It is REALLY cold outside...like REALLY cold!

It has been FREEZING this week in NYC. We've experienced every disgusting cold weather situation that exists - snow, blizzard, freezing rain, below zero wind chill. One can only sit inside for so long before they start to go stir crazy. Come Saturday, the sun was shining and I had to get out and about.  I dragged my friends out of their warm homes and we embraced the day. Here is what we did on our REALLY cold Saturday.

The first step is to wear a lot of warm layers. Don't be vain and just bundle up! 

We hopped on the bus (yes the bus because the sun was shining and who wants to be underground when the sky is blue and the sun is out) and went to a little restaurant on the Upper West Side called Piccolo Cafe (there are a few locations all over Manhattan). The space maybe fits 25 people but they offer a delicious variety of authentic Italian cuisine. My favorite lunch options are the paninis. I opted for the mozzarella, arugula, and prosciutto this time. Meredith and Natalie stuck with brunch items, Eggs Benedict over a French Croissant and Uova Al Forna (baked eggs with basil and sweet sicilian fresh tomato sauce). 

After filling up, Nat and I set out to explore Cetral Park. Meredith left us, but not before letting me snap a shot of her amazing outfit.

(faux fur jacket: Rebecca's of Clinton Boutique - Clinton, NC)

Families with children were out and about in the park making the most out of their sleds in the snow. Tourists bustled about with a lack of layers, obviously not expecting the cold during their visit. Owners walked their dogs, some with nicer sweaters than I own. Central Park is beautiful in every season and the fresh snow fall gives it a heavenly feel.

Poets' Walk is my absolute favorite spot in Central Park. 

(this guys was dressed to impress)

(coat: Zara / scarf: H&M / boots: Frye / bag: Michael Kors

When we thought our fingers were about to fall off, we popped into the Shops at Columbus Circle to thaw out. For those of you not from NYC, The Shops at Columbus circle are the closest thing we have to a mall. It's a great one stop shop with stores like H&M, Sephora, J.Crew, and Coach.

(sometimes we just need a hand)

Heading back out, we met up with some friends for a late afternoon snack and beverage. Wine and Roses is a beautiful wine bar off Columbus Avenue. It's a great place to cozy up with someone special or chatter with some friends. We shared the meat and cheese board and had a Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Here are a few other awesome options for really cold days in NYC:

1. Go to a Movie (though that's what everyone is doing so get there early)

2. Make something really awesome to eat like pasta from scratch.

3. Gather friends and have a game afternoon (i'm currently obsessed with Heads Up - free app download)

4. Go to the Spa - massage, pedicure, manicure

5. Read a great book.

We ended the day saying Bon Voyage to a friend flying off to Australia for the next year. 

Stay Warm NYC. 

d. eileen

Pesto Di Noci...and a few more NYE shots

One of the appetizers we passed at the New Years Eve party was Pesto Di Noci. It is basically a walnut based pesto. Hannah & Bryan introduced me to Pesto Di Noci at Buvette. It is one of their favorite dishes, so I was not surprised they decided to make it for our NYE celebration. After doing some research, I learned that Pesto Di Noci is not just served tartine style, but also as a pesto sauce with a pasta. The experts suggest flat long pastas like a tagliatelle. For our party, Chef Bryan chopped up a pesto that we spread over small toasts.  It is super easy to make and tastes luxurious. 

These are all the ingredients you need to make Pesto Di Noci - walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. 

You basically just chop everything up and then throw it in a food processor.

(YUMMY CHEEEEEEEESE!)

You're going to use a lot of olive oil...

And then....

The texture should be smooth and the walnuts should be well chopped. The recipe makes a ton and it lasts up to 5 days refrigerated.

Here is a recipe I found from Chef Jody Williams for ingredient proportions. 

- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes

- 3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

- 2 cups coarsely chopped Parmesan cheese

- 8 springs fresh thyme, leaves only, coarsely chopped

- 1 clove garlic

- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (probably going to use more)

Step 1: Soak sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 30 minutes

Step 2: Chop all ingredients and place into food processor. Drizzle in olive oil while processor is chopping. Texture should be like coarse sand when done. 

(Chef Bryan and I shaking it on the dance floor)

And just a few more shots from the party because it's my blog and I'll post what I want to...plus my friends are gorgeous, wonderful and deserve to be celebrated!

XOXO

Bon Appetit!

d. eileen

Sparkles, Champagne and Auld Lang Syne

Happy 2014 everyone! My friends and I rang in the new year by throwing a small house party. The last few years, living in NYC, we went out to large parties to celebrate. This year we wanted to do something a bit more low key and it was a blast!

(me and two of my besties, Hannah and Meredith)

We prepared some small bite appetizers (one which I'll highlight in a post later this week) and of course a meat and cheese platter. We nibbled on bite size meatballs, pigs in a blanket, and small toasts with a variety of toppings. The signature cocktail for the evening was a St. Germaine Champagne mix with a splash of bitters.

Most of the credit for the nights success goes to our hostess Hannah and her boyfriend Bryan.

Great conversation, flowing spirits, and amazing friends are a great recipe for a wonderful evening! As usual, all the guests came dressed to impress and celebrate in style.

(who doesn't love a pocket square!?)

Champagne toast, count down to midnight, kisses exchanged, well wishes for the year to come!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

d. eileen