Jul 27
Summer Nights In NYC
One of the best parts of living in New York is stumbling upon someplace wonderful where you least expect it–especially when it comes to culinary delights.
Back in April, a Google search led me to Il Punto. And a few weeks ago, my cousin Alexandra and I returned to this gem of a restaurant. It didn’t disappoint.
Il Punto: an Italian gem in Hell’s Kitchen (photo courtesy: ilpuntoristorante.com)
Located on the corner of Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, Il Punto is an inviting bistro with delicious pasta and seafood dishes and a host who exemplifies Italian charm. We were well taken care of by both him and the wait staff this second time too.
Alexandra and I split a bottle of Collio Sauvignon Blanc, which we were introduced to during our April visit.
After a complimentary amuse bouche, we savored our entrees, capped off by panna cotta for dessert and a complimentary round of limoncello. It was a truly epic night, with nearly six (!) hours of soul soothing conversation and laughter made even more enjoyable by the setting.
A very different but equally engaging venue provided the backdrop for Thursday’s night out with gal pal Lauren. We met up at Skylight Modern in Chelsea for Travel +Leisure‘s party celebrating its annual World’s Best Awards.
The scene at T+L’s World’s Best Awards party
The swanky soiree featured a fashionable crowd, on-site sand artist and award winners dressed in authentic attire representing various destinations. In addition to signature cocktails, the menu included passed hors d’oeuvres (empanadas, mini grilled cheese, caprese sticks, tuna tartar) and food stations (paella, lobster rolls, fried clam sandwiches, crab cakes). Delish.
While savoring both the menu and the people watching, Lauren and I caught up on summer travels, work and home makeover projects.
Two fantastic nights on the town with two of my favorite ladies. Summer in NYC simply doesn’t get any better than that.
Aug 11
New Connections Through An Old Friend
One of the best parts of living in NYC is the abundance of great restaurants. I recently caught up with dear friend Yong at one of my longtime favorites, Cara Mia in Hell’s Kitchen.
Cara Mia: One of NYC’s best Italian bistros
The cozy Italian bistro offers attentive service and delicious fare in a relaxed, low key setting. It provided the ideal venue for Yong and I to fill each other in on recent developments. We talked about summer travels, his firstborn heading off to college soon and my excitement over being quoted in The New York Times about a new package for women at The Westin New York Grand Central.
Yong invited me to join him later in the week at a social networking event being hosted by a college friend of his. Upon arriving at Latitude, my first thought was–too crowded and too loud. So I felt truly reassured when one of the attendees at the mixer said the same thing.
“This reminds me of where I used to go in my college days,” she said as I nodded in agreement.
Yong’s friend Marc, who hosted the gathering, shared that he organized it to offset the challenges of broadening your social circle in a fast paced city like NYC. Indeed, even in a metropolis of millions, you have to make an effort to meet new people.
The mixer introduced me to some fascinating locals–a photographer, lawyer and wardrobe stylist among them. It was a reminder that if you want to change something in your life, taking even a small step can make a difference. Especially when you have good friends to take those steps with.
