City Life: Rose’s Luxury

Never in my life have I been so excited to wait 2.5 hours for a restaurant. Let me tell you, it was worth every second of the wait. Rose’s Luxury definitely up lived to the hype of being named Bon Apetite’s number one hot new restaurant of 2014. Every detail was perfectly thought out, from the utensils to each dish. The staff was super attentive and honest on their favorite drinks and dishes. They really worked hard to make the whole experience a memorable one. We went for my husband’s big 3-0 and they took great care of us by giving us a few dishes on the house. Rose’s Luxury is non pretentious, and I would highly recommend eating there to anyone.

Tips –

•  Go early or go late – Weekdays are easier than the weekends to get a table. If you can get there before 5:30pm to get in the line great, if not you may be eating at 10 pm. But it is still lively and fun at the later hour. I got through to the hostess stand by 6:30 and we ate around 9.
•  Be open-minded – Some of the dishes sound like a crazy mix of ingredients, but trust me, they know what they are doing. They are super accommodating to dietary restrictions. If you’re gluten-free or vegan, this place is for you!
• Follow them on social media! Their instagram and Facebook are a lot of fun. You can really get a sense of their culture.

 

Current Menu – I stared the items we had, and wrote a few comments. We didn’t end up getting of the family style items, we were so full.

SMALL DISHES:

COLD:

CAVIAR SERVICE… JUST ASK
KUMAMOTO OYSTERS W/ GREEN APPLE & WASABI GRANITA  3 / EA
CHARRED BROCCOLI W/ CAESAR DRESSING & WHITE ANCHOVIES  13 *****

PORK SAUSAGE, HABANERO & LYCHEE SALAD  13 ******So many flavors in each bite. This dish had great depth.

WARM & GRILL:

WHOLE GRILLED QUAIL W/ FALL GREENS & MULLED CIDER GLAZE  14 ******Haven’t had too much quail in my life, but after this dish I am sold.
JERK CHICKEN, PICKLED MANGO RAITA, GREEN PAPAYA SALAD  13 *******My husband’s favorite dish. Nice and spicy.

PASTA:

MARTELLI SPAGHETTI W/ TOMATO, SPICY LOBSTER & MINT  14 ******Lobster and pasta, enough said.
CLASSIC CACIO E PEPE  13
SFOGLINI RIGATONI W/ PARMESAN CREAM & BREADCRUMBS  12 ******Super simple, cheesy, and delicious.

OTHER GOODS:

FRIED RICE SALAD W/ ASIAN PEAR, RAW CABBAGE & COUNTRY HAM  12 *****
HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS, MASCARPONE, MATZO MEAL & DILL  11
CARAMELIZED CAULIFLOWER, GREEK YOGURT & SOME OTHER STUFF  13

FAMILY STYLE:

LEMONGRASS-SHELLFISH STEW, FENNEL SALAD & GARLIC BREAD 28
SMOKED BRISKET, WHITE BREAD, HORSERADISH & SLAW 29

 

City Life: Apple Picking in Virginia

It’s Friday!!! Any plans for the weekend?! Well if you live anywhere near an apple orchard, I recommend you take a few hours to do a little apple picking, it’s a BLAST.

Last Saturday, we went on an apple picking adventure with  friends to Stibling Orchard in Markham, Virginia. There were tons of different apple varieties and acres of orchards. Here are a few of my scenery pics. Hopefully it will inspire you to get out there and pick some apples. Stay tuned, I will be trying out a few apple recipes this weekend. Hopefully they will be good enough to share!

 

What I wore: SWEATER//BOOTS//SCARF//WATCH//BAG//CAMERA//NAILS//JEANS

Feed Me: Granville Moore’s Review

When we started our blog we included the category City Life.  After two years I think we have only written a handful of posts about the awesome cities we live in (DC for me and NYC for Jessica).  So I decided that is a shame we haven’t written more about all the cool adventures we have!

I have lived in DC for over two years and I still love it.  While my commute can be rough at times DC’s charm still keeps me wanting more. How will I ever get rid of weekly trips to Eastern Market and runs that pass the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial?  And all of the restaurants…oh the restaurants that are popping up like wild-fire.

