A Pret Surprise and Workout Happy Hour

*Don’t forget to enter my Pearly Whites giveaway here!**
Yesterday our office was a ghost town due to multiple all day meetings taking place. This was the perfect environment for a productive Friday. In addition, yesterday’s cloudy skies made me happy that it was Friday intsead of Saturday. My ideal week is when it’s overcast Monday through Friday morning and then gorgeous Friday evening through Sunday evening. I know, that’s demanding a lot but a girl can dream can’t she.
Lauren suggested we try somewhere new for lunch since we both normally have a big salad every day. We’ve tried almost everywhere within a block or two of our office but I realized I’d never journeyed into Pret. She was craving one of their baguette sandwiches so we headed that way. The place was packed! I was immediately impressed with their salad and sandwich assortment. Pret is the perfect lunch spot for people who want quick combination options to go. For example, their sandwiches are all offered in full or half portions and they have both large and small salad options. I quickly chose the beautiful tuna nicoise salad as I was craving something a little different.
It was even more gorgeous when I opened it back at the office. My lovingly handmade salad was absolutely divine and the fresh cucumber and olive flavors blended with the egg and tuna perfectly. I loved that the lettuce base was arugula which provided a peppery flavor combination. This hearty salad packed a whopping 30 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 310 calories. The lemon shallot dressing I chose to top the salad had a great rich flavor that highlighted the freshness of the salad. I only needed 1/4 of the container since the salad’s flavors and freshness stood wonderfully alone.
Unfortunately, my soup choice was not quite as delicious. I was intrigued by their miso soup and decided to try it instead of their chicken soup. However, my medium miso soup included ONE measley piece of tofu and maybe four pieces of kale. It was an utter failuer and left me immediately regretting my choice.
I only had three sips before pouring the rest down the drain. Luckily I had a bag of Baked Lays in my desk drawer that were able to jump in as a perfect backup.
Bo and I decided to meet at Equinox after work since we’d set the alarm clock for PM versus AM that morning. We thought it’d be fun to take their Body Conditioning class together before staying for half of a spin class to ensure we had a great Friday workout before our date night. We both rushed from work to make it in time for the class only to find a room packed to the gills! I forgot how much room step platforms and weight equipment takes up in a studio. I’ve become accustomed to group yoga classes which only have a mat and block as tools. I have mentioned on Twitter and the blog lately how much i’ve been missing Body Pump. Since I thought this would be very similar to Body Pump I fought the urge to leave and made myself a spot. The class was described as:
Informed by the latest findings in exercise science and functional exercises, instructors focus on strengthening and fine-tuning major muscle groups. This cutting-edge workout makes use of various equipment.

Carl was a hilarious instructor who kept the class interesting and the music flowing. His attitude was light hearted and he wanted to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves since after all it was a Friday night. The class was not Body Pump but it was cutting edge and focused the majority of the time on my “trouble areas” of arms and thighs. I enjoyed the class and will most likely make it a weekly addition. His spin class directly following was VERY intense filled with climbs and sprint intervals. At the thirty minute mark my thighs were screaming and I was more than elated to head out since Bo and I had to shower before our dinner reservations. Overall, we both LOVED working out together on a Friday night. It was a great way to start the evening, refresh our energy which is often drained after a long Friday, and feel relaxed and happy before going out!

Our surprise date night post will come later this afternoon, after our spur of the moment long run is completed. We just found out that the leasing office will be showing OUR apartment ALL day today since we’re the only apartment available with a May 1 lease that offers a balcony. Lovely. Glad we cleaned this morning. Hmmph! The bears ARE NOT HAPPY with this sudden change of plans. Oh well, long run here I come!


Share Button
Follow:

How Can A Raw Vegan Restaurant Be On Fire and other Gramercy Discoveries

Saturday afternoon Bo and I spent two hours soaking up the soon on the Highline Park. The people watching was better than ever as I was able to check out everyone’s new spring fashions while Bo spoke with people who had just come from the Apple store bearing their new iPad. It included lots of this:After working up an appetite reading and people watching, we headed to Pinkberry for a cool and delicious afternoon treat. Bo loved their new mango flavor and enjoyed a small mango with fruity pebbles. I enjoyed mango as well but loaded up on toppings including blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, and animal crackers. This was definitely a treat but it did a wonderful job of holding me over for a few hours. In addition, nothing says warm weather like a cool cup of frozen yogurt.

After walking around for another hour, we decided to head over to Gramercy to explore our new neighborhood. Each time we return we discover something we love or a great little nook. As you can see from the picture above, my nails were screaming for a manicure as were my toenails. Bo and I parted ways at A Spa and Nails. I was pleasantly surprised by this nail salon and will most likely become a regular. Their prices were very reasonable and everything was spotless. I also believe that it was a good sign that the salon was PACKED at 5pm on a gorgeous Saturday. They also had health signs stating that they refused to use razors in their spa due to health issues and therefore only use rubs and buffers to remove calluses. Spa hygiene is very important to me as the last think I want to leave with is an infection. In just under an hour I was treated to a wonderful manicure (Essie High Maintenance) and lemon spa pedicure (Essie Hotspot) complete with a lemon scrub treatment and parafin wax.
Much to my elation, Bo suggested that we grab a glass of wine and an appetizer at Pure Food and Wine which was located just across the street. I was surprised by his suggestion as i’ve tried to convince Bo to enjoy Pure Food and Wine previously but have been met with much resistance. However, while I was enjoying my mani/pedi Bo walked by their menu and was instantly intrigued.
Pure Food and Wine is one of New York City’s top raw and vegan restaurants. Opened in June of 2004, their menu is entirely plant based and does not use any processed ingredients. In addition, nothing is heated above 118 degrees which helps to preserve vitamins and minerals. Based on this knowledge, Bo originally expected the menu to be salads and spiralized vegetable dishes. Instead, the menu greeted him with such appetizers as
Plate of Assorted Cultured Dr. Cow Tree Nut Cheeses and Rosemary Crisps
Tokyo Turnip Carpaccio with Marinated Provencal Truffle
King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed
One quickly realizes that everything is a play on words and therefore must be approached with an open mind. There are clearly no scallops or carpaccio on the menu but the items are presented in a similar manner and paired with similar flavors.
We started with a glass of wine each, a 2007 Falanghina Torre Gaia for Bo and a crisp 2007 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc for me. The bartender was very friendly and helpful in explaining the difference between an organic wine and a biodynamic wine. Biodynamic refers to the agricultural method and processing of the fruit post harvest. It has only become popular over the past few years. The principles revolve around understanding the ecological, energetic, and spiritual nature of grape growing.
After reviewing the appetizer menu at length, we decided up on the Nori Rolls. They were described as being filled with spinach, homemade kim chi, nut cheese, and ginger. After Bo read on Zagat that the restaurant has appeared for 5 years on the Forbes magazine list of “All Star Eateries” and part of New York Magazine’s Top 100 restaurants he was more than eager to sample the raw cuisine. While we waited for our appetizer and sipped our wine, we observed the dishes other patrons were enjoying. Each dish was presented as an art form. It is clear that presentation is at the core of Pure Food and Wine.
When our appetizer was presented we were both awed and amazed. These nori rolls looked exactly like our favorite appetizer