What To Do This Weekend In NYC, May 31 – June 2

Welcome the month of June dining outdoors and trying new restaurants. Stay hydrated in the heat! Happy Friday xo

(ilili's amazing Green Lemonade at Madison Square Eats)

Get your foodie fix at Madison Square Eats - closing for the season tonight, Friday, May 31 at 9pm. You know I'll be there to pig out on Roberta's, Mayhem & Stout and Arancini Bro's - just to name a few!

The Upper East Side needs some love! The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is launching a special restaurant and retail week for businesses along Second Avenue from 68th Street to 96th Street, who've suffered a loss of business due to the constant construction of the infamous subway line. Shop and dine at these participating local businesses from Saturday, June 1 - Saturday, June 8!

Preserve24 in the LES launches brunch Saturday, June 1 at 11am. Be one of the first guests to try the Ricotta Pancakes with orange marmalade and salted butter or L.E.S. Egg Sandwich, made with a runny egg, fried oyster and smoked bacon. Or go for the lunch items, like a Roasted Pork Sandwich with garlic mayo and pickled broccolini.

Another new brunch, a bit further uptown in Flatiron, can be found at Mira Sushi & Izakaya, introducing everyone's favorite weekend meal this Saturday, June 1 from 12-4pm, with a new menu of fun Japanese and Korean-inspired brunch items along with Bottomless Lychee Bellinis and Passion Fruit Mimosas for $10.

NYC’s Best Chicken Dishes For Two

Take my advice, and order the chicken. Poultry may sound like the safe choice, but these New York City venues prepare fresh, revamped takes on the traditional chicken dish — fit for you and a date. Next time you dine out, try one of these elegant chicken-for-two masterpieces. 

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC’s 7 Best Chicken Dishes For Two xo

NYC’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Deals

Is it really Wednesday already? Sorry for my lack of posts, lovely readers! After a stomach bug and long weekend away visiting family, I'm back in action. You can expect more fun on Bright Lights, My City - from CBS New York roundups to NYC dating, dining and what-to-do posts this week. Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! xo

The warmer months may mean gearing up for showing off more skin in bathing suits and dresses, but sometimes you’ve got to cheat on your diet with an unlimited binge fest. Plenty of city venues are amping up their offerings for the new season with summertime deals.  From the lighter side of sushi to the calorie bomb of Buffalo wings, these all-you-can-eat deals are the best in the city. 

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC’s 8 Best All-You-Can-Eat Deals!

Modern Dating: A Field Guide From HowAboutWe

Never been a self-help book kind of girl? Then Modern Dating: A Field Guide from the team at HowAboutWe is for you. You won’t find cliché advice or tips from women in your grandmother’s generation -  just fun, relatable tidbits from a fellow single girl navigating the scene. Chiara Atik, a writer and blogger for HowAboutWe will have you laughing along with her thoughts on the trials and tribulations of dating in our twenty-something generation.

(Sponsored by HowAboutWe, Modern Dating: A Field Guide)

Copies of Modern Dating were graciously sent to my apartment to host a girls’ night in with my favorite single ladies for a rather scandalous book club meeting. Six single New Yorkers arrived at my East Village studio last week to enjoy bottles of Rioja, cheese plates, creative crostini and chocolate pastries, as we rehashed stories of dates gone wrong and reminded each other of our exes from hell.

(Modern Dating copies, chocolates, flowers & bottles of Rioja) 

From time to time, I read a chapter or fun list aloud to my girlfriends to ignite a conversation on topics covered in Modern Dating. On more than one occasion, at least one of us would comment that it seemed Chiara had gotten into our heads to describe just what a single girl goes through. Especially a single girl in New York City.

This book is far from a boring read. You’ll immediately notice beautifully-designed how-to's, infographics and charts once you turn a few pages in. There are also great guest-posts from in-the-know women like Hanna Rosin (The End of Men) and Leandra Medine of ManRepeller.com.

From pre-date Google stalking to the art of sexting, Modern Dating doesn’t shy away from what it’s really like to date in this confusing and all too flexible world of modern relationships. Not sure when to text after a date? Trying to find the right online dating profile picture? Modern Dating will act like your BFF – an encouraging and practical resource for women at all stages of the dating game. Whether you’re single and still living your wild sorority days, casually dating or ready to find a serious relationship, the tips, anecdotes and stories will help ease the frustrations.

