Let me start by saying that this is the first time that I’ve ever been able to spend a “summer away.” But thanks to my little Prima, now I have the very best excuse! My daughter is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. She’s super intelligent, witty, sincere, inquisitive and talented. She’s a leader in her own right, and marches to the beat of a different drum. She challenges me to be the best mother that I can be for her (and the twins, of course), and it’s a privilege and an honor to host all three of them on their journeys to adulthood. When we got the news that she’d been accepted into the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive program, you can imagine how thrilled we were. Children auditioned from all over the world, and only about 220 were accepted into the program. It was a huge accomplishment for her, but only one of the many achievements I know she will experience on her journey to greatness.
We decided to stay in an apartment on the upper west side of Manhattan, and the location is just perfect for everything! Restaurants, shopping, parks, museums…are all just a couple of blocks away. And it just so happens to be hydrangea season, which also happens to be my favorite flower. So every morning on our walk to the studio, I get to see the most beautiful flowers, in the most beautiful colors, sharing all of their beautiful glory with the world. So pretty!!! I wish they grew like this in Florida! It’s all shaping up to be quite the experience. So I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds so far. Enjoy!
Joe’s is the first place we lunched at when we arrived on the island, and it very quickly became our favorite spot. It’s an American 70’s style restaurant on Amsterdam. They offer amazing classic burgers, retro cocktails with all fresh ingredients, and craft beers. Our waitress, Nicki, remembered us the 2nd time we came in, and exactly what we’d ordered, and we were hooked after that! We felt so special. The only thing I’ve eaten there is the Sloppy Joe, and let me just say that is it SLAP YO MOMMA delicious! I’m talking finger lickin’ good y’all (don’t worry, I washed my hands first). Totally cool atmosphere, great music, delicious food, and on point cocktails. Treat yourself to a refreshing Disco Revival, and make sure you ask for Nicki…she is SO cool! Yes, yes…YES!
What an adorable American style bistro we tried for their infamous brunch last weekend! Any princess would enjoy her experience here, and want to come back again and again. My little tried the Fluffanutter, which was a waffle ensemble that included peanut butter swirl ice cream on top…um, yes please, and thank you! And for the moms out there, you won’t want to miss out on the Bellini…because champagne is always great way to start a weekend day!
We stumbled upon this wonderful luxury candy boutique for grown-ups on 5th Avenue, and they’d only been open for two weeks (at that location…they are not a new company). The Sugarfina owners travel all over the world to taste-test thousands of candies, and then create a “best of the best” candy, exclusively for their brand. They truly offer some of the most divine little sweets I think I’ve ever tasted. Make sure you pick up the Champagne Gummie Bears, and don’t miss out on the Peanut Butter Malt Balls…and you can thank me later by sending a box to my house.
Hoping to share some museum and Broadway musical reviews with you next week. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!