Eat-a-Sode 4: Fashion Friday Night

Spontaneity (along with variety) is the spice of life! Some of our best 2+2 moments have been completely unplanned, impromptu outings.... as was this particular Friday at Fashion's Night Out (FNO)! A few days prior we learned that Anthony Bourdain, among other chefs and restaurateurs were going to be at the Andaz Hotel in NYC, one of the hundreds of FNO events. How did we not know about this earlier? Next, we found out about a tasting event at Bloomingdale's that same evening. 2+2 began emailing each other about FNO events as we found them....one sounding better than the next. We hadn't made any specific plans for the weekend, but we felt we couldn't say no to all these fabulous happenings going on around New York City.

One of the best things about New York is being able to find free cocktails on almost any given evening....but for one night a year, you can find free cocktails and snacks at almost any retail store in any neighborhood! Sign us up! We had no agenda, but we knew we had to check it out! 

After some emailing back and forth about some particular MUSTs, we decided to meet around 59th Street and 5th Avenue. The traffic from the 59th Street Bridge to 5th Avenue was absolutely horrendous. The streets were overflowing with cars and people. To save time (and our sanity), we decided to just park in a garage, with our 15-minute wait-time limit to find parking. K+M arrived first and parked close to where we were planning to meet A+L (which later turned out to cost an arm and a leg). Then, we made our way to DKNY on 60th and Madison, as we waited for our +2.

We joined A+L shortly after, only a few blocks south at Gucci, where they had ventured into after finding a stellar parking spot close by. A+L always have the best parking karma! We had a short pow-wow about what other places we wanted to check out with our limited time. As we joined the throngs of people in the streets, we made our way around 5th Avenue...witnessing some truly interesting characters everywhere. Some stores were certainly more alluring than others. After stopping in several stores, we realized we had our fill of drinks, but hadn't really eaten at all. Once we knew our chances of getting into Bergdorf Goodman were hopeless, we figured we should start brainstorming some options for dinner.

We decided on the spur of the moment, to check out the nearby Accademia di Vino, a restaurant, wine bar, and enoteca on the Upper East Side. Everyone has passed this place on their way to or from the 59th Bridge.... and it was only a matter of time before it became a 2+2 dinner spot. We entered this Wine Mecca, and were seated immediately in the wine cellar-like dining area. We couldn't help but order a bottle of Tuscan wine, as well as a meat and cheese plate to get us started. After all, we were hungry after the previous hours of making our way through the crowds, browsing items we had no intention of purchasing (at least tonight!), and sipping on drinks. We shared yet another delicious dinner, and of course, dessert that was slathered with nutella. Some things, while unplanned, are always constant!

Activity- 2+2

Fashion's Night Out

5th Avenue and Madison Avenue at 57th Street OR Meatpacking District OR Soho

www.fashionsnightout.com

Hors d'oeuvres/ Champagne/ NYC (and Worldwide!)

Fashion's Night Out (FNO) has really taken off! In its second annual installment, FNO has gone from NYC only... to Worldwide. On September 9th, simultaneous events were going on everywhere... cities included Washington DC, Las Vegas, Paris, Berlin and Sydney, among many others. The brainchild of a Vogue editor has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The premise... keep stores open late, have events, free giveaways and celebrities and people will naturally come to shop! Well there where thousands of people, but NO ONE was shopping. Everyone came for the glitzy, glam and free champagne. There were so many people that you could hardly get close to the merchandise. This is a social event through and through... and a good one at that.

Three major parts of the city participated... uptown on 5th Avenue, the Meatpacking District and Soho. We figured uptown is the place to be and spent our time in the upper 50s. The streets were packed with people... they weren't officially closed, but no one cared and walked in them anyway. Strutting up 5th, you could stop in anywhere to get a taste of the action. Music was blaring from every store and everyone was dressed to the nines. 

