Spring has Sprung in NYC

In my opinion and mind, Spring has sprung here in NYC. Though the weather forecast would like us to believe else wise, I'm holding onto the hope that Spring is here. Bright colors, open toed shoes, no scarves...I can not wait!

Every year I start to feel restless for warmer weather about this time. The issue is, we (or at least I) continually fall for the weather trap. See what happens is, we get to it almost being April and the weather consistently remains under 45 degrees, and we wonder why we didn't plan a long weekend getaway to some tropical climate to warmer soil. But then, the temperatures warm, and it gets really hot...too hot...and smelly, and we long for cooler temperatures. This is the point that we forget how we felt March 24th, longing for warmth and a cabana on the beach. 

So, I'm at the point where I am just believing that Spring is upon us. Anyways, by date, we are in the season.

This Saturday actually felt like Spring! After an event in Brooklyn (blog post to come later this week), I knew two things about my day...I needed food and I needed to be outside. A couple of Frans and I headed to the West Village (aka my fantasy future place of residency). 

After some wandering we focused our direction towards lunch at Buvette. I haven't blogged about Buvette yet, but this is my favorite restaurant in the city. I'm sure there will be many more posts to come, but here is the first. 

I was introduced to Buvette by Hannah via her boyfriend Bryan. For awhile they kept saying we had to go, so when we finally did, I fell in love on the spot. Buvette is a French inspire gastroteque off Grove Street. Chef Jody Williams crafts up seasonal menus with French and Italian influences. Every time I walk in I'm transported to Paris (where they - Buvette - actually recently opened a restaurant)...the culture, the food, the romance. I will never pass up an opportunity for a meal here. 

Since it was so beautiful out, we did not mind the short wait. 

The restaurant only seats about 60 people, so if you aren't good with crowded spaces, you might want to prepare yourself for a meal at Buvette.

Today, we are having brunch. 

I will talk about dinner in a future post. 

The menu is composed of small plates which are meant to share. For lunch there are a number of options including Sur Le Pounce, Tartines, Oeufs, Charcuterie, Fromagerie, Patisseries (including homemade Croissants), and Les Croques. 

We settled on a Pouilly-Fuisse to share which paired nicely with our lunchtime feast. 

Mer & Han both ordered the Steamed Eggs - prosciutto and eggs over toast with shaved parmesan. I decided on the Crepes Jambon Fromage - a crepe baked with ham & brie. 

Feeling fabulous and full, we decided to take a little walk with the sun.

 

Our walk led us through the streets of the West Village to the Meatpacking District. Packed with restaurants and shopping, this upscale area was bustling with people. 

After meeting up with a Toya & Natalie, we popped into The Standard Grill for a late afternoon refreshment. 

Really getting into the Spring spirit, we toasted to the first Rose of the season. 

 

I love the memories that I have and the life I get to live. It is days like these where not much happens, but true enjoyment of the city takes place, that you feel refreshed and encouraged to keep going. The smallest bit of sun warmth, the pink hue of the sky as the sun sets over NJ, the laugh of my friends walking behind me. These are the moments where we don't have to take things so seriously and it is easy to just feel blessed.

i love you NYC.

xoxo
d.eileen

Fiesta on the Upper West Side

Last weekend we got the Frans together (plus a few new faces) for an impromptu Family Dinner. The goal was to feed 7 people and to keep the cost down. Natalie volunteered her thrifty skills with an awesome recipe, and we collectively whipped together a yummy enchilada feast. Natalie was the man power behind the enchiladas, Hannah & Bryan conquered the Guac, and I put together a colorful vegetable filled salad.  The meal was delicious and filling. The company was beautiful. Overall it was a lovely night. 

We are a bunch of colorful characters.

Guac station...necessary.

I snuck a peak of the enchiladas...

Back to the Guac station...

It was worth the wait.

Bryan really worked up a sweat making this guacamole.

Kisses for the chef.

Everyone was very hungry and very satisfied.

Excellent company. Good wine. Great food. It always makes for a memorable evening.

Here's the recipe for the amazing enchiladas. You should make them.

Chicken Enchiladas

Serves 4-6

4 cups chicken stock
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 jalapeno pepper
1 jar salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 cup shredded Monetary Jack
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 can sliced black olives, drained
1 can traditional enchilada sauce
1 can green chile enchilada sauce
Hot sauce
Cayenne pepper
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
Tortillas

Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium pot, boil stock, chicken, jalapeno and garlic 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Strain chicken, run cold water over it and shred into a bowl. Mix in salsa and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine cheddar, 1/4 cup Monterey Jack, cilantro and olives, set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine enchilada sauces and add Mexican hot sauce and cayenne to taste. Stir until simmering. Set aside. Coat a casserole pan with nonstick spray. Microwave tortillas 20 seconds. Place small handfuls of cheese mixture and chicken in center of each tortilla, roll up and place in pan, seam side down. Sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Ladle on sauce, then add remaining Monterary Jack. Bake 20 minutes. Serve with sauce on side.

Bon Appetit.
xoxo