This Just In...

It's almost restaurant week in New York city!!! And now, you can make reservations on opentable here. Hurry because you know how fast it fills up! Bon Appetit.

The "Real" Devil Wears Prada

Like every good New Yorker, my news sources consisit of either New York Magazine or the Post. While reading my Monday updates, I was shocked to learn that Anna Wintour has a documentary coming out next month titled "The September Issue." If you do not know who Anna Wintour is, you should be ashamed of yourself. For those of you who are as fascinated by her life as I am and secretly try and stalk her during fashion week, then this is the documentary for you. Apparently she refers to Jennifer Garner as looking "pregnant" and says other mean nasty terrible things..while wearing Chanel, of course. Learn more here.

The Invention of Lying

Confession: I am addicted to celebrity blogs. Even the boring ones that only talk about how they had sushi for lunch and it was REALLY GOOD! But my all-time favorite celebrity blog is Ricky Gervais' (Gervais's?). I think he's a comedic genius. Up there with Eddie Izzard. So, naturally, I've been on the edge of my seat waiting for the trailer to his new movie The Invention of Lying to come out. Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill! I might have a heart attack. And that's no lie.

Culture: Get some.

In a city that sleeps only slightly less than NY (thanks to that pesky 2am last call), it becomes all too easy for a gal to spend all of her evenings at bars and clubs. Since checking TMZ.com every few hours doesn't really count when it comes to being "cultured", I like to visit the theatre, museum or random live music event every now and then so that I can make myself feel more interesting. Case and point: Independent Theatre.

Thanks to an awesome friend who had an extra ticket, I got to see Love, Humiliation & Karaoke, a one-man, autobiographical show about everything from singing trannies to online dating. Unfortunately for San Franciscans, Thursday was the show's last night in the city, but luckily for New Yorkers it will be heading to the Midtown International Theatre Festival in late July.

Added bonus: even if you can't make LHK, there's a solid 3 weeks of independent theatre to be had at the festival. I figure you can claim to be cultured for a solid 14 days after seeing a play.

Favorite Song Friday

So, technically it's still Thursday out on the Left Coast (for another 45 minutes), but I didn't want to miss favorite song Friday again. Today's song is in honor of my moving from the 'burbs to the heart of San Francisco.

courtesy Rhettandlink

Here's to my very own de-luxe apartment in the sky.

Shoe Sale? UMMM..I Die.

I found something to make Lko forget that date faster than Michael Phelps can swim (no, I'm being serious). Nine West is having an amazing shoe sale! And I mean AMAZING. Everything is not only slashed up to 50%, but many shoes are marked down an additional 20% at checkout. AND the shoes are super cute. AND they throw in free shipping. Someone pinch me??? I just ordered a couple pairs online, but my favorite will be these. I have been wanting to try the new gladiator trend for awhile, and the amazing prices persuaded me to do it. Okay, quick, go check it out!! I'll update everyone once my boxes of shoes arrive in the mail (sqeal!!!).

Third time was NOT the charm.

Gentlemen,

A word of advice. If you have exchanged a few emails with a gal... say, one you met through an online dating service... and you say, "would you like to grab a drink after work sometime?", and she agrees, PLEASE at least OFFER to pay for her drinks and dinner. You can even use it as a test . Any woman who is worth a darn will put up a fight and insist on paying for her fair share. But we at least like to think you're willing to pay!

Also, please note that this has nothing to do with being shallow. A girl (even independent girls of 2009) wants to know the guy she's with will take care of her if she needs him to. Not offering to pay on a first date kind of sends red flags. It's the simplest form of showing you're a gentleman (aside from the whole opening doors thing).

So, there are my 2 cents for today. I would've given more, but I had to split the bar tab last night.

Stay Tuned

Two months ago I ventured into the exciting world of online dating. I've been out with 2 guys (6 dates), and read countless emails & profiles.

Tonight is guy 3 (date 7). We are meeting at Tied House. I'll post tomorrow re: the beer, baseball & boy.

Let's hope he does better than the Longhorns did last night.

Brunches of Fun

It's no secret that brunch is my favorite meal. If restaurants in Manhattan only served brunch, I'd be perfectly happy. I'm going to share my favorite brunch places with all of you. This week it is Sarahbeth's. Go early as it tends to get crowded as the day goes on (I reccomend the Upper West Side location). It's well worth it- the menu has everything from eggs to waffles to french toast galore. I highly reccomend the Almond Crusted French Toast. Your taste buds will thank you.

If The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine...

Then you might as well go shoe shopping. Which is exactly what I did. For those New Yorkers out there, you must also be sitting there wondering when it is that you moved to Seattle. This rain won't stop! It's been raining for a week straight and it's supposed to rain for another...gross. I've been trying to find the perfect wellies to keep my feet dry for months, and this past weekend I decided enough is enough (really, my feet were begging me to make a decision already dammit) and I opted for these boots from Hunter. While a bit of an investment, I can not get over how COMFORTABLE and stylish they are. You can wear them with dresses, leggings, and even tuck your jeans into them. I bought them in the bright cheery red to make me look forward to this El Nino of the summer.

