Nov 8
Weekend In Long Island
For as much as I adore my hometown, sometimes I need a break from the relentless hustle and bustle of NYC.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite places to unwind from city life is Long Island. I’m very fortunate to have several loved ones who are LI residents and last weekend, I had the pleasure of catching up with two of them.
Saturday, I headed out east to visit my cousin Carla. Our first stop–Verace, an airy Italian bistro located on Babylon’s charming main street. The friendly staff was in the Halloween spirit, dressed as nerds while serving delicious fare (eggplant caponata pasta and flounder oreganata for me, burrata ravioli for C).
The gypsy and the owl: Me and Carla at Molto Vino
After dinner and changing into our own costumes, we headed over to wine bar Molto Vino. Bustling with spirited locals and a jovial waitstaff, it was the perfect spot for people watching (Marty McFly and a mobster were among the costumed characters) and enjoying a festive Halloween night.
Settling ourselves at the bar, Carla and I savored a few glasses of red sangria as we talked about milestone birthdays and winter travel plans. It was the perfect Halloween night–low key fun with one of my favorite family members.
On Sunday, I spent the afternoon with galpal Julie. Our destination–Bar Frites in Greenvale, which with its buzzy vibe and French charm, reminded me of NYC’s currently-closed Pastis.
We both treated ourselves to the decadence of a croque madame sandwich while having the kind of soul soothing conversation that reminds you what a blessing it is to have good friends.
One of the subjects that came up–the mental shift that accompanies entering your forties. With three decades of life and learning behind you, this is the era of being truly comfortable in your own skin, of fully embracing your choices without apology or explanation. I’m also discovering that it is a time for letting go of the past and focusing squarely on what’s right in front of you.
Like the saying goes, the present truly is a gift. Especially when you’re fortunate to have wonderful people to share it with.
Mar 16
Girls Night Out In Long Island
Last night, I headed to Long Island for a night out with gal pals Tasha, Mimma and Theresa.
Mimma, me and Tasha
Tasha was visiting from LA, so this was a special reunion, made even more fun by the presence of Theresa’s hubby, siblings and friends who know and love Tasha too.
We piled in to the Rockville Centre location of Croxley Ales Great American Ale House, a lively bar with a great crowd. Over drinks and apps (mozzarella sticks, wings, chicken fingers–classic bar food, yum), we caught up on each other’s lives and shared a lot of laughs. Among the topics of conversation: Beverly Hills 90210 versus Melrose Place, precocious children (Tasha, Theresa and Mimma are all moms) and dating dramas created by texting. We also reminisced about Theresa’s awesome bridal shower awhile back.
As we talked, I found myself feeling so thankful that our mutual dear friend Caroline introduced us years ago. Tash, Mimma and Theresa are amazing women – smart, fun, kind and sassy.
With spring finally upon us, they mentioned the possibility of visiting some of Long Island’s many wineries. Looking forward to that and many more fun times with these great ladies!
Sep 16
An Evening In Long Island
Much as I love my hometown, there are times when I need a respite from the non-stop hustle and bustle of life in New York City. Friday, I enjoyed exactly that with an evening jaunt to Long Island to visit my dear friend Julie.
Long Island is one of my favorite places to retreat to. With its charming suburbs, cozy beaches and more neighborly vibe, it’s the perfect getaway from Manhattan. Though the swanky, star-studded Hamptons tend to receive much of the attention, it’s LI’s low-key enclaves that I love. From a romantic getaway in Montauk to family occasions in Deer Park, LI has always provided plenty of fun and rejuvenation over the years. Friday was no exception.
After a brisk 30-minute train ride, Julie picked me up in Manhasset and we drove to nearby Jericho. Our destination–Market Bistro, a lively restaurant packed with locals celebrating the start of the weekend.
Market Bistro in Manhasset (photo courtesy: marketbistroli.com)
While waiting at the bar for our table, a gracious gentleman moved over so Julie and I could both have a seat. When he quoted Patrick Swayze’s infamous line from Dirty Dancing (“Nobody puts baby in a corner”), I smiled. No question about it–New Yorkers are witty, playful people.
For dinner, Julie and I shared delicious pretzel bread and cheese-infused tater tots while I had perfectly cooked halibut with salsa verde. But the best part of the meal was Julie’s company.
Julie and me at my annual holiday party (December 2011)
There are some friends who serve as an anchor when life thrusts you into choppy waters. Julie is one of them.
After meeting four years ago at a mutual friend’s birthday lunch, I found myself pouring my heart out to her about an ill-fated romance during our first solo outing together. She’s that kind of person. Someone you can bare your soul to, secure in the knowledge that you will always be heard, understood and comforted. I adore her.
And I adore my hometown. For many reasons–including the varied pleasures available just a short train ride away.
