Peaches in Brooklyn

Peaches in Brooklyn

Sweet door to the restaurant

My Dearest friend Monica

Hand Dipped Flounder with Creamed Spinach

Blackened Catfish with Sweat Potato fries and grilled Lemon

I was having a really lousy week when I decided to meet with my dear friend Monica at Peaches in Brooklyn. I was swimming in my pool of negativity despite the gorgeous 65-degree sunny weather. Monica is the type of person that has always been a cheerleader and an encourager. She is full of life and this was no exception.  As we were exchanging our stories of recent happenings, she admitted that life isn’t all peaches and cotton candy, however that I have been an extraordinary being and she installed hope in me. I used to think that I would be happy only if I had “X” but only to realize that it isn’t those things that make you happy, rather it’s the moments in between such as friends like Monica and delicious meals in Brooklyn. 

Fro-Yo Moment

I cannot believe it’s May already! Half way through the year and I feel like I am so behind. My goals for the year are not even half met! Time is passing right before my eyes and it is always a struggle to catch up. 

I took time to slow down today in the midst of my hectic nyc schedule. A cup of fro-yo and a stroll in the park during my lunch hour. Moments like these I am thankful to slow down, appreciate the greenery, flip-flop weather, and people that love me dearly.  

Cheers to fro-yo moments! TGIF!! 

Love for New York

Washington Square

View from the High Line

View from the High Line

View from the High Line

Filling Station at Chelsea Market

Dear Los Angeles,

I have discovered the secret to your happiness!! :Sunshine.  We bear the cold winters wearing sleeping bag jackets, as I like to call it, dressed in boots over our 3 layers of long johns, and wearing nothing but bitter black.  But oh no! Not this week.  We got a full flavor alive in New York City. It’s quite wonderful. 70 degrees in the middle of March. I will now run around in shorts and work on my tan. Not quite. But nonetheless God must love New York! 

Vesta

New York City is big. You may be the little fish in a big pond.  I surely was. Overwhelmed by the size, people, choices, and personality. Four years in this city and I am at a place where I call this home. It’s really the little things that make the whole experience rich.  I have my “go-to” places from coffee shops, bagel store, nail salon, dentist, and Saturday morning running routes. And to make my circle complete, I have found my go-to brunch place.  Really? Brunch?! Well if you know anything about New York, it’s that there real brunch culture that’s true to its etymological origins.  It’s perfect! New Yorkers, we sleep late and wake up late. New York really trumps at the art of this meal.

Vesta, an Italian Restaurant & wine Bar is tucked away in a busy area is definitely a local gem. They are committed to the local green market that means all the ingredients are from local farmers.  This also serves as a special place because I have taken, essentially everyone that I love here. From my best girlfriends to out of towners. This also serves as a special place because Mr. T and I had our first brunch here!

Pictured above is the Hangover pizza that features potato, pancetta, sausage, fried eggs & spicy tomato sauce.  The egg on that pizza just does something to you! My favorite is the Warm Bankie.  It tastes just like the name.  Warm like a blanket wrapped around you. It has layers of polenta then topped with asparagus, mushrooms & truffle oil. Oh and fried egg on that as well.

The staff here is really friendly and very welcoming. I’ll probably take a visit this weekend :)

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 :)