Louis Vuitton had a hundred "dancers" dressed in tailor-type outfits, passing Louie bags throughthe front window displays, across the store and up the staircase. Tiffany's had models dressed like Audrey Hepburn taking pictures with patrons, and offered up a sweet tea concoction. DKNY had a great DJ and delicious Ginger Cocktails. Donna Karan was set to make an appearance as well! Henri Bendel was the liveliest with a great DJ, free glasses of Sky Vodka and hair and make up demos. 

But out of them all, Bergdorf's was the place to be. Hundreds sat on line out front, while watching various spectacles take place in the window displays... think midget/ dragqueen song and dance routines. Inside, events took place on every level of the store. Celebrity appearances by Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham, fashion shows and live performances by the likes of Mary J Blige. Other department stores like Sak's and Barney's had similar line ups. You could take your pick from singing in a Karaoke competition hosted by the Olsens, playing air hockey with fashion designers or shopping... but who came to do that! 

Can't imagine what this event will be like next September. It will only be more crowded and more fabulous! Next year, an early arrival should help with the lines and yield plentiful glasses of champagne and more tasty bites.

A: Boy did I feel silly when I was talking to the saleswoman at Chanel and had no idea what Fashion's Night Out was! It turned out to be quite an event... lots of flashing lights and champagne... it was so New York!

K: I had been getting emails for weeks about FNO from various stores and event groups that I receive daily or weekly newsletters. I hadn't really read the details about FNO until days prior to the event. It sounded like a blast! Free cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres at some of NYC's best store? Yes! It was slightly overwhelming...so many venues and so little time. The crowds in the streets were larger than I've seen (outside of Times Sq). DKNY was definitely my favorite spot by far....great music, cocktails, and energy throughout the store!

L: I don’t love or hate fashion, but throw in some free drinks and food and I lean more towards the love side. The whole experience was kind of like shopping Christmas Eve except that no one was really buying anything. Just being in the area meant being part of the scene.

M: I don't normally like shopping and going to any of these places, but having drinks and Djs in the shops should be the norm. Made the whole experience a lot better, DKNY had the best drinks and Dj that night. I even picked up a pair of glasses from there store. I guess the marketing worked. Next time need to head in earlier to get into more places and get more free drinks.

Our Ratings...

• The Scene- True New York Fashion, Swanky, See and Be Seen 
• Food/Drinks- 2: Edible- Freebies were advertised, but we didn't see much. 
• Coordinates- 5: Block- Fun is right next door. You couldn't be more 'in the middle of the action'! 
• Return Rate- Green light... but next time arrive earlier... no one wants to wait on line. 

Dinner- 2+2

Accademia di Vino- Restaurant, Wine Bar, Enoteca

1081 3rd Avenue at 64th Street, NYC

(212) 888-6333

www.accademiadivino.com

Italian/ Wine/ Manhattan

In the mood for a couple glasses of wine? Maybe you have not eaten all day and need a full meal? Accademia di Vino has it all. Walk in, make a left and sit down at the wine bar and choose froman endless wine menu. We were hungry, so we headed straight downstairs to the wine cellar and dining room. After trying to read through all the choices of wines, we finally decided to start with some Tuscan wine and the meat and cheese plate. The main course selections consists of simple and traditional Italian dishes. Everyone agreed that the meals were fine but the highlight of the meal had to be the meat and cheese plates that paired so well with the wine. To end this simple meal in true Italian style, order some glasses of Limoncello and espressos. CIN CIN!

What we ate...

Drinks

• Rosso di Montalcino, La Fortuna Zeta, Toscana 2005 (2+2) 
• Limoncello (A + K) 

Appetizers

• Salumi Board- pick 3- Soppressata, Prosciutto di Parma, Bresaola (2+2) 
• Formaggi Board- pick 5- Taleggio, Pecorino Foglia di Noce, Coach Farm Triple Creme Goat, Parmigiano Reggiano, Robiola (2+2) 

Entrees

• Chicken Milanese (A) 
• Mussels, Manila Clams, Chilies (K) 
• Bavette Cacio e Pepe, Virgin Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper, Pecorino Romano (L) 
• Spaghetti Pomodoro e Basilico (M) 

Dessert

• Pizza alla Nutella with vanilla gelato (2+2) 

A: I've passed this place hundreds of times as I get off of the bridge and always thought it looks so charming. The food was tasty and had good ambiance... lots of good snacking to be had here.

