended the night on a high note after dinner - everything was great from the atmosphere, food, and service. In the interim I heard great things about brunch so a return trip is necessary. If you're in the mood for scrumptious Italian food but can't afford a plane ticket to Italy, I highly recommend you book a table here for dinner (or brunch).

Restaurant hours + tidbits:
3 Greenwich Avenue
Hours: M-S 10a-2a, Su 10a -12a
Brunch: 11a - 3p | Served Daily