What to do this week? 9/29 Edition

"We know there's no use in getting miserable, so we go out on the town instead" - Lee Ryan

In case you wondering what to do this week either to let off steam from work, try a new restaurant, meet up with friends for happy hour or have a great date, here is a list of my recommendations for the week :-)

Farmers Market Fridays
Every Friday from now until November 22nd, Queens Botanical Garden will be hosting their Farmers market Fridays. Be prepared to get lost in the option of fresh, local and seasonal food. If you're constantly thinking of your next best recipe, this is probably a great place for some inspiration!

43-50 Main Street
Queens, NY 11355


Happy Hour - O'Nieals Soho
No I didn't misspell it, its O'Nieals! My co-worker brought me here one day for a much needed happy hour and I was hooked. The ambiance is super chill with a touch of fancy (just what I like) and once 10pm hits, the music will keep you out of your seat! Happy hour runs Mon - Fri from 4 - 7pm. $2 off draft beers and $5 house mixed cocktails, which were definitely potent! The food isn't too bad either, so be sure to grab a bite as well. 

174 Grand St
New York, NY 10013


Chelsea Brewing Company
Looking for something different to do on your Saturday afternoon? Head over to Manhattans largest microbrewery for a FREE tour of its site and witness the magical brewing process. You will also receive a few free samples (cause why else would a tour be worth it?) along with tickets for discounted pints to enjoy at their bar afterwards. Tours run every Saturday from 2pm and continue every hour through 6pm. 

Pier 59
Manhattan, NY


Date Day - Smorgasburg
Do you and your significant other share a similar love for food? Then spend your Saturday or Sunday in Brooklyn enjoying a multitude of food vendors all at your fingertips! The event takes place at 11am on Saturdays at East River park and Sundays at Brooklyn Bridge park. 

http://www.smorgasburg.com/


Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
Looking for somewhere new to dine? Tired of the same brunch locations where you can only choose one entree? Then bring your self and a friend to Maya! For $39 you get unlimited Mexican small plates and unlimited margaritas, mimosas or bloody mary's for 2 hours. The food is delightful, the drinks are strong and the waiters are excellent at making sure you get your monies worth of free flowing drinks and food! I can only imagine how great their dinner is. Other highlights of Maya: $2 Taco Tuesdays and $6 Margarita Wednesdays 

Here's a little pic of what to expect when brunching at Maya:

Enjoy your week :-)

It's Good For Your Soul

Anyone who knows me well, knows I go to food like it's my therapist. When you think about it, they don't call it comfort food for nothing. Why pay for an overpriced therapist, when you can indulge in a delicious pint of Ben & Jerry's, or break off a piece of luxurious Hershey's with Almonds, or sip on a LARGE glass of vino or strong margarita? It's comforting to know that these things will always be there when we need them, we can lay our hearts on the line and our innermost feelings in front of them without ever being judged, they don't talk back and their only goal is to make sure we are completely satisfied. That is why, for women, when we cant afford to buy new shoes (lets face it that is our other comfort), we nearly ALWAYS choose to communicate over food and alcohol. Recent heartbreak? Let's meet up for drinks and venting. Just got laid off? Come to my house for dinner and venting. Depressed? Lets go drinking and dancing and get our mind off things. Got a new job? Lets celebrate at the closest bar. Graduating? Let's throw a party with so much food we will have to roll you out.

This is just one of the many reasons why I love food and why I appreciate a good drink. Its the epicenter of encouragement, of getting through a bad breakup, of stimulating conversations, of new ideas, of overcoming obstacles. But most importantly it brings people together.

~ Eat Up, Drink Up, or Shut Up ~

MARGARITAS

I'm sure there is some bartender (or as they are calling themselves now, Mixologist) out there that has created these tasty, delightful, make-you-wanna-dance-on-the-table summer drinks, but since I don't know them, I'm taking all the credit! =)

Plain margaritas bore me and so I wanted to try something to vamp them up!!! Here is what I made:

Banana Margaritas

2  bananas chopped

2 1/2 shots Tequila

1 1/2 shots Creme de Banana (delicious, I can drink this straight)

1 cup store bought margarita mix (if you don't want to use this, just put 2 shots Triple Sec and the juice of 1/4 of a lime)

Ice

Throw all the ingredients into a blender, Blend, Pour and enjoy!

I know this sounds strong, and you're right, it is, just how I like it!!!

Watermelon Margaritas

Watermelon (I just used the watermelon that already comes cut, but if you like to cut watermelon, buy the whole one)

2 1/2 shots tequila

1 cup store bought margarita mix ( again use the substitute above if you want)

Sugar

Ice

Place chopped watermelon in blender and blend until it becomes a thick liquid, then add the remaining ingredients and blend, pour, and Enjoy! ***Use sugar to make it as sweet as you want

Until next time...Salud!