Abroad'r View

Touch Footballers at JetMystery

2009-10-20T21:33:00.002+02:00

Touch Footballers at JetMystery from Courtney Scott on Vimeo.

Dancing and Steel Drums at JetBlue Terminal

2009-10-18T18:19:00.000+02:00

Dancing and Steel Drums at JFK from Courtney Scott on Vimeo.

JetMystery Reveal: Jamaica!!

2009-10-18T15:00:00.000+02:00

Jet Mystery: 5AM Arrival to T5

2009-10-18T01:30:00.003+02:00

I was one of 150 people who got their butts out of bed at 4am this morning and arrived at JFK's Jet Blue terminal without a clue where they would be spending the next three days.

Jet Mystery: 5AM Arrival to T5 from Courtney Scott on Vimeo.

H2O UPDATE

2009-09-11T23:35:00.009+02:00

I was excited to finally get word yesterday from charity:water's Director of Development, Carrie Sanders, about my $10,000 Trazzler campaign! She expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for our efforts to secure the win! She also clarified that, while she realizes I'd like to give back specifically to Cambodia, mycharity: water fundraisers are not able to designate the location of the water projects they are helping to fund.

So, although I would be so gratified to help the people who inspired me to write my entry in Siam Reap, I would be equally as proud to provide wells for those suffering from polluted water in any of the dozens of nations in need. Fresh water is fresh water, and nobody knows that better than the team at charity:water, who guarantee that 100% of your donations will go directly to a water project.

I'll know on or around September 21st whether I'm the Trazzler #NYCGO contest winner, and halfway to my $10k goal. The rest of the year I will be working on creative ways to raise the other $5k through mycharity:water campaign.

Stay tuned, cross fingers, and keep voting...we've still got 3 days before Trazzler polls close!

Trazzler + my charity:water = $10,000 4 H20

2009-09-03T22:54:00.014+02:00

Scott Harrison and his team at charity:water do amazing things every day. And now we can easily join the cause with my charity:water. Here's my goal:

$5K OF TRAZZLER CONTEST PRIZE MONEY + $5K OF YOUR DONATIONS AT my charity water = $10,000 = two of the first wells to be built by charity:water in Cambodia.

Visit my campaign page at mycharitywater.org/TRAZZLER to DONATE, TRACK PROGRESS, AND LEARN MORE.

VOTE VOTE VOTE! Click "Add to Wishlist" and follow steps. The first $5k is MUI IMPORTANTE!

VOTE NOW: Water 4 Cambodia

2009-09-02T18:43:00.025+02:00

Awaiting final confirmation from my friends at charity:water on exact details of my donation, but let's keep geting the word out there. We've got VOTES to make and money to raise!!

Get Voting!
VOTE for my travel entry in the Trazzler NYCGO writing contest: http://bit.ly/e62r7. It's about the beautiful spirit but murky water in Cambodia. Just click "Add to Wishlist" to vote and follow short instructions.

With Charity:Water it only takes $5k to build a freshwater well in a village and provide 250+ people with clean drinking water.If I win the Grand Prize, I can build a well!

Why Cambodia?
I toyed with dozens of ideas for the Trazzler #NYCGO writing contest but was struck time and again by this photo that I snapped of Than Bon, my tuk-tuk driver from Siam Reap. We became fast friends. He was reliable, funny, and incredibly proud of his tuk-tuk, one of the most well-maintained and polished in all of Siam Reap. On the August day that I took this photo in 2007, the heat was too much for Than. He left his belt and khakis on and dove into the muddy water. It was his ultimate oasis.
Than Bon is part of a community where 63% of the population don't have access to safe drinking water.

I was intrigued when Than suggested that we get out of the city centre and visit some floating villages on the Mekong River. We rode on the back of Than's friends' mopeds, fulling trusting that we'd arrive safely at our destination; and we did. Immediately I was bombarded by children; the most beautiful children. Some wanted money, some wanted me to buy their bananas, all wanted attention. One young Mom passed her child into my arms. I hugged her and held her for an unusually long time. I had to be beckoned to move on and give the child back, as our boat was about to depart.

