Two of my favorite things about living in NYC are discovering new favorite places and rediscovering old ones. Thursday, I got to experience both during a night out in Midtown\u00a0with my good friend Derek and his boyfriend Ricardo.<\/span><\/p>\n The evening began at 230 Fifth<\/a>, a happening hotspot for many years now, attracting a good looking crowd to its expansive rooftop with dazzling city views. This time, since it was overcast, I parked myself near the spacious indoor bar, enjoying a Shirley Temple with vodka. There\u2019s something about drinking an adult version of my favorite mocktail as a child that hits all the right notes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Boozy Shirley Temple = cocktail bliss!<\/p><\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking of hitting high notes, our dining destination, Raymi <\/a>did so and then some. The Peruvian restaurant offers warm ambience, friendly service and fare that\u2019s truly delicioso<\/em>. We started off with pisco sours and canchita<\/em>, roasted unpopped popcorn that is sinfully addictive. I also savored my entree, arroz con mariscos<\/em> (rice with seafood).<\/span><\/p>\n Over dinner and drinks, Derek, Ricardo and I talked about their upcoming European getaway, work and my exciting new job\u2013Marketing Executive for The Pierre Hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n The five-star luxury property has a long and storied history of 87 years. It\u2019s a registered historic landmark and one of the only hotels left offering white gloved service and elevator operators. I couldn\u2019t be more proud to\u00a0\u00a0 help tell the Pierre\u2019s rich story\u2013and more grateful for the support family and friends gave me throughout the five-month job search process.<\/span><\/p>\n During this time, I did something I\u2019ve never done in my professional life\u2013worked in retail. <\/span><\/p>\n Thanks to a referral from longtime dear friend and style maven Heidi, I joined her in becoming a Brand Ambassador at Banana Republic\u2019s Rockefeller Center location<\/a>. The brand\u2019s flagship store, it has a deservedly strong reputation for both product selection (3 floors of BR fashion) and service. Being part of the team gave me a much needed anchor when I was feeling very low. And I have an even deeper appreciation now for what it takes to work in a customer service role. It\u2019s harder than you might think and I\u00a0admire people who make a career of it.<\/span><\/p>\n I can\u2019t wait to return to hospitality, my true passion. Thank God for new beginnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.newyorkcitygal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/ShirleyTemple.jpg?resize=528%2C960\")
<\/a>