POMODORO ROSSO - UWS

If you're a fan of Seinfeld, you might recall that many of the breakups occured at this Upper West Side spot.  Six of us had a great dinner last night at Pomodoro Rosso (229 Columbus Ave, near 70th).  While the prices are just as expensive as the Meatpacking District, this type of "family" friendly restaurant welcomes its patrons with open arms and makes you feel at home.  The restaurant is cozy, the servings are quite large and the staff is super friendly.  They also serve specialty cocktails for those who like to go beyond wine & beer.  I had the chicken marsala which was delicious, 4 of the girls had pasta and one had the snapper special.  No one had anything negative to say about their dishes.  I look forward to dining outside when the weather gets a bit nicer. Ciao!

MACELLERIA - Meat Packing District

Erin and I went to Macelleria (48 Gansevoort St) for dinner last night using an OpenTable offer ($25 for $50 worth of food).  Everything was delicious.  We shared an appetizer of fried zucchini and both had pasta dishes (linguine with white clams & straw and hay tagliolini with peas and prosciutto).  We had three glass of wine and 2 dirty martinis (necessary after the day I had at the office).  In typical Meatpacking style, the drinks were just as expensive as the meal.  I would not recommend this restaurant for those of us living on a budget unless you have a discount or you're celebrating a special occassion.  Above you will see a hyperlink to send you to OpenTable's website for new deals.  Ciao!

Special Note:  Happy Birthday to Erin, my best friend of 25 years!!!! XOXO

FISH - West Village

I have been talking about oysters & clams for at least a month now.  The only problem was finding a quality establishment with reasonable prices that had drink specials (main concern...haha).  After doing extensive Internet research and passing up on our Three of Cups brunch, Katharine and I decided to try FISH (280 Bleecker St).  Great decision!!  We started off with the best deal of the day...6 blue point oysters plus your choice drink (chardonnay, merlot or PBR) for $8.  You can opt for clams so we ordered them as well.  We also tried the lobster bisque (which came with a cute pitcher of sherry), mussels in butter & garlic and oysters wrapped in smoked bacon.  Needless to say we left there stuffed as can be but fully satisfied.  The restaurant is a bit on the small size but we got there around 2 and had no problem finding a seat.  Our waiter was super friendly and the staff was very attentive.  Worth checking out!!

Sweet Offer - Twelve Oaks

I'm not a big sweet fan but I wanted to share this offer with those who have a sweet tooth.  PopSugar is offering $36 worth of treats for $18.  That's 50% off!!  They have big time clients like Stella McCartney, Nike and Pepsi so it seems worth it to try it out.  Some of these treats would be great for a bridal shower or birthday party.  Read their interview:  http://nyc.popsugar.com/Interview-Twelve-Oaks-Bakerys-Caroline-Saudek-Katherine-Coyne-12617247.

1849 - West Village

Sunday Funday ended at 1849 (183 Bleecker Street bw MacDougal & Sullivan) in the Village.  I've been here a few times and always enjoy it.  In fact, I left this bar to get my nose pierced about two years ago.  Sorry mom!!  The happy hour special is great (.20 cent wings & 1/2 price well drinks and beer).  We didn't eat the food but everything looked appetizing.  There's a private lounge downstairs and a pool table upstairs.  On the main floor towards the bathroom, they even have a framed collection of fake ids.  Even the music was a lot of fun!!! 

Popbar - Gelato on a Stick

The slogan should be "Heaven on a Stick".  Had to check out popbar located at 5 Carmine Street (at 6th Avenue) before I made my way home last night.  Such a treat!!  You can choose from popGelato, popSorbetto (real fruit zero sugar added) or popYogurt then you can personalize it with poppings (almonds, hazelnuts, coconut & pistachio) and dippings (dark chocolate, milk chocolate & white chocolate).  There are no artificial flavors, colors or corn syrup.  Popbars are also gluten free and kosher certified.  Check it out!!!

