Round-up: Four days of gluttony, bubbly, and adventure with Mom & Pop

Dear Readers,

From an elegant Spring gala, to lunch on the farm at Blue Hill Stone Barns, I had quite a delicious and adventurous long-weekend.

Thanks, in advance, to my dear folks, who deserve a round of applause for being so energetic and enthusiastic about running all over the city - and state. You definitely have enviable amounts of stamina and great attitudes, to boot.

So without further ado, please enjoy my summary of photos and blurbs.

A week ago today, my folks and I enjoyed 3-hours' worth of strolling-and eatingour way-through Hell's Kitchen, via Rum and Blackbird's Tasting Tour, led by my dear friend, and fellow foodie, Moira Campbell.

Rum and Blackbird Tasting Tours: first stop on the tour? Empanada Mama!

Rum and Blackbird Tasting Tours: Island Burgers & Shakes' black & white milkshake

Rum and Blackbird Tasting Tours: Gazala Place's handmade boureka...and The Lunch Belle's favorite savory pastry

As if it were humanly possible to further expand our stomachs in a 9-hour time frame, we enjoyed a protein-packed dinner at Wolfgang's Steakhouse (Park Avenue location), a restaurant started by a former headwaiter at Peter Luger Steakhouse. Aside from the space's deafening acoustics, a basket of cold bread + nearly-frozen butter, and a Caprese salad composed of the most mealy "beefsteak tomatoes," I will give Wolfgang's credit for having, quite possibly, the best cuts of beef this side of the Texas border. Let's face it, no one comes to a steakhouse for the salad or bread basket; although having stellar versions of each would, in fact, be the "icing on the cake."

While my father and cousin shared a porterhouse, my mother and I split the filet mignon. Served with a side of Hollandaise-like sauce, which had an overwhelming coconut-oil aftertaste, the beef proved more delicious in its naked state. Encrusted with a smoky char, the filet's interior was fork-tender. Our house-made side orders of French fries and onion rings were hot, crispy, perfectly salted and virtually greaseless.

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (Park Avenue): le menu

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (Park Avenue): bread basket

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (Park Avenue): Caprese salad

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (Park Avenue): filet mignon & house-made onion rings

On Friday morning, we noshed on a larger-than-life breakfast at Shopsin's. While Pop feasted on some sort of pastrami/egg scramble, Mom and I split the Mac & Cheese Pancakes and the Bobcater Sliders (mini-burgers topped with fiery Hatch green chile - inspired by the famous burgers served at the Bobcat Bite Restaurant in Santa Fe, NM).

Forgoing lunch, our meal at Shopsin's kept us satiated until dusk. Friday evening was spent raising vital funds for the NY Junior League's "Playground Improvement Project," via the eleventh-annual Spring Auction gala. Held at Capitale, one of Manhattan's most breathtaking venues, 460 guests nibbled on heavy hors d'oeuvre, sipped cocktails, bid on a fabulous array of both live and silent auction items, and danced the night away...all in the name of charity. While our VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive after party at The Eldridge, the rest of our patrons celebrated at Levanteast (a very special "thank you" to nightlife genius, Matt Levine; and Brandsway Creative/ML Creative Group's Event Director, and dear friend, Michelle Jimenez. You are stars!).

NYJL's Spring Auction 2010: Capitale (venue)

NYJL's Spring Auction 2010: table scapes

NYJL’s Spring Auction 2010: “step and repeat”

NYJL's Spring Auction 2010: my mother, me, and dear friend (and author of www.jgiwc.com), Teddi Ginsberg

Upon waking up on Saturday morning with pounding champagne-induced headaches, my parents and I cured our hangovers with a hearty lunch at the Brooklyn Diner, followed by a stellar 2pm performance of "The Jersey Boys." For a late dinner, we found ourselves at Luna Piena, a delicious, no-frills Italian restaurant near my parent's hotel.

Aside from the 30-days leading up to my reservation, I had been looking forward to Sunday for years. I wanted my first lunch experience at Dan Barber's Blue Hill Stone Barns to be accompanied by none other than my parents and dear childhood friend, Shelley. Having been upstate a handful of times, I've always found myself mesmerized by its natural beauty and serenity. Since Mom and Dad were such urban haters, I figured that a trip to a rural farm-located only 35 miles outside of Manhattan-just may change their jaded assumption that NYC is NY State.

From the minute our train sprung above ground in Harlem, my parents were fixated on all of the sights beyond their window. As our journey brought us closer to Tarrytown and further from NYC-revealing more trees and less buildings-I couldn't help but grin as I heard my mom telling my dad "how beautiful the scenery is." When we arrived at the Tarrytown stop, we hopped in to a cab for the 10-15 minute drive to Blue Hill Stone Barns. Our driver, Nacho, could not have been more helpful or courteous. He handed us his card and offered to pick us up after our meal, so long as we gave him a 15-minute head's up. (Readers: take this gentleman's information. The next time you find yourself en-route to/from Blue Hill Stone Barns, "Nacho" is the best-and inexpensive, to boot-ride in town: 914-227-5580)

With 20-minutes to spare upon arrival, the four of us walked through the property's expansive, emerald-green gardens and farmland. We visited the gift shop and the small cafe, where I purchased two jars of homemade jam and a fresh cheddar-chive scone. Finally, at 11:30am, we made our way towards the restaurant for our lunch reservation.

Before I proceed with my photo documentary of this meal, I must say that my lunch at Blue Hill Stone Barns was, without a doubt in my mind, the best restaurant-dining experience of my entire life. From the breathable/non-stuffy space (informally-sophisticated - tall, vaulted ceilings with exposed steel beams - white-washed walls - dark-wood paned windows which allowed for breathtaking farm views - fresh flowers throughout - a market table in the center of the dining room - and lots of, well, space!), outstanding service performed by knowledgeable and attentive staff, and the exquisite, simple food (only a genius can make vegetables taste this good!), I left my heart at Blue Hill.

I don't say this often-perhaps I've never even uttered these words on my website-but Blue Hill Stone Barns is an absolute "must."