our friends flew into town last minute, landing around 10pm on Friday night. Billy and I went out for sushi around 9pm so we’d be out and about, and then walked over to meet them at their hotel around 10:45pm. so much fun to reunite with our friends!
we went out for a bit, but saved up our energy for Saturday. we decided on Essex for our brunch spot. Billy and I used to go there when he lived in the city in 2008-2009.
we rarely go to the east side of the city these days, so it was a nice change, and Essex has great food and hearty portions. brunch is $22.95 with a wide variety of options, and includes 3 drinks per person – mimosas, bloody marys, or screwdrivers.
maybe our waitress liked us, maybe she wanted us to leave our table, but she gave us tickets for free drinks at the bar…and so began a chain of free events in our day.
we walked north and popped into Whole Foods for a minute where this man from Vitamix captured our attention and made us sample of the most delicious “ice cream” and smoothie. sweet tooth satisfied, but we still stopped at Birdbath Bakery.
next stop was at Billy Reid per our visitor’s request. sour balls, a new shirt, and whiskey. yep, we made a new friend at Billy Reid, and he offered us cocktails.
next up, we walked to this free outdoor concert featuring a couple of great bands. it was somewhat overcast which kept the day cool and pleasant.
then we walked west, with our sights set on the High Line, but some promoters lured us into a bazaar with promises of wine tastings. there were samples of everything from chocolate and coffee to wheat grass smoothies and homemade pickles.
since we were nearby, we walked through Chelsea Market, and once again were recruited into an event with free food and beverages.
we eventually made it to the High Line. the clouds cleared up, revealing blue skies.
then we stopped by our apartment to show them the view from our rooftop. Billy opened a bottle of champagne, and we watched the beginning of a gorgeous sunset.
we took an hour or so to clean up, change clothes, and chug water before dinner. we decided to go somewhere easy with delicious food: Westville. there was a wait, as usual, but it was worth it…as usual. tiny little restaurant.
some shared vino and honey Dijon Brussels sprouts.
salmon for me, burger for B. pretty much the best salmon I’ve had in ages, and the portion was huge. probably 8 ounces served over dressed greens with mint – $13.
then the 4 of us headed to Westway for some dancing, and were home by 1:00am. our friends caught a super early flight Sunday morning. we had a ridiculous amount of fun, and loved having a bit of Texas here in NYC.
needless to say, after the fun we had on Friday and Saturday, I woke up yesterday ready for a detox run, followed by a day of clean eating, lounging, a never-ending supply of water, and a glorious afternoon nap with B. time for a brand new week!
who is coming to visit us next?
we have another friend in town this weekend, my Dad and his wife coming in August, my Mom in September, and some dear friends in October…
Sounds like another amazing weekend. I love your recaps and pictures. Makes me feel almost like I was there
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Fun Facts Friday – You Know It’s Hot When
I wish you HAD been there! How much fun would it be if we all had a day together in NYC?
Oh my gosh, this sounds like so much fun! You guys sure know how to show friends a good time
Danielle recently posted..just don’t fall in love
it was a blast, and everything just came together as the day went on – only in NYC!
I love days like that, loose plans that leave room for the spontaneous! and when you are a small group that has great fun together, all the better.
I want to be on that visitor list
Kris recently posted..cherry sorbet champagne floats
me too me too! Kris, lets go! And then we can go to upstate NY for wine country after. Deal? Dorry, i’m loving this!
lindsay recently posted..DYK Weekend
absolutely, Lindsay – let’s go! XXO
Kris recently posted..cherry sorbet champagne floats
Don’t tease me! I would LOVE if you were on that visitor list. You know we’d have a ridiculous time with delicious food and wandering around exploring things!
i love all of your NYC food posts- its definitely a foodie lovers dream to live there!
Felicia recently posted..Workout Schedule, Most Used Home Equipment, and Balance
thanks, Felicia! we always say we could go out to lunch and dinner every single day and there would still be more places to try. it’s a great place for food-lovers!
wow, what a jam packed day! the fun just seemed to follow yall around! That picture of the tree is so cool by the way, i bet it would like great hanging in an entry way
$13 for the best salmon you have had in a while… that is AWESOME! That brunch spot looks so delicious too. Girl, I need you to do a photography tutorial for me:) So happy that your MOM is coming soon!
what a great weekend! Your powers of recovery are impressive as well – enjoy that while it lasts (at 40 I have to say that a day of fun and drinks and dancing would have me out for the count the next day).
Petra recently posted..Thought for the day
Planning our visit ASAP – geeze, you couldn’t have a better day in NYC if you tried!
love all the photos, and this day.
Heather @ Dietitian on the Run recently posted..Five Faves from the Four Corners