Weekend Wrap-Up: Sizzlin' In The City!

Nothing makes me happier than spending the weekend with the people I love. This weekend was a whirlwind - from Friday night massages at Yan May to dinner outside at Peels (one of my ultimate NYC favs)... from an an intensive shopping expedition with the ladies to dancing to the 90's jams of DJ Fulltime Fun (yes, that was really his name)... from Mexican brunch at Rocking Horse Cafe to biking through Williamsburg with my love.

If every weekend were as great as this one, I'd be a very lucky girl.

Hope you guys had a great weekend too! Sending good vibes your way as you seize this fine Monday! 

And now for a photo wrap-up, with a hint of Instagram!

We started the weekend early with a lovely date night under the trees at Prospect Park...

...and a picnic to-go from our local market.

Then Saturday, we attempted (and slowly succeeded) in figuring out how the new Citi Bikes work!

Then we biked our little butts to Smorgasburg for some post-workout grub.

And because the People's Pops' line was WAY TOO LONG, we went with...

...Brooklyn Oyster Party instead!

Delicious... and perfect for the scalding hot weather.

We made a quick detour to the Artists & Fleas market before biking home...

...and stopped for a quick (albeit, sweaty) photo.

You know I can never resist a good graffiti pic, compliments of some mysterious W'Burg artist.

What's a weekend without a little Mad Men over homemade spaghetti?

Shopping ensued on Sunday - seriously, it couldn't have been more beautiful outside.

And the weekend ended with two of my favorite ladies over Mexican at Rocking Horse Cafe
 (clearly, we inhaled the guac).

Weekend Wrap-Up: Homegirls and Hipsters

Sunshine and 70 degree weather make all the ladies smile.

This weekend was spent in the company of good friends (and boys in tight jeans). If you haven't been to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you are missing out. It's full of interesting restaurants, boutiques, antique stores... and in keeping with its reputation, lots of eccentric hipster fashion.

And if you're not sold on the hipster fashion, how about lovely rooftop bars with a view of the Manhattan skyline?

Have I sold you on its grandeur yet?

Aren't you aching to leave your cubicle behind and take the L across the East River?

Shall we meet in Williamsburg?

I haven't done a Weekend Wrap-up in some time now, so I thought you deserved an Instagram play-by-play. Here we go...

Brunch at Parish Hall in Williamsburg - The red flannel hash was to die for - potatoes, beets, swiss chard and corned beef.

A leisurely stroll down N. 3rd to the waterfront.

Then on to Smorgasburg, the Brooklyn Flea Food Market for more food and drink...

...and great views of Manhattan.

When the sun comes out, so do the blankets and bikinis.  

It's a neon party (and apparently a male model meet-up)...

...and aren't they just the cutest?

A bottle of rosé on the rooftop of the Wythe Hotel.

Then some family time on Sunday with my two favorite guys...

...and some window shopping in Park Slope - What do you think, mom? A sparkly Mother of the Bride dress? I kid. I kid.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner! Let that give you hope on this dreary NYC Monday.

Saturday Splurge: Traif (Williamsburg Brooklyn)

Image courtesy of nomsnotbombs.com

This week's 'Saturday Splurge' is quite controversial indeed! Traif is the brainchild of Jason Marcus (former chef at Eleven Madison Park and La Bernardine) and his girlfriend Heather Heuser. They named their new venture Traif  - which comes from the Hebrew term 'trefa', meaning non-kosher food. The restaurant proclaims it's message loud and clear on the website... 'Celebrating pork, shellfish, and globally inspired soul food.'

Was I inspired? YES!
If you keep a kosher kitchen should you go? NO! 

The menu is meant for sharing, and although the dishes are small, they pack a huge flavor punch. We started with a complimentary tasting of their watermelon gazpacho, which was incredibly light and refreshing. Then we really got down to business.

First up was the strawberry-cinnamon glazed baby back pork ribs. Thankfully, we were smart enough to order this dish. Unfortunately for us though, it was the BEST dish of the night, making it an extremely tough act to follow. The sweetness of the strawberries gave the rib sauce a perfect hint of flavor without being overpowering. Perfection!

Next up was the moulard duck confit atop a sweet corn and shiitake mushroom saute. The duck was definitely good, but the saute stole the show. The combination was so mouth watering that once again, I forgot to take a picture.

After the duck, we enjoyed a salad with Georgia peaches, peanuts, cherries and blue cheese. The blue cheese was actually grated on top, giving the leaves a slight coating of cheesy, snowy goodness. I'd like to personally thank the person who decided to grate that cheese on top. Amen. Hallelujah!

Last, we enjoyed crispy soft shell crabs on a bed of crushed avocado with pineapple sambal. The seafood and avocado blended perfectly for a light and delicious summer dish.

Let me tell you, the bacon doughnuts (yes, you heard me correctly) were definitely tempting when it came to the dessert menu, but I just didn't think I could respect myself in the morning (I have a nutrition blog, ok?).

If you've been good all week and need a place to reward yourself, make a reservation at Traif. I promise you'll enjoy it.

TRAIF
229 S. 4th St.

Brooklyn, NY 11211

347*844*9578