A Christmas Story of Mistaken Dates

You know that scene in "A Christmas Story" when all of the kids are ogling Higgbee's corner window display? It was recreated last night as J and his friend passed this liquor store in the West Village. Stopped them in their tracks and I watched as they nearly smashed their noses to the window. 

We were on our way to see Jimmy Stewart in all his glory in "It's a Wonderful Life" at the IFC center...that was until we got to the theater and picked up our tickets and they were for Thursday the 18th. I even remember double checking dates when I bought them but apparently I was having a lapse in mental clarity then because they don't even start showing it until Friday. 

Thankfully we had also had an amazing Italian dinner with a friend (fresh pasta, bread, wine, dessert...so much gluten...so much goodness) so the evening wasn't a wash. We even had tiramisu! I wish I had pics for you, but we devoured it too quickly. 

So I tried to be a grown up about it and not cry in disappointment, and J and I went to one of our favorite book shops, bookbook before heading home. Tiramisu and books, not exactly the night I had planned but not too shabby when I think about it. 

Weekend Update

It was nice and sunny and nice and busy this weekend.  My parents are in the swing of a major home improvement project and so I got to play gofer, errand runner, and bartender...

Homemade Margaritas...apparently the cups I was using were too small.  Also my efforts for making them without a mix were entirely underappreciated.

I never eat artificially blue things.  It's a strange OCD issue because I'm completely aware that other artificial flavors are just as bad if not worse, but I can't do it...luckily I have people who are willing to eat blue things for me. 

Meeting the (my) Parents

This trip home was the first time J met my parents, and we both did a good job pretending that we weren't nervous but I think it's safe to say that we were both holding our breath a little. (Spoiler alert: It went great!)

Here is my only tip for bringing someone home for the first time, over an extended period of time.  STAY BUSY!

Beecher's - (like me) New York via Seattle: The Cellar

From left to right: some sort of tequila, pineapple, bell pepper combo that was delicious ($14), heirloom tomato, mozzarella, basil, black garlic ($16), mac & cheese:kale, mama lils peppers ($17), asparagus: lemon olive oil, walnuts, candied citrus ($13)

I think this picture speaks for itself...doesn't it?  Beecher's New York is kind of a magical place.  I'm a huge fan of dark cozy restaurants in New York where you're often crammed right up against the next table.  This one is billed as a "cellar" complete with wooden tables that look straight from a dude ranch, booths upholstered in hairy cowhide, and very friendly service...great!  It is a little on the pricey side (but what isn't in New York in the Flat-Iron district?), I couldn't help but briefly contemplate over how easily I could make this at home, and how much that would cost...but mmm it's delicious and by the 2nd cocktail you'll be petting the cowhide booths while you talk (trust me).

Bottom line: I'd definitely go again when I'm back off the health kick I'm currently trying to be on, maybe in the fall.  I think it'd be a great hearty fall date spot. Make a reservation on open table, they fill up!

Caipirinha, Capoeira, & Tina

In case you weren't cool enough to have your own viewing party, and your World Cup runneth under, here are some related things to get you through.

Perhaps you should start by filling that cup with a Caipirinha (pronounced kie-purr-REEN-yah), Brazil's national drink!  It is made with cachaça, an intensely sweet Brazillian style of rum that is made from sugarcane juice. Enjoy! (recipe)

photo credit

Total Time: 3 minutes

Yield: 1 Cocktail

Ingredients: 

• 1 lime, quartered
• 2 teaspoons fine sugar
• 2 ounces cachaca

Preparation: 

1. Place the lime wedges and sugar into an old-fashioned glass. 
2. Muddle well. 
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes. 
4. Pour in the cachaca. 
5. Stir well. 

Note: Keep the sugar mixed in the drink by stirring often