My husband tore his achilles tendon this summer…whomp whomp.  He is recovering wonderfully and we are very thankful that he had no issues, but it has been a difficult summer for him.  The poor thing couldn’t do anything for over a month. We spent a lot of time watching documentaries and hanging out.  Now that he is walking (and driving – YES) we have been packing in as many summer fun things we can do to make up for lost time.  Nationals games, new restaurants and exploring all that DC has to offer.  We recently tried Granville Moore’s on H street NE and it was DELICIOUS.  Known for its Belgian beers and upscale bar food (moules/mussels and frites), it’s a real treat. 

::IMAGE::

We have walked by it so many times without even blinking, it’s a true hole in the wall – BUT an amazing one.  Open for lunch, brunch and dinner Saturday brunch is the meal to try.  Walking into the restaurant takes you into a time warp with its dark cavernous interior.  The beer selection is extensive and will please beer lovers alike.  I tried the mussels and my husband had the sunrise burger (made with bison).  Both solid choices.  I washed the mussels down with a few mimosas and was one happy camper.  My husband thought the food was a little heavy for a summer day, but would be a great go-to spot once it is cooler.  I was super impressed with the mussels and will definitely go back to try some of the other specials.  It’s a small restaurant so I wouldn’t bring a big group, but for one to four people it is a fun intimate place.

Various and Sundry Things: Battling the Heat

I don’t know about you but I am already sick of the heat we are having in DC. Constant sweating does not look good on me. Here are some things that are keeping me cool and looking fresh this summer. If you have any tips I would lovvvveee to hear them!

Oh to have summer off again…..

Pinterest Unknown

Moroccan Oil helps fight the frizzy humidity hair. I have very fine hair so I use the “light” version and it works perfectly. It leaves my hair silky, smooth, and never weighed down. You only need a small amount, the large bottle lasts forever!

Click to buy

I am surviving on sleeveless tops this summer. Keeps me cool  cooler than wearing a long sleeve shirt on my treck to work.

On Sale!

Sprinkle a little of this….everywhere!

Click to buy 

I cannot stop buying cute summer dresses. That is all I ever want to wear!

Click to buy

I really hate wearing anything on my face during the summer because everything seems to melt off. I just purchased this moisturizer and it is fabulous. It protects my skin and it is super light.

Click to buy 

Melissa

City Life: New York City To Do List

A couple weeks ago I started to create a list of all the things we wanted while living here in New York. I am not referring to the typical touristy things; I mean those things that convey the heart and soul if a place. Some are specific to the city others relate to the area. Do you have a list for the city you live in? I would love to hear what you have in mind.

Brooklyn Flea

:BrooklyFlea.com:

Smorgasburg

Part of the Brooklyn, Smorgasburg features a host of prepared food vendors for foodies to walk around and devour. Yummmmm

:BrooklynFlea.com:

Shakespeare in the Park

Every year The Public Theater hosts free Shakespeare plays throughout July and August. They typically feature famous actors and actress. This year Amy Adams will be performing.

:National Geographic:

The Museum of the American Gangster.. nough said

:Google:

The Cloisters 

:Bluestarenglish.wordpress:

Hester Street Fair

I really brilliant street fair that occurs during the summer months in the city. It also features Hester Nights on Thursday evenings, promising treats of all kinds.

:Newyork.seriouseats.com:

Grant’s Tomb

:Google.com:

Sleepy Hallow 

Sleepy Hallow, New York was the inspiration to the haunting tale. Every year the town of Sleepy Hallow and Tarrytown host Halloween festivities that feature some of characters from the tale. AKA the Old Dutch Church.

:Google.com:

Wollman Rink Central Park

:Google:

Arthur Avenue

 Some may think Little Italy in Manhattan is where you should go from great authentic Italian food, but actually Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is the spot to go!

:Google:

Woodstock Museum

:Google.com:

This weekend I am excited to say I will be crossing off Chinese food in Flushing (Queens), it is supposed to be some of the best Chinese fare in the city. And on Monday I get to attend a Foster the People concert at Central Park’s Summer Stage.

So excited!

Jessica

Various and Sundry Things: NYC WEEKEND!

Happy Friday! This week has been insane for me, hence the lack of posts on my part….I am off to NYC shortly to visit Jessica! I am sure we will have some pics to share after the weekend!

 

-Melissa

Dwellings: More Wine Please

While living in Texas my husband I enjoyed checking out open houses to help give us ideas for our future home. After seeing a beautifully decorated model home with a wine cellar hidden behind a winding staircase, I have been lusting after amazing wine spaces.

Currently the lack of space in our DC apartment has given us no choice but to get creative. We may not have a dishwasher, but we do have a built in wine fridge for whites, and shelves built in for reds. Priorities.

