Gramercy Tavern

The tavern & barWe celebrated Andy's birthday last night at Gramercy Tavern - it is a beautiful, soothing, bustling space, the perfect combination of feeling totally alone at your table but that you're also in one of New York's most beloved, always lively restaurants. It is part of Danny Meyer's restaurant empire, which includes Union Square Cafe, Maialino, and Shake Shack. If you make a reservation (and do it a month in advance) it's for the main dining room, which is a required prix-fixe dinner with three courses or you can do the tasting menu. The food was legitimately delicious (especially loved the smoked trout, beef tartare and peanut butter semifreddo) unlike some fancy places where you're left wanting more. Plus, each person is given a muffin for the next morning's breakfast. The tavern or bar area is also a great option if you just want to walk in. This is top 5 for me in New York - a city classic.

Morning muffins

A Bit of Cute

This is Rocco's preferred spot lately. We finally let him go back into the bedroom when we're gone - when we first got him, he destroyed everything and there were shoe, blanket, and pillow casualties. Now, he just snuggles up, especially with the snow and cold weather we've been having.

I'm prepping for several trips - L.A., D.C., Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruge, Tel Aviv - obsessively researching, going through all my files, and talking to friends. I've been taking advantage of NYC the past few weeks too - going to the old-school Keens Steakhouse, Hearth (cozy East Village spot where I had the best glass of Nero d'Avola wine), a delicious new-ish restaurant in the West Village, Rosemary's, and coming up - Gramercy Tavern, I Sodi, and Babbo. But I have also made sure to have plenty of nights at home, watching New Girl and The Taste.

Have a wonderful weekend!