RUMOR HAS IT - ADELE

Here's a treat for all you Adele fans.  While the video may get you a bit dizzy, Adele's voice will keep you steady.  My next mission is to get tickets to see her live!!!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert - GOOD TIMES!!

Went to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert last night with Jill, Laura & Donny.  It was a lot of fun, the songs made you want to get up & dance and the story was cute!  Great crowd, lots of laughs (especially at the lady in front of us) and tons of electric colors.  It was a so great to see Will Swenson who played Berger in HAIR.  In addition, Tony Sheldon & Nick Adams were great.  Side note: my friend Jill and I are HAIR obsessed.  Seeing Will perform again was like seeing an old friend up on stage.  Here's a video of Will Sweson & Gavin Creel (another favorite):

This song is dedictated to Jenn & Carl!!!

JADIS - Hidden Gem on the Lower East Side

If I lived closer to the Lower East Side, I'd probably have my own stool at this bar.  After volunteering for Musicians on Call last night, my musician and I decided to check out Jadis (42 Rivington St bw Eldridge & Forsyth).  Brick walls, cabinets of wine, wooden bar tops and leather couches in back all suit my style.  This bar is intimate, romantic, cozy and great for friends, couples, first dates and small parties.  In fact, this might be the place I hold my 33rd birthday this year.  On Mondays, Jadis offers 30% off bottles over $30 and they have half price wines by the glass from 5-7PM (Tuesday thru Saturday).  Last night we ordered a bottle of Annabella 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon for $39...delicious!!  In addition to wines & champagnes, they offer beer as well.  We didn't eat but Jadis serves starters for $3-8 (olives, crab cakes, bacon wrapped scallops, etc), salads for $11-15 (3 options), quiches served w/ salad for $10-12 (4 options), pressed sandwiches served w/salad for $9-12 (4 options), 8 different types of charcuteries at $7-9 and 9 different types of fromages at $6-8. They've got two desserts to offer those with a sweet tooth.

Burger Day in NYC - SAVINGS

This post is dedicated to my sister who talked about eating a burger for two days last week.  Too bad you don't live closer!!  It's Burger Day in New York City today.  If I had to pick five meals to live off, a good burger makes that list.  Groupon is offering up the chance to get a burger for up to 65% off.  The offer is good for joints in the East Village, Midtown, Kips Bay, UWS, UES, Queens, Greenwich Village, Financial District, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights and Staten Island.  You've got less than 14 more hours to scoop up this deal so hurry!! 

CABANA - Midtown East (Drink Specials)

Cabana Nuevo Latino...one of my favorite spots in Midtown East for tasty Latin food.  By far my favorite item on the menu is their empanadas (beef) but I would also recommend the mariquitas, baccalaitos, churrasco and ropa vieja.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love wine.  There's nothing like sitting at the bar for $5 glasses after a long day at the office!!  Of course they make great mojitos and sangria but a girl's gotta watch her figure :-)  Check out the location at the South Street Seaport as well!

Team Lombardi!!

Went to see Lombardi last night and loved it.  Much to our surprise, we had front row seats for $15!!  Through Audience Rewards, I was able to use 600 points + $15 but my confirmation said we were in Row F.  That wasn't the case and what a great surprise!!  I grew up watching Dan Lauria on the Wonder Years and Judith Light on Who's The Boss but seeing them right in front of my eyes blew me away.  They did wonderful in their roles as Vince & Marie Lombardi as did the rest of the cast.  I highly recommend seeing this play if you're in town.

Wonderland - BROADWAY SAVINGS

"Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you have!"

Just scored three tickets to Wonderland in May for $45 plus 500 points a pop courtesy of Audience Rewards.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the amount of points that I've got but I still have an offer to share with everyone.  TheaterMania offers the code "CAT" to receive up to 50% off tickets.  And, if you check out the website for the show, you can listen to the entire cast recording. 

