Buvette with Mom

I told you it was coming. 

A dinner at Buvette post.

Before you say, "not another post about Buvette", Mom was in town, and I couldn't resist introducing her to my favorite little spot. 

I love when my Mom comes to visit. Even at 29, there is nothing like being taken care of by your mama. Everything is just a little extra special when Mom is around...you can go to that restaurant you've been wanting to try but didn't want to foot the bill for, it's an excuse to play tourist and visit multiple museums in one day, and cabs are always the preferred method of transportation. 

My beautiful mother.

We had to wait a bit, but ordered a bottle of their French Chardonnay to pass the time.

We started with the Aligot. It is melted cantal cheese, potato puree & smoked ham over a thick piece of bread. Probably one of my favorite things on the menu.

Next, we salivated over the Duck Rillettes. It is described on the menu as spiced duck confit. Smeared over a warm toast, it is melt in your mouth delicious. They pair it with a few olives and caperberries, which provide a spicy and salty compliment.

Next came the Poireaux en Vinaigrette or leeks in mustard vinaigrette. A little vegetable was necessary. The leeks were cooked just tender enough to pull apart with a fork, but still had a slight crunch.

We ended with the Cassoulet, pot of slow cooked duck, pork & beans, & the Moules a la rouille, steamed mussels with garlic toasts. 

I love the Cassoulet. I tried cooking cassoulet a few years ago and failed miserably. I was so scarred by that experience I have yet to try again, but Buvette's version sets a high bar to live up to. 

The mussels were interesting. They were steamed and then stuff with an herb bread crumb and baked. The sauce was delicious, but all the steaming and baking left the mussels a bit dry. I think it is an acquired taste that I don't have. 

Nonetheless, it did not keep us from finishing EVERYTHING.

Merci beaucoup Buvette for another satisfying meal.

Bonne nuit! 

Noah Movie Premiere

I got to attend my first red carpet movie premiere this week. When I received the invite, I couldn't pass up the opportunity, who knows when it will happen again?! 

I had no idea what to expect, but was lucky to have the perfect dress for the occasion. 

This red dress number was a sweet find on ASOS. It has been sitting in my closet for about two months and was so fun to finally wear. 

I recently splurged and bought this new leopard clutch from Claire Vivier. I'm in love with it and it paired perfectly with the dress.

Mer and I shuffled quickly out of our apartments and into a cab to head downtown to the premiere of Noah.

The premiere was at the classic Ziegfeld Theatre.  We ran into a few more familiar faces outside. 

Sadly, we did not get to walk the red carpet.

The Frans got a pic before taking our seats.

Just a little bathroom shot.

One more Fran.

I had my popcorn and I was ready to watch the film.

But, not before being introduced the cast and getting a little too excited that Hermione aka Emma Watson was sitting down the row from me.

The movie was intense. I know there has been a lot of controversy and talk surrounding it, but I was glad I got to watch and form my own opinion. If you go see the movie, my advice is to come with the perspective that it is a Hollywood Blockbuster, not some "Christian" or "Bible Story" movie. I was thoroughly entertained by the film and sat at the edge of my seat, waiting to see how it would end. Since it was a loose interpretation of the original story in the Bible, and a large amount of artistic freedom was taken, I was not sure Noah and his family were going survive the flood. I also don't remember rock monsters, but when I say artistic liberty was taken, you can see what I mean. In the end, nothing compares to the beauty and pain of the original story of Noah; but, if this movie sparks an interest in people to go to the source and open a Bible to read the story, I'm ok with it.

After the movie was over we headed to the after party at the Central Park Boat House. Now this was awesome. I purposefully walked around trying to bump into famous people. The free food and drinks were nice too. The director decided he wanted only Vegan food served, which I was up for trying. If Vegan food is done well it is really good...unfortunately this was not the case here.

Overall, it was an amazing new adventure and such a fun night. Hope I get to do something like this again!

I was in love with Emma Watson's dresses. She wore a full length black satin Oscar de la Renta number to the red carpet premiere with suede navy Christian Louboutins. It had a plunging back and was gorgeous and super elegant.

picture c/o MTV twitter

For the after party she changed into this gauze and floral number by Erdem. I saw it up close and it was beautiful. I love that it is elegant, intricate, yet still young and flirty... a pure work of art.

picture c/o MTV twitter

This Cinderella is about to turn back into a pumpkin.

xoxo

Sunday Funday in Bryant Park

Happy Sunday Funday everyone! Apart from Hillsong NYC on Sunday, I love nothing more than spending time with people I love around a table eating food. Before heading to church last Sunday, I gathered a bunch of ladies together for a bite to eat a Le Pain Quotidien near Bryant Park. I've feature Le Pain before, but I am again because it truly is the best casual place in the city to show up with a big group of people, not have to wait, and to get quality healthy food at a decent price. 

Sometimes, when I'm out to eat with large groups of people, I love to just sit back and listen to the chatter of conversation and the joy of laughter. This is part of what life is about...living in community, encouraging and celebrating others, finding humor in the bits and pieces, and comforting when things are a struggle. 

I ordered the Tuscan White Bean & Prosciutto salad filled with arugula, diced tomatoes, scallions, shaved Parmesan & basil croutons. It is so so so good.

We then played "pass the camera", and I forced the ladies to take pictures of their food. They all did a beautiful job, I'm salivating looks at these pictures!

This was a frittata special. All frittatas and quiches come with bread and a side mesclun salad.

Smoked Salmon Tartine with avocado, scallions and dill.

Vegetarian Chili.

Small Green Salad - organic mesclun or arugula with seasonal vegetables (not so small).

Curried Chicken Salad Tartine with diced tomatoes and scallions with a side of harissa-cranberry chutney.

Soup of the Day.

Grilled Chicken & Mozzarella di Buffala Tartine with diced tomatoes, arugula, herb dressings and a tomato salsa.

After lunch we stepped outside to snap a few shots in Bryant Park.

If you didn't already notice, we are rocking our matching sunglasses. Obviously we are ready for sunshine and warmer weather!

A little #ootd.

I love to mix and match patterns and textures with clothing. I'm a huge fan of things just having to "go", not necessarily having to "match". Have fun with your fashion and always do you!

Happy Sunday Funday from these beauties and me!

What did you do this Sunday? I'd love to hear, and get some ideas for places to eat and things to do!

xoxo
d.eileen