It was a bustling water world floating atop the Mekong River. More children and teenagers were tending to much of the daily tasks: begging for money, chopping fish heads, operating boats that were bigger than them. Everything was floating: schools, markets, homes, churches. A community whose livelihood depended on one element: water.

The people of Cambodia are special. They embrace travelers with genuine care, curiosity and generosity. They left a lasting impression on me. They deserve to drink fresh water.
Learn More:
About Charity Water
About how people are already helping. Watch this documentary.
About Trazzler

Me On The Today Show

2009-08-03T11:15:00.000+02:00

Aired Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Family Guy Free Samples

2009-07-31T02:17:00.002+02:00

Behind the Scenes: Today Show Shoot

2009-07-02T03:57:00.005+02:00

I spent the bulk of today running around Manhattan and New Jersey with Today Show producers for a segment on Free Eats! Made a stop at Costco in Clifton, NJ where a whopping eighteen sample stations were awaiting us, then on to the Union Square Farmers Market and Whole Foods and finally to 5 Ninth for some piggies.To see my full Free Eats segment, tune in to the Today Show on NBC this Saturday, the 4th of July. In the meantime, here are some behind the scenes moments from the shoot:

Today Show producers, Tim and Mollie. having some Italian sausages on Ciabatta bread, prepared with love by Maria and Enza, two of Costco's darling samplers.

Spoke Italian with these three adorable samplers in between shots. They couldn't be sweeter!

The Hunt for Food on Wheels

2009-06-25T16:15:00.000+02:00

It's official, Twitter has successfully given rise to a new generation of hungry street-walkers who are tracking down their next on-the-go-meal through the web. From waffles to ice cream to Korean BBQ, trucks and tipsters are tweeting exact locations throughout the day, making your chances for a caloric curbside snack radically higher than the pre-Twitter days. Here are some of my favorite meals on wheels in New York:

Cupcake Stop -- @CupcakeStop
Kogi Korean BBQ (heading cross country from L.A. by end of summer)
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream -- @benwvl
Wafles & Dinges -- @waffletruck
Le Gamin -- @legamintruck

For a nationwide list of street vendors who are using twitter, check out Serious Eats! And to see street food come to life every week, tune in to VendrTV an inside look at the nation's vendor culture and cuisine through the eyes of street cart connoisseur, Daniel Delaney.

The Treats Truck from Daniel Delaney on Vimeo.

I couldn't post this piece without a photo collage from my recent girls getaway of my personal favorite (albeit non-tweeting) street trucks; one that evokes the sweet, rainbow-colored nostalgia of childhood...Mr. Softee. A towering vanilla soft-serve doused in rainbow sprinkles....as amazing now as it was 20 years ago!

Related Stories:
When Twitter met Food Trucks [Cnet]
Food Truck Nation [Wall Street Journal]

Hamptons Dispatch #4: Eight Hours of Boating Condensed to Four Minute Video

2009-06-17T16:14:00.000+02:00

Locations: Robin's Island, Peconic Bay and Sunset Beach, Shelter Island
Soundtrack: "Lights and Music" -- Cut Copy

A Girls Getaway...Without Going Anywhere: Day 2

2009-06-11T00:11:00.032+02:00

There's nothing like waking up with your best girlfriends by your side, bursting out of your sleeping bag and running to the kitchen to whip up some buttery scrambled eggs, syrupy pancakes and bacon. American brekkie at its finest (or fattiest depending on who you ask) and for us it was an essential way to kick off Day 2 of our Manhattan Girls Getaway.

Of course, we ate breakfast in front of the boob tube, something I haven't done ever since I removed my television from my bedroom in a quest to simplify my life. So there I sat, fork in one hand, remote in the other, watching the remnants of the movie we had started the night before but as per usual, I was asleep before the opening credits were finished rolling. I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit what movie we chose (with resounding unanimity) to watch...it was none other than The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. The title makes me giggle, reminding me of the first time I visited my one-time lover in Italy, showed up to the airport in black leggings (as pants), and in his broken English and clear disdain for the leggings he questioned, "Are those your travel trousers?"

