Soho House & The Firing Squad...Bang Bang

I haven't posted all week and I'm super bummed about that! It has been a non-stop week at work and in life. But, I was able to grab some fun & snapshots along the way, unfortunately they were with my iphone. 

I got an email earlier this week from an awesome chica I met through church. She no longer lives in NYC, but sent me an invite to a launch party her company was sponsoring. It was for the new BMW i8 and artist Tavares. The new BMW i8 has a unique sporty design and will set you back a pretty penny to own - around $135,000. The NYTimes did a great write up about the car here. 

Now, I'm not really into cars, but I was into the party's location - the very exclusive Soho House. The Soho House New York is a private members' club and hotel located in the Meathpacking District. It's not a place you just walk into, so I grabbed my plus one, freshened up after a long day at work, and set out for the adventure. 

The event also promoted the launch of artist Tavares Stratchan's new work SEEN/UNSEEN. What I learned from people walking around with ipads is that in 2011 Tavares Stratchan created a closed art exhibition in an undisclosed warehouse in Brooklyn. He photographed his work, and compiled it into a book. It's the whole idea of if a tree falls in the middle of a forest and no one is around to hear it did it really fall? I think he is going for the whole if an epic work of art is created and no one knows about it, is it really that epic? 

There were yummy passed horderves - meatballs, risotto balls, tuna tartar and spinach raviolis. We made sure to lounge a bit on the velvet tufted sofas and drink a couple glasses of vino before heading home. I don't think I was supposed to take pictures but I couldn't resist. Hope they let me back in! 

Of course we made sure to snap a few shots in the photo booth and leave our mark on The Soho House wall of fame. 

Fast forward to Friday. Sad cause Hannah was out of town, Mochie rounded up the Frans for some margs. We headed down to Hecho En Dumbo. It wasn't the cheapest marg, but it sure was good. 

If you didn't know, the Frans are a gang. Don't mess with my Frans! Mochie fondly referred to us as the "firing squad" all night. I'll let you all ponder why.

I ordered the Sopes de Pollo. It was a trio of stone-ground corn masa medallions with black bean puree, house-made crema fresca, romaine lettuce and powdery cotija cheese. Mine was also topped with chicken in a chile pulla sauce. 

T & Mochie got the Tacos de Costilla - steak short rib tacos.

Natty opted for the Tacos Campechanos - steak, chorizo & crisp friend pork skin.

This is the Tacos de Tuetano - roasted bone marrow and caramelized wagyu beef tongue.

Mer had the Queso Fundido de Chorizo. Basically baked cheese over meat, served with warm tortillas.

We then popped over to The Wren for a nightcap. 

Like I said...we are a gang. We got each others back.

xoxo

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