Modern Dating is more than worth it on it’s own, but it gets even better with a special offer on Amazon! Get three months on online dating site howaboutwe.com for free with purchase of Modern Dating: A Field Guide—a $54 value! Go ahead and redeem this offer now! 

Happy Dating, xo

Does Your Boyfriend Take Care Of You When You're Sick?

Once the nausea hit, I spent most of the afternoon and evening running in and out of my cramped East Village studio bathroom. Food poisoning can be the worst. Thankfully, my boyfriend left work early yesterday (after my Gchat tales of projectile vomiting) and arrived with cans of soup, ginger ale, Gatorade, popsicles and whole wheat bread to toast. 

(image via Glamour)

As most of us who've lived through food poisoning or a stomach bug can attest to, it is not a pretty sight. From the coughing up of bile to crying over the bowl, getting sick infront of your significant other can be mortifying when you first start dating. Luckily for me, it's been almost two years, so there was no embarrassment, just plain appreciation for his dutiful efforts to scrub my toilet and microwave (and then spoon feed) chicken noodle soup.  

What happened the first time you got sick infront of your guy? Did he jump in to take on the caregiver role or give you some space until you got better? And did you mind baring your makeup-smudged face and vomit stained pajamas?

Affection is an important way to show love, but actively taking care of someone when they're sick or down-and-out in any way is really something special. When my guy has been sick - like this winter's month of Mono or a self-induced "sick" after too much wine - I was there to rub his back, give him meds and clean up the mess.

Share how your guy played nurse to show he cared (or embarrassing stories) in the comments below xo

The Worst Apartments in NYC

In the mood for a good cry? Try being 21 years old, earning under $30,000 per year in the entertainment industry, and start searching for an apartment in Manhattan with your best friend. 

(A room for rent via The Worst Room Tumblr)

Ask any twenty-something New Yorker who wasn’t gifted an apartment from Daddy or grew up in the city, and you’ll hear stories upon stories describing the woes of looking for an affordable – and livable – apartment in New York City.

This tumblr about “the worst room” vacancies in the city has us all sympathizing with offers of cramped lofts, pullout couches in shared living rooms and windowless boxes for rent. All are listed at unreasonably high prices for what you actually get, like $600 for a “comfy L shaped sofa… just for you!” or $700 for a “loft bed above the closet in the kitchen.” Those sound really desirable, right?

My personal search back in 2006 for my first Manhattan apartment wasn’t far off from those pathetic listings. Armed with my recent pay stubs, an employment letter, my parent’s W2 Forms (because thankfully I had heard I’d need a guarantor), a photo ID and my checkbook for the inevitable credit check fee, my coworker Lauren and I headed to appointments with brokers we had made after scouring Craigslist. 

With our budget of $2,000 per month for a two-bedroom, we thought we’d have some luck. Little did we know that wouldn’t even get us a decent one-bedroom we could convert into a two. Here are two of the gems we discovered during our search:

Lower East Side True Two-Bedroom, $2,000 per month. Sure, it was actually two bedrooms. Two bedrooms separated by a dingy kitchen without windows and lacking a living room. A “wing two-bedroom” is the term I’d later learn to describe this basement apartment in Chinatown. Yes, Chinatown – NOT the Lower East Side – as the listing had described. The trendy LES may border this historic Asian-centric neighborhood, but they are absolutely not the same place. 

To enter the vacant space, we had to follow the broker down a flight of outdoor cement steps into a basement entrance, opening into a long, dark hallway (where crack addicts most likely dwelled) to reach the locked apartment door. Every inch of the place reeked of cats, as the current tenants were straight up cat ladies with a litter of kittens wandering the space. Without any windows, the whole apartment was void of natural light. This dark, damp apartment was eerie at best. Yes, it was within our budget, but that didn’t mean we deserved to live in this stinky dungeon from hell.