Favorite Song Sunday

So I missed posting a new song on Friday. My bad. But this one will make up for it, I think.

I'm no expert, but...

So, yesterday was a fun-filled day of new adventures in the Bay Area. After a long day at Great America, J & I were waayy to tired/lazy to cook. So we wandered up to Chestnut to find something to eat. I said, "I would like Greek or Indian" (random, I know). Being the Marina, there is little Indian to be had, but we'd decided that's what we wanted, and J thought she remembered seeing a place. And behold! Ashoka!



The atmosphere was a little strange...for one, we were the only table in there for about 10 minutes, until a pair of guys came in. Secondly, it was extremely dark. I'm wondering if passers-by just thought it was closed?



Anyway, we started with Samosas (of course) & shared the Murgh Malai Kabab (chicken tandoori dish) & Ghosh Madras. The food was AMAZING. The lamb curry was so spicy my nose was running & the chicken and amazing flavor. It was also extremely juicy - not dry like some tandoori chicken I've had in the past.



I think Tabla in Foster City is still my favorite (the Bollywood movies make it), but for a neighborhood where the standard dress code is Frat Party Chic, I think Ashoka is quite acceptable.

What You Should Be Wearing Tuesday

I would like to take a brief pause in the name of school spirit. Anyone privileged enough to know what the phrase "'Til Gabriel blows his horn" means, or who's stood for 3 hours in 100+ degree heat on a Saturday in September screaming at the top of his/her lungs, or who has felt pride seeing a tower in the middle of Austin lit Orange should be sporting one of these bad boys tomorrow. After a wild and crazy game against Southern Mississippi last night, Texas will advance to the winner's bracket of the NCAA College World Series. They will meet ASU tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6pm CST. This is the first time that the Longhorns have had an appearance in the CWS since 2005, when they won the national title.

So, as we say in Austin, Hook 'em.

Lunch Break Find

Working in Soho makes it hard to just go out for lunch and get food and not browse (or at least window shop!) in all the great stores and boutiques. I was feeling the fashion bug big time today (maybe since it was Friday or the great sunny weather...who am I kidding, when do I not feel the fashion bug?!) when I decided to walk into a oldie but goodie...Forever 21. For those of you who think you can not shop at this store past the age of 21, think again. The store always has great and afforadable finds for all ages. While fabulous finds usually require some digging, I was pleasantly suprised to find all kinds of great summer options staring at me from the racks. There were cute dresses galore, fun shorts, trendy accessories, and some solid basics (tanks, camis, tee's, you name it). I ended up settling on this pretty pink ruffled top. It would be great with a skirt and jeans to wear on the weekends or even to work. It would also go amazingly well with the necklace Lko mentions below.

Brings a whole new meaning to being 21 forever, doesn't it?

Favorite Song Friday

This song always puts a bounce in my step.

American Idol Shocker

I would recap this article about American Idol's Adam Labert, but I feel this excerpt says it all:


His decision to audition for "American Idol" came after a week at Burning Man -- an annual festival held in a Nevada desert -- where he experimented with "certain funguses."
"I had a psychedelic experience where I looked up at the clouds and went, 'Oh!' " he said. "I realized that we all have our own power, and that whatever I wanted to do, I had to make happen."
And what he wanted to do was be on "American Idol," he said.

Seriously?

Secret to Happiness

It’s the little things in life that make me happy – warm summer days, laughing so hard it hurts, sleeping in, and Chanel to name a few. So, it was my great delight to discover my newest bundle of happiness- BadGAL lash mascara by Benefit. Okay, so I have a thing er.. obsession for mascara and won’t leave home without it. I feel naked unless my lashes are evenly coated and yes, I do have about 6-8 tubes sitting on my bathroom counter at any given moment. Being the mascara maven that I am, I fell in love with BadGal at first use. The brush is perfect (not too clumpy, not too flimsy) and evenly coated each of my lashes without any clumps. I wear contacts, and the formula doesn’t bother my eyes and comes off easily with makeup remover. It’s perfect for day or night (just put on a few extra coats for that va-voom look). My favorite thing about it though is that every time I wear it, people ask me if I’m wearing false lashes. And for $19, it’s just another one of those little things in life that makes me happy…no, make that ecstatic.

Union Street Festival, Revisited

Saturday's Union Street Festival was a blast. Although, I have to say, it was a hell of alot like a frat party for 20- to 30-somethings. Think: Madras shorts, popped collars and yes...lots and lots of maxi dresses.

Besides the awesome hot link on a sourdough roll, my favorite discovery of the day was the discovery of JBalducci. Her delicate, unique designs are all handcrafted in her SF - which means alot of them are one of a kind. LOVED the California Quail necklace (plus 20% of the proceeds go to saving the endangered bird). Check out all of her collections here.

Festivus for the Rest of Us

While Manhattanites flee the heat of their beloved city for the chic parties & cool ocean breezes of the Hamptons, Summer to San Franciscans is officially festival season.  From Bay to Breakers (more of a moving party than a festival) to the Outside Lands Music festival, San Francisco summers are filled with community events that encompass food, music, art & who knows what else (it is San Francisco, afterall).  This weekend, I'll be heading out to the Union Street festival.  Along with gourmet food vendors & live music, some of San Francisco's best artists will be showcasing their work.  Below is a Cliff's Notes version of the Summer Festival Season.

Union Street Festival, June 6-7 - This year with an eco-urban theme.

SF GLBT Pride Parade, June 28 - Go for the cause, stay for the fun. BoA is headlining the mainstage

SF Waterfront Festival, July 4 - One of the best fireworks shows in the bay area - as long as the fog cooperates

Fillmore Jazz Festival, July 4-5 - The largest free Jazz Festival on the West Coast

San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, July 8-12 - Showcases independent film makers & musicians from around the globe

Nihonmachi Street Fair, August 8-9 - The 36th Annual festival celebration Asian/Pacific Americans

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, September 12-13 - Um...Cocolate. Festival.  Enough said.

Folsom Street Fair, September 27 - A fair dedicated to exhibitionism, bondage & festish.  Dust off the ass-less chaps and leave the kids at home.

 

The Maxi Dress: Do or Don't?

I'm going to a baby shower this weekend and have no idea what to wear. I want to wear a dress but I don't want anything that's too conservative and dull, and I don't want to to scream party girl sexy either. I want something fun with a touch of flirty and a whole lotta comfort. While browsing my favorite shopping sites, I couldn't help but notice how maxi dresses seem to be all the rage for the summer. While I must admit, the long flowly frocks look comfortable and very pretty on the models and celebs online, I wonder if they are as pretty in real life? Something tells me I'd look too dumpy or like I was wearing a nightgown if I wore one. And most importantly, what shoes would I wear? I feel like I'd trip all over the place if I wore heels with the long dress, and that's just downright tacky at a baby shower. Then again, it just seems like the perfect thing to thrown on in the summer without too much thought. I'm torn. Do I maxi?

Martha. I heart her.

Having lived with me for a year, SB can attest to my love of baking & crafts.  In other words, when I grow up I want to be Martha Stewart...only with better clothes and less jail time.  

So, while not specifically about CA or NY, I couldn't resist a post about Martha Stewart's new book, Cupcakes.   The book is a follow-up to her highly successful Cookies, and features 175 ideas for cupcake recipes, decorations & themes.  You can buy the book directly from Martha's website now.  Boston Cream Pie cupcakes?  Genius Martha, pure genius.

For those of you who prefer these delicous treats ready-to-eat, I can't reccommend Kara's Cupcakes enough.  There are 2 locations in SF (5 in the Bay Area).  Though, I'd avoid the Ghirardelli Square location unless you 1. are a tourist, or 2. really like tourists.  New Yorkers - since I cannot provide suggestions based on personal experience, Martha herself recommends Magnolia Bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Happy cupcaking!

It's Better in the Hamptons

You know it's summer in the city when everyone from Billy Joel to Upper Eastsiders to your snotty next door neighbor talk about Mecca aka The Hamptons. While doing my Hamptons summer research (black or green bikini? How do you make a mojito? Where are the best places to spot celebs?) I came across a truly unique find. Allow me to introduce you to Day & Night Beach Club, a brunch of all brunches if you will. It's your usual brunch routine with plenty of champagne, delicious eggs benedict but with a little water and tanned skin thrown in. Think of it as an all day pool party for grown ups. Here's how to envision it: a peaceful, sandy expanse, a pool filled with floating beach balls, waiters in white polos pushing around carts of rosé, a smattering of cabanas, trays full of spicy bloody marys, oversized sunglasses, plenty of Ralph Lauren (the chinos and, perhaps, the man), champagne bottles (complete with obligatory sparklers), the buzz of inebriation begins to spread, and then finally eruption of dancing in the cabanas.

I know where I will be spending my summer. Now I know why they call it Mecca.

Day & Night Beach Club 281 County Road 39A Southampton, NY 11968

631-731-3309

Breakfast of Champions

Every New Yorker knows you are what you eat. That's why you can get the best soy lattes, tofu, and non-fat-sugar-free special yogurts on every street corner in the city. But it seems that too often we forget about the great NY Bagel. Toasted and smoldering with delicious (and full of fat) cream cheese oozing from the sides, I decided to switch up my morning routine when my usual greek yogurt/honey combination wasn't cutting it. I went to Pinnacle Bagel (http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/pinnacle/) where for $2.75 you get a more satifsfying and delcious breakfast than any soy tofu stuff. Just make sure to pop a mint and do a quick teeth check (no poppy seeds!) before heading into work...and no one has to know your dirty little secret :)

I can't pronounce it, but I highly recommend it.

I love finding the gems of SF.  Tonight was Waziema.  Unfortunately I did not get to partake of the food (highly rated Ethiopian cuisine), but I was impressed with Waziema, nonetheless.  An expansive bar and huge back room, complete with a pool table.  Waziema is located on Divisadero & Fell, about a block from Alamo Square.  The resto/bar has a great vibe.  And wallpaper that was more interesting than my date.

We left our hearts in Texas.

So, I know this isn't a blog about Texas, but since that's where SB and I met, I felt that a little Texas tribute was only appropriate.  Enjoy.