ANNE & ANDREA'S ANNUAL GIRLS WEEKEND

Part of my MLK weekend was spent with Andrea, one of my best galpals from college. Despite being sick all week, she made the drive from where she resides in Pennsylvania and spent the night Saturday into Sunday to partake in our annual girls weekend. We each pride ourselves on our eagerness to try new things so we’re always packing things into our weekend and running around from one place to the next together.

The weather was cold and it even ended up snowing but we made the best of things. The day was filled with a lot of fun “firsts” (most of them for my visitor). Almost immediately after Andrea arrived on Saturday morning, we made our way to The High Line since she had never walked it. We got on at 23rd street and headed downtown, observing the art and playing catch up on each other’s lives along the way.

We headed to Grand Central Station next and stopped at the Oyster Bar for a few Bloody Marys and well obviously, oysters. Unsure of what to order, our waiter brought us a random assortment. We had 3 different kinds each, and agreed Blue Point oysters were something we could for sure see ourselves ordering again.

We made our way over to Bryant Park to contemplate our next stop, the MoMA Museum. It was relatively crowded but not too overwhelming. One particular exhibit that intrigued us was called “Insecurities: Tracing Displacement and Shelter”. It focused on refugees and the conditions they’re subjected to living in. It was eye opening and reminded me to take more time to be grateful for who and what I have.

By 3pm we had walked about 8 miles

throughout the city and were anxious to refuel so we grabbed a cab and headed to The Ginger Man for some craft beer and a cheese plate. The last time I had been there with Andrea was a few years earlier during Santa Con so I was thankful to be going back to wipe the visions of drunk Santa’s from her memory.

The Bling Tiger Ale House was next on our list. We were able to fulfill Andrea’s dreams of tasting an India Pale Ale IPA called “Lunch” by the Maine Beer Company so that was a victory. The bar was packed but the bartender was friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable. After popping into a few other various West Village locations, we sat down at The Duplex, (a piano/cabaret bar where I always have a good time) and worked our appetites back up while singing show tunes at the top of our lungs among a rather diverse group of humans.

Since we’re both so good at planning, we had made a few reservations for dinner that night. After putting a lot of thought into it and reading review after review, we decided to go with our 8:45pm reservation at Bespoke Kitchen. Their chef’s choice option on their menu had peaked our interest and the only negative reviews we could find on their yelp page regarded waiting for the food -– something we figured we wouldn’t be bothered by as long as there was alcohol.

We started off with the Bacon Dumplings (after eyeing them on the table next to us) and the Caramelized Diver Scallops, which were recommended by our waitress. The appetizer portions were small but they were delicious and to be honest, I’d order them again in a heartbeat. The concept for the entrees is what had intrigued us most. Ultimately, you’re given two main options – to choose your protein (fish, meat, poultry, or a vegetarian option). Then you choose a flavor profile (light or rich), and then your questioned for any food sensitivities (nuts, gluten, shellfish, and dairy). The second main option allows you to skip all your choices and do a “Chef’s Choice”. This option doesn’t set any preferences for the Chef and allows them to make you whatever it is they desire.

The experience was almost comical in a sense. Our waitress was standing over us while we debated if we should risk the “Chef’s Choice” or choose our preferences and could hear our conversation. I had mentioned I was in the mood for duck and had no desire for fish that evening and Andrea had stated she was in fact in the mood for fish. After agreeing that we had chosen Bespoke Kitchen for a new experience, we knew we had to do the “Chef’s choice”. When our food was finally unveiled, the runner gave Andrea a Duck entrée, and presented me with a plate of Branzino. Immediately Andrea and I exchanged sideways glances. Given our conversation when initially ordering, we questioned if we should ask our waitress if we had received the right meal. Low and behold, we again agreed – we were there for a new experience, so we dove into the meals “chosen for us”. While we did end up waiting quite some time for the entrees to be prepared, and we were each served something we didn’t exactly intend on enjoying, we didn’t have a single regret. My Branzino was unlike anything I had ever tasted and Andrea thoroughly enjoyed her duck. To top it off, we ended our meal with the best Espresso Martinis and the most insane Burrata Cheesecake I’ve ever tasted. If you’re in the mood to splurge a little and find yourself in the West Village contemplating your next meal, GO HERE PLEASE, I beg you. And then be sure to tell me about your experience!

Sunday morning arrived too soon, as per usual. My parents are quite fond of Andrea so they had made sure to schedule brunch with us in Hoboken before her departure. We met them at Court Street, a Hoboken staple that us Liegel’s visit often. (You can’t go wrong with a restaurant that serves complimentary delicious Irish Soda Bread AND fresh fruit cups before your meals.) I went with my usual brunch option - the Smoked Salmon Benedict. My mother ordered the Huevos Rancheros and my father and Andrea each had the French toast with Corned Beef Hash. We left satisfied and full, took a short stroll along the Hudson, and when the time (unfortunately) came, we said our goodbyes. I already find myself wondering what next year will have in store for us... recommendations are now officially welcome and encouraged!

#barandrestaurant