Although I would love to have a large wine cellar, city living doesn’t allow for it. Here are some ways to store your wine collection in smaller spaces.

Life Motto.

google.com

Everything about this kitchen is amazing.

http://www.hote-ls.com

Great use of space.

etsy.com

Great use of space…must invest in a stool.

mybluecanoe.tumblr.com

Small Space…No Problem.

http://pichomez.com

http://elitechoice.org

-Melissa

City Life: Date Night DC

The holidays are over and there is finally a lull in the action. I am feeling refreshed and ready to get back on a normal schedule. The first thing on my to do list is hang out with my husband. After spending many hours running between family festivities we both got sick, and spent most of last week laying on the couch. Now that we are feeling better I would like to take some time to hit the town and eat something besides chicken noodle soup. There are so many date dining options here in DC that I actually have a spreadsheet of restaurants that I am anxious to try. Here are a few that have popped onto my list recently. They are in no particular order, and all of the opinions are my own. I am ALWAYS down for suggestions for new spots….I welcome all types of cuisine!

Monmartre is a delectable gem in the heart of Eastern Market. Their muscles are fabulous and I have been wanting to try their brunch for a little Sunday Funday Date.

entertainingviewsfromcinti.blogspot.com

During one of my sick days I watched a whole season of Top Chef All Stars….Mike Isabella came in second place, but all of his dishes made me salivate. I have heard nothing but good things about his restaurant Graffiato. I love the simplicity of the menu and that the pizza’s are named after TV shows.

googleimages.com

googleimages.com

Komi in Dupont Cirlce has been on my radar for awhile now. After reading various reviews and seeing it listed as one of DC’s best restaurants I have been eager to try it. I really enjoy tapas style dining since you get to try so many fabulous dishes.I would definitely opt for the wine pairing addition to get the full experience. Although it is more than I would spend on a regular date night, my Birthday is coming up…..hint..hint..wink..wink..

googleimages.com

googleimages.com

Many of the restaurants that are on my spreadsheet are in walking distance from my Capitol Hill location. One of my favorite things about city living is having the option to walk to and from dinner. Acqua Al 2 is another Eastern Market restaurant with roots from Florence, Italy. While studying abroad I spent some time in Florence and naturally fell in love with the city, and of course the food. Any culture that starts their meal off with a pasta dish is a friend in my book. Cannot wait to try every item on their menu.

googleimages.com

googleimages.com

-Melissa

City Life: Baublebar Pop-up

Can I just say I love Baublebar! There is one particular black mesh cuff bracelet I have been coveting for quite some time now (oh and I want this new addition as well).  They have so many beautiful pieces that I find myself wanting it all.  The best part is you won’t have to forego that student loan payment this month in order to obtain one (or more) of these darlings. Considering all of this you can imagine my excitement when I discovered they had a holiday pop-up store in New York City (for those of you new to this gem it is typically online only). The best part of this discovery is the store is located a few blocks from my office!!! So I headed over during my lunch break on a mission to purchase a few Christmas presents. When I arrived I was greeted by some of the best customer service I have received in this city thus far.

So if you find yourself in either Chelsea or the Meatpacking district today through January 12^th, head over to the corner of 9^thAvenue and 10^th St and go see Drew (she did an awesome job of helping me select the perfect pieces). And let’s be honest if you aren’t in that neck of the woods get on a train, bus, take a taxi; whatever your preferred mode of transportation may be and go!

Image courtesy of Racked.com

Image courtesy of Racked.com

Image courtesy of Racked.com

Image courtesy of Racked.com

Image courtesy of Racked.com

I loved these earrings! The are great to ring in the New Year.

The blue in these cuffs are so brilliant.

I purchased one of these dainty studded bracelets.

-Icey

City Life: Christmas Time in DC

This is my first Christmas living in DC, and I am more excited about the holidays than ever before. Walking past the decorated store fronts and seeing lights hung throughout the city puts a smile on my face. I have really been enjoying my Instagram app, so I decided to snag some great pics from around the city. I have yet to make it to the National Christmas Tree, but it’s in this weekends plans. Hope my pics put you in the holiday spirit as well!

This picture is more winter themed than holiday themed, but I thought it was a good one 🙂

East Capitol

Lights at the National Botanical Gardens

The Capitol

Ice Skating on the National Mall

Looking at the Capitol from Union Station

Holiday Market next to the Portrait Gallery

Up Close at the Capitol

Washington Monument

-Melissa