K: This was my third timing dining at Accademia di Vino. The food and wine are always consistently great! The mussels here are among the best I've had in NYC...and what sets them apart from the rest are the chili peppers; what a great addition to a plate of mussels. This place has a great ambiance... you really feel like you are dining in a wine cellar!

L: It was the best Cacio e Pepe I have ever had even if it was the first time I have ever eaten it. Thick, cheesy and the perfect amount of olive oil. I even sopped up the sauce at the bottom of the bowl with the bread on the table. On a side note, I would like to come back here to sit upstairs at the bar. It looked relaxing in there.

M: The Cheese plate, the meats and Spaghetti was good, wine was even better, everything was going great and I couldn't wait for the Nutella Pizza, and then... a little bit of a let down. Burnt Pizza bread... Not good. Go with something else next time. But the coffee saved it! No sugar needed, that’s always a plus.

Our Ratings...

• The Scene- Large in size, but intimate in feel. 
• Food/Drinks- 3: Pleasantly surprised 
• Tip Worthy- 3: Gratuity included 
• Coordinates- 3: 10 minute ride to fun 
• Restaurant Return Rate- Yellow: If we are in the area 
• Price per person- $30.00

Eat-a-Sode 3: Blazing Saddles Sunday

Have you ever seen that episode of ‘The Office’ when Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) initiated a 5K marathon for the prevalent disease of rabies, and decides to prepare for the run by ‘carb loading’ with a gigantic plate of Fettuccini Alfredo, and no water (because according to Michael, bats hate water). Well of course, he was in severe pain, could barely run and had no idea why…. Well that is sort of how our day went when we decided to meet for breakfast and take a bike ride around lower Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge. 

It was an absolutely gorgeous summer day and had just reached 92 degrees on the car thermometer, with a blazing summer sun. Today’s plan… 2+2 would meet down in South Street Seaport for a breakfast bite. Then grab our bikes for a ride through Lower Manhattan, over the Brooklyn Bridge and across to Battery Park. Maybe drinks along the way… maybe lunch if there was time. 

We all had separate evening plans to attend to in the opposite direction of Manhattan, so in order to get it all done, we planned for an early start! To provide some background on 2+2, A+L are almost always late, and L will tell you it’s ALWAYS A’s fault. And K+M are almost always on time. Well not today… how the tides have turned… there must have been a full moon!

A+L arrived downtown first and selected an adorable breakfast spot to relax on Front Street. Made Fresh Daily is a hipster friendly, all white, modern, IKEA-esque bakery/coffee shop. Think enticing baked goods, organic smoothies and freshly prepared breakfasts. K+M had a long list of tasks to finish that morning, traveling all over the place to pick up their bicycles. In the meantime, A+L sat, STARING at butter filled delectable treats… “So this is what it’s like to wait”. Groups of hipsters came and went and we just watched all the food come out… it looked sooooo good! Now we had no idea of what to order. 

After an hour and a half, K+M arrived, heads down, defeated… they were late… they are NOT late people… and K popped her bike tire on the ride from the car to the bakery. Well, the day could only get better! Let’s eat! All of our eyes were bigger than our stomachs… we ordered practically everything on the menu… donuts, biscuits, eggs, fruit… and topped it off with giant sized café au lait’s. 20 minutes later, we were pettling away on our bikes… light as a feather. 

We stopped off at ‘Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals’ in the Seaport to pick up a replacement bike for K. The ‘beach cruisers’ were sold out, so K went with the generic mountain bike style, complete with a dorky fanny pack and map. We were New Yorkers… we didn’t need a map! Well we must say that it came in handy… finding the bike entrance to the bridge wasn’t easy. All the way downtown is a great section of the city to ride your bike in. On the weekend, the streets are actually pretty baron, plus there are great parks to stop at along the way.

