Strictly Nutritious: Chelsea Market

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up: Virginia meets New York!

This weekend, I had friends in town from Richmond. They wanted to make a spontaneous road trip to NYC, and of course, I was happy to have company for the long weekend. Actually... my weekend started a little early when Adam surprised me with tickets to Sound City Players to see Stevie Nicks, Dave Grohl, John Fogerty, Rick Springfield, Cheap Trick, Lee Ving and Brad Wilke at Hammerstein Ballroom. I am quite obsessed with Fleetwood Mac, so the thought of seeing Stevie again made my girly heart flutter. The show surpassed my wildest expectations! Then when my friend Kristen said she was coming to visit me, my week just got THAT MUCH BETTER!

Hope y'all had a wonderful President's Day weekend too! Here are some pics from the weekend!

Stevie Nicks and Dave Grohl... what a beautiful duo.

Brunching with Kristen!

My dish was amazing... thank you, Rucola!

...As was hers, a lovely combo of lentils and roasted carrots.

Then we hit up the Brooklyn Flea... a treasure trove of odds and ends.

For dinner, Adam showed off his culinary prowess...

...and it was a big hit with the crowd.

Who doesn't like a peppercorn-encrusted steak, brussels sprouts with radishes and herb roasted potatoes? Plus, the paper plate makes it extra classy.

Sunday started off with a trip to Jing Fong for dim sum. 'Mr. Man' (as I call him) was not feeling the crowd blocking the door. I envisioned him 'pulling a Soup Nazi' and throwing people out, so I stayed as far away as possible.

The look one gives when one has had too many dumplings.

Turns out, we finished brunch just in time for the Chinese New Year Parade. Time to shoot off some streamers!

The boys took it more seriously...obviously.

Look at that crowd!

There are no words for this float sponsored by the Chinatown Athletic Council ... come again?

I was loving their festive garb!

Then off to the Chelsea Market for warmth, snacks and shopping!

Spotted some beautiful art by my favorite street artists - Os Gemeos.

Then shared a pizza at Lombardi's after church with some great friends.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up: Lights, Camera, Chili!

I had an action packed weekend. I accidentally ran a 5K on Saturday (oopsies), then spent the day shooting photos for my new blog with the lovely and talented Linda Peters. I finished the day by celebrating my friend Sarah's new job over cocktails at my favorite Park Slope wine bar, Wolf and Deer.

But Sunday was the true highlight of my weekend! I spent the day eating my heart out at NYChilifest 2013 at the Chelsea Market. This was clearly a splurge, but they must have known I was coming and made sure the beef was locally raised at Wrighteous Organics in Schoharie, New York. Each contestant was encouraged to use only meat from responsibly-raised animals, and the proceeds went to Food Systems Network NYC, an organization that works to ensure universal access to nourishing, affordable food that puts an emphasis on the regional farm economy.

So obviously... it was responsible splurging! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Get ready for a super fun post this week about making your own beauty products!

Accidentally joined a 5K on my Saturday morning run. Worst part? Getting left in the dust by an 8 year old with the legs of an Olympic sprinter. The best part? Getting cheered on as I crossed the finish line by people who clearly mistook me for an actual participant.

Photo shoot for my new and improved blog... to be debuted soon!

Walter wanted in on the action.

NYChiliFest 2013 started off with the musical stylings of Super Bad Brad. A little 'Kung Fu Fighting', anyone? I am now determined to have him perform at my birthday party this year. I WILL find you, Super Bad Brad.