The Perfect New York City Weekend

Posted on January 29, 2013 by newyorkwhimsy

This is going to be a long one folks, so grab a chair, get comfortable and settle in. I’ve only written 3 posts this year, compared to last years’ almost everyday. I’ve been in kind of a slump. I blame the winter, and the fact that I am not in Florida sunbathing in January. But I’ve gotten the right concoction of magical potions to pull me out of the hole, just in time for a fabulous NYC weekend.

It started on Thursday night when the best friend came into town and we headed straight to a secret speakeasy. Is ‘secret speakeasy’ redundant? And repetitive? It’s repetitive and redundant. The place is called PDT (Please Don’t Tell) and you enter into a dive-like hot dog shack, where they serve dogs with a plethora of toppings, and have arcade games to entertain you.

You access the bar through the phone booth with the fake wall. Once inside, you’re lead to a leather booth where you can just see the taxidermied animals under the dim lighting. A mixologist had created a menu of drinks (all $15) to please any palate. The Peanut Butter Cup, inspired by Ants on a Log, has Bulleit Bourban, Lustau Pedro Ximenez, celery juice and peanut butter syrup. I tried ‘The Paddington’ – Flor de Cana Silver Dry Rum, Lillet Blanc wine, lemon and grapefruit juice, Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade, and St. George Absinthe – it was delicious. I couldn’t leave without trying a dog, so I ordered the veggie dog with tomatoes, onions, jalepenos and a special sauce. I don’t normally like hot dogs, but this was pretty damn good… maybe it was absinthe.

The next night I took the visitors to John’s Pizzeria before heading to see Annie, which was adorable and not as annoying as I assumed it would be. They even have a real dog, who for some moments, steals the show from the curly red head. There was also REAL snow that night which made the evening even better. We spent the rest of the night in the Marriott bar, having drinks and girl talk with Paris’ friends from assorted places.

Saturday, I took the bestie to my favorite lunch spot, then we walked arm-in-arm through Soho until we were so cold we had to go home and snuggle while watching reruns of ‘Girls’. That night a friend of Paris’ invited us to attend a charity event, Garden of Laughs, at Madison Square Garden. We spent the evening laughing to Adam Ferrara, Darrell Hammond, Robert Klein (who got the entire audience to sing about having a colonoscopy), Brian Regan, Ray Romano, and Wanda Sykes. The presenters weren’t bad either – Ben Stiller, the Beastie Boys, and Bob Costas all graced us with their presence.

I said goodbye to my visitors early, I had an appointment with a mountain at 5:30AM on Sunday. Peter, Hilarie, Dan and I hopped on a bus to the Catskills. Though I’m not by any means a ‘skier’, I did enormously better than my previous attempt, again thanks to those lotions and potions. I started off on the practice slope, and of course fell getting off the ski lift. I now have a giant bruise on my hip. But after that Hilarie and I successfully went down the beginner slopes several times until we were no longer falling and even getting a little speed. I might even try the blue slopes next time.

It was a wonderful weekend, full of good food, new friends, lots of laughs, and fluffy snow – the only cold weather I approve of.

xo ZZ

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We may as well move to Brooklyn with the amount of times we’ve been there this week

Posted on May 7, 2012 by newyorkwhimsy

Only kidding, I’m not moving to Brooklyn, though it can be a lovely place to visit, and I’m sure many people love to live there. But I refuse to live in a city that only accepts cash. What is this 2004? Catch up, B. The first trip of the week was back to the Brooklyn Art Library to look at more sketchbooks. Trent’s had already left to go on tour, so sadly we couldn’t check it out again. Sorry, Trent. We did check out about 20 others from the 2011 tour. This was my favorite artist we saw. The next day we trekked over to the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve seen it from several other bridges, I’ve even driven on it, but I’ve never made the famous walk across it. Today was the day. There isn’t much to say about it, it’s a bridge, has a nice view of the city, half of it has walls up so you can’t even see anything, and half of it seems to be under construction. Nonetheless, it was still a nice walk, and the better views are from the Brooklyn side. It’s certainly not as glamourous and romantic as Steve and Miranda make it seem on Sex and the City. Do I get kicked off the island for saying that? Once into Brooklyn we walked like 20 blocks trying to find the subway and a bathroom. Both seemed impossible, but with 3 phones out navigating the way, we finally found a Starbucks sitting on top of the F train. Which we then took for 45 minutes until the very lost stop. Arriving in Coney Island.

