Please stay at Aria the next time you are in Vegas!

26 Nov

Hi guys! Back from vaca, holiday, etc., and do I have a recommendation for you! We were in Vegas (my mom lives there), and sometimes I stay on the Strip to take a break from the burbs. For the first time, we checked in at Aria, which is now my new fave hotel in that city. Sophisticated and classy, it lacks the schmaltz of theme-oriented spots as well as the scene-y pretension of places like The Cosmopolitan. Yes, there is a casino on the ground floor. But overall it is an oasis of calm featuring natural wood, stone and foliage in the lobby, and modern, sleek decor in the rooms. When you walk into yours, the curtains open automatically; in fact, almost everything (television, lights, temperature, room service) is controlled via a touch screen panel (which turns off devices when not in use). With Aria’s commitment to reducing energy consumption, its 4,000+ rooms make up the largest LEED-certified hotel in the world.

And in case you need to undo any Vegas-indulgence damage, the gym is the best I have ever seen at a hotel: HUGE, with natural light streaming in and dozens of cardio options, weight machines and free weights. With a gorgeous spa, five pools, seven bars and 16 restaurants (Including Julian Serrano tapas, the brand-new Javier’s Mexican and Todd English PUB, which is not technically part of Aria but onsite at CityCenter), Aria may even make you forget about poker. And that’s my kind of Vegas.

Nightly rates from $100 (but more like $140 with resort fee and taxes).

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A not-so-bad-for-you treat

29 Oct

I like to end my nights with something sweet. (And please don’t tell me to eat fruit—it doesn’t count as dessert if I eat it for breakfast!) I discovered Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle at Fairway and am in love a little bit. With 120 calories and 4 grams of fat per 6-piece serving (and 4 pieces usually suffice because they are that satisfying), it is my of-the-moment snack. Best part is that you won’t have the desire to eat the entire bag! Crunchy and sweet but not overly so, they soften to perfection when lightly dunked in skim milk (which always makes me feel better about my dessert choices—you too?).

Available in three flavors: Chocolate Chip, Traditional Walnut and my fave, Toffee Crunch. YUM.

Find at a store near you.

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I couldn’t be a hater at Anejo Tequileria

26 Oct

Having grown up in San Diego, I get irritated at upscale Mexican food. The quesadillas we ate as kids cost $1.75 at Cotija and they tasted rad. But even when my palate evolved to beachside fish tacos and rolled tacos with a perfect blob of guacamole and a side of tongue-searing, this-can’t-actually-occur-in-nature hot sauce, I never paid more than $5. So I am skeptical when two tiny New York tacos cost $15 and there is nothing else on the plate.

Still, I visited Anejo Tequileria in Hell’s Kitchen the other night and was totally impressed. The food menu is not extensive (the choice is in the tequilas, which I did not get to try), but flavor pairings were unique and seriously enjoyable. The guacamole had pomegranate and pumpkin seed and charred poblano! The salad had sweet chili cashews! The corn cake had Oaxacan cheese and jalapeno! The short rib tacos were braised in cocoa! The pork tacos were really bland so let’s move on! The churros were served with not only chipotle chocolate but also dulce de leche!

All in all, it was a great meal by Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa. Portions are small, so don’t come starving. The flip side to that is you don’t leave stuffed. The vibe is loud and lively; expect the typical New York scene where you’re eating on top of your neighbor but pretending like you don’t mind because you’re at a cool place in pretty much the best city around. Tequila or no, your life will feel pretty good. And so will your stomach. (Your wallet will feel just OK.)

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3 great foreign films you missed when all the hype was about “A Separation”

24 Oct

The 2011 Iranian drama A Separation fully deserved the Oscar it got for best foreign language film, but here are three others that I can’t seem to forget:

Bullhead (Belgium): The performances in this dark, deeply disturbing and testosterone-laden story of a man who endures a childhood trauma and never recovers are fierce, even though the backdrop—the cattle farming industry plagued by gangsters—is kind of weird. The plot can be hard to follow at times (it’s partly based on a real incident that occurred when a government veterinarian inspector was killed), but I found myself thinking about this movie long afterward.

Goodbye First Love (France): I’m a total sucker for young love stories because they make me recall my own innocent and all-consuming experiences from a million years ago. While some people might be bored by the minutiae of the affair (this is a very French film), I was hooked on the young girl’s attempts to finally move past the relationship and grow into a new person. I also secretly hoped the two lovers would find happiness together again.