Crossing the bridge wasn’t as easy as it looked! In the baking sun, we found that the Café Au Lait’s we drank weren’t the kind of hydration we needed. Those donuts weren’t helping either! A’s eyes started to see stars… ugh… might be going down! After a tiring ride to the center section of the bridge, we were exhausted and sweaty, but it was worth it. Epic views! Beautiful back drops in every direction. The way down was WAY easier. You could pick up some serious speed coasting down the narrow bike path into Brooklyn. Right at the end of the bridge, we stopped at the Concord Avenue Markey for some water… so necessary. 

We contemplated hitting up Brooklyn Bridge Park… it’s supposed to be beautiful… but instead headed back over the bridge. We took the bike path along the water, passed the Staten Island Ferry terminal and zig zagged through the streets, popping up in Battery Park. It was an absolutely gorgeous ride. Stopping in at a cute, informal, outdoor beer garden in the park, we grabbed a quick pitcher and talked about future adventures. Unfortunately, that’s where K+M’s fun ended, and they headed home for a birthday party. 

A+L had more time left, and rode over to an Italian restaurant on a wide cobblestone street, Acqua. We weren’t hungry at all! Not sure why we were even there. Nonetheless, we ordered ‘light’, so we thought, and washed it down with some Prosecco sangria. The staff was so friendly and we were full, so we sat for a long time, chatting about Rome, one of our favorite cities, with our Roman waitress. This is where our Eat-a-sode ends… exploding with food, we packed up the bikes and headed to the birthday party we had to attend.

Breakfast 2+2 

Made Fresh Daily

226 Front Street NYC

212-285-BAKE

www.madefreshdailybakeshop.com

Eggs, Pastries, Coffee, Manhattan

A quick pastry and coffee or a sit-down breakfast, Made Fresh Daily does them both very well. Just two blocks away from the very touristy Seaport, this place has a steady stream of neighborhood locals and passers by. Located in a building that appears to have been a factory or part of the former fish market, the rectangular interior is both bright and airy. There are a few tables near the counter and by the entrance, giving plenty of room to sit or stand in line while not getting in any-ones way. We suggest grabbing a table near the entrance for some good people watching while you sip your coffee and read a newspaper. 

Expect to taste your food here. Made Fresh Daily only uses all organic dairy, farmhouse eggs and no refined sugars or flowers. As we sipped on cafe au lait, we sampled the strawberry muffin as well as the coconut cream and strawberry (seasonal) donuts to wet our appetites. To say that they were good would be an understatement. According to the staff, we arrived at the right time because the doughnuts sell out fast which.

The breakfast selections were equally as good if not better. The limited menu and daily specials cover all the bases of “Classic American” breakfast. We loved the scrambled eggs on a homemade buttermilk (and cheddar) biscuit with Niman Ranch Ham. The roasted cherry tomatoes on the BLT egg sandwich were also a nice touch. Its hard to order granola or fruit salad (both of which looked very nice) when such artisan egg sandwiches are on the menu. 

The wait staff was accommodating and informed. Even with the volume of people in and out of the cafe, we never felt rushed. We could have sat there all day sipping coffee and eating pastry.

What we ate...

Drinks

• Cafe au Lait (A+K+M)
• Regular Coffee (L)

Pastries

• Coconut Creme Donut (A+L)
• Strawberry Muffin (K)
• Strawberry Donut (M)

Breakfast

• Frittata of the Day with Toasted Focaccia and Chive Butter (A)
• Scrambled Eggs on Buttermilk Biscuit with Niman Ranch Ham and Cheddar (L)
• BLT Egg Sandwich on Croissant (K+M)

A: I love this place! It is so happy and organic! The friendly staff really took pride in their shop… hustling between the counter, behind the grill and waiting tables. I could have sat there all day drinking coffee, reading a magazine and watched hipsters come and go…

K: This is my kind of place! I can never get enough of a local/organic cafe. The BLT Egg Sandwich was awesome-- I wish Manny and I had each gotten our own! I couldn't get enough! The strawberry muffin was delish. And the Cafe au Lait (with soy!) was great..down to the last sip!

