Date 34: Craft & Commerce

This great little restaurant reminds me of a library-turned-speakeasy.

It sits on the outskirts of the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, 

but doesn't take reservations

so I had been waiting for the perfect time to try this place.

We ended up meeting my sister and her boyfriend

for a slightly early Saturday night dinner one weekend.

It was perfect. There was relatively no wait.

But both the indoor and streetside seating were full and lively.

While we enjoyed the entrees we ordered for dinner,

we absolutely loved their creative cocktail menu

and flavorful appetizers.

I'm pretty sure my bacon wrapped date obsession

was born here. 

  

 

Insider Tips: 

Sit up at the bar and watch the bartender mix up 

all sorts of custom drinks with egg yolk and other fun ingredients.

Oh and make your way over to the bathroom... there's a delightful little treat in there. 

Date 33: Gingham

While I'm sure there are a handful of neighborhood favorites,

La Mesa doesn't top my list when looking for good eats.

But a relatively young restaurant on La Mesa Blvd has me looking for excuses to head East.

We've since been to Gingham to try their lunch/dinner menu,

but during our first visit there last summer,

we hit up their Sunday brunch with my sister and her boyfriend.

In the same family as Herringbone, Burlap, Gaberdine and Searsucker

(all on our list of favorites),

this East County eatery serves up a cowboy's take

on some of our favorite dishes.

 

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict.

Yes, it's just as amazing as you're dreaming about.

Beautiful decor. Fun atmosphere. Unique dishes. 

And oh-so-delicious 

Date 24: Moonlight Theater

This summer, Jeremiah and I double dated with Lyssie and her now-fiance.

We packed up a picnic and enjoyed Legally Blonde under the stars.

Have you been to Moonlight?

I think this may need to be a summer tradition.

{NYC:} The Village People

Greenwich Village is my absolute favorite place in NYC

And of course, as soon as I type that
Central Park, Bryant Park and a gazillion other spots pop into my head.
But seriously, when I dream of living in NYC for a year
the Village is where it's at.

The quaint little streets are as charming as ever.
The food is blow-your-mind good.
The vintage and thrift shops are lovely.
and the speed of life slows down about 10 notches there.
It's old brick buildings and shady green trees.
It's... well, just perfect.
Mom, Lys and I decided
we ARE village people.

{NYC:} City Streets

Some of my favorite pictures from around the city

{NYC:} Good Eats

New York City is filled to the brim with yum.
Here are some of my favorite places to eat in the city
in case you're headed there anytime soon.

Hard Rock Times Square
Their white cheddar mashed potatoes are heavenly
Murray's Cheese Shop in Greenwich
Absolutely tasty, plus they have great classes
Joe's Pizza at Father Demo Square
The best EVER.
and lucky for us, they've opened a shop in Santa Monica
Milk and Cookies on the cutest street in NYC

Pop Bar (next door to Joe's)
Gelato on a stick, dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings #yesplease
Rocco's
Their fresh chocolate chip cannolis are TO.DIE.FOR

Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway
Their food is classic diner food, but their singing wait staff is awesome!
S'Mac in the East Village
is my little heaven.
They've got deliciously customizable mac n'cheese
with low lactose, dairy-free and gluten-free options.

Bryant Park Grill
because everything tastes better in Bryant Park
and if I could recommend just ONE thing to do when you visit NYC,
it'd be this food tour.

Can't miss.