It’s fun in an eerie, rundown, carnie town sort of way, a place I wouldn’t want to be after sundown. If I didn’t keep getting spooked by my own shadow I would have taken more pictures of the closed rides. There was a calendar with the dates that the park does open, and they claim to be open several days this month but I think that’s just a scheme to have children lured into the Ghost Hole. It was overcast, windy and cold when we got there, so maybe it would have been nicer on a hot, sunny day. I’ll give it one more visit before it goes on the “Zoey Doesn’t Go There” list. Also on that list: NY grocery store the day before SuperBowl Sunday, a nightclub with less than 8 of my friends to surround me, a roof that requires jumping onto a tree to get down from. With a professional photographer’s eye and camera, this would be a dream place for some great pictures or set for a movie about a serial killer. This is what I got with my iPhone.

We managed to escape just before the sun set and the real weirdos starting pouring in. Since we had another long train ride back home, we spent that time practicing fishtales and upside-down braids.

More tomorrow about the new Barbies and Afghan food.

BIRDS, BABYCAKES AND THE WORLD’S BEST BISCUIT

Posted on May 6, 2012 by newyorkwhimsy

Where to start? We did an armload of stuff with the friends this week, including all the must sees for a first-timer like the Highline, Chelsea Market, Times Square, The Strand bookstore, Vosgue Chocolate, Central Park, Museum of Natural History, The Met, and FAO Schwarz (almost all of which we did last week with cousin and parents). We did deviate from the norm a little this time and got to experience some new things.

Our friends Jay and Emily are bird nerds, bird lovers, bird rescuers, they majored in Birding, basically a breathing encyclopedia of bird knowlegde. They’re actually on the way to a job in Maine where they will spend the summer studying terns, egrets and herons. It involves camping all summer long on the small island of Stratton, using a solar panel to get their electricity, a composting toilet, a boat if they must leave the island, washing their clothing in the ocean, showering under a plastic bag of sun-warmed water – basically my hell. I think I could do it for one, maybe two nights. That one time in Japan where we slept on very thin mats in a garage and washed ourselves with wet wipes, I wanted to die. I spent all night freaking out about when I would get my next shower (and worrying about bugs crawling in my mouth since I was only inches from the ground). In the morning, I discovered that there was a shower in the big house, crisis averted. So…maybe a half day on the island and I’d need to swim to shore.

Our “hotel room” in Japan.

Back to the birds watchers, it was fun going to the Natural History Museum with them because normally I’d have no interest whatsoever in those flying-poop-on-my-car-creatures (I don’t dislike birds, I’d rather look at an otter though), but with two new sets of eyes, they pointed out birds in displays I would have never glanced at before. We played “Name that Bird” and tested them on about 300 species of bird names, and I think they got about 275 right.

Name That Bird!

Also, while on the fourth floor a rouge butterfly from the Butterfly exhibit on the 1st floor landed on my arm and hung out for 20 minutes. Does that mean I’ll be crowned Queen next week or should I buy a lottery ticket. I finally made him leave, and he went right for Peter’s shoulder. I then tried finding a window or anyway to set him free, but in the end we had to leave him with the dinosaurs.

Jay is gluten-free these days (and 4 of us are vegetarians), so it made picking a place to eat a whole new adventure. We found a gluten-free bakery downtown to check out – BabyCakes, and it was adorable and delicious.