L: Not exactly what you want to what before a 7 mile bikeride but it was well worth it. Pricier than your typical pastry and egg sandwich place but well worth it given the organic and natural ingredients. I will dream of the coconut doughnut for a while.

M: Wow. I could have sat there all day eating everything on the menu.. everything was so fresh and really good. I'm still thinking about that donut today. I want one now. Have to go back.

Our Ratings

• The Scene- Fresh, Organic, Wholesome
• Food/Drinks- 4: Stellar! Wouldn't change a thing.
• Tip Worthy- 4: Double the Tax and then some
• Coordinates- 4: Neighborhood- Centrally located!
• Restaurant Return Rate- Green light!
• Price per person- $15 for coffee, pastry and an egg sandwich

Bike Riding 2+2

Bike Trails in NYC

Central Park, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Hudson River Greenway are the many bike routes that you can find in the Big Apple. It all depends on how much time you have, and how hard you want to push yourself. The bridges are the shortest routes, but certainly not as easy as it looks. We choose to take the Brooklyn Bridge route and thought it was going to be a piece of cake. But we quickly found out the ride up to the first stop was a tough one. Be sure to have some water on you and pace yourself up and across. Stop and enjoy the sights in the middle of the bridge before crossing over to the other side. 

Once in Brooklyn, if you need to restock on some water make a left and go about one block on your left you will find Concord Avenue Market. Refuel, get some air, then make your way back over the bridge to Manhattan. All the routes have beautiful sights to see and offer great places to stop and shop, eat, and just hang out people-watching. If you don't have a bike or you don't know where these trails start, no worries, Blazing Saddles Bike Rental has everything you need to get you on a bike and enjoying the city on two wheels.

Blazing Saddles Bike Rental

South Street Seaport, Pier 17 

917-440-9094 

www.blazingsaddles.com

Whoever came up with the idea to have bike rentals at the Seaport is a genius (and probably popped a tire once, too, shortly before planning to bike over the Brooklyn Bridge)! After Kristen popped her bike tire on the way over to Made Fresh Daily to meet Ang and Lee, she was in great despair. Manny insisted she not worry, since there was certainly bike rentals at the Seaport. Lo and behold, Blazing Saddles was right in the center of the pier. The service was friendly and fast. They provide you with maps of all the trails and any other information you need. We were on our way in minutes with a Performance Mountain Bike and 2+2 was off to bike the Brooklyn Bridge as planned! 

A: Biking the Brooklyn Bridge is something I have always wanted to do this and was so pumped that I finally got the chance! The whole crowd is so excited to be there taking in the beautiful views. Next time I will start my day with lots of water, instead of a gigantic cup of coffee so I don’t feel like I’m gonna pass out.

K: Thank goodness for Blazing Saddles! They saved the day! This is why I love NYC-- anything you need is just seconds away! They provided a great quality bike with all the necessities: pouch, map, and bell (!).

L: The ride across the bride was like a video game. The views of Manhattan and Brooklyn were amazing but the real fun was dodging the people on foot. I didn't realize how many bike lanes and paths there are across the city. I can sense another 2 plus 2 bike ride in the future.

M: The Bridge was fun.. wish we had more time to do some of the other trails.. next time we have to get up earlier and try not to be so unprepared and late so that we could spend more time at each sight.

Our Ratings

• Coordinates- Pier 17 (center of South St. Seaport)
• Price per person- $53/day for a Performance Mountain Bike rental (other bikes vary in price)

Drinks 2+2

Battery Park Beer Garden 

Battery Park NYC

Beer, Snacks, Manhattan

Hidden between the entrance to the Staten Island Ferry and Battery Park you will find this small Beer Garden. This beer Garden is just as simple as its name, no frills, no big lines, just a handful of tables and chairs, and some cold beers. It's a great place to just stop in if you are spending the day at the park or just passing by on the bike route. They offer some food and a couple choices for beer. It's CASH ONLY, so be prepared.

