The Best Slices Of Cheesecake In New York City

No other sweet says “New Yawk” like the cheesecake. From light and smooth to heavy and thick, New York City style cheesecakes are baked into range of creamy textures. 

This holiday season, gift a hostess with one of these classic NYC cheesecakes or just enjoy a slice to yourself with a hot cocktail for a comforting end to any meal.

Check out CBS New York for my article on The 6 Best Slices Of Cheesecake In New York City xo

Cafe Mocha Offers Cheese Plate With Bottle Of Wine

You read that right: free cheese! 

I almost didn't share this deal for fear that it would finally catch on and crowd my beloved cozy neighborhood wine and cheese spot. But as a dairy and gluten addict, I couldn't resist passing this insider tip on to fellow foodies who need a carb and cheese fix, on a budget.

During happy hour and into the evening, Cafe Mocha in the East Village offers a complimentary cheese plate with the first bottle of wine you order for the table. And this isn't a cheapo plate. Three cheeses - a rotating variety including one soft, one semi-soft and one hard - are plated with nuts, fresh fruit, fruit jam and toasted bread. This plate would most likely cost around $15 at any other restaurant, so this feels like a steal. 

The wine list is relatively affordable as well, so you can enjoy a $34 bottle of a decent Malbec (my favorite on their list so far) with the cheese plate for a casual date night or catch up session with one of your best girlfriends. My darling friend Renie and I have made Cafe Mocha our weekly meeting place over the past few months to unwind after work, indulge and gossip, of course. We also like to order one of their flatbreads, like the Artichoke with Chicken or Steak and Goat Cheese, to round the evening out with a filling, yet affordable, dinner.

Enjoy this wine and cheese deal, but keep it to yourself as long as you can! xo




Cafe Mocha. 116 Second Avenue.

Giving Thanks

While many of us only stop to give thanks during the month of November, when thankful statuses are filling up our Facebook feed each day, or just on the day of Thanksgiving, when surrounded by good food and loved ones, it's important to make a point to stop and give gratitude for both the big and little joys in our everyday lives.

This past year has been a transitional period. I've loved. I've lost. I've freelanced. I've started working full time again. From relationship to career, it seems like I've seen it all in 2013. Through all of the disappointments and struggle, I've been fortunate to have family - and friends who have become family - to support me every step of the way. To lift me up when I'd rather be crying on my apartment floor. To cheer me on before each and every job interview. I may be strong, but I wouldn't have made it through all of the ups and downs unscarred without these people in my life.

(image via Etsy)

Here are just some of the people and things I'm thankful for today...

My parents who have encouraged me from my first ballet class to my college musical theatre auditions to my decision to completely change careers at age 25.

My sister who gives tough love like no one else I'll ever know. But also knows when it's best to hug me and keep her mouth shut when I just need a listening ear.

My best girlfriends who are my sorority sisters and those who have become my second sisters during our twenty-something years in Manhattan. Each and every one of these women is just a phone call or happy hour date away. Therapy sessions don't come in better form than venting, rehashing and laughing with these women. They give the best advice, even when it takes me a few tries to follow it. 

My health and for the wealth of resources for women in New York City, like Planned Parenthood, when we are in between jobs (and not paying for Cobra) and in need of an exam or low cost birth control.

My cute little apartment that has served as the first place I could call my own. It may be only 350 square feet, but it's my very own 350 square feet in the East Village. And it's where I can eat Pad Thai in my pajamas while watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey whenever I please.

Nonfat lattes for being my caffeinated fuel during a year filled with interviews and workout sessions. My favorites can be ordered at Au Breve Espresso, Abraco and La Colombe Torrefaction.

Gel manicures that have kept my nails looking good for almost two full weeks at a time for press tastings, interviews and blind dates. Especially on days I've felt nothing close to being polished in my head.

Red lipstick for giving me confidence when I don't have time for makeup and on nights out when I want to feel a bit sexy.

Spin class at Crunch taught by Carl Hall who makes me werrrk it out like no other.

What are you thankful for on any given day? xo

NYC’s Best New Hot Cocktails

The chill of late autumn has arrived in New York City, leaving us searching for something strong to stay warm and toasty. From sweet classics like spiked hot chocolates to fancy takes on cider, here are a few hot cocktails to keep you toasty – and toasted – all season long.

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC's 9 Best New Hot Cocktails xo

NYC’s Best Black Friday Brunches

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Whether you traveled back to your hometown to catch up with loved ones or stayed in New York City for a Friendsgiving, I hope your long weekend has been filled love, laughter and lots (and lots) of comforting meals.