In their own words “In a city dominated by cupcakes overflowing with sugar, flour and butter cream, it’s easy for those with persnickety diets to feel left out. BabyCakes offers all-natural, organic and delicious alternatives free from the common allergens: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and eggs. Rest assured, all sweeteners have been chosen responsibly and used sparingly. White sugar will never be found in our bakery, nor will we ever use toxic chemical sweeteners. Instead, most products are sweetened with agave nectar—a natural syrup from a cactus which is low on the glycemia index and often a safe alternative to most non-insulin dependant diabetics. Occasionally, unprocessed and unrefined sugar is used in certain goods, although sparingly.”

I ordered a spelt spicy cheddar biscuit and a gluten-free cookies-n-cream donut. (Spelt is a gluten free wheat). The biscuit was the best biscuit I’ve ever had. I think I could make it will my friend Jaclyn’s famous cheesy biscuit recipe and add the red pepper flakes. I’ll let you know how that turns out. I was too full and my mouth was burning too much to even eat the donut, but I tried a bite later and it was yumm. As was the mint cupcake, and banana coconut donut. The frosting on the banana coconut was basically slightly maserated mashed bananas – mouthwatering.

Gluten Free Banana Coconut Donut

Much more places and foods to tell you about from this week, so stay tuned for Waffles and Dinges, the Brooklyn Bridge, Afghan food, Barbies, hairdo’s on a subway, and the winner of 2nd place for “Place I can only be for half a day before I run away screaming” award aka Coney Island.

Celebrity Sitings

Posted on April 26, 2012 by newyorkwhimsy

Yesterday was Heidi’s last day in NY, so we took off early so that we can could get in as many places as possible.

Our first stop was supposed to be breakfast in the Meatpacking district, but there was a shoe store on the way… so obviously we stopped in there. There was so many shoes we were in there for a least a half hour, by the time I had picked which boots I wanted to buy, I could barely stand from the hunger. I actually didn’t stand, I made Peter go pay for them, while I slumped over on the beautiful antique couches. I filled my stomach which as much water as I could, trying to trick myself into thinking I wasn’t that hungry. We walked the few blocks to the restaurant, but on the way we saw a dozen paparazzi outside a hotel, so I had to find out what was going on.

Me: Who are y’all waiting for?

Photog 1: Courtney just left.

Me: Courtney Cox?

Photog 1,2,3: HAHAH HAHAHAAH

Apparently the thought that that many people would be waiting for Courtney Cox was hilarious to them. Turns out, it was Kourtney, as in Kardashian. Even better. She had just left the hotel, but they knew that the rest of the family was inside, including Kim, Khloe, Lamar, Kris, Bruce, Scott, Kendell and Kylie. Have I lost about half of my readers yet? The Kardashians are my guilty pleasure. They’re everything I despise and everything I want to be, all wrapped up in one tanned, brunette package.

More chatting with papparazi getting the scoop, Scott had just opened his new restaurant across the street, they were filming a little for their E! show, and Kanye was doing an event that night, so they assumed everyone would be going.

Pappa, Paparazzi.

Instantly, I’m just not that hungry anymore. I sent Heidi and Peter to reserve a table and staked out my spot with the photogs. I was determined to get a picture of them, and I just knew they were going to come out soon. After 30 minutes, I couldn’t deny that I was hungry anymore and gave up. (They actually came out about 10 minutes later… moments before I went back outside to check it out. Just missed them!)

Oh well, on to breakfast at Pastis, a Parisian bistro channeling a 1930′s brasserie. We ordered the Croque-Monsieur, Croque-Madame, and Gratin Daupninois. The Monsieur is an open-faced sandwich, covered in béchamel sauce, thick slices of ham, then topped with gruyere cheese, the entire thing toasted to deliciousness. The Madame had a fried egg on top. Besides the potatoes having a stick of butter in one serving, they were also wonderful.