What we drank...

• Pitcher of Beer (2+2)

A: A cute little mid bike ride pit stop. We locked our bikes to the fence and rehydrated… with beer.

K: You never know what you will find in the corners of this City. Tucked away in Battery Park is this low-key, relaxing little beer garden. It was a perfect little pit stop on our journey.

L: Hidden beer garden... yes please.

M: I felt like I was in my friends back yard having a beer.. could have stayed for another round but we had to get to a party..

Our Ratings

• The Scene- Relaxed, Outdoor
• Food/Drinks- 3: Pleasantly surprised
• Tip Worthy- N/A
• Coordinates- 3: City- 10 minute ride to fun
• Restaurant Return Rate- Yellow- If we were riding through...
• Price per person- $18/pitcher (serves 4)

Dinner A+L

Acqua Restaurant and Wine Bar

257 Water Street (at Peck Slip) NYC

212-349-4433

www.acquarestaurantnyc.com

Italian, Wines, Manhattan

Located on an adorable, wide, cobblestone street just a block from the Seaport is Michelin recommended Acqua Restaurant and Wine Bar. With outdoor seating, authentic Italian fare and a large selection of tasty wines, there isn’t a reason not to stop in. The interior of Acqua is rustic, complete with floor to ceiling wine wall and dark, mismatched furniture. The friendly staff is warm and welcoming, slicing fresh baked bread, breadsticks and flats, in the dining room. Awesome bread… we ate at least a whole bowl with the infused olive oil and flavored butters!

Although there were tons of wines to choose from, we started with glasses of their special, Prosecco Sangria… perfect for a hot summer day. It was light, bubbly and refreshing. For apps, the “cheese plate” and “meat plate” were among the tastiest and freshest we’ve had and included all our favorite extras… nuts, fruit, jams… everything to make cheese more delicious. They were massive for two people, and we kind of wished we hadn’t already ordered pizza… we were exploding but couldn’t let any of it go to waste. The menu also includes your pick of traditional Italian starters like fried calamari, as well as some different items like the Tuscan White Bean salad.

Pizzas fill the menu… there are lots of choices. It seemed to be Acqua’s claim to fame as every table had at least one, even though this place is way more than a Pizza place. The Pizza Bianco al Prosciutto was crispy and delish and definitely recommended. Not in the mood for pizza, there are plenty of fresh pasta dishes including ravioli and gnocchi. For dessert, finish off with some sorbet or gelato covered in various liqueurs, with a chilled glass of limoncello and a double espresso. The staff is so friendly, we sat for a long time… sipping limoncello and chatting about one of our favorite cities, Rome, with our Roman waitress.

What we ate...

Drinks

• Prosecco Sangria (A+L)
• LImoncello (A)

Appetizers

• Tagliere di Formaggi Italiani Assortiti (Imported Italian Cheeses) (A+L)
• Tagliere di Salumeria Italiana Assortita (Cured Italian Meats) (A+L)

Entrée

• Pizza Bianca al Prosciutto Crudo di Parma e Rucola (A+L)

A: Such a nice relaxed destination with an Italian café vibe. A great place to split a bottle of wine, snack and chat with friends. 

L: Between the neighborhood, restaurant decor, food, wine and our Roman waitress, I almost felt like I was in Italy. The touristy Searport area certainly has another side to it and I think we found it.

K+M: We had been to Acqua a while back, and were very sad we had to rush off after biking and couldn't enjoy another meal with A+L at this great little rustic Italian joint on Water Street. We found the staff to be really personable and the food to be very tasty! What a great little Italian place near the Seaport!

Our Ratings

• The Scene- Rustic, Charming, Quaint
• Food/Drinks- 3.5: Pleasantly Stellar
• Tip Worthy- 4: Double the Tax and then some
• Coordinates- 4: Neighborhood- Centrally located
• Restaurant Return Rate- Green light
• Price per person- $60 for several drinks, shared cheese/meat plates and pizza