Derby Dayz & Central Park Picnicking

Days like this don't require many words. 

I love being busy. As much as I might pretend I don't, I love having a million things to do and seeing how God always increases my capacity. I don't like busy, though, when I don't ever get a chance to rest. As an extrovert, I recharge by still doing things, but taking it easy; by being around people out in the world soaking in life. After a full on week, I was ready to recharge. When Hannah suggested a picnic in the park I signed up immediately. I was going with or without the Frans.

We decided to meet up at The Great Lawn. For those of you not from NYC, The Great Lawn is a large grassy space in the middle of Central Park that you can enter from the east or the west in the 80's. I love The Great Lawn because it doesn't get as crowded as Sheep's Meadow, and the crowd is usually more calm and family oriented. 

The Frans did not disappoint and came out in full force.

What's a picnic without cheese, meat and wine? 

We nibbled on Salami and a variety of three cheeses - Stilton with Apricot, a creamy French St. Andre & Goat Cheese rolled in Herbs.

Hannah really surprised us with these homemade roasted vegetable sandwiches. She grilled squash and eggplant, tossed in some sun-dried tomatoes and basil, then spread goat cheese on like butter. They were delicious.

They also smelt like a fresh vegetable dream.

Lindsay popped by to say hi and brought along a little bubbly.

Sleepy from too much food and the warmth of the sun, we were in full lounge mode. 

This little princess was killing it flying that kite. I was very impressed.

Halfway through the afternoon we realized it was Derby Day!  The Kentucky Derby is an American institution and tradition. There were events all over the city to celebrate the race. We decided to participate in the festivities at The Red Rooster.

Located in Central Harlem, The Red Rooster boast a menu full of comfort food that celebrates the local American tradition of the neighborhood. People were out in full force to watch the derby, wearing hats and sucking down Mint Juleps.

The big screen to watch the race was located outside, so everyone moved that way to watch as the start neared. 

I've only had one Mint Julep in my life so I figured I'd give it another go. Not my favorite, too sweet, but when in Rome...or on Derby Day.

And they're off!

California Chrome, the favorite to win, ended up winning. I'm always one to root for the underdog, so the race was anticlimactic for me. I also find it amusing that the race only lasts two minutes.

Overall, it was a GOOD day...a very good day indeed. Cheers.

xoxo
d.eileen

Rainy Days & Tarallucci

Don't you love it when people from your past who you love reach out to you to catch up? In college I was in a sorority. I had the most amazing "little sister" but we lost touch over the years. This past week, she sent me a sweet message via Facebook and suggested we meet for lunch since she is in and out of the city a lot more these days. I couldn't wait! She was staying in Harlem, so my neighborhood, the Upper West Side, was the perfect location for our rendezvous. I picked one of my go to lunch spots, Tarallucci e Vino. There are three Tarallucci restaurants in Manhattan. They each have a unique vibe, one is the wine bar (where we were), another the cafe, and the third the restaurant. I usually go for lunch because they have an amazing selection of Italian paninis for a very reasonable price. Tarallucci is a favorite of locals and attracts an international crowd. 

We both opted for Paninis. Kellie got the Marziano (zucchini, mozzarella, and parsley dressing) and I, needing some protein, opted for the Terra (rosemary chicken, arugula, and black olive pate. Each come with a side salad and they have an incredible bread basket. We both got french pressed coffee...always nice and strong.  

It was gloomy and rainy, but catching up with Kellie brightened my day. There are tons of little local places like Terallucci that people miss when visiting NYC. Sometimes it's important to go off the beaten path and explore the neighborhoods that are less traveled by tourists to experience some of the best and affordable cuisine in Manhattan.

Just because it was rainy out, did not mean I wasn't going to put thought into my outfit for the day. On these sorts of days, you actually have to think more in order to be fashionable, comfortable, and prepared for mother nature. The milder temperatures and slight drizzle allowed me to use accessories to navigate the weather and still feel comfortable for the day.

Every New Yorker needs a compact but strong umbrella. 

My scarf not only kept my neck warm, but it served as an accessory to my ensemble once I was inside. This scarf is actually an old beach sarong that my mom never used. I love the dark tie-dyed pattern and fringe. 

Beenie (H&M) / Nautical Shirt (J.Crew) / Black Trench (Etam) / Grey Studded Boots (Vince Camuto)

The day ended with the most amazing night with friends. We ate a lot of cheese (so much for watching my cholesterol), played Heads Up (my new favorite game - a particularly enjoy the Act It Out and Hey Mr. DJ categories), and laughed our faces off.  

d.eileen