Mi vida loca: Nuptials and a bitch named Sandy
Wow. I'm not sure if there's another word that better summarizes this past week. Or month, for that matter. It's been quite an eventful - and eerie - October in the Big Apple. And, certainly, one that we will not soon - or ever - forget...
Speaking of this past week, there were the obvious lows (brought on by Mother Nature) - but plenty of fantastic highs. So, please join me as I highlight October's final days:
Thursday, 10/25
I met Tammi, a friend and reader, for snacks and drinks at the bar at Eleven Madison Park, in honor of her birthday. The extraordinary service was beyond compare...as were the freshly-baked croissant rolls, specially-prepared butternut squash soup, and our dessert - a play on ricotta cheesecake.
Just a taste..."Ricotta cheesecake," lime curd, berries
Friday, 10/26
While Friday was relatively uneventful, I received a notice from my apartment's management to "...remove and secure all terrace/balcony furniture and other objects in preparation for Hurricane Sandy." I made sure to take care of that as soon as I got home from work, since I would be leaving early the next morning for a wedding in Connecticut.
Saturday, 10/27
After dropping Lucy off at chi-chi D Pet Hotel, I headed to Penn Station to board my Providence, RI-bound Amtrak train to New London, CT.
FYI, donut buffs: Did you know that there's a Krispy Kreme on the Amtrak level at Penn Station?
Mmmm...Glazed pumpkin-spice cake donuts!
From my window seat, the cornucopia of fall scenery was fantastic!
Check out that killer view!
Upon arrival in New London, I took a taxi across the Thames River to the Avis Rental Car at the Groton-New London Airport. 1 train, 1 cab, and 1 rental car-ride later, I finally arrived at my hotel in Dayville - with only an hour to spare before the shuttle came to fetch me for the wedding. Whew!
...Leave it to me to forget to pack my contact lenses, blush, and toothbrush. That's right, I ended up looking like Sarah Palin in a cocktail dress!Sigh.
A quarter after three, a classic yellow school bus arrived (at the hotel) to take us to Tyrone Farm - Moira's wedding venue - in picturesque Pomfret, CT.Despite the impending hurricane on the horizon, the rain clouds parted for the entirety of Moira's 1950's/60's-themed, indoor/outdoor wedding and reception.
Note the clusters of pumpkins and gourds
Along with programs, guests were encouraged to grab a "Toss Me" bag, filled with small wooden music notes, on their way to their seats. Pashmina wraps were provided for the ladies
The guests anticipate Moira & Eric's walk down the aisle
Live musicians
The flower girl
The beautiful bride and her groom
The crowd heads towards the celebratory reception, catered by Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro
Outdoors, guests imbibed in an array of cocktails, wines, beers, and hot cider/sodas/water
I fancied the Rum Punch…
...and the delicious passed hors d'oeuvres. Namely, the sweet 'n sticky BBQ ribs. :)
For those who preferred to stay indoors, a 1950's-inspired band was playing live music
At about 6:30pm, guests began making their way over to the barn for a candle lit dinner - dessert - and dancing
The food, wine, and cocktails served were the best that I’ve ever had at a wedding. So much care and detail was put in to every last bite and sip…
Served family style, menu highlights included: Locally-grown zucchini bread, roasted beet salad (pictured further below), thyme-roasted Brussels sprouts, BBC-brined roasted chicken, and roasted arctic char.
To start, each guest received an "amuse bouche," of sorts: Local goat's cheese, seasonal berries.
Roasted Beet Salad
While many of my other entree photos didn't fare as beautifully, I was able to snap a shot of the wedding cake - and the couple's incredibly creative "cake bar," courtesy of Good Butter Bakery, featuring an array of a dozen different, handmade, cake varieties. Additionally, an outdoor fire pit was ignited for guests who wished to make their own smores.
While many danced the night away, I used my time to eat. And drink. And eat some more. And take silly pics in the photo booth with my friend, Veronica.
As if I had any more room in my stomach, The Cheese Truck (food truck) pulled up to the barn at 10:30pm, serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and warm tomato soup-shots!
Just before midnight, guests serenaded the couple with a parade of sparklers
Wedding favors included the most unbelieveable "salty oats" cookies from the bride's aunt's cookie bakery, Kayak Cookies. (This is the same aunt who owns Good Butter Bakery!)
Sunday, 10/28
At 9am, I awoke to a nagging alarm clock and a raging headache. The sign of a good night, no?
With the impending hurricane slowly making its way up north, I wanted to get back to NYC as soon as possible...