Tomboy (France): One of the most thought-provoking films of last year is about a 10-year-old girl who identifies as a boy, dressing and acting like one (without her parents’ knowledge) when they move to a new town. The child actors do an amazing job—at times I felt like I was watching a documentary. Anyone who doesn’t “get” the issues surrounding gender identity should see this film; it’s impossible not to empathize with the girl’s confusion and struggle for acceptance.

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Your new workout song

22 Oct

I have a pretty high tolerance for big beats, but if you can’t take Dada Life‘s insane new album in its entirety, at least try the song Boing Clash Boom. I swear it will make you run faster!

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Where to take visitors after the High Line

16 Oct

It’s fall! In the city! It’s awesome! Aaaaand suddenly, everyone wants to come visit. And because you are a fabulous friend/niece/daughter-in-law, you welcome them with open arms and guarantee a great time. At some point you’re sure to end up at the High Line (because “nice view from up there” and “it’s free” and “we can get some exercise.”) But what to do afterward? Continue your hostess duties with these three nearby stops:

1. Shop at STORY (Tenth Ave. at 19th St.). Called a “permanent pop-up” when it first opened, Story is a NYC-themed “retail space that has the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery and sells things like a store.” Its rotating themes always have a New York hook; right now the place is showing the work of local fashion designers. The last time I visited I left with a bag full of products made by artisans from the five boroughs.

2. Eat at COOKSHOP (Tenth Ave. at 20th St.). An oldie-but-goodie, the food, space and service here will impress any out-of-towner. Marc Meyer’s American menu features seasonal ingredients, many of which are cooked on a grill, rotisserie or in a wood-burning oven. One more reason to love this place: Before diving into your starters (including brussels sprouts pizza) and mains (local swordfish, spit-roasted sasso chicken, etc.), you can order from the “snacks” portion of the menu: Choose from little delights like spice-fried hominy, a pickle plate and, on a recent night, pulled chicken mini-tostadas. Oh, and if you leave without ordering the coffee cake sundae, your life may be a little more sad. P.S. They take reservations.

3. Drink at THE HALF KING (23rd b/t Tenth and Eleventh). Sure you can go to Biergarten at The Standard, but the scene might be too loud, young and frat-astic for some. As you lead your guests to The Half King, name-drop Sebastian Junger as part owner, then get ready to get comfy in this low-key, cozy pub with a nice beer list. If it’s too crowded, leave your scarf on and head to the intimate backyard garden—have one more $4 beer during happy hour from 5pm-8pm and you won’t even notice the fall chill.

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Drop me off in Harlem

11 Oct

This past week I’ve eaten at two spots in Harlem that totally reminded me why I love living up here.

1. Melba’s. Imagine the southern comfort food of Sylvia’s (Melba is Sylvia’s niece) served in a small, modern and slightly more upscale dining room with better decor (century-old chandeliers, black subway tile, church pews). We went for brunch on a drippy, chilly morning and my irritation at the unpleasant walk dissipated when we stepped into the warm and homey interior. Despite being packed (they take res before noon), Melba’s managed to exude a calmness; instrumental Bob Marley tracks played softly. After a short wait and being served biscuits—never a bad thing—I ordered a basic spinach omelette (zzzz) but my husband tried the signature brunch dish: Southern Fried Chicken and Eggnog Waffles. He said it was one of the best dishes he had EVER had. Based on my bite, it’s no wonder it beat one of Bobby Flay’s in a throwdown. The bill—including one mimosa and a side of grits to honor my late Meme in Birmingham—came to less than $40 with tip! I couldn’t help but think how welcoming and festive this place must feel around the holidays.

2. Chez Lucienne. This cozy French bistro is right next door to Red Rooster. Less of a scene while still being lively,  it’s been ranked as one of the top restaurants in Harlem for the past few years. Even on a random Tuesday it was full of French speakers, both at the bar and at tables. The soupe a l’oignon has just the right amount of salt, topped by a perfect  slice of gruyere—sop up every last drop with thick-cut french bread. Choose from steak au poivre, coq au vin, moules, escargot, and assorted poisson and other treats from la mer. Or hell, just have a delicious-looking kobe beef burger. But no matter what you order, you MUST get the frites. Wines are about $9/glass, and while we didn’t indulge, other people appeared to be enjoying the selection. Or go on a Wednesday when many bottles are half off. In fact, there are a bunch of daily specials that keep your tab from becoming extravagant.

