shanhattan

may day…

shanhattan — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:07:01 +0000

It’s the middle of May and summer is creeping in: The city looks, feels and tastes livelier.

This remix of Mungo Jerry’s classic got me thinking about modern twists on summer traditions.

Perhaps, use a jalapeño vodka* to spike your lemonade at the picnic or check out a Burlesque Sail in lieu of a tried and true booze cruise.

Just a couple of sun-induced thoughts. What are your plans for the warmer months?

*Stoli jalapeño vodka, Pellegrino Limonata soda, fresh mint and lime = a simple, sexy summer cocktail…

weekends in the city

shanhattan — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:10:48 +0000

One of my favorite people in the world, Jason of a visual ramble, came to visit a few weeks ago and we had the perfect New York City weekend.

Saturday started with brunch at Miss Lily’s, followed by hitting up the boutiques in NoLita. As the sun set and the air started to chill, cozying up at The Wren seemed a logical next step towards dancing the night away at Sugarland in Brooklyn. A redeeming cup of coffee at The Park, a walk along The High Line and a comforting bowl of ramen at Momofuku Noodle Bar on Sunday washed away all sins from the day before. Oh, and we even managed to squeeze in a comedy show at the (in)famous UCB Theatre.

All in all, not too shabby…

the bloom boom

shanhattan — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:34:24 +0000

First Mr. Softee sighting of the season, spring has officially sprung.

It’s as if the entire city has woken from a deep slumber.

Time to capture this newfound energy,

obligatory foliage shots included…

the return of sunday funday

shanhattan — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:02:07 +0000

For the first time in over a year, I have Sundays off. And I celebrated my first free one this past week at a neighborhood favorite, Jeffrey’s Grocery.

laissez les bon temps roulez…

shanhattan — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:59:42 +0000

New York City has allowed me to meet the most interesting people from around the world. I decided a Mardi Gras celebration was the perfect way to share a little piece of mine…

Masks and macarons…

I kept the menu simple: hot crab, artichoke & jalapeño dip and chicken and sausage jambalaya; both recipes from New Orleans’ Chef John Folse. A traditional king cake and some not-so-traditional (but oh-so-pretty) macarons were a must, shipped in from Sucre. Two specialty cocktails were concocted: the original Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane and my own “Hollah”peños, both served in “go cups,” a Big Easy must.

Stoli jalapeño vodka, Pellegrino Limonata soda, fresh mint and lime…

Add some brass bands, beads and beautiful guests and you’ve got yourself a good time, for sure!

My lovely best friend, Amy of Obtainable Style, graciously documented our fete, all photo credits go to her.

feeling saucy…

shanhattan — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:39:06 +0000

I don’t particularly care about the celebration of Valentine’s Day, but I do enjoy any excuse for an amazing meal. Since my boyfriend happens to be an equally amazing cook, we usually opt for dinner at home, my choice.

Cue the family’s spaghetti and meatballs recipe (I have honestly never had better, God bless his Sicilian roots)…

white magic

shanhattan — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:44:03 +0000

The Blizzard Wizard has struck again. As I hit the streets this time, I was armed with my Nikon and my favorite form of espresso…

two and a half years and counting…

shanhattan — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:15:19 +0000

The impending snow storm has me reminiscing about my first year in New York, when I got to experience this blizzard in all its glory. Tucked safely away in my cozy apartment, I enjoyed watching the flakes pile up. I even got to snap pics* of the snow-covered streets before the cleaning crew got hold of them.

Want to see what my life has been like since the move to NYC?

Time travel back to my first Instagram and go from there…

*taken with an iPhone 3GS & edited in Instagram.

little luxuries

shanhattan — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:01:16 +0000

As a bartender, Mondays are my Saturdays and I try to cram as many simple pleasures in to them as possible.

I grabbed some fuel in foam form via Blue Bottle and set to it: Shopping down Fifth Avenue, a mani/pedi at my favorite nail salon and lunch at a sushi spot on Thompson Street. Oh, and I have also begun to take French classes at the lovely Idlewild Books: Oui? Whee!

Weekly French lessons at Idlewild Books…

A bright men’s oxford from J. Crew…

Subtle sparkle to brighten these grey days…

My lunch date…

high line, low temps

shanhattan — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:04:25 +0000

As temps in Manhattan begin to dip in and out of the teens, we New Yorkers have plenty to complain about. After suffering a momentary lapse of insanity (quite possibly induced by the singe digit wind chills), I ventured on to The High Line for a sunny afternoon stroll.

Alas, I found the silver lining in our silvery winter: The absence of a crowd.

Behold, one of New York City’s most popular spots, completely devoid of mankind.