Upper East Side Railroad Two Bedroom, $2,200 per month. “Railroad” sounded very old New York, so we were intrigued, without taking the time to Google exactly what that would look like. When the broker let us into this fifth floor walkup (after some huffing and puffing once we hit the third floor) the three of us crowded into the entryway. He was quick to explain that this tiny space that couldn’t have measured more than 100 square feet, was “bedroom number one.” Um, the three of us could barely stand together comfortably in this space. How the hell would a bed of any size fit in there? This was just the space meant to hang coats from wall hooks and rest wet umbrellas, not to have a good night’s sleep. 

As we continued, the living room was next. At least this apartment had an actual living room. This connected us to bedroom number two. In this room, you could possibly fit a full size bed, dresser and nightstand. But, the last space was the kitchen with a bathroom right off to the side. How could one of us sleep in the entryway (aka Bedroom Number One) and have to walk through her roommate’s bedroom every time she needed to use the bathroom or cook? “Railroad apartment” really just means "no privacy." If someone could afford to live in this apartment alone, it would work as a one bedroom. But this was not roommate friendly.

After weeks of searching and crying ourselves to sleep in the Edgewater, NJ apartment I shared with college friends, we finally pulled in our fellow coworker Renie, who also happened to be looking for a place to call home in the big city. Off we went looking for a two-bedroom we could convert into a three for around $3000 per month. In the coming weeks we found an East Village apartment in a new building with an elevator, doorman, gym and laundry in the basement and roof top access with a stunning view. For $3,450 per month, we equally split the rent at $1,150 per roommate. While this was a bit above our initial budget, and the rooms weren’t equal in size for the price tag, we made it work for what was to be one of the most memorable years we’d live in New York.

I’d love to hear YOUR stories about the worst rentals you’ve come across over the years in NYC! Share your apartment search horror stories in the comments below. xo

What To Do This Weekend In NYC, May 17-19

(Delicious tray of Shake Shack via @JSMeudt)

Michael White’s got a new restaurant – and it’s here in the form of a steakhouse. Costata opens today, Friday, May 17, so make reservations to impress your date at Soho's newest red meat temple.

Questlove and renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr (Morimoto, Buddakan) are opening their gourmet fast food eatery, Hybird in the Chelsea Market with a food truck-like facade, on Saturday, May 18 at 10am. Get there for the signature fried chicken, “Love’s Drumsticks”, which you may remember from the chicken challenge on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last year with Momofuku’s David Chang. And just in time for summer, grab a Watermelon-Jalapeño “Love Slush" to cool down.

Free Shake Shack Burgers?!? Delta Air Lines is opening a new terminal at JFK – with a Shake Shack in it. From May 19 – 22, they’ll be giving away passes in SoHo for a free burger! Visit Delta's T4X "experimental space" at 376 West Broadway for the free “burger pass” to enjoy a complimentary Shack Burger. There're a limited number of passes, so if you’re up for waiting in the presumably long line, just to wait in the Shake Shack line, then this deal is for you! 

I'll be spending this sunny spring weekend relaxing, running along the East River and catching up with girlfriends. Happy Friday xo

NYC’s Best Tasting Menus Under $100

A tasting menu doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars to be decadent. These New York City restaurants are offering multiple courses – from Asian cuisines to intricate wine pairings – for under $100 per person. 

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC’s 7 Best Tasting Menus Under $100 xo

The Best Date Night Bars & Restaurants In Tribeca

New Yorkers are always looking for the perfect date night spot, so follow along as I share the most romantic - and delicious - restaurants in your neighborhood in my CBS New York Best Date Night Bars and Restaurant series!

Here's the most recent addition: This downtown neighborhood may be family-friendly, but the high-end restaurants and intimate bars are made for date nights without the little ones. Visit these TriBeCa spots for your best bets for romance in the neighborhood. xo

Past posts by neighborhood:
The 5 Best East Village Date Night Restaurants
The 7 Best West Village Date Night Restaurants

NYC's Best Outdoor Brunches

The spring season is in full swing — time to take your brunch outside. From trendy restaurants to more budget-friendly locales, there are plenty of places in the Big Apple to grab a patio seat and enjoy this midday meal. Here are five of our favorite spots to indulge in eggs benedict, banana pancakes and a Bloody Mary—and maybe even a cityscape view. 

