Mel flew in Wed night so she could have her Soho shopping day. She's an expert at hopping on the 6 train to Spring St. I was able to take a half day on Thursday and warmed up for the main shopping event with some great purchases at Uniqlo. Post shopping we took a nice long breat at Teany - I had some fabulous Earl Grey Creme tea and a super rich chocolate brownie. Mel's tea wasn't our fav - a melon flavored white tea that was a bit weak and a HUGE cookie. Seriously the cookie would have been enough for 3 people.
After our spot of tea we enjoyed a tasty dinner at Bondi Bar. Home of Toohey's New and blue drinks. This time Mel cleared the bar of the Toohey's and we both stayed away from anything blue. Annie and Bex flew in late Thursday night, we decided to wait for them at their hotel -but made them think we were already home for the night (hee hee).
We totally surprised them at the hotel - which was really fun. They were hungry so we wandered a bit through mid-town to find a place for them to eat. We went somewhere Micheal and I have never gone before and will probably never go again - Mimi's (and not the chain, some piano bar/restaurant in mid-town NYC). The food was fine, but the scene was surreal. There was live piano entertainment that just can't be described. Singing, dancing, toothless women and a pianist in drag - what more can you want at 1am?
Friday morning came way too early. Micheal left for CA (and yes, USC beat Cal!) and then the party really started. To make sure we had strength for shopping we had a tasty lunch at Nick's. White pizza with ricotta and mozzarella and salad (house salad for A&B and Caesar for K&M). The thin crust pizza fresh out of the brink oven was outstanding as usual.
Credit cards ready we headed off to Lucky Shops. Bex snapped this great shot along the way. All photos are credited to her - I get totally lazy when she is around, because I know she is so good about taking pix. I know, we all rely on her to capture the memories - we need to be better about that!
We made it, let the shopping begin....
We should have taken a photo on the way out too - it would have been funny to see the before and after.
This photo below is from the Rebecca Taylor booth - I love her designs, especially her suits. Even though Bex didn't love it, I did get the shirt I'm trying on. She liked everything but the pleating on the sleeves - but I thought that was a fun detail. I wore it yesterday and I'm quite happy with the purchase, the color goes with many items already in my wardrobe. I am totally coveting the animal print sweater Annie found. It is so cute and flattering - how did I miss it on the rack?
This dress looked great on Mel from the front, but way too big in the back - so no luck in this booth, but never fear she didn't leave the event empty handed.
After 5 hours of shopping we came home with all kinds of fabulous purchases. Mel and I scored on an amazing Kooba bag, Annie's managed to find an absolutely perfect Shoshanna LBD, and Bex picked up a timeless black skirt.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Candle 79 (the vegan restaurant we discovered during the Waldron family visit). The food was outstanding, but the photos weren't so pretty - it must be really hard to be a food stylist on a photo shoot.
Our dinner order for the night:
Annie - Seitan Piccata creamed spinach, grilled potato cake, oyster mushrooms, lemon-caper sauce
Mel - Black Pepper & Balsamic Grilled Seitan potato-celeriac purée, sautéed wild mushrooms, haricots verts, shallots, roasted vegetable au jus
Bex - Porcini Crusted Tofu garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, cabernet-wild mushroom sauce
KO - Cornmeal Crusted Eggplant Napoleon tofu spinach ravioli, roasted tomato sauce, cashew cream, broccoli raab, arugula-pine nut pesto
And once again we had dinner and a show. Instead of the piano player and his crazy fans we had a girl at the bar pass out right in front of our table. She just toppled right over and landed with a big thud about 3 feet away from us. In spite of Bex telling the self appointed person in charge to call 9-1-1, she didn't. She claimed this had happened to her a month ago and all that was needed to fix the situation was to give the woman that passed out some salt?! Luckily the bartender had the sense to call for help. EMTs were there within minutes and the drama was moved away from our table and outside. We think she was taken to a hospital, but we don't really know.
After dinner we managed to score the coveted back booth at Trinity. Just one round of drinks before we called it a night and headed home.
Except for a rainy Saturday afternoon the weather totally cooperated - we didn't need to wear excessive layers or even gloves!
Saturday started out with bagels and undergarment fittings at Intimacy. Nothing can make a woman happier than getting the girls locked and loaded.
Next stop - The Plaza! After months and months of renovations the hotel is open and in full splendor.
Luckily Eloise is back, right at home in the beautiful lobby and looking over tea at Palm Court.
Of course Bex had to pick up a little something something for M - and look at this treasure trove. I bet she would love to just have this entire cabinet in her bedroom!
The rain started as we were leaving the Plaza. We did a little bit of window shopping down 5th Ave, but quickly caught a cab - window shopping in the rain just isn't much fun.
The sales woman has the best expression on her face - I think Bex said she was surprised to have her photo taken, but even better look at the bag. Total score for Bex because she was out of plastic bags, so it was an upgrade to the fancy handle bag.
And if you think you can't have something as wonderful as this Tsar Nicholoas II Baccarat commissioned candelabra in your home, think again...it's for sale! I didn't see a price tag, maybe it's on the bottom?
The rain started as we were leaving the Plaza. We did a little bit of window shopping down 5th Ave, but quickly caught a cab - window shopping in the rain just isn't much fun.
Rose joined us for lunch at craftbar. (And I know everyone else probably hates this picture, but since I look decent, it's in the blog post!)
We shared some very tasty starters - the Peccorino fondue with hazelnuts and spicy honey
and the chickpea fries with black olive aioli. Rose also suggested a very tasty cheese - but I don't remember the name now. Something with Bliss in it - I would definitely get that again.
We walked off lunch by having a few adventures in Canal St. We didn't have quite the adventures as the last time Bex was here, but did pick up a few choice items. The selection wasn't as good as in the past - maybe the economy is slowing down on the black market as well?
Whew - what a day! After all of that we had sushi for dinner and one last drink at Uptown.
Yay for my girlfriends and Yay for an amazing weekend!
I had one of my favorite brunch items at craftbar - white anchovies, soft boiled egg, and leeks over toast. Finally - a good picture of this very tasty dish.
We walked off lunch by having a few adventures in Canal St. We didn't have quite the adventures as the last time Bex was here, but did pick up a few choice items. The selection wasn't as good as in the past - maybe the economy is slowing down on the black market as well?
Still pushing to do as much as possible we made two more stops on the way home - Dylan's Candy Bar for some sweet treats and some accessories at Laila Rowe.
Whew - what a day! After all of that we had sushi for dinner and one last drink at Uptown.
Yay for my girlfriends and Yay for an amazing weekend!