Sharing in it’s namesake, Peter ordered the drink Pastis, which is brought to the table to be prepared by the drinker. A glass with ice, one with soda water, the last with the pastis. When you add them together, they start to swirl and cloud up the glass, beautiful to watch, absolutely the worst thing I have ever smelled or tasted. Unless you crave black licorice (or anise) than this is not for you. I think it’s the only time Peter hasn’t finished something he ordered, no matter what the taste. Heidi was a trooper and drank it down like a champ.

After gorging on butter, garlic, and starches, we walked around a little and stumbled into a design store. There we found a rope, which the salesman claimed to be a “chair”. We convinced him to show up how it worked and this is what we got…

Is this not the most adorable thing you've ever seen?

Apparently it’s supposed to take relief off you back while holding your legs up, for a more comfortable seat. To me, you’re just sitting on the ground with a rope around you.

I had to test it out myself.

You know I can't go anywhere without letting a strange dog lick my face, especially if its a mini boston terrier.

Next up, the TKTS booth to get tickets for Seminar. Since we had a few hours before the show, we had drinks at the View, the spinning restaurant on the 48th floor of the Marriott.

Once back on solid ground, we passed by the opening night of “Nice Work If You Can Get” where we spotted some more celebrities.

Martin Short

Donna Murphy

David Hyde Pierce, aka Niles

Sarah Jessica Parker was also there, but I missed her. I got hassled off the street before I could get any more shots, so I called it a day on celebrity photos and went into Seminar, only to discover that JUSTIN LONG!! was in it! The play was great, funny, set in a fantastic apartment, and I feel smarter just having seen it (even if I didn’t understand every word they were saying).

Afterwards we waited by the stage door to get autographs and photos. All 5 characters came out, signed everyones Playbill, took pictures, and were so very nice and grateful.

Jerry O'Connell

Justin Long!!

Heidi’s first visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Serendipitys to eat Frozen Hot Chocolate.

I’m never eating again. Or at least until the next set of visitors come… which is next week, and then a few weeks after that. Ughh, I may have to let OUT the bridesmaids dress instead of in…

XO ZZ

That time Tracy Morgan sat in front of us at the Michael Jackson Cirque show

Posted on April 4, 2012 by newyorkwhimsy

I must have found a four-leaf clover, picked up a penny, dreamt about a white cat, blown out all my birthday candles in one blow, or any other strange thing that causes good luck, because I have been on fire! First front row at Oprah, now upgraded seats at MJ.

Our original seats were right next to the handicap seating, so there was a major view obstruction, and Hilarie could barely see anything. We found an usher, who handed us tickets for our new seats, which we went to search for. We didn’t exactly find them, but we did find several empty seats in Row 2. So we sat. Moments later, the sparkliest jacket I have ever seen sat right in front of us. Everyone was taking pictures of this person that glittered and his arm candy who was also wearing a blingy dress – we just assumed it was because of their cool outfits. Low and behold it was Tracy Morgan. Who then proceeded to sit on the edge of his seat sideways, refuse to stay still, and talk to everyone around him the entire time. His jacket was blinding me anyways, so I guess it’s fine that we had to give up our VIP seats at intermission.

The show was pretty amazing. I’ve seen an unfair amount of Cirque du Soleil shows around the world, and this one was not the most impressive, but definitely the most fun. The lovechild of MJ and Cirque is the Immortal World Tour. It was strange, went thru a huge array of Mj’s music, full of lights, fireworks, a pole dancer, “Bubbles” the chimp, a barely clothed violinist, and the voice of MJ conducting the night along with live backup singers.

There wasn’t any high flying trapeze stunts, but the dancing, costumes, and music all made up for that. I couldn’t even begin to explain what my favorite part was, bug crawling out of a giant book make sense? Or six men uniformly flipping through the air and landing on their stomachs?

It was a wonderful night, which ended with Hilarie locking herself out of her apartment. Wa waaa. (Can you tell I’m watching Rachel Dratch, aka Debbie Downer from SNL).

A huge highlight of the night was that Madison Square Garden has a “healthy food” stand full of fruit cups, jello, vegan brownies and cookies and vegetarian sandwiches. Only in NY.