Check out CBS New York for my article on NYC's 12 Best Outdoor Brunches. xo

The Best Motherly Advice For City Girls

(Yes, Mom is shaking it to Zumba in the white tank on the right)

In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share some of my own mother’s advice, collected from over the years. Whether I seek her guidance or cringe from her TMI random thoughts, my mom always has something to share in matters of love, career and beauty. From her money savings tips to hilarious dating tricks, these gems are just too good to keep from my fellow city girls! 

Dating and Relationships

Pee before – and after – sex. Mom’s not shy when it comes to talking about bedroom happenings. As she always says, “I was young once. I know what the kids are doing.” So make your frequent bathroom trips pre and post romps in the sheets to avoid a nasty UTI. Because mother knows best.

Keep an extra pair of panties in your purse. You’d hope she’s referring to a period mishap or last minute business trip without time to pack, but good ‘ole mom claims she isn’t a stranger to the culture of a walk of shame (And yes, you want to click on that link to read her classic comment on the topic). At least panties are small, so you can easily hide them in a clutch because you just never know when you’ll need them.

Beauty

Don’t waste money on makeup remover. This helpful trick is good for when you’ve run out of your trusty eye makeup remover or want to cut down on products when traveling. Face moisturizer can remove your makeup. Just put a small amount on a cotton ball or tissue and wipe under and over your eyelids. You already know it’s safe for your face – since you use it everyday after you wash – and it easily wipes off even the nastiest mascara smudges. You’ll save a few bucks with this tip too!

Baby powder isn’t just for babies. No time to wash your hair? Sprinkle a little baby powder on your palms and rub into your scalp. It’s cheaper than dry shampoo and is just as effective. Got stinky feet in the summer? Wash those toes then pat dry and put some baby powder on your feet before slipping into your shoes. Suffer from chaffing when in a dress? Rub some baby powder on your inner thighs to protect yourself from “chub rub”. Deodorant can also fix this curvy female problem. Just swipe your stick before you head out the door for a chaffing-free few hours. 

Ice water can quick dry nail polish. Painting your own nails can save you some cash between manicure appointments, but waiting around for them to dry can feel like forever. Place your hands in a sink filled with cold water right after you’ve finished your top polish coat. Mom has always claimed this speeds up the drying process.

Career

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Mom says, speak up! Reach out to a past coworker, mail a handwritten note after an interview and share your ideas on a new team project. If you don’t make the extra effort, you may not be heard!

Use your resources. This is one of my mom’s catch phrases. And she uses it in more than just references to moving up the corporate ladder. “Using your resources” refers to taking advantage of whatever is given to you or is around you to excel or to save money. Got access to the company email directory? Sent a note to introduce yourself to someone in another department that you’d like to take for coffee and potentially learn from as a mentor. Drank all of your water during spin class? Fill it up for free at the fountain in the gym instead of buying another $4 SmartWater.

Health and Nutrition

Start your day with warm water and lemon. Cleansing may be all the rage, but even my momma knows that a hot cup of water with a squeeze of fresh lemon can act as a system cleanse each morning. No need for fancy - or expensive - diuretics to cleanse when you’ve been binging.

Pack snacks. Always have a healthy treat in your purse to “manage your blood sugars.” From a clementine to string cheese, mom always has a healthy snack on hand when shopping or running errands. Sure, it's embarrassing when she starts peeling fruits in the Nordstrom shoe department, but you'll be glad she did when you're craving something sweet and don't want to ruin your diet with an Auntie Anne's Pretzel.

What are your mom's tips and tricks? Share her advice in the comments below! xo

What To Do This Weekend In NYC, May 10 – 12

(Spiked Lemonade by Koi SoHo at Bar D'Eau. Photo credit: Anton Lombardi)

Koi SoHo's culinary offerings are expanding today, Friday May 10 at Trump SoHo - just in time to treat your momma this weekend. Bar D’Eau, the outdoor pool deck and lounge, will be open to the public from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and, for the first time, will feature new food and drink offerings from the restaurant, like a summer-friendly Spiked Lemonade to sip by the pool as you people watch the beautiful guests. 

Get your late-night pizza fix at One Twenty-Two, the newest Italian hotspot to hit the East Village, opening Saturday, May 11. At the press preview, I enjoyed creative crostinis, hearty meatballs and thin crust pizzas in their almost-hidden outdoor courtyard. If you love slices from South Brooklyn Pizza, this will be right up your alley, as One Twenty-Two is connected by the same kitchen (and oven)!

Still need plans to treat mom this weekend? Make reservations for Mother’s Day Brunch at ilili with some lovely perks for moms only and a special Apricot Almond Cake created by Chef Philippe Massoud that honors how his mom encouraged him to bake. Moms will receive a complimentary St-Germain Champagne cocktail and an herb plant to take home. The a la carte brunch menu will be served, plus specials like Hommus and Ramps and Soft Shell Crab with harissa carrot purée and avocado semolina crust.

For last minute Mother’s Day gifts, double check my gift guide on CBS New York.

Enjoy this beautiful spring weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all of the grandmothers, aunts and moms out there! xo

Wine Wednesday Deals in NYC

(Glass of rosato at Birreria rooftop beer garden at Eataly)

For those of us looking to celebrate Wine Wednesday just like Kathie Lee and Hoda (the liquor loving ladies of the fourth hour of The Today Show) here are a few deals to enjoy with your fellow winos in New York City.

Make tonight your date night at Sauce Restaurant in the Lower East Side. Take advantage of 25% off bottles of wine all night, excluding their house Pinot Grigio and Montepulciano.

The Burger Bistro offers 50% off all wines by the glass or bottle every Wednesday. What a way to get through Hump Day! Pair your wine with one of their popular burgers at any of their three NYC locations.

Edward’s in Tribeca offers all bottles of wine at half price with dinner on Wednesdays. This casual neighborhood joint is great for relaxing after work with wine and American comfort food, like burgers, pasta and pizza.

All You Can Eat Mussels are offered every Wednesday at Poco. For $25 enjoy endless Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with house red and white wine.

For a serious deal every week night, stop by Porsena Extra Bar for $5 small plates, house beers and select glasses of wine from 5:30-7pm. Try delicious bites like calamari, polpettine and crostini. 

If you can’t wait until the middle of the work week to imbibe, head to The Bourgeois Pig for half off all bottles of wine on Monday and Tuesday nights.

For when you're hungrier for more than just wine, visit In Vino for the "Old Skool Pasta Dinner for Two" on Monday and Tuesday nights. You'll get a choice of two antipasta, two bowls of pasta, a half liter of house wine and homemade tiramisu for $65.

And check out the best oyster happy hours too! 

What are your favorite Wine Wednesday deals in NYC? xo

NYC Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Every mother and mom-to-be deserves to be honored this May. From special New York City brunches to gifts that give back, treat moms, grandmothers and aunts to show them just how much you appreciate all they do this Mother’s Day. 

Check out CBS New York for my New York City Mother's Day Gift Guide for inspiration and ideas to gift your mom on her special day. xo

What To Do This Weekend In NYC, May 3 – 5

(Chandeliers hang at Dinner on Ludlow, launching rooftop brunch parties this weekend)

Winos, rejoice! On Friday, May 3, Terroir on the Porch officially returns for the season at The High Line for outdoor wine sipping and people watching.

Madison Square Eats opens Friday, May 3 for your outdoor dining pleasure until May 31! Check out my past coverage to start drooling: 2011 & 2012.

For a not-so-typical Kentucky Derby Party, celebrate at Jay Z's The 40/40 Club with a 40/40 Mint Julep. Watch the big race on one of their 33 flat screen televisions in luxury arena-style seating. Here’s the best part - there will be an open bar from 3pm-6pm then $5 bellinis from 6pm until close. And, don’t forget to rock your Derby gear - there’s a special prize for best hat!

One of my all time favorite NYC restaurants, Pipa, closed a few months back and has reopened as ABC Cocina this past week. If you can snag a reservation, get in there this weekend for a first taste of ABC Kitchen fare with Latin flare.

Shop for your summer wardrobe with up to 90% off of designer dresses, denim and accessories at The Gilt City New York Warehouse Sale on Saturday, May 4th at the Altman Building. Get last minute tickets here.

Party Cinco De Mayo style at these NYC restaurants and bars hosting events and delicious specials. 

I’ll be attending a rooftop birthday party in the East Village on Saturday then making these Watermelon Margarita popsicles for a Sunday Cinco De Mayo cookout in a friend’s Brooklyn backyard. Enjoy your weekend of festive holiday parties xo

10 Creative NYC Burgers To Celebrate Burger Month

May not only marks the beginning of the summer season, but it also kicks off a month of meaty, cheesy goodness: National Burger Month. Treat yourself to an out-of-the-ordinary burger to mark the 31-day excuse for indulgence by checking out one of these New York City concoctions. 

Check out CBS New York for my article on 10 Creative NYC Burgers To Celebrate Burger Month xo

How To Survive Moving In Together In NYC

(Backyard view from my East Village apartment)

After wondering “how soon is too soon to move in together?”, because New Yorkers tend to rush into this relationship milestone due to the high price of rent or the fear of a crazy Craigslist roommate, it only makes sense to share a survival guide with tips for when you decide the time is right to sign a lease as a couple in New York City.

While this is a happy time, there’s no foolproof way to avoid conflicts or complications once you’re permanently under the same roof. Hopefully these tips with help you survive and thrive as a couple taking the next big step in the big city.

Discuss finances and make a budget. Talking money isn’t fun, but if you’re ready to live together, it’s a conversation you can’t really avoid. From the option of a joint account to budgeting for utilities and other shared expenses, make sure you’re on the same page. Money (and the lack of it) can cause stress for many New York City couples, but with a clear budget – including funds set aside for special splurges – you’ll have less arguments and worries over your finances.

Pack (and unpack) with purpose. The act of physically moving all of your junk is almost always the worst part when settling into a new apartment. Start with the big ticket items, like flat screen TVs and couches, and decide whose furniture pieces will make it into your new home and which items will be donated, put in storage or tossed. Then make your way down to small decorations and personal items. With limited square footage in New York City apartments, you’ve got to decide as a couple if you can keep your antique frame collection and if his Mets posters need to go.

Share your pet peeves. Lay down some ground rules, so your significant other knows exactly what drives you nuts in a roommate situation. Whether it’s the position of the toilet seat or dirty clothes on the floor, make your pet peeves known, so that the romantic sparks won’t be lost with silly arguments about keeping your (small) space tidy.

Make housework a team effort. You don’t need a weekly cleaning chart circa your college days, but deciding who prefers to hand wash the dishes and who doesn’t mind lugging the laundry down three flights of stairs from your walkup to the Laundromat, will not only keep chores even, but will allow both of you to do the tasks you prefer over the ones you despise and would normally put off.

Maintain your social lives. Once a couple is comfortable, they can be tempted to stay in most weeknights with Seamless delivery and a Walking Dead marathon. While nights at home can be good to distress from work and to save some cash, make sure you’re still planning date nights to get out and enjoy the city together. Don’t miss out on why you live in one of the most exciting cities in the world - dine at a new restaurant, go for a run along the East River or attend a concert. Sharing these NYC experiences will create memories and keep you connected through shared interests.

Have individual social lives. Make plans with your best gals for happy hour, while he sees a Mets game with the boys. Spend time with your friends or coworkers – without your guy – to keep your social life alive. Time apart is healthy to nurture your relationships with others and your relationship with each other, so you’ll have fun things to talk about when you catch up at home. And you may even miss each other - because absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

Keep the sex hot. When you first started dating, you couldn't keep your hands off each other. Sleepovers at your guy's apartment turned into long weekend sexcapades. Fast forward a few years later - with a newly shared apartment - and sexy time may happen less often. It may sound like the opposite would happen, since you're now just an arm's length away at all times, but daily routines and familiarity may cause sex to feel more routine or more expected (read: less exciting). Spice things up with adult toys or slip into sexy lingerie from time to time (yes, you should tear off those sweats every once in a while).

Keep the romance alive. Show just how much you appreciate each other on a regular basis. Bake him his favorite brownies on a lazy weekend or offer a foot massage after a long training session at the gym. And gentlemen, bring your lady flowers “just because” or leave little love notes around the apartment when she’s feeling stressed. Small, thoughtful gestures now and again will keep this "honeymoon phase" of romance alive for the long run.

Have you moved in with your significant other? What are your tips or lessons learned? xo