Hannah's Bachelorette

This supermodel is getting married in less than a week! I'm beyond excited for her and her soon to be husband. As more and more of the people in my life get married, there is nothing better than when they end up with someone you love just about as much as them. I could not ask for better friends and I couldn't wait to celebrate Hannah at her Bachelorette Party. 

We packed into a rental car and headed north for the weekend. We stayed at the most incredible Bed & Breakfast, The Caldwell House. Talk about luxury, each guest room has its own fireplace! After dropping our belongings, we ventured to Brotherhood Winery for a fun wine tasting. 

Established in 1839, Brotherhood Winery refers to itself as America's Oldest Winery. The tasting room offers a variety of tasting flights and if you're interested, you can check out the historical cellar tour. 

Before dinner we headed back to the B&B to open some fancy treats and sip on some bubbly...

We quickly beautified ourselves and headed to Beacon for dinner at The Roundhouse. The location of this restaurant is what it is all about. The food and atmosphere were incredible, but it sits at the center of town on the famous Beacon Falls. The floor to ceiling windows face out toward the falls and the rest of town. 

The food was delicious. We shared a number of appetizers to start - Brussels & Bacon, Housemade Chips with Bacon Dip, Local Polenta and Macaroni & Cheese. 

Entrées included Braised Short Rib of Beef, Herb Roasted 1/2 Chicken, Housemade Gnocchi and North Atlantic Cod. 

And of course we shared a few desserts. This one here is the Chocolate Torte with pistachio and rose sorbet. 

Franship.

Congratulations Hannah & Bryan! I'm so excited for your marriage and the life that is to come! 

Powder Blue, Black & White

Spring is in the air! Well not quite, but I'm confidently declaring it over the city.  In my opinion it was the worst Winter in years. I'm convinced that once temperatures peek above 40, New Yorkers go crazy. Even though it might only be 40 degrees, they are eating outside, not wearing jackets and rocking open toe shoes. People, we're not there yet. But, after months of being cooped up, I can't blame them for wanting to shed some layers and soak up the sunlight.

I'm totally ready to transition to lighter colors and more flowing fabrics, not shorts and tank tops. As much as I love a chunky scarf, it will be really nice to not have to layer up so much before stepping outside. This Spring look is courtesy of Forever21...surprising right? High-waisted trousers and cropped tanks are very in this season. I stuck with a classic black & white print but paired it with a contemporary pastel blue duster jacket. Though I love a heel, these silver loafers from Sole Society perfectly rounded out the look. Be bold and take some risks this season. 

(Sunglasses: Kate Spade / Necklace: J.Crew / Rings: Forever21 / Bracelets: Aldo)

xoxo

naturally ginger

MiMi Cheng's & Snowy Days

For the longest time I have wanted to try Mimi Cheng's dumplings. Hungry and in the neighborhood, Hannah and I decided to pop in for a mid-afternoon snack. This East Village spot is the place to come for homemade and handmade dumplings. It is a blend of Chinese-Taiwanese cuisine for dumplings that taste just like the ones the owners' mom made for them as a child. The meats and ingredients are grass-fed, free ranged and totally organic. Mimi's special sauce is another delicious family recipe. 

I loved being able to watch the dumplings be created in front of my eyes. You can get them stemmed or fried depending on your preference. Hannah and I shared two orders of dumplings. First, The Mimi Cheng, packed with chicken and zucchini. Second, The Reinvented Classic, stuffed with pork, bok choy and cabbage. These tasty bites provided the perfect appetite quencher and escape from the snowy day. 

bon appétit

naturally ginger 

Jack's Wife Freda Birthday Brunch

We are BACK at Jack's Wife Freda. This place is super popular. I apologize in advance but you will have to wait if you go. The food and atmosphere are usually worth it so stick it out if you can. I suggest heading there with a smaller group. I met some friends to celebrate the beautiful Meg Woods on her Birthday.

I'm always so in love with their sugar packets. I love when restaurants pay attention to the little details.

Jammed into a communal table, we all dug into a number of delicious brunch dishes. This is the Madame Freda, a play on a Croque Madame, it is a sandwich packed with duck prosciutto, gruyere, cheddar and a fried egg. 

This dish is the Mashed Avocado on Seeded Bread. Who can resist the side of fries?! 

Bit of a sweet tooth? Try the Rosewater Waffles. Topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries and honey syrup.  

I decided to nosh on the Grilled Eggplant Baguette - tomato, eggplant, mozzarella, pesto...come on! 

After lunch, we wandered over to the luxurious Mondrian Soho for a little afternoon libation. A girl can't help but feel luxurious under this canopy. 

Happy Birthday Meg!

xoxo
naturally ginger