Joshua Radin

I saw Joshua Radin play at Webster Hall this week. Not only is he adorable and charming, he is so talented! His voice is soft and sweet one minute, and the next minute he's rockin out with his guitar. I was so happy that he played my favorite song Today. Anyone who's heard this song probably agrees, it is the most beautiful and touching song. I first heard it in July and said this will be my wedding song one day, and after hearing it live I stand by my words. It's amazing! I guess I have good taste because Ellen and Portia had Josh perform this song live at their wedding. There were 2 other highlights to the show... Josh's good friend Zach Braff was there to support him and Josh encored with a Bob Dylan cover. Let's just say it was an up close and personal performance for us. Enjoy (and be jealous)!

Orchids

I took my first 2 orchid classes with Ruth Drennan. I am really enjoying the classes, and the orchids were a lot of fun to work on. I learned Cymbidium and Dendrobium orchids. Check it out :)

Regina Spektor

About a month ago I saw Regina Spektor perform at Radio City. I've been listening to her music for a few years but this was my first time seeing her play live. She lit up the entire place with her heart felt lyrics and quirky voice.

Falai

I don't always review restaurants, but I had to in this case. Falai gets a giant THUMBS UP! I don't think I can rave enough about the meal I had there last night, and I'm not sure if I want to because this place is a gem and I'd love it to stay that way. Doug took me on a date (awww) and he always lets me pick the place since he knows how much I love discovering good food. I read some amazing reviews for Falai and we decided to try it. Falai is an adorable little spot on Clinton near Rivington. There is a tiny bar with little crystals hanging overhead and maybe 10 tables in the whole place. It's cozy, so simple and so perfect. Onto the food... oh my. The presentation was impeccable and very creative, and the dishes themselves were some of the best I've ever tasted (the couples to the left and right seemed to agree). We savored every moment, all 3 hours of it... from the wine to the appetizers to the pastas to the fish and finally dessert. It was AMAZING! With that said, this is not the place to go if you're the type who likes to bring home leftovers. You will lick your plate clean, like I did :)

68 Clinton nr. Rivington
212.253.1960
Italian




BITES:
Bufala Ricotta Flan, pine-nut crumble, cauliflower, candied apple, frisée salad
Stracci di Pasta, spring herb pasta, green asparagus, pioppini mushrooms, asiago cheese and summer truffle fondue
Gnudi ricotta cheese, baby spinach, brown butter, crema di latte, crispy sage
Coda di Rospo monkfish two ways, seared and fried, cherry tomatoes,aioli, red beet vinaigrette, grilled eggplant
Passion Fruit Souffle

SIPS:
Castelvecchio, Canaiolo 2004
Cappuccino

Photos courtesy of NYmag and Falai

Fashion Icon: Blake Lively

I can't stop oohing and aahing over every look on Blake Lively in the November NYLON issue. Holy Sequins! I loveeee the Gucci sequin jacket and the skirt paired with it. Not to mention she's insanely beautiful and can pull off anything she wears. Everything about the shoot is right on.. including her hair. Especially jealous though about the part where she admits to owning half of Serena's wardrobe. Ah, a girl can dream...

Pour Some Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches On Me

Get bake and break cookies in your grocers dairy section (does not have to be sugar cookie...feel free to be creative and try chocolate chip)

Bake cookies per instructions on package. Cool in fridge for two days. Put ice cream (flavor of your choice) in the middle to make a sandwich
Dish courtesy of Hillary Cohen

7 Things I Hate About You Layer Dip

1 block of lowfat cream cheese
Combine with 1/2 container of nonfat sourcream
Add a layer of sweet corn
Add a layer of black beans
Add salsa
Top with chedder & mozerella cheese (or any cheese you like :-)
Dish courtesy of Staci Weiner

Great Balls of Spinach

2 10oz packages spinach (they're the blocks) (thawed and drained well)
2 beaten eggs
2 cups herb stuffing mix (make sure it's herb flavored, not chicken or turkey)
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup parm cheese (i didn't use this)
dash of garlic powder
dash of salt

Mix all ingredients in bowl and roll in to balls.
Bake 15 minutes at 350.
You can also freeze them and bake for 20 minutes.
Dish courtesy of Jill Weinstein

Boom Boom Kung Pow Chicken

1lb boneless-skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1” pieces)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons scallions (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts

Combine chicken and cornstarch in a small bowl and toss to coat. Heat sesame oil in wok over medium heat, add chicken and stir fry 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from wok. Add green onions, garlic, red pepper flakes and powdered ginger to the wok and stir fry for 15 seconds. Combine vinegar, soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well and add the sauce to the wok. Return chicken to the wok and coat with sauce. Stir in roasted peanuts. Heat thoroughly. Top with additional green onions if desired and serve over white rice.
Dish courtesy of Blake de la Torre