I assume he was secretly and mildly entertained by my traveling pants, just about as much as I was entertained by the film. Most entertaining was Kostas, Lena's young Greek lover from Santorni. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I'm a glutton for a delicious European love affair, fiction or non.
So after Kostas re-kindled his burning desire for Lena and they ran off into the deep blue Mediterranean together, it was time to get back to reality and figure out what our itinerary would be for Day 2. As an avid and sometimes menacing bike rider, I convinced the girls to take South Street/Battery Park bike tour with me as guide. They agreed, and a short subway trip later we were at Bike and Roll Rentals, located along the water near the Liberty Island Ferry. For a modest $12/hour we scored some awesome beach cruisers with super comfy seats and locks. Some scenic shots along the NYC Greenway en route to South Street Seaport:
South Street Seaport was even busier than usually because a certain Prince, President, and sandcastle contest got in the way...

But with our bikes we whizzed by the chaos and fled to a more sane spot...the brand new South Street Seaport Farmer's Market, setup in front of the fish vendor stalls. It's a delightful addition to the SSS neighborhood. See for yourself:

Making a quick stop to show the girls Stone Street's (I'm a sucker for cobblestones), we raced each other back over to the Hudson and directly to my favorite Battery Park Italian cafe, Inateso, for THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE IN MANHATTAN. I talked it up the whole way over, but the girls vowed that I was right. Look how content we are:
Next up...the park, Sunday brunch, and the secret garden.

A Girls Getaway...Without Going Anywhere: Day 1

2009-06-10T00:11:00.028+02:00

Planning the ultimate girls getaway doesn't necessarily mean expensive spa vacations in exotic destinations or rock star escapades in Vegas. A fun, memorable "getaway" is as simple as clearing your weekend schedule (well, maybe that's not so simple in N.Y.C.) and spending a couple of quality days and sleepover-style nights with the chicks you adore most.

My latest girls getaway was right in my own Manhattan backyard with two of my best girl friends, Sarah and Jen. It was such a success that I had to share what I think is the perfect recipe for a fun, laid-back and inexpensive but ever-so-girly weekend.

Friday Night Femme Feast:
Men, listen up. Women can survive on a diet of cheese, chocolate, more cheese, wine and cupcakes. So don't waste your time fumbling around with elaborate recipes, unless you're the next Boulud. Just get friendly with your neighborhood Whole Foods cheese man and you'll be sure to please. Our kick-off girls dinner revolved around the above essential "food groups."

Our cheese platter was complemented with sweet fig marmalade (which could be substituted with Quince Paste from Whole Foods), Carrs crackers and Sarah's ceramic cheese labels. They are a fun idea for entertaining large groups or inspiring girlishness. Not sure which cheese to buy at Whole Foods? These are some of my favorites: Midnight Moon, Truffle Tremor, Montenbro, Manchego, Pecorino Ginepno, and of course, some aged Pa Pa-Pa-Parmiggano.

For chocolate, my favorite place to buy (or try free chocolate samples) is Pure Dark on Bleecker. I often purchase things based on the emotion I feel when I'm in a shop. Pure Dark's low lighting and earthy colors conjure up the same sexiness you feel with every divinely bitter bite of dark chocolate. That's reason enough to buy a few slabs and leave it out at your girly feast for repeated visits throughout the night.

Wine is obviously left up to personal taste but should be purchased in abundance for any girls getaway. Since women tend to appreciate themes (why do you think we're so good at bridal showers?) here are a few extra-feminine bottles to be paired with long intense chats about (ex)boyfriends, dating, and sex....in no particular order.

