What I loved and/or really stood out last week in life, love (hah!), food & drink  (5/06 - 5/12)

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Beets.  I'm obsessed.  Because of their prevalence at the salad bar in my company's cafeteria, I eat them everyday.  Every work day, that is.  And, on weekends, I'm either fantasizing about the week to come in "cafeteria beets," or scouring brunch menus that offer them in some form or fashion.

Kutsher's Tribeca: Roasted Beet Salad...

Last Tuesday night, Schwan's Consumer Brands (Tony's, Red Baron, Freschetta, Edwards, and Mrs. Smith) invited me to an exclusive media screening of Marvel's Iron Man 3.

As soon as we got settled in our seats at the theater, guests were each served personal-sized pizza boxes containing approximately 4-6 varied slices from the pizza companies under Schwan's umbrella.  While I enjoyed everything I sampled, I especially liked Freschetta's Chicken Club pie:  Chunks of legit white breast meat, tomato sauce that didn't have that stupid metallic aftertaste, smoky bacon nibs, wilted spinach greens, a mysteriously-delicious "white" sauce base, and a really damn good crust.  

Following the pizza course, we were served a trio of sliced desserts from the pie companies under Schwan's umbrella:  Hershey's Chocolate Creme, Salted Caramel, and Cherry.  And, as if that weren't enough, bags of buttery, salted popcorn were distributed when the movie started.

I got such a kick out of this media event.  I mean, what's better than dinner, dessert, and a movie?  Thanks again, Schwan's!

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Last Wednesday, May 8th, I celebrated my 9th anniversary in NYC.  I cannot believe that I have lived here since 2004; alas, "time certainly flies when you're having fun."  And, boy, has it been a ride! 

It still feels like yesterday when, just before entering the security line at the airport, I turned around and waved my parents "goodbye" one last time.  I landed at LaGuardia with three suitcases, a few hundred bucks, and a handful of dreams.  My dear friend, Bill, picked me up and drove me to The Webster Apartments, a transient women's dormitory where I would spend the next two months.  And begin my new life as a permanent resident in The Big Apple, a dream that I had held on to ever since seeing "Annie" at the ripe age of 4... 

The Webster Apartments Thank you, NYC, for the experiences - opportunities - friendships - relationships - culture - education - networking - Lucy - and everything in between.  You have taken me in your arms and cradled me, accepted me, and have shown me the best 9 years that a girl could ever hope for.  Here's to many, many more!   

I am so incredibly proud to call myself a...

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For those of you who have been around for a while, you are already aware of my undying love for Haagen-Dazs.  It all started with their once limited-edition Fleur de Sel Caramel back in 2009.  From there, I became a devout fan of Chocolate Peanut Butter, Prailines & Cream (which, by the way, is super hard to find), and Cookies & Cream.  So, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to the unveiling of the 'Haagen-Dazs Artist Series' – a collection of unique, limited-edition works of art inspired by a journey to Italy and gelato. 

Held at Pouring Ribbons, a bar in the East Village, the intimate gathering was complete with demonstrations, musical performances, and a dessert/cocktail tasting featuring the new Haagen-Dazs Gelato line.  And, speaking of tasting, I fell particularly hard for the specialty beverage that was composed of vodka, heavy cream, and Haagen-Dazs Limoncello Gelato...

But the best treat of all?  Rubbing elbows with world-famous Momofuku Milk Bar owner and pastry chef, Christina Tosi, who was serving Biscotti Milk, Chocolate Limoncello cookies, and Dark Chocolate Chip Gelato Cake!  #starstruck

Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina TosiChristina Tosi's Chocolate Limoncello cookiesChristina Tosi's Dark Chocolate Chip Gelato Cake...

Chipotle Mexican Grill is now serving top-shelf margaritas.  Made with Patron, triple sec, organic agave nectar, and a blend of freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice. 

Need I say more?

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Rarely am I one to plug hotels, as I'm quick to find flaws with service, aesthetics, location, cleanliness, etc.  However, just hours prior to my parents' arrival in NYC last week, I decided to check-in to their room at the Eventi and stock it with goodies (scotch for Dad, crackers for Mom).  And crank the A/C full-blast.  And grab a bucket of ice for Dad.  And snag extra towels for Mom.  And, and, and.  "They hate NYC."  I advised to the front desk clerk upon check-in, "so if you could make sure that they have the best room in their category, that would be amazing.  I just want this to be one less thing they'll complain about."  There was this genuine sense that Stephen M. (front desk clerk who is also the hotel's concierge) was concerned and actually cared about my parents' visit.  He upgraded them to the next class of rooms, and even had a bottle of wine sent up prior to their arrival.

Aside from Stephen M., we also found that all of the employees we encountered at the Eventi went above and beyond the call of duty.  What a pleasant surprise in this day and age!  

Oh, and another awesome tidbit about the Eventi is that they have a pretty solid restaurant - under the ESquared umbrella (which means popovers in the bread basket!) - called Humphrey.  Think:  Indoor and outdoor dining, American fare, and a full bar.    

Eventi - moderate to expensive rooms - 850 Avenue of the Americas - NYC 10001

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For the fourth year in a row, I was invited to judge The New York Texas Exes' Lone Star Chili Cook-off at Beekman Beer Garden.  What made this particular cook-off extra special was the fact that I had my parents, from Texas, in tow!

When it comes to chili, recipes are as individualistic as a human fingerprint.  There are multiple possibilities in terms of spice, texture, color, and flavor.  Proving that point, the contestants made use of both traditional and exotic ingredients:  Seafood, a kaleidoscope of fresh and smoked peppers, beans, ground meat and poultry, sausage, brisket, cumin, chicharrones, cornbread, sour cream, etc.  However, when it came down to it, the chilis that scored the highest were those that were the most traditional ("traditional" being a relative term, I suppose) and closest to "what Mom used to make."  In fact, the chili in the photo, directly above, was my favorite of the 20+ samples that I tried. 

Unlimited beer and chili - a live band belting out everything from country to Michael Jackson - a gorgeous location with breathtaking views of Brooklyn and Manhattan - and a crowd filled with TEXpats was the perfect introductory event to kick off my weekend with Mom and Dad. 

Until next year, y'all!

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For dinner on Saturday night, I took Mom and Dad to one of my favorite restaurants in the city:  BLT Fish.  And, just like every other time that I've had the pleasure of dining there, the restaurant did not disappoint.  Nor did the service.  Or the atmosphere. 

If you've never been, I highly suggest adding BLT Fish to your repertoire.  You simply cannot help but fall in love with this incredibly special gem, quietly tucked away on the third floor of building on 17th Street. 

BLT Fish: An amuse bouche of pureed green pea/goat cheese, served with homemade seasoned crispsBLT Fish: Life-altering green onion/cheese biscuits, served with maple syrup-topped salted butterBLT Fish: Alaskan King Crab legsBLT Fish: Nova Scotia hard shell lobsterBLT Fish: English spinachBLT Fish: Pommes puree (potatoes smashed with brown butter)BLT Fish: Gratis desserts include homemade green apple cotton candy, passion fruit caramels, and chocolates topped with fleur de selBLT Fish - seafood, American cuisine -  21 W. 17th Street - NYC 10011

 

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TGIF and have a great weekend, y'all!

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle