Cocoron

This may seem like just a bowl of soba noodles to you, but I wish you can hear the bowls clanking, words between friends, and most of all, see how petite this place is! You couldn’t fit more then 12 people. This was rather a special day for me where my best friend & I were meeting each other’s “significant other”. Cocoron, the Japanese soba noodle restaurant in the lower east side, I thought may have been a brilliant choice since they were out of towners visiting for the day. But of course I forget how jam-packed and nearly impossible for party of four to sit together on a Saturday night. But after a few minutes of anxiety of whether switch up... through a miracle of God and prayer, we were able to sit all together, enjoying this lovely meal after a rainy Saturday. In my hopelessness, there was light!

The bowl that is featured is Pork Kimchee dip Soba. It was so delicious! I will definitely have this again. We also had the green tea ice cream to share. It was rather a successful day! :)

9.11 Memorial

New York is a beautiful city. Sure there are moments during my morning commute that I want to manslaughter every being that cuts in front of me, but surely I always wriggle back into the arms of her.

This past weekend, I had the chance to visit the 9.11 Memorial.  I wasn’t sure what to expect however getting into the memorial was like security checkpoint at the airports.  Kind of silly I say. But you don't have to take off your shoes! Lol! Once you enter into the memorial, there are two massive fountains that represent the towers and along with engraved names of those who lost their lives.  This is absolutely a stunning, jaw dropping piece of architectural work, however Mr. T & I could not help but to think about the resources that was poured into this project.  Yes we want to respect the victims, but couldn’t part of the money be used to assist those families that are still recovering?

This picture was taken shortly after at the South Street Sea Port. There are just no words but of kindness in the waters, the lights, and remembering that I am so blessed.

This is Mr. T. He stopped and offered to take a picture for these ladies from England, while of course I just passed right by them. I even asked him at one point why he would do such a thing? Yes, I fit the New Yorker stereotype, sometimes.  Then I realized he is just a nice guy who want's to help out when he can, even if it is helping these ladies capture a moment in NYC :)

By the way, their back drop was that skyline in the second picture.

Today is Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent. I am not sure if I am giving up anything but surely would like to grow into a better person... perhaps stopping to take pictures for people :)

A Valentine's Note

I took this picture for one of my closest girlfriend who started a fabulous stationary business few months ago, Modern Ink.  In the series of cards, this was one of my favorites where it read You Are So Loved. Whether you are single, married, or dating, this is such an important message. That being loved doesn’t take a second party rather the biggest gift is loving yourself! There is so much beauty in those individuals who are committed to loving oneself - that out of that love & confidence, overflows love for others.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

xoxo

Hungry Mother

I had the chance to visit my closest girl friend in Boston this past weekend and had to ask if we can revisit this place again. A meal at Hungry Mother is a reminder that I really can do anything that I set my heart/mind towards, even if it’s running the half marathon. Which by the way, Boston’s Run to Remember is a fantastic course for anyone who is looking to run in a strikingly picturesque path of Boston with a great crowd. The last time we were at Hungry Mother was a celebratory meal in finishing the race. 

Hungry Mother in Cambridge, Massachusetts is of one those places that while serving exceptionally great tasty foods, they have a cute décor with delightful service to match!  It’s safe to say that this place is a Southern inspired cuisine with a contemporary a favor.  I had the Catfish Pecan Meuniere that featured rice pilau, red peas, with lemon brown butter (pictured above).  I think it’s the best on their menu!! My girlfriend had the Braise Beef Cheeks Gnocchi, which was also extremely delicious! Of course large cornbread to share.

Can't you taste the love?

Over this past weekend, my closest friends and I gathered in DC where we have our yearly tradition of what we like to call Yaya Holiday party. Elongated holiday celebration to lengthen the season of Christmas, our favorite holiday. It all started in college where we used to exchange Forever 21 jewelries, scrapbooks, and H&M gift cards. We are now big girls who exchange fancy gifts like American Express gift cards, colorful eye shadow palette from Urban Decay, and Clinique eye cream as we approach thirty. This year, we decided to have the party in DC since both them now reside there and one is now a mom. To my wonderful surprise, I woke up Saturday morning to this dish. I felt some serious love.  

She made Eggs in a Basket which she cut a circular hole in the bread. While it is frying the pan, she cracked the egg into the “basket” of the toast. Simple, fun, and brilliant.