I wonder what tomorrow has in store for me? Maybe I’ll run into Neil Patrick Harris and Ellen and they’ll ask me to have lunch.

xo ZZ

I’m an Op-iest.

Posted on April 2, 2012 by newyorkwhimsy

What a crazy, eye-opening, heart pounding, s’marvelous, lucky day. It actually started yesterday when I waited the 45 minutes to pick up the tickets (not bad considering there was 3,500 people in line).

When Talia and I arrived for the first show at 12:30, I was hoping to talk to an Oprah staff and ask if once all the seats were filled, we could occupy some empty ones. They told me to talk to an usher, the usher said to talk to an Oprah staff. While waiting by the doors inside I overheard another woman asking a staff member the same thing I was wondering, and he said no, you have to sit in your own seat, they’d be taking people from outside to be seat fillers. We decided to wait there anyways instead of walking the many many stairs to the third mezzanine, last row. Then out of nowhere, an Oprah staff came up to us, and said “follow me”. My hands are on my mouth and I’m just saying Oh my god, oh my god, I cant believe we get to sit down here. We just keep walking and walking.

At this point I am squealing so much Talia thinks I’ve gone crazy (she doesn’t know Oprah like me). The closer we get, the more I’m thinking there has a got to be a mistake, do they think we’re famous? Once we reach the front row, we’re just sort of standing there, unsure of where to sit, he leaves us while I shout to him “I love you!!” The other Oprah staff then walks us into the orchestra section and sits us down in the front row, literally touching the stage. I’m in such a state of shock that this is actually happening, FRONT ROW! Though not in enough shock to keep my front jumping up and down. Immediately everyone around us is telling us the same thing happened to them and sharing their story.

While waiting for the show to start the audience was buzzing with excitement. There was never a dull moment, we were either reading tweets on the screens in front of us, sending those tweets, taking pictures of each other, dancing with strangers, or swaying along with the audience warm up.

The theme of the show was spirituality, karma, who you are, what you want, and the first hour or so was Oprah and Deepak Chopra. They talked to each other, with audience members and used Skype to talk to men and women around the world, including 6 women in prison.

Then Perez Hilton joined them. If you don’t know him, he has a celebrity gossip blog where he daily reports on the daily happenings of Hollywood, and the juiciest rumors. Up until a few years ago, he was mean and ruthful to these celebrities, saying nasty things about them, covering their pictures in hateful words, and outing Neil Patrick Harris and other gay celebrities. Since then, he has had a turnaround, completely revamped his blog, and in turn – himself. He used to be this bitchy character with colorful hair, and now he is trying to be himself, inspire people and take a stand against bullying. So to listen to him have a change of heart, explain how he got to where he is, and have the experience input of Deepak was very interesting.

Some of the more memorable topics, quotes, and inspiring words said from any of the people mentioned above:

Who are you without all the labels? What most people call your “bio” is really your ego profile. How do you explain who you are without mentioned what you do for work.

Don’t get confused between what people say you are and who you know you are.

The worst thing you can say about another contains some truth about yourself.

You can never feel good about yourself by bringing somebody else down.

Karma, whatever you do come back to you. Everything you’ve done has already been done to you.

Each day is an opportunity to take a breath and move in a more authentic direction for you.

A good way to take negative thoughts out of your head, or practicing meditation:

STOP. 1. S, Stop. 2. T, Take 3 deep breaths and smile inward. Smile all over your body. 3. O, Observe your body. 4. P, Proceed with kindness and compassion.

And if all else, fails, just say “Next!”

I’m sure you’ve had enough of my confusing spiritual talk. It’s hard to explain 2 hours in a few sentences when I could barely grasp everything they were saying. But it was a really great experience. What I mostly took out of it was to try to live in the now (I’m constantly worried Peter is going to fall off a cliff), be positive, put positive energy out there, and be kind.

(Gayle, Oprah’s BFF)

New York Whimsy

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