Sunday, February 20, 2011

Around town...



Last weekend I went to Babbo Ristorante, Mario Batali's restaurant in the West Village. SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD! Reservations are taken exactly one month in advance at 10AM. Line will be busy, hang up and try again. I've had to sadly cancel reservations last minute before, and have been waiting and waiting to finally go. Thanks to the boyfriend for remembering to call!

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The menu is quite extenstive and I did Google a few things under the table out of curiosity. (I'll pass on the lamb's brain...nooo thank you.)

We ordered:
Steamed Cockles with Red Chiles and Basil
Goat Cheese Tortelloni with Dried Orange and Wild Fennel Pollen
"Brasato al Barolo" Braised Beef with Procini Mushrooms
Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Maple and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Creme Fraiche and Saba
...and finished with delicious cappuccinos.


This restaurant is definitely one of my new favorites, as expected. Don't you hate when a restaurant doesn't live up to the hype? The ambiance, service and food were all phenomenal. I had a really hard time deciding what to order, I suppose I'll just have to go back. A must when you visit Manhattan!

On a completely different "page" ...


Another Manhattan favorite is Strand Book Store in Union Square. Their slogan is "18 Miles of Books" and it is one of of the largest used book stores in the world. While wandering around recently I came across the collection of etiquette books, which always fascinate me.  My mother will still whip out an old edition of Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette when I consult her on tricky protocol! (Come to think of it, I'm actually fascinated by those that lack manners, which probably explains my reality TV addiction.)

I opened the familiar Manners by Kate Spade and a postcard of a diner in St. Louis, Missouri fell out that read "A BELATED YET STILL USEFUL CHRISTMAS PRESENT." Don't you enjoy finding a "story" in a used book? It reminds me of one of my favorite flicks, Serendipity.


Like most New York institutions, Strand has it's own merchandise section.You may recall Kate Spade's partnership with Strand last year - they still have totes in stock. Couldn't help myself, had to have.

Tote Bag: Kate Spade & Strand Books $11.95

I can't wait to share my other favorite NYC hot spots, there are manyyyyy. Hope you're having a fabulous weekend and perhaps discovering new places in your own city! As you know I am freezing my tush off Upstate.

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7 comments

  1. Fun post! That restaurant sounds amazing!
    ~www.thealyway.blogspot.com~

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  2. That restaurants looks amazing! Love manner books too
    xoxo
    SC

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  3. Child, I do not know which is cuter you and your outfit or that cappucino! Just got finished setting ALL of your alls guestbloggs into my thingy MUH BOB haha. It is 1 a.m. and I have not packed and I am leaving at 5:30 a.m. that's right, LEAVING. AAAHHHH

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  4. Lucky you to snag a reservation.

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  5. I've heard Babbo is amazing! Sounds delicious :)

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  6. My friend Travis works at Babbo! I hope to one day go to NYC and be treated there because of this friendship ;)

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