tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87501509478237956892011-11-27T18:20:13.739-05:00A love affair with food, drink, fashion and life in New York City.Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-67496782100524606842010-01-09T10:58:00.000-05:002010-01-17T12:10:54.096-05:00

"Getting tough with the toughest sport on dirt" Real steers, y'all. With names like Skeeter, Austin and Reese, these riders obviously have names (and some, the looks) more befitting a Harlequin romance novel than the streets of Manhattan. The steers themselves were a trip. Would you ride Bad Blood, Wrecking Havoc or Black Tornado? The PBR Invitational at the Garden was an awesome line

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-79670872148897430442010-01-06T10:22:00.015-05:002010-01-11T10:30:39.289-05:00

Tom Sach's Hello Kitty bronze statue @ Casa Lever via Mille Fiori I identify quite a bit with Sifton's writing. It's to the point, painting a picture of the expansive Manhattan dining savannah where hungry and bejeweled gazelles, antelopes and hyenas go to graze. It lacks the witticism that we are accustomed to ala Bruni, but give the man a chance. What I did find a little shocking

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-86233688518002883302010-01-01T17:18:00.006-05:002010-01-03T17:38:19.236-05:00

Baker's Blade for Baguettes at JB Prince "We forgot to tell you, yesterday you got 2 extra points," Carlos said. Jesus nodded in enthusiasm. Chitter chatter... "Jesus say, you get 2 more points today, your rolls is good. But I say no." Carlos has spoken. Jesus was the guest judge yesterday. And he approved. It was New Year's Day. The complex was quiet, all the other retailers were

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-32274221981341490912009-12-30T11:08:00.000-05:002010-01-03T11:40:44.270-05:00

Christopher Smith for The New York Times I have been a tad behind in my reading, having been so inundated with holiday shennanigans. However, now that I"m caught up, I must comment about Sifton's review of La Grenouille! My last visit was on La G's 40th birthday. I haven't been back for one reason: I can't recall the food. How is it that I have no recollection of the meal save the split pea

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-47267078510014056512009-12-29T15:49:00.000-05:002009-12-29T15:49:58.737-05:00

The Phatory "It was very bohème," Pascal said, referring to the East Village 20 years ago. He stood, legs crossed one in front of the other, his salt and pepper curls tousled atop his head. Not that there was anything less bohème  than all of us gathered at The Phatory, a contemporary art gallery in the heart of the East Village. We were artists, musicians, filmmakers and stragglers

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-70973906289345325232009-12-27T23:03:00.000-05:002009-12-28T04:01:32.070-05:00

"Let me feed you cake!" Victoria's quiet charm was not lost upon me the evening I met her at Macao Trading Company. An invitation followed in the mail, and I was granted access to her coveted Chinatown Cake Club's first salon. True to form, it had the makings of a cake thriller. The entire event was shrouded in secrecy. The location was not divulged until the day of, and obtaining

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-3017091668059873122009-12-24T14:43:00.000-05:002009-12-28T03:22:33.245-05:00

Sequins dress with lace overlay by Vivienne Tam I attended a cocktail soiree at Vivienne Tam that was co-hosted by the publication I periodically write for, Asiance Magazine. The usual suspects were there, dressed to the nines in killer cocktail dresses. We were plied with copious amounts of Vueve and gently reminded of their special event pricing. One night only! I can't believe I

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-90651785848375592962009-12-23T11:23:00.001-05:002009-12-27T17:17:25.343-05:00

Duck thigh noodles (ngap tui mee) at Overseas Restaurant, Manhattan by Steven Living in New York City, there are no shortages of Malaysian restaurants. Nyonya, Penang, Jaya, Sanur and even Singapore Cafe (yeah, even THAT is Malaysian) comes to mind. They serve the average fare: Nasi lemak, assam laksa, poh piah, roti canai and the lot. They are all standard but in search of kuih, a friend

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-31983144922590283572009-12-22T16:19:00.006-05:002009-12-27T16:47:05.397-05:00

Top: Chocolate bouchons, bottom: Gingersnaps I decided to do some holiday baking for about 20 of my real estate clients, primarily those who lived in doorman buildings where I could drop off the baked goods. I nixed cupcakes in favor of more "durable" fare: Thomas Keller's Chocolate Bouchons and gingersnaps. I packaged them in brown bakery boxes with grosgain ribbon and a gift tag.