My Black Friday is spent at the Providence Place Mall year after year with my little sister and mother, armed with pre-packed healthy snacks and coupons, of course. This year we even roped my dad into the day long sales. If I was to stay in NYC for the holiday, a Black Friday Brunch would have been on my to-do list! Did you happen to dine out yesterday? If you missed out on these brunch specials, make sure to brunch at these restaurants later this winter for delicious sweet and savory plates.

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC's 7 Best Black Friday Brunches - because you can dine at these delicious restaurants anytime of the year xo

10 NYC Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner 2013

If you’re not cooking or ordering a to-go Thanksgiving feast, options abound in New York City when it comes to dining out this holiday. Whether you’re interested in innovative plates or crave a traditional Turkey Day meal with all the trimmings, these New York City restaurants are offering holiday menus to enjoy the day with your loved ones without lifting a finger.

Check out CBS New York for my article on 10 NYC Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner 2013 xo

Hello, 29

I've got a feeling the last year of my twenties is going to be the best year yet.

(Birthday gift to myself)

This weekend my sister made the trip in from Boston for hours of shopping, dining and wandering around the unseasonably warm weather in the city. We treated ourselves at the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale, hit the gym (so we could feel less guilty about brunching on fries) and just enjoyed some quality sister time together.

Yesterday I was treated to a lovely birthday brunch thrown by Ashley, one of my best friends since college, with so many of my favorite people in attendance. From pumpkin french toast to bacon mac n' cheese (made by my dear friend Belinda) my special day was filled with delicious bites and strong cocktails, of course.

Here's to 29! xo

Single Girl's Survival Guide: Blind Dates

Because no ones knows you better than your best friends, say “yes” when one of your girls wants to set you up on a blind date.

Start with a phone call. Let her pass along your number to get the ball rolling on introductions. A few text messages are fine, but make it clear that you'd love him to call before your date. This allows you both to get to know each other a bit beforehand. You may find you already have things in common and it will make for less awkward silences on the big night out.

Facebook stalk him. You don't need me to even list this, right? Doing a little online PI work is normal. Who doesn't Google a blind date? Or at least have your friend email you a photo, so you can see if you're attracted from the start.

Throw out all expectations. Even if you had an amazing two-hour phone conversation before your date, you can't expect Ryan Gosling (or whoever your Mr. Perfect is) to arrive at your door. Just keep yourself busy leading up to it, for less time to obsess over him and the possibilities. You'll most likely be pleasantly surprised.

Dress to impress. Wear something you love. Something that makes you feel confident. Whether you shop for a new LBD or just want to wear your favorite skinny jeans and heeled booties, it's important you feel your best.

Follow Patti Stanger’s drink minimum. Millionaire Matchmaker’s feisty star is know to advise her clients not to drink more than two cocktails on a date for clarity. But, two drinks isn’t much - especially if it’s a long date and you're eating dinner. Depending on your tolerance, what you dine on and how many hours you're out chatting, go for the amount of drinks that works for you personally, whether that's two or four. 

Ask questions. You don’t want to feel like you’re on an interview, but you must ask questions to learn more about him. If you’re usually chatty and the center of attention, try to pull back a bit so he can share his thoughts and experiences.

Keep an open mind. Don't be quick to judge - because you can't find out everything about a new guy on your first meeting. It's important to remember that chemistry can grow and some people are just plain nervous on dates. Give him the benefit of the doubt - and maybe even a second date - if there is potential. 

Don’t be negative. Because no one likes a Debbie Downer, stay positive and keep things light.

But if it goes horribly wrong? Go here for tips on how to escape a bad date.

What do you do to enjoy a blind date? xo

Delicious Take-Out Thanksgiving Dinners In NYC

Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us — just over two weeks away. If you’re worried about burning the turkey or simply not making the grade when it comes to the holiday feast, fret not. You can order the takeout version with all of the trimmings. From traditional sides to the sweetest desserts these New York City restaurants are offering Turkey Day dishes to-go. But hurry, you’ll need to get order in quickly.

Check out CBS New York for my article on 6 Delicious Take-Out Thanksgiving Dinners In NYC xo

Stay Tuned!

It's been a week since I've blogged. Sorry, dear readers! I started a great new job last week as a content producer and community manager at a PR firm, so I had to take a break from my lil' old blog for a few days to get organized.

I promise to get back into the groove soon balancing my full time gig with freelance writing and my social life, of course. I'll be posting more on where to dine, how to date and what to do in NYC later this week. Stay tuned! xo