Grey Dog's

If you find yourself in New York City, in the winter (or what is sorta winter-like) and you want to have that "neighborhood" coffeehouse feel, then I recommend this little gem down from Union Square, Grey Dog Coffee. GC and I like to go around the city in the afternoon and find little places to nosh. We can't spend money so we'll split something and usually get a coffee.. our little "going out" without dealing with the expensive nature of the city.

Last night we split the Quiche of the Day which was more like a slice of pie than a quiche, and I can't tell you what was in it other than it just melted in your mouth. Another thing that I need to learn how to cook!! (still working on the whole no-shake with the camera ha.)

We sat inside, with the rain starting to come down outside, taking pictures, eating Quiche and drinking coffee... getting ready for May (hint, hint) It's moments like these that I think I will miss the most.

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Grey Dog Coffee- 90 University Place (at 12th street)
http://thegreydog.com/

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

The home of New York fashion week turns into a free.. yes, free... ice skating rink in the winter. Part of my surprise day in the city last Saturday was lunch at the Celsius lounge and ice skating (or the solid attempt to not fall)

Saturday Surprise!

Just a few photos of Giancarlo and I celebrating our engagement at his parents place. After, he wisked me off to a surprise day in the city where we ate lunch at Celsius, a winter restaurant right next to the ice skating rink at Bryant Park (many heating lamps included!) made an attempt to ice skate in Bryant Park (last time I believe I was four). That night Giancarlo made dinner reservations at one New York's hot spots, The Place. The intimate restaurant is hidden away in the West Village, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Fig and Olive

Fig and Olive is by far one of the best restaurants that GC and I have stumbled upon in New York City and it was a perfect place to take the little sister for her 22nd Birthday. Located in the Meat Packing District, Fig and Olive is a little bit of Italian greatness in a huge loft space. Most everything is a variation off a fig and/or an olive and the tasting olive oils are the most amazing thing every. You can even order them online! I highly recommend it for any future trips to New York, if in search of that "New York non-touristy restaurant experience." www.figandolive.com

Be careful of the s'mores!

I wanted to post this picture because it makes me crack up everytime I look at it... and who doesn't need a little humor to get them through the day. That is a marshmellow, and it is on fire!

The Italian Job

Another night out with those loveable Italians. Hookah was the theme for the night..another great night of my italian language-immersion program. It is going to be sad to see them go. It has been so fun showing them new and different things from the italian culture. The other night we took them for sushi and hibatchi.. although only one was a fan of sushi, they all tried it, and learning english words muffin (which they loved to eat now)...and prounced maffee. I am now counting down my days to return back to Italy!

Catia, Marcello, Alexandria (GC & Marcello's cousin) Giancarlo



Their first Hookah experience


Five are the same, and one is different


You wouldn't be able to tell that they didn't even speak the same language as each other!