Uptown really is indescribable: the spots, the people, the vibe. Come visit us sometime!

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There’s a personal trainer in my living room!

19 Sep

Wello offers at-home, cost- and time-efficient workouts with a personal trainer.

Yesterday I learned about a new start-up that is so fantastic and innovative, I kind of want to invest in it. And not just because it was started by two female grads who met at business school at Stanford. Wello allows you to work out at home with a real, live personal trainer using two-way video. All you need is a laptop with a camera; 30-minute, tailored sessions start at $19. Here is why Wello is such a brilliant idea:

1. It’s a time-saver: No more wasted minutes schlepping to/from the gym, showering there, etc. Just throw on your workout clothes and unroll your mat in your living room.

2. It’s economical. Personal training sessions at the gym can cost anywhere from $50-$100 for an hour; Wello’s start at $19 for 30 minutes, depending on the trainer’s “tier” (cheaper if you buy a package).

3. You have choices! Male or female trainer. Encouraging, hardcore, fun, fast or motivational workout style. Goals can include get lean, get ripped, get flexible, get healthy and more.

4. You can still use the buddy system as motivation. Ask a friend to come over and join your workout; the cost doesn’t go up, but the two of you can split it. (This would also make a great girls-night-in activity—before breaking out the wine and chocolate.)

5. People who are overweight or self-conscious about going to the gym can do something positive and rewarding for themselves in their own comfort zones.

6. Timing is super flexible and convenient; hundreds of specially trained coaches are available whenever YOU have time to work out—even if that’s 3 a.m.

7. And the No. 1 reason Wello will be a huge success?? Last-minute scheduling. You can decide 10 minutes prior that you want to fit in a session. Yes, you can FINALLY take advantage of those (rare?) moments when you feel energetic and motivated—before the couch sucks you in. Put another way: If your plans for a run were thwarted by rain, you no longer have an excuse to be lazy. Sorry!

(Photo illustration by Wello.)

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Art in a Box

11 Sep

This piece by David Fullarton is just one example of art that could arrive at your door.

Perhaps you have the taste, time and money to decorate your apartment with style and panache. Sadly, I do not. That’s why I’m intrigued by Art in a Box, a subscription-based art delivery service. For $50 a month you can receive random works by artists from the San Francisco Bay area. The website explains it like a CSA or wine club—but instead of getting veggies or vino, you get art.

While you can’t choose exactly what you want, you can indicate preferred mediums: painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, watercolor, drawing, collage, ceramic or  sculpture. (Everything arrives in a  11″ x 17″ x 3″ box.) You can also describe your taste in three adjectives, which the company uses as a general guide to make your selections. Check out the gallery of artworks shipped in August.

Picasso this stuff is not, but it’s still a way to support local artists and make your friends jealous. And I LOVE that you never know what you’ll get. How many true surprises are left in life?

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Remember The Redhead?

7 Sep

The Redhead is one of those places that, when it opened in 2008, was so talked about you probably boycotted on principle. It’s small, and they don’t take reservations for fewer than five, and you were likely sick of the fried-chicken craze.

Well, it’s 2012. And the place is still damn good. And affordable. And worth a visit. Set in a dark, unassuming space on E. 13th near First Ave., chef Meg Grace offers her twist on Southern comfort food. Diet-friendly this place is not. But you won’t mind when huge, soft, fresh rolls with honey butter find their way to your table. We started not with the signature bacon peanut brittles (better as a bar snack), but with waffle chips and butter-braised onion dip (a bit of WT perfection).

Next up was the beet salad with horseradish ranch dressing, followed by the two menu must-haves: fried chicken (completely shareable) and a small order of the shrimp and grits with perfectly spicy andouille sausage. Our one near-mistake was getting the drop biscuits with honey—unnecessary due to those rolls from heaven. But I ate them for lunch the next day, along with the cheddar broccoli we somehow didn’t have room for. All of this, plus a beer and an Arnold Palmer, came to $35 per person. Steal! And while the food is indulgent, we didn’t feel disgusting afterward.

Beyond the party in your mouth, Redhead is simply lovely. The people who work here just seem like kind souls; each time our server delivered a dish, I wished he were my uncle.

Even at four years old the place remains packed, so get there early. Or just wait for a table at the small bar, like the locals do. Slow down, sip some whiskey, pretend you’re in the South. What’s the rush? You can go to the gym tomorrow.

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