My 4 Sons - Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons...wow!!  I am in love love love.  It's not that often that I'm able to play an album over & over again and dream about the music in my sleep.  I did this last year with Ray LaMontagne and Amos Lee and I now I've found my 2011 obsession.  Adele is another artist with a new album out called 21.  Check them out!!!

NAMASTE

Namaste

I honor the place in you

in which the entire universe dwells. 

I honor the place in you

which is of love, of truth,

of light, and of peace. 

When you are in that place in you

and I am in that place in me,

we are one.

Walking to work a few weeks ago, I noticed a yoga studio called Yo Yoga! (344 E 59th Street near 1st Ave).  I haven't been inside to check it out for myself but from Internet reviews, you can't beat the deal of $12 per class.  In nicer weather, they even offer outdoor roof deck classes.  This studio conducts Vinyasa-Hatha blend classes 7 days a week.  They even offer pay-by-donation classes twice a week.  Come check it out, I know I plan on it.

CIAO WEST - West Village

After missing our comedy show in Greenwich Village, a group of us decided to have dinner at Ciao West (185 Bleecker St) and were not disappointed.  This was my 3rd time eating here and the first time for my friends.  They loved it!!  The four of us shared the 4 Stagino (mushroom pizza) then two of us had the penne all vodka and the boys ordered the fusilli alla Siciliana and the linguine coi frutti di mare.  Our waiter couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.  I love great service from the host to the bus boys.  This place has quality food and I look forward to going back.  Check out the daily specials above the bar!!  Did I mention that they compt our wine because of my reviews on Open Table?  This is my kind of place :-)

A Cup For You & A Cup For Me

My friend Katharine and I went to brunch yesterday at this place called Three of Cups (83 1st Avenue).  This was my second time there and I plan to go back next weekend.  Their prices are reasonable and the food is delicious!!!  We shared an order of mussels, then I had an omelet (portobello mushrooms, fresh herbs and asiago cheese) and she had the Polenta d'Amore (poached eggs over polenta with sauteed peppers, onions & sausage).  We started off drinking bloody mary's then turned to mimosas for the rest of our stay.  After eating and drinking probably a bottle each, we spent maybe $23 (including tip). Did I mention that this place has unlimited beverages?  SCORE!!!

Empire Rooftop Lounge - Special Offer

Gilt City just came out with an offer at this fabulous rooftop lounge at the Empire Hotel.  Having been there several times myself, I highly recommend this spot.  This offer allows you 4 cocktails & 1 menu item for $49.  The retail value of this offer is $85 which gives you a 42% savings.  Offer expires on 3/25, must be redeemed by 6/18 and is available Monday-Sunday from 5-10PM.  Email me if you'd like more details.  Have fun!!

Elton John - Craigslist Savings

A co-worker came to me asking how to go about scoring a great deal for Elton John tickets this Sunday. I tried eBay and Craigslist but in the end, it was Craigslist to the rescue!!  After sending her numerous links to various sales, we were able to find her $100 seats for what should've cost her $175 and she's in section 100.  All it takes is a little time & effort to find discounts.  Anyone can do it!!

Lombardi - MASSIVE SAVINGS

I just purchased two tickets to the play Lombardi using an incredible deal sent to me by Audience Rewards.  The offer was part of "March Madness Awards" allowing me to use 300 points + $15 (no tax or fees) to see Lombardi, Mama Mia!, Wonderland or Arcadia.  By the time I was able to take a break from work and logon, all that was left to see was Lombardi which was on my list of shows anyway.  I'll miss Jill but at least I'll be able to tell her if this is a hot ticket or not.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert - SAVINGS

Priscialla Queen of the Desert is currently in previews which is how we scored tickets for $69 (includes tax & fees).  Regularly, $92 (plus taxes & fees), we saved 25%.  Using the website Theater Mania, we were able to use a discount offer.  Reviews of the show to follow.