Little Black Dress - Pinot Grigio
Four Sisters Chardonnay or Shiraz
2007 Ménage à Trois Rosé

After you're nicely buzzed and divulging details that you never thought you'd share, it might be a good idea to eat something more substantial. I whipped up one of my classic risotto (sans peas due to Jen's childhood hatred for them) and Sarah re-invented her Nana's roasted chicken recipe with impressive ease! Although we were all admittedly stuffed from over-doing it on the cheese, we were so pleased to be enjoying an inexpensive home-cooked meal, and even more excited to be eating it in our pajamas.
Tomorrow, get the lowdown on the rest of our Manhattan Girls Getaway: biking around downtown Manhattan, shopping the local farmers market and discount stores, lounging at the park, eating New York's best ice cream, and discovering the village's best kept secret [garden].

How to Spice up your Cube

2009-06-04T00:56:00.014+02:00

We all know that cubicles are a sad excuse for a work space, yet due to space constraints in New York City, many of us are doomed to this grey paneled existence.

I was reminded of my dread for the cube yesterday, when I entered a Park Avenue cosmetics corporation with dark narrow hallways and a sea of squares. It's not that I'm bashing cubes for their shape. In fact, I delight in lots of cube-shaped stuff, like the challenge of a Rubik's Cube, the creaminess of cubed extra-aged Gouda, or the refreshing taste of a margarita on the rocks.

But spending the majority of your day inside a tiny space with four walls, fake lighting and stale air is outrageous. It's so unpleasant that people are now resorting to bizarre behavior to combat the mental and physical effects. Take two of the marketing girls I met yesterday. They are cube neighbors and their computers face each other, but of course, the wall is in the way. So, they took a packing knife to the wall and removed a big chunk of it so that they could chat and compare notes without the nearby finance cube village getting annoyed.

And almost every cube in yesterday's office had a yoga ball instead of a desk chair. I guess those who had good annual review earned an even fancier desk prop...the yoga ball chair. Feast your eyes:

While I'm a big yoga advocate, I still don't think this chair does anything to brighten the bleak atmosphere created by cubes. My vote? Replace office chairs with the first-ever adult jumping ball! This corporate guy looks a lot happier than most office folk....why?

He's riding around on a 29'' spherical caricature of Elton John with a french chef's mustache. How could that not make you smile?

Imagine bouncing down to Starbucks for your 4pm latte on this ride! Functional, fun, and in my expert opinion, quite ergonomically sound.
Thank you, Elton, for making office life a bit more sane (and for writing Your Song, my graduation song from high school.)Check out some of the Winners of Wired's Saddest Cubicle Contest:

Hamptons Dispatch #3: How To Do Sunset Beach

2009-05-28T23:50:00.022+02:00

Step 1: Know When to Go
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. Get there pre-lunch to secure prime outdoor seating. Stay for the sunset (as the name indicates). Today's sunset is at 8:17pm!

Step 2: Get There

Beg, borrow or steal a boat from your most nautical neighbor and hold on tight...tailbone fractures are a bitch.

....or....take the Shelter Island Ferries from either Greenport on the North Fork or North Haven on the South Fork). The ferry is less a boat than a big rusty barge, but it gets the job done. Beginning June 1st there's a new party-friendly schedule that departs every 10-15 minutes from 5:40am until 1:45am, giving you ample time to get boozed and bronzed. R0und trip rate is $15 per vehicle including passengers.

View Larger Map

Step 2a: Stay Dry
If arriving by boat, there's no dock or jetty to tie to so prepare to strip down and wade thigh-deep to shore. If you are an expert at balancing stuff on your head, you'll be golden. If not, invest in a dry bag (like the one here in red). It will avoid you having to start one of those annoying "I lost all my numbers, help me retrieve them" Facebook groups. Spontaneous spraying of champagne may ruin your stuff anyway, but at least you'll look "cool" while the damage is done.

