nyc here i come.

At last the time has come. Fall is upon us--the smell of crisp, dry mornings is beckoning us to frolick among the apple orchards whilst sipping pumpkin beer and cozying up in one of our many soft scarves....or at least I so want it to be. And with Fall comes Fall Break, that heavenly time during college when, after cramming their brains so full of data to complete mid-terms that their brains explode, students flee campus for freer climes. Though I'm far from my college days, I've decided that this year I need a Fall Break. So I'm packing my bags and returning with open arms to my true love: New York City.

It was only 8 shorts months ago that I moved away from Brooklyn, but what a lifetime it seems. Even after all this time I can still hear the obnoxious honks of the car service parked across the street from Target every evening; I can still taste the smell of stinking fish at the entrance to the Grand St. D train; I can taste the scraps of nut bars from One Girl Cookies. I love it all. Which is why at the end of September I'm embarking on a long weeked return voyage to what I sometimes feel is my real native home.

Here's what I'm dying for (things NOT to be missed in my fast and furious trip):

1) Bouchon Bakery--I'll probably be there twice a day buying out all of their twice-baked chocolate croissants and oatmeal cookies.
2) Uniqlo
3) Prune--Best Brunch Experience In The City. I heart you Prune in all of your pink and mimosa glory.
4) Brooklyn Bridge--Love when you start on the path in Brooklyn at the first step "so far so good" is etched in the ground!
5) Natural History Museum--Ever wander through the Gems and Precious Stones room? I love getting lost here.
6) Babycakes & Vanessa's Dumplings.
7) Flatbush Farm & Bar(n)--Fave neighborhood spot with the best back patio surrounded by ivy under the stars.
8) McSorley's--2 for $4 Beers? Sawdust? Communal tables? Yes please!
9) One Girl Cookies--My old stomping ground. Whoopie pie mania.
10) Blue Marble Ice Cream--Coffee & Blackberry.
11) Sahadi's--I love when the old men stuff chocolate-covered cherries in my hands while I wait.

Got any ideas about places I should check out while I'm in NYC? Send 'em my way!

tuesday tunes 9.14.10

So occasionally I like to take a moment to send shout-outs to some of my favorite things NOT food-related. Today I want to send out some love for an artist I've been loving on all summer: Drake. In case you've missed any of the 5 songs he has making the rounds on the radio these days, it's worth your time to check out his album Thank Me Later. A cross between Robyn Thicke and Kanye, this album is all about making a lady feel like a queen. So here's a little taste for your Tuesday Tunes. Enjoy!

Drake--Fancy