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-31377913685814443642009-12-19T17:30:00.000-05:002009-12-19T17:30:30.719-05:00

Pumpkin Pie vs. Cupcake via Cakespy No points today. I perfected my baguettes and french rolls on Day 7 and  earned 2 points. Today however, I worked with a sourpuss crew. Music off, no conversation. The mood was considerably dour. Perhaps because it was Friday, one of the busier days of the week and we’re coming into the holiday season. The day shift crew shaped about 5,000 pieces of

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-17512401823568741832009-12-17T06:01:00.001-05:002009-12-17T06:04:28.445-05:00

via David and Goliath “M, you going with Diego today. Twists!” Carlos was not the supervisor on duty today, Mr. Smiley was. The guys jostled each other and I had a nagging suspicion I was being “set up” for something.  More importantly, if I wasn’t working in front of Carlos, he can’t assess my progress which also meant I would be taking a time out from the point system. Diego and I

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-28298362861704634762009-12-15T08:46:00.001-05:002009-12-15T23:39:24.010-05:00

"Cuppie Loves to Bake" via Cakespy I earned my 3rd point early that morning. Back on the line with Jesus. I practised on my rolling technique for baguettes. The dough always looked like a snake that had eaten a large hamster. I couldn't get the bulge in the middle to go away. I cursed the lack of Play Doh in my early developmental years. Unofficial break time came several hours in

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-29656552572527726502009-12-05T12:02:00.000-05:002009-12-05T12:02:13.946-05:00

French Toast plush via Etsy “This is very good. But you are still 2 out of 10. When you are 10 out of 10, you are ready,” Carlos had spoken. I prodded my squishy boule. Then I prodded his firm boule and nodded humbly. While Carlos kept a watchful eye from across the work station, I set to work with a new partner. Mr. Furbie was a veteran of the joint and had little patience for a

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-54504041893538763722009-12-03T07:03:00.003-05:002009-12-06T17:56:14.683-05:00

via The Fresh Loaf "Esta muerto," Carlos shook his head and prodded my limp dough. Everyone laughed. I had succeeded in murdering my French roll. Again. And thus, ended Day 2 of my internship at X. I spent my day with my stomach in knots. I am the only intern who wasn't a culinary school grad and without professional kitchen experience. Everything I did wrong, from improperly

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-37372178813833621872009-11-25T11:26:00.003-05:002009-11-25T11:33:36.619-05:00

Cabbage Flowers in Union Square I lived on Union Square West, next to Coffee Shop when I first moved to New York. It was lost on me then, an 18 year old fresman at NYU, what an amazing neighborhood I was in! I go to the Union Square Greenmarket more often than I used to. I especially like the fresh cut flowers and these beautiful cabbages!

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-53177018095896850462009-11-01T16:51:00.000-05:002009-11-01T16:52:09.683-05:00

That you were to return,from the ravages of warfought on foreign soil(in a body bag).That I were to sit,facing the honor guardin their dress blues.The folded flagresting on your mother’s lap.

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-47450429816801311792009-10-26T23:37:00.001-04:002009-10-26T23:39:19.266-04:00

“If we must part forever, Give me but one kind word to think upon, And please myself with, while my heart's breaking.” - Thomas Otway

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-16119315940658749542009-10-22T12:10:00.004-04:002009-10-22T12:27:48.200-04:00

photo: Jui ShihI was covering an impeccable sake seminar and tasting at Matsuri, the beautiful subterranean Japanese restaurant at the Maritime the other evening. I have had many a fond meals there....ah, but I digress. The sake! Organized by Joto Sake (the founder and his staff were ever so gracious), the event was just...perfect. Artisanal brewers pouring their masterpieces and ever so humbly

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-45154922543956689142009-10-18T16:22:00.004-04:002009-10-18T16:48:02.175-04:00

via Delivery WeekDelivery Week has now reduced my 1 block walk to 10 paces as I let my fingers do the dialing. The brainchild of Seamless Web, it runs October 19th-31st. 3 course lunches are $12.09 + tax and dinners will set you back $20.90 + tax. They are awarding freebies on Twitter so what are you waiting for?!

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-23261605887807537102009-10-11T15:51:00.004-04:002009-10-11T16:13:16.998-04:00

via The NY TimesI came across this NY Times article, “Jobs Wanted, Any Jobs At All” that focused on the day-to-day of Kristie and Katie Barry, 17 months out of university and jobless. Though one is not technically unemployed (she’s just partially employed), she described her bartending gig as “dating a guy you know you’re not going to marry.”I understand. I've been a phone girl, focus groupie,

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-67095170762443096882009-09-08T17:27:00.007-04:002009-09-13T17:57:13.074-04:00

image via SephoraAgatha Ruiz De La Prada & Tweezerman Cocktail PartyOn our way out of the madness that was Longchamp (some charity event with Fenton), we decided to walk down Wooster St. in Soho. We peaked out the corner of our eyes, a bright, whimsical store filled with laughter and champagne."What is this?" we wondered.Certainly not a stop we had planned in

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-48513686415599113412009-08-23T17:13:00.003-04:002009-10-10T15:59:35.405-04:00

via Go AntiquesWhen I first bought my silver handled crystal Mikasa double-tiered beauty 10 years ago, I had high hopes for domestic bliss but these hopes were largely unfulfilled. The psycho dates were permanently canceled but the dish remained and I have been unable to let go of it, often telling myself, "I'll need it someday to serve finger sandwiches for tea..." That statement in itself, was

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-16176528939467657072009-03-19T02:10:00.018-04:002009-07-14T11:37:02.514-04:00

As I sashayed up to the entrance of Arader Galleries in my Nanette Lepore cocktail dress and black Manolos, I had a Sex in the City moment. Here was another night about town with my girlfriends but with a philantrophic slant. Christopher Ong's soiree which benefited the National Stroke Association was backed by who's who of Upper East Side society. The launch of his limited edition“Madame