Step 3: Drink, Eat, and Drink More
While Sunset Beach boasts a full (and slightly pricey) lunch and dinner menu, it's the to-die-for mojitos, especially the raspberry one, and the super snackable bar food that are the big winners. A couple of orders of their thinly-sliced, perfectly seasoned frites and some crispy calamari should do the trick. New this season is the signature, Sunset Beach Rosé; a little dose of St. Tropez-Hamptons fusion from long-time locals and friends André Balazs and Christian Wölffer. I approve.

Step 4: Rent a Euro
If you aren't European or aren't comfortable in Euro-heavy settings perhaps you're better off spending the afternoon browsing neon prints at Lily Pulitzer. But if you've already made landfall on Shelter Island, then there's no turning back. Try scouring the beach for a still-out-from-last-night Parisian wearing cowboy boots and a white ripped t-shirt with permanent marker on it. On Sunday she was extremely eager to ditch the beach and hit the bottle (again). If you're feeling generous you could throw her a few bucks or give her a lift back to her mainland share house in exchange for some euro-companionship.
Step 5: Avoid Getting Stuck
Don't miss your ride outta' there. If your ferry or boat leaves without you there is usually NO VACANCY at the SB inn, which books up months in advance and judging from the way our French cow-girl fared, sleeping on the beach is not a good look. Plus, those bastard no-see-ems are always looking for fresh blood. Ouch!

Hamptons Dispatch #2: Break the Monotony

2009-05-27T18:56:00.015+02:00

Although it's only May, you'll start to realize quite quickly that the same old Hamptons party routine gets a bit mundane (even if it involves large quantities of Rosé). That's why alternative Hampton's activities become essential come mid-June...but the planning should start now:

Au Natural:
There are dozens of beautiful trails and natural parks that protect the Hamptons' wildest creatures from its hordes of weekend warriors. Southampton's Morton Natural Wildlife Refuge is 187 acres of waterfront forest and beach with a large bird population and lovely areas to picnic. It's only 10 minutes from both Sag Harbor and Southampton on Noyac Road (look for sign, as there isn't an address). This curious bird arrived at my Sunday BBQ with a bracelet on it's ankle marked #7079. I think it escaped from Morton's. When I called to report that it had flow the coop I got no answer. Then my sister decided it would taste good on the barbie...there she is trying to trap it.
Montauk has the most per-square-foot natural landscape, and least Manhattan foot traffic, although that stands to change with the Surf Lodge's second season in full swing. But even with the new party scene, nothing beats Montauk's sprawling dunes, super-sandy beaches and THE LIGHTHOUSE! Montauk Point Lighthouse to be exact; located in Montauk State Park at the eastern-most tip of Long Island. I've been visiting the lighthouse since I was a kid and it's a true Hamptons landmark, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, in fact. It's museum is also a great place to read old sea-fairing stories and brush up on your Hamptons history...all good info to impress the locals with.

High Octane Hamptons:
Nothing says hangover cure like 50 seconds of free fall from 10,000 feet. Long Island Skydiving has been at it for 30 years and specializes in tandem jumps. You'll have to get yourself out to Spadaros Airport in East Moriches (Exit 61 off Montauk Highway) but the memories and $90 DVD will last a lifetime. You even get an official certificate to show off on Facebook: The Other Fork:
Upon your first visit you'll be enchanted by the North Fork's charmed farm country and vineyard. Wine tasting is the most popular pastime, but please, don't rent a white promed-out Hummer limo and wear matching outfits. Vineyard owners are not fans of tire tracks and vomiting party girls.

For more insider tips on the North Fork, read this guide that I wrote for Peter Greenberg.

More alternative Hamptons ideas on the way. Ever considered a Block Island day trip?

Hamptons Dispatch #1: A Photo Essay

2009-05-26T21:36:00.044+02:00

Arrived on Saturday at my "summer share" house to meet my roommates, Doris & Joe (a.k.a. Nana and Grampy)Surveyed the property in its various stages of bloom... Immediately joined in competitive lawn sports, earning my first bocce victory of the summer and beating out last season's champion (my brother-in-law) by a landslide 15-7 victory!Got neighborly with my favorite British imports...Jim, Jan, son Robert and bff Suki Survived Sunday at Sunset Beach with only minor casualties: missing earring, straw fedora lost at sea and a gash on my neck from a bikini top that was tied too tight. lol But Sunset Beach had nothing on the sunset at our very own Paradise Peninsula...

