New Song Obsession

Short post today-- but I CANNOT stop listening to this song.  It's been on repeat since I bought it on iTunes, and I just hit my monthly limit on Pandora about 10 minutes ago since "Adele Radio" has been on non-stop for the past, oh...40 hours.  She's so unbelievably talented in both her singing and song-writing.  Hard to believe she's only 21 years old.

Fiber!

Not the sexiest title, I admit, but I do love me some fiber.  It just so happens to be found in one of my absolute favorite food groups (beans!), so I usually don't struggle to incorporate it into my diet.  However, I am sure that I can always use more-- not only does it keep you fuller longer, but has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.  I'm sold.

While in the health food store a few weeks ago, I picked up a package of GG Bran Crispbreads.  They looked...interesting.  Kind of like sheet of pressed cardboard.  One of the workers said they were great and recommended by Dr. Oz (my mom loves him, so I figured that was good enough for me).

Now I do realize these are probably also very high on the Atkins/low-carb diet charts, which I have little to no interest in.  But these really are great!  They are fat- and preservative-free, and one cracker provides 20% of the daily recommended fiber.  Just don't be expecting Wheat Thins here.  And it may be the last time you're allowed to bring appetizers to a cocktail party if these become your idea of "party crackers".  They're extremely dry, as any 100% bran product is, but with a little help and a glass of water, these really become a snack which holds your over for much longer than your typical cracker.  I usually spread on some almond butter and raspberry jam, and they are also great with a little cream cheese and cinnamon.  I could also see these going a more savory route, topped with hummus and a slice of turkey or cheese.  They might even be elevated from the realm of "fiber cracker" to "actually something you crave" if topped with Nutella... but maybe that would defeat the purpose?

First Date

At long last, there was a plan for the aforementioned date.  After going back and forth via text without a ever making a plan, he finally suggested we meet around 9 at a restaurant downtown.  I agreed, slightly annoyed, since I could have much better planned my day (outfit) around a later meeting time, but figured it wasn't the worst thing in the world.  I may be uptight at times, but wouldn't hold it against the guy.

I realized immediately that it the lack of plan and last-minute decisions were not an excuse to play games-- he is just completely free-spirited and relaxed.  It didn't seem to phase him that I showed up 30 minutes latte (traffic, I swear), whereas that would have driven me crazy.

He picked a really cute restaurant called Esperanto, on 9th and Avenue C.  I've never been as far east as C, and it was surprisingly quaint and very quiet.  The restaurant was on a corner and had two blocks of outdoor seating, so we grabbed a table right by one of the windows-- from there, we could faintly hear the Latin music that was playing from the live band inside.

photo courtesy of NubiaMag

The food was Brazilian-inspired; to start, we split potato and cod croquettes and roasted mussels.  The mussels were wonderfully crispy and garlicky-- perfect with a squeeze of lime on top.  The croquettes were to salty for my taste, and they tasted more like salty fried hush puppies.  Something I would definitely skip next time... though I can see their appeal after a few drinks.  As an entree, I had seared tuna, topped with a roasted pepper and avocado salsa.  Overall it was good, the flavors didn't pop, but the fish was cooked perfectly.  And the caipirinhas were amazing.  We then went for a drink next door to this tiny cocktail lounge called Louis 649 which was really cool-- dark lighting, old jazz music, and great cocktails.

He was certainly very different than anyone I've been out with before.  He was interesting, interested, considerate, very into New York, optimistic, artsy, free-spirited...if nothing else, it was a bit of a reality check.  Not only are there so many different types of (single!) people on this island, I could learn a lot from each of them.  I'm not sure if there will be a second date, but if nothing else, I could probably relax a little... it'll take a while, but maybe not making a plan three days in advance isn't the worst thing someone can do.  Though I'll keep hoping for it.

Is it too much to ask for a plan?

I met someone at a happy hour this past Friday.  Though we only spoke for a short amount of time, he seemed smart, cute, nice enough... basically he was completely unoffensive which, considering the past few I've dated, is grounds for consideration.  We exchanged numbers and went about our separate plans for the night, with the notion that we would touch base later in case our paths crossed.  They didn't, of course, but he did send a text saying how nice it was to meet me and that he would like to buy me dinner or drinks sometime soon.  +1, happy hour man.

He texted me a few more times, and then asked on Monday to let him know if I were free this week and wanted to hang out; an approach which still leaves me in a state of wonder.  It's not as if we are close enough that "let me know when you're free" qualifies as making a date.  Why wouldn't he just ask if I were free on a certain day and actually make a plan?  Or better yet-- call?

But he's cute and I want to give it a chance, so I responded with a definitive "I'm free Thursday".  He said great, that's what he was thinking as well (then why didn't he suggest it?), and he will think of a plan.  So here we are, one night before our first date, and there's no plan. 

Moving forward, I am trying to keep an open mind in my dating career.  But this is one thing that I'm not really interested in compromising.  In my book, "we'll hang out" does not a plan make.  Why is it so hard to commit to a time and a place?  Is the nonchalance an indication that things are too casual, or is it a means of protection?  Is it a way to play games-- and if so, do I leave my entire night open, waiting to see if this "date" materializes, or tell him something came up since he didn't make plans?  I don't know this guy, but I have the sense he's not trying to play games-- and I'm holding out hope that he will pull through tonight and make a plan before I write it off.  I have to draw the line somewhere.  Stay tuned...

Lambrusco

It seems that each season I get on a kick and have a new drink that I have to have...all the time.  Last summer is was rose wine.  A couple winters ago it was mulled wine.  Prosecco and sea breezes... well, I suppose those are year-round.

My wine du jour is Lambrusco wine, which is a perfect red for the spring and summer.  White wine is fine, but I'm generally much more interested in red.  Lambrusco, from the Emiglia-Romagna region in Italy, is a crisp red with a gentle effervescence-- much less than that of Prosecco-- and fruity but not sweet. 

I first tried this in Italy with pizza, served chilled and in a juice glass.  I can imagine it working well with anything from grilled chicken to pizza to a summer panzanella.  Lambrusco had a bad reputation in the US after the 1970's, but the true Lambrusco wine is nothing like the overly sweet wine which was super trendy back then.  (or so I've heard...)  It's showing up more and more in restaurants-- or better yet, look out for it at your wine store, since it will be at least 300% cheaper there.

Labrusca Lambrusco, retails for about $15

Selling New York

While watching an episode of HGTV's fabulous show, "Selling New York" last night, I realized how fascinating this city really is.  Yes, the restaurants are great.  So is the shopping.  And the history.  And the culture.  And the fact that you can get anything delivered at any time.  But the most fascinating-- bordering on absurd-- are the people.

One of the brokers was trying to sell a $7.45 million apartment in the gorgeous Apthorp apartment building on the Upper West Side.  I can't imagine anyone spending that much money on an apartment... a home that doesn't include a car, parking, or any land.  But that's an argument for another day. 



photo courtesy of NY Magazine

Of course, the condo had horrendous energy and had to be re-staged by a feng-shui master.  She clearly makes enough money spraying her positive spray mist (air freshener?), because she has more plastic surgery in her face than Joan Rivers.

A young couple came into look at the apartment.  How would someone that young be able to actually afford an appartment like that, you might ask?  Well, because their name is Cris Dovich.  And apparently in New York you can make a FORTUNE doing this.  I need a new job.