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-53075576629754976712009-01-04T08:41:00.003-05:002009-01-07T20:57:46.634-05:00

Please meet Betty, a 1950's Royal Quiet deLuxe. She weighs 11 lbs. I first saw her tucked away on a shelf at A Repeat Performance, a quaint little store in the East Village on Second Avenue and 9th Street. I had often stared into the window since my freshman year at NYU. There was always a typewriter there I coveted, a Hermes 3000 or a 1950's Smith-Corona Silent Super perhaps.But there was

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-56763797173628407832008-12-10T09:16:00.002-05:002008-12-11T01:54:52.864-05:00

Economy aside, Iceland has quite a few things going for them: #1: Siggi's Skyr This rich, dense and natural skyr from Iceland (by way of a Manhattan kitchen) has a refreshingly natural taste. This is not your typical, "fruit on the bottom" or parfait-like yogurt. Skyr is serious but simple. Direct but satisfying. You can enjoy your skyr in 4 flavors: plain, blueberry, orange & ginger and

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-699444653226357732008-11-25T21:29:00.014-05:002008-12-02T14:04:18.614-05:00

I lovingly fingered the straps to my favorite pair of Comme Il Fauts as I gently slipped my feet into them. Often referred to as the Manolo Blahniks of tango and made in exclusive batches of around 50 pairs a model, these beautifully crafted heels are exquisite and very, very comfortable. The music started, my partner held me in an embrace, and in one sweeping movement, proceeded to step on my

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-87003413431710039712008-11-12T17:18:00.010-05:002008-11-13T21:58:29.962-05:00

I accepted a last minute invitation to the Israeli Film Festival yesterday evening. I have always held a curiosity for cultures unlike my own. Even more so, when my passport dictates that I am not allowed to visit. South Africa was crossed out when apartheid ended, and Cuba too, is now a possible destination. But Israel remains out of reach. (Of course there are ways, dear reader, but we will

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-25059485192344785922008-11-10T00:16:00.040-05:002008-11-11T15:39:56.290-05:00

When you’re feeding a tough audience of carnivorous New Yorkers whose vegetarian forays have been marred by creations like, “kelp on a plate” and bean fueled dragon bowls, you better bring it. Amanda Cohen's newly minted Dirt Candy on East 9th St. has brought'n it alright, and oh is it sweet and sassy.Reading Amanda's (formerly of Pure Food and Wine, Heirloom) declaration on her website, “I don’t

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-76950332878558868952008-11-01T10:47:00.000-04:002008-11-03T13:38:24.580-05:00

Halloween has always been an adult soiree in NYC. Fairytale and children's tv character themes rant rampant. I too, fell victim to the trend and sported an Alice in Wonderland outfit that was super cute.Several notable costumes: Spotted at Union SquareKermit and Miss Piggy...15th St. & 5th Ave.Little Red Riding Hood & the Wolf in Grandma's Jammies...Tompkins Square ParkThe adorable...9th Street

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-49577504357724955072008-10-24T07:51:00.015-04:002008-10-24T09:34:58.816-04:00

Calling for Wang Wei the Poet-Painter:Northern Hill of Wang Stream Scene, 2002 Merging the Old with the New: Lo Ch'ing at Goedhuis ContemporaryOn an Upper East Side townhouse off Fifth Avenue, Chris Ong and I were regaled with witty conversation, wine and contemporary Chinese art. Lo Ch'ing's postmodern take on the Chinese silk painting is absolutely captivating. I have never been a fan of the

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-38010818432795475802008-10-14T02:11:00.004-04:002008-10-14T02:39:28.836-04:00

I found an old poem tucked away in a book I had forgotten. It was written, presumably for a gentleman I was particularly smitten with (or perhaps I was exercising my literary penmanship, I don't quite recall). The constant "first dates" (and no more thereafter) that New York life is prone to can be quite disheartening. But when you find that someone you connect with...MuseDo not presume to know

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-87180307421454740102008-10-01T09:13:00.007-04:002008-11-02T10:37:51.483-05:00

Left: Kara Age, Right: The Mr. Jones CocktailMr. Jones has succeeded in making yakitori sexy. So sexy, in fact, I am getting flustered underneath my buttoned up lace collar recounting last night. It all started when Jam Master Jay called with a sly, "Free this evening?" I immediately canceled my date.Walking up to the plywood covered façade of Mr. Jones on busy East 14th Street, it felt like a

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8750150947823795689.post-72191779699853356422008-09-21T18:54:00.000-04:002008-09-21T21:16:48.597-04:00

On an oft forgotten street after dark, Albert Trummer succeeded in bringing the spotlight to Chinatown with his sexy cocktails at Apotheke. Hidden away behind the façade of the “Golden Flower Restaurant," enter a space that evokes a bygone era of beautiful spies, the gentlemen who pursue them and the cocktails that define them.The varied apocathery bottles lining the wall behind the marble bar,

Mabelinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743955012749246995noreply@blogger.com2