Cruisin' for Bruisin'

ROBIN EGG BLUE

"Let's sit and talk awhile.."

Hold on tightly, let go lightly..

Blue skies over the Freedom Tower

Ride & Roll My Blues Away

Last Sunday was a beautiful day to be on a bicycle. The perfect mild temperature with sun shining through blue skies, made me go bike riding in the city. I started cruising in Midtown Manhattan and when I reached Columbus Circle, I randomly bumped into an old friend. We decided to catch up and chill by Lincoln Center's Revson Fountain. After our brief meet up, I continued my bike ride. Riding on the West Side is my favorite bike route, I entered on West 72nd Street of the Riverside Park and rode south and enjoyed freewheeling in my comfortable Yosi Samra flats on the scenic Westside Highway bike path to Battery Park. I love riding on this traffic-less bike path along the Hudson River. I continued cruising until I reached South Street Seaport where I found this cute Fiat. I wanted to put it in my pocket and take it home with me. -This is what I love about discovering New York City on two wheels, I stumble upon random cute things along the way. 

"Race for Pink Slips"

I rode my way back on West Side Highway, and when I reached Pier 82 on West 12th Avenue, I cut through West 45th St. to get back to Midtown. After (3.5) hours of riding my bicycle, I felt hungry and developed a sudden craving for Ramen. I thought of going to my favorite ramen joint, Ippudo  (also considered to be my 2nd home) on W 52nd St. and 8th Ave. As I was riding on 11th Avenue, I passed by this huge industrial looking commercial space which looked like a fancy upscale food-court, I was intrigued and immediately fell in love with its motto: EAT.DRINK.RIDE.PLAY.COOK. 

Gotham West Market is the new Food Hall to check out in Hells Kitchen. It offers an impressive array of food choices plus a bike shop (Velo). -Need I say more? Oh did I mention, you can pick up groceries and take up cooking classes at The Brooklyn Kitchen. I could probably spend the whole day at this place, but since it was getting late and I was already starving, I only got to do the EAT part (and will definitely come back to DRINK.RIDE.PLAY and possibly COOK.) -It's truly a heaven for a Feinschmecker on Wheels like me.  http://gothamwestmarket.com

  Roasted Garlic Mazemen-Fully Loaded

(nori, dashi + chicken broth, egg, sundried tomatoes, chasu pork)

Try Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop for your Ramen quick fix. Unlike like the other Ramen joints, such as Ippudo and Hide-Chan which use tonkotsu (pork) broth, Ivan Ramen uses chicken broth and rye noodles. The one I picked was Chef Ivan Orkin's most talked about dish, it was good, but it might be too rich and intensely flavored for me. In my opinion, it's comparable to Hide-Chan's dark garlic broth Ramen. I will definitely come back to try their Classic and Shio and Spicy Red Chili Ramen and their rice bowls. 

Country Ham Board with Biscuit
 (Cannibal is the best place to satisfy your charcuterie cravings)

Fun-size hugs**

Until our next date..  Ride Along With Me..

When in doubt, pig out!

BABE

Whether it's for brunch or dinner, I make it a point that whenever I am in D.C. to visit
THE PIG located in Logan Circle at 1320 14th Street NW, Washington D.C.
www.thepigdc.com

SPOTTED PIG

Eating a whole pig is not new to me. Lechon (slow roasted pig over a pit of charcoal) is a mouth-watering Filipino tradition that is often the centerpiece of any joyous celebration. Although, I must admit I have never dissected nor ate off of a pig's head before. As I was going through the menu, The Pig's Head immediately caught my attention. I had to convince my two other friends who were skeptical about it for two reasons: It might be too overwhelming for us 3 girls, as it serves 4-6 people and it was too heavy for dinner at 10 o' clock in the evening! The manger who happens to be our friend was waiting for our decision, and gave us a couple of minutes to discuss. I simply told my friend who was celebrating her birthday, "It's your birthday, go big or go home!" -And I guess, you know what happened next.

Bourbon Happy Hour @ The Pig DC

$6 each or $7 bourbon flights (4 different types of bourbon all at one)

Didn't make it to the Happy Hour, but I got to meet 

SIR OINKS A LOT 

(bacon bourbon, pear puree & ginger beer)

From Farm-to-Table to Fine Dining 

As if the porcine head was not enough.. 

CHARLIE PALMER STEAK DC 
101 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 
http://www.charliepalmer.com/charlie-palmer-steak-dc/

Great Food, Excellent Customer Service & Spectacular Views of the Capitol.

On our way to dining room, we could not help but get drawn to the floating glass cube, which housed the restaurant's impressive wine collection.

"There is champagne, and there is Krug"

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare

(Avocado, Soy & Lime Emulsion, Sesame Flat Bread Cracker)

Truffle & Bacon Twice Baked Potato

Pancetta Roasted Brussel Sprouts

(I usually pair my Porterhouse with Creamed Spinach, however I chose the greens

to balance it out. -Or simply my attempt at make myself think I'm eating healthy)

                                                                    Porterhouse
                       (Bacon Lardon, Cippolini, And Morel Mushroom)

 At the end of the evening, after our main course, much conversation and the last drops of the Krug bottle, the sommelier recommended us to have a sneak peek of the rooftop. We were escorted by a gentleman to the rooftop terrace, which has spectacular views of the Capitol. 

Rain or Shine, Night and Day, I will ride...

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." -Albert Einstein

As recommended by my local friend,this life size statue of Albert Einstein can be found on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences. (apparently not all know about this.)  It's hidden, but it's quite easy to spot if you're checking out the Lincoln Memorial, which is how I stumbled upon it while riding my bicycle in the rain.

Chasing the Sunset

Empress of the Sun

   High line, high temps..

(http://www.thehighline.org)

Simple pleasure of lounging in the sun while reading my daily devotional.

"I signed up for the 3030 challenge with Joyce Meyer,  studying the Word 30 minutes a day for 30 days." - http://3030challenge.joycemeyer.org

After an extended Winter followed by a Spring tease, Mr. Weather finally made up his mind and decided to give us a Spring-like temperatures this week. Today, I decided to enjoy the beautiful warm day and decided to celebrate the simple pleasures of living in this amazing city. I have always loved strolling around Manhattan and have considered leisurely walking in NYC without rushing to be a luxury. It was such a beautiful day to be wasted indoors. After all, I live in the Concrete Jungle, I might as well enjoy what my city  has to offer. And so I went to one of my favorite parks in New York, the Highline.

Looking forward to enjoying Springtime in New York with you!

Fun-size hugs and kisses,

Angel