Shortly after 10am, I arrived at Moira & Eric's send-off brunch, located in a lodge on the sprawling grounds of The Pomfret Boarding School. Catered by Mrs. Bridges' Pantry, a British tea shop located in nearby Woodstock, guests enjoyed:
Traditional British tea, coffee - Paired alongside shabby-chic, mismatched tea cups and spoons
Homemade scones, served with strawberry jam - lemon curd - and clotted cream
The best Shepard's Pie that I've ever tasted
Spinach & feta pies
And an assortment of quiches & savory pies
After the lovely brunch, I drove back to the Avis location at the Groton-New London Airport, and hitched a ride to the New London train station. I could not wait to get home to Lucy and finish preparing for the storm.
With time to spare before my scheduled departure, I strolled the perimeter of the train station. Here's something that caught my eye...
I mean, I would certainly hope that the restaurant was hygienic. What the hell kind of name is that??
Although my train was delayed for 30 minutes, I still made it to Penn Station by 4:30pm...But was taken aback when, upon my walk home, I read that subway service would be halted from 7pm onward. Until further notice...
I was home - with Lucy in tow - by 5pm. Phew!
Monday, 10/29 - Tuesday, 10/30
Both of these days were spent on the sofa, with my eyes glued to the TV. And the big window in my living room, which I used to monitor the storm...and the terrace of that idiot who lives across 6th Avenue from me. Although every person with outdoor space received ample warning to remove "any furniture or objects," this fool proceeded to leave his BOWFLEX machine outdoors for the duration of the storm! And, no, he was not out of town. Imagine the damage that this could have caused? But let's not deviate from the real question at hand here: What kind of douche puts his exercise equipment on his terrace, a virtual fish bowl, to begin with? C'mon now...
Luckily, you will see that the only damage done was to the machine, itself. Good riddance!
Since the stock exchange was closed on both Monday and Tuesday (I work at an investment bank), I literally did not leave my apartment - change out of my pajamas - or eat anything perishable until Wednesday. Believe it or not, my apartment building was one of the few in the area that did not lose power or water! I was in complete shock and disbelief. And counting every last one of my lucky stars.
On Tuesday afternoon, my friend, Dana, whose building was (and still is) without power and water, came over to charge her phone and take a hot shower.
Wednesday, 10/31
Halloween shmalloween. It sure as hell didn't feel like a fun, festive holiday in NYC. Especially since I had to go back to work...
Since bus service was free, I took the M7 up 6th Avenue, and got off at 57th Street to see if I could get a good view of the collapsed crane...
My friend, Jane, who was (and still is) without power and water, asked if she could take refuge in my apartment. On my walk home from work - remember, subways were still not running - I happened upon flashing lights, police caution tape, flares, and a small mob scene. Assuming that scaffolding had fallen, I overheard someone say that a girl had just leapt to her death. My heart sank. This was the second instance - this month - that someone had died in this manner. : (
I was thrilled to have Jane stay over, as I knew that her presence would really help get my mind off of what had just happened. We decided to grab drinks and dinner in my neighborhood, but soon realized that a) restaurants/bars were either beyond crowded, or b) not open because of power loss.
Here's a view of the Flatiron District at around 7:30pm on Wednesday night, illuminated only by the head/tail lights of motorists. Think that only buildings lost power? Think again. A multitude of street lights were out, too, wreaking havoc on the traffic...
After wandering aimlessly with no luck, we finally ended up at Hill country. Whoever said that BBQ and margaritas can't cure the blues is a total idiot...
Thursday, 11/1
Thank god October is *finally* over. What a shiteous month!
After leaving a meeting uptown, I gasped in horror as I saw the insanely long line of folks waiting to board the Queens-bound F train at 63rd Street. Aside from the fact that service was free, this was the only subway train going across the water.
For dinner, Jane and I enjoyed a fabulous Persian meal at Pars Grill House & Bar.
Readers: How did you weather the storm? Was your home affected, due to power/water loss or serious damage? Did you have to seek refuge? I'd love to hear your stories.
I'm going to see/research if there's anything I can do to help. Volunteer. Whatever! Are you doing anything?
One thing I will say, before I sign off, is that I think the Mayor is a complete JACKASS for deciding to proceed with the NYC Marathon this weekend. I mean, is there any aspect of this decision that's NOT a complete epic fail? He needs to stop trying to prove to the world that "New Yorkers will not let a storm tear us down." Seriously. If you're with me, then vote here to have the Marathon rescheduled to Spring 2013.
On that note, I wish all of you a safe, warm, and healthy weekend. Keep your heads up and, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
…
Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle