I Ate New York

I returned from New York about a week and a half ago, but only just now found a brief moment to update this blog. I'm pretty low on energy right now, too, and don't have a lot of patience for the time it takes to complete this thing. What? It's Sunday morning! I should technically still be sleeping. But I inherited this annoying gene that forces me to get up early no matter what. Soo...my nagging brain got me outta bed, and now I'm here before you, raw and unfiltered, trying to spew out some sort of logic in a comprehensible manner. More coffee, please!

New York was great! Fantastic, even.
I basically ate my way through the city for 9 days straight. That's what you do, right? When you travel? You eat copious amounts of food, gain a little weight, come home with a new idea of what cuisine should be? Well, that's what I did. Not that Portland doesn't have some of the most incredible food out there, but I spend a lot less time going out to eat here because I can't afford to. But when you're on vacation....do as New Yorkers do EVERYDAY (how do they afford this?), and eat out. By the end of the trip, I knew, with my most purest heart of hearts, that I wanted to dedicate my life to food. What that means for me exactly? No idea. But I'm excited, I'm enthused, and I'm HUNGRY.
The wedding party I flew specifically to New York for was incredible. I have such amazing and talented friends. We came, we cooked, we conquered.

Prepping for the party started at 2pm. Guests trickled in throughout the evening, some of the bringing their culinary prowess, some just bringing a helping hand.

Stuffed jalapenos for the rooftop grill.

Cheese filled proscuitto wrapped dates, also to be grilled.

Judah fires up the grill as the rest of the guests trickle in. A handful of us set up the food and alcohol on tables, and the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline.

Picturesque, isn't it? The party continued through the night into the wee hours of the morning. It was amazing reuniting with old friends, some of which I hadn't seen for 6 or more years. We spent the weekend together, catching up over food and drink. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The next day was spent recovering and relaxing.

The Waterfront Park in Williamsburg is a new addition to the neighborhood, with great views of Manhattan. A perfect place to sit and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

And of course, eat snacks.

Red Velvet donuts from my favorite donut shop in Greenpoint, Peter Pan Bakery
Yummmmm. (best donuts around....and you know how I love them pastries)

Next day...

A simple picnic at Governor's Island turns into a buffet of fine foods and sparkling wines.




We hopped back on the ferry that afternoon to take us back to the city. Once in Brooklyn, we spent the evening filling ourselves up with german sausages and steins of beer at the Radegast Hall and Biergarten.

I mean, I ate and ate and ate...

But I also knit. I trucked it over to my friend Rebecca's place for a meet-up with my old knitting group. Incredible! Reunited and it feels so good! Now don't get me wrong...we ate. We ate A LOT! And it was delicious, of course. But more importantly, I felt like a part of that group again, as though I'd never moved away. I have missed it terribly. I wished I could have spent more evenings with them, but unfortunately, my time was very limited. I left them that night feeling like I would always be a part of them, no matter where I was. And I also left with some home made jam, bourbon cherries, and some gorgeous hand spun, hand dyed yarn, courtesy of Angela (which I will picture later).
Thanks so much, ladies!

Well, one quick trip to the yarn shop...

Ah Purl, je t'aime.

I flew home last week exhausted and satisfied. I'd had a perfect trip, really. And an important one. Because although I love New York, and feel like it's played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am now, it didn't take long before I was reminded why I left. And by the end, those reasons were becoming more evident and I'd started feeling like I'd been rubbed a little bit raw by the harsher qualities of the city.
Stepping off that plane onto Oregon soil was in incredible sigh of relief. It helps, too, when you're greeted at the airport by your friends parading around playing horns and drums....just for you.