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

Happy Birthday Mochie with Biscuits & Fried Chicken!

It is a very special day today (well April 30th at least).

Today is the birthday of Mr. Bryan "Mochie" Mochizuki. 

Mochie is the male version of a "Fran". We love him like family and were excited to get to celebrate him at a birthday brunch the beautiful Hannah planned (aka Fran aka his girlfriend aka one of my best friends). 

It was a clashing of the clans as Hannah brought together friends from both sides of their relationship. Overall, it was wonderful to get to put faces to the names we have heard so much about. 

Hannah picked Back Forty West as the brunch spot. Back Forty has locations in the East Village as well as Soho. It is a farm-to-table American cuisine restaurant with a southern flare. The East location has an awesome outdoor dining space, perfect for those summer nights. The West location has a farm house feel and a sunlight second floor.

Hannah arranged a family style four course meal for the thirteen person birthday brunch. 

Had to get a shot of Hannah & the "birthday boy" looking stunning as always. 

Hey! That's my Fran.

Cheers to Mochie! Back Forty has a unique wine selection and really great cocktails.

First out...Sticky Buns & Biscuits.

Next, came the greens...Watercress Salad with apple and radish.

Now for the protein...Fried Chicken and make your own Sliders on biscuits. Yes, you heard that right...more biscuits.

Needless to say, once dessert got to the table, we were stuffed. But, not too full to sing Happy Birthday at the top of our lungs.

They brought out Cappuccino Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mousse.

Not ready to call it quits, we sauntered through Soho into Nolita.

We ended up at The Wren. I love bars like The Wren because they are what I call "fancy casual". The crowd and decor are a bit posh, but the atmosphere is very chill. The same group that owns The Wren also owns a few of my other favorites - Wilfie & Nell and The Penrose.

Mer & I were excited that they had a bottle of orange wine from Channing Daughters. This Ramato is one funky wine, but it tastes great and makes me nostalgic for wine tasting in the Hamptons during the summer. Can't wait to head out there again soon!!

Love these two. Happy Birthday Mochie. Cheers to many many many more to come.

xoxo

Fran