A quick boogie at Pink Elephant was squeezed in here somewhere....I think just after these photos were taken... Memorial Day Monday was arduous...many long hours in the office
One final cocktail to the start of Summer 2009...

Spring Risotto recipe

2009-05-12T20:14:00.004+02:00

While some may argue that risotto is more of a winter comfort food, this Sunday I whipped up a Mother's Day risotto that was the perfect combination of spring freshness and flavors. It was a modified version of Ina Garten's (a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa), and despite her being one of my less-favorite Food Network pundits, I thought her Hamptons cooking would be just right for a beach-front Mother's day brunch. Isn't it purty?
Here's her recipe with my modifications:

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks) (used 1 whole onion instead)
1 cup chopped fennel
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 pound thin asparagus
10 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (left it out--the risotto was quite lemony with just the zest and no extra juice)
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian (left itout--risotto is creamy enough without marscepone)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving (left it out)

Directions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)

When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.

Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

Back to Mac(aron)

2009-05-12T02:15:00.007+02:00

I popped into MacarOn cafe today to discover something even sweeter than French cookies...the cafe's French chef and owner, Cécile Cannon! She was so friendly and thanked me with such sincerity for blogging about them. She even posted my review on MacarOn's facebook fan page!
To go with my double espresso ($4.50, yikes!) Cécile offered a Macaron of my choice. Although the brightly colored cookies are much more fun to look at, this caramel one was anything but bland. It tasted quite light, yet the dense center has me thinking there's nothing skimpy about its calorie content. I'll have to pace myself...

Check out fun Macaron-colored artwork....it's all over the cafe:

Mother's Day Gift Obsession: Macarons

2009-05-07T19:16:00.010+02:00

Getting Mom flowers for Mother's Day--average. A framed photograph of you--a bit vain. But a colorful box of Cécile Cannon's freshly-made French Macarons, PERFECT. I tasted a free sample of the espresso Macaron today and had a little flavor fête in my mouth.

Espresso is just one of the 30 different flavors that Macaron Cafe produces, all of which are gluten-free and made fresh each day. Gift boxes come in three sizes and are translucent to show the adorable candy-colored cookies inside. Since you are buying for Mom, I'd splurge for the 25-count box ($43.00), and that way you don't have to feel guilty about stealing one, or three. More information about the lovely little Macaroon Cafe after the jump:
Midtown, New York City - the mecca of salad bar chains, theme restaurants and Starbucks.

But on an ugly 36th street block (between 6th Ave. and 7th Ave.), under some even uglier but temporary scaffolding has risen an uuber-popular Parisian cafe whipping up delightful sandwiches, salads, coffee, and the most beautiful Macarons I've seen in New York City!

The line out the door is an indication that the 18-month-old spot has secured a legion of lunching regulars. But more importantly, it's an indication that everything at Macaron Cafe is prepared F R E S H. No sandwich assembly line, or salad choppers on speed. Casually taking orders on a diner scratch pad is the part-owner who told me his name but his nice French accent distracted me and I didn't catch it. The three petite French maids who prepare the food and work the cash machine have great crowed-appeal; I think their frilly white head-pieces have something to do with it.

Today I stopped in for an iced coffee, which was made from scratch with espresso brewed on the spot, poured over ice, and topped with Evian spring water (I asked for it without milk). I was wowed by the care that went into it and gladly paid the $2.75, even tossing a couple quarters into the tip jar (something I rarely do at coffee houses).

While I usually rely on the Italians to prepare my espresso, I have yet to find Illy, Segafredo, or even Lavazza within a 10 block radius of my new midtown office. So, as of today, Macaron Cafe has a new regular customer...moi!

Macaron Cafe
161 West 36th Street (between 6th & 7th)
New York, NY 10018
212.564-3525
Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 7 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm

Cinco De Mayo: Best & Worst

2009-05-05T18:59:00.006+02:00

Although I will not be participating in any of the below, as I'm attending an Umbria Jazz concert at the The Italian Cultural Institute ( I know, wrong nation) here is my pick for the best and worst ways to celebrate Mexico in NYC:

BEST:
2009 GUACtacular
Why can't this be every day?? Local restaurants complete for the best guac in town and you reap the benefits! Free guac...and yes, there will also be an abundance of chips (compliments of Food Should Taste Good). Drink specials: $2 for Tecate and Modelo. $3 for Corona.
7-9pm at The Bell House
149 7th Street
Brooklyn, NY

WORST:
Two things I have yet to fully embrace: "real" housewives and Twitter, but the latter is growing on me. However, if there is some burning question you just have to know about Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City you're lucky night is tonight! During the finale, the housewives will be on Twitter, commenting on the episode and answering viewers' questions through online chats. 10 p.m.; free. For more information, go to www.bravotv.com

Other Cinco de Mayo happenings:
Eater
Village Voice
New York Daily News
Murph Guide

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Eat Free Fight Hunger

2009-05-05T17:53:00.008+02:00

I love City Harvest's annual Skip Lunch Fight Hunger fundraiser in New York City. It's been all over the blogs, but if you haven't heard about it, it's not too late to participate.

Since it's such a worthy cause and because some old habits die hard, I'm reinstating a mini Free Eats campaign this week aptly titled, Eat Free Fight Hunger. I'll be skipping lunch all week (hitting up some of my favorite free sampling spots instead) and donating $5 per meal to City Harvest. I've got plans to visit the Chelsea Whole Foods today (free sample day) for lunch and Thursday it looks like free tater tots and piggies with the girls at 5Ninth. Will have to do some more research to see what new free eating spots have emerged since March!

If you'd like to join my Eat Free Fight Hunger team email me!

Skip Lunch Fight Hunger -- Details
When: Tomorrow, May 6, donate the amount of money you would spend on your lunch to help feed a hungry child.

How: Visit the official site to register and donate. You can start a team or register as an individual.

What: The goal is to reach $600,000
$127,240 has been raised so far but there's still $472,759 to go.

Oh Where Oh Where Can She Be?

2009-05-05T17:37:00.009+02:00

My blog is looking a little sparse lately....this I know and feel somewhat guilty about. But to dispel any myths that might be circulating, my absence is neither from a) being hospitalized from too many weeks of free eating or b) a sudden relocation to a remote village in Southern Italy where Wi-Fi doesn't exist(although it has crossed my mind).

Rather I'm utterly consumed with a marketing start-up business that I'm launching in New York City this May. It goes without saying that anything labeled "start-up" requires lots of attention, and this one is no different. I'll leak some more details once the project is out on the streets, but for now, it's kind of hush hush.

Tonight - Free Flamenco & Bossanova

2009-04-28T02:30:00.008+02:00

Record-breaking temps make this late-April Monday anything but ordinary. I reccommend making the night even more memorable by escaping your stuffy non-air-conditioned apartment and checking out one of these two live music events:

Greta Panettieri @ Bocca Restaurant - 9 E 19th St between Broadway & Park Ave

Italian-born bossa nova singer, Greta Panettieri, brings the Brazilain tradtion to life in N.Y.C. at this FREE event. Her beautiful vocals are accompanied by electric bass (Mike LaValle) and piano (Andrea Sammartino).

Gipsy Kings @ Via dei Mille - W. Broadway between Broome & Grande
Sexy flamenco guitar, vocals and some surprise scantily clad dance performances make this monthly residency a must. Reservations are probably all booked for a table, but come hang at the bar or stake your claim on the dance floor. They may even let you jam with them after a few Coronas...but it's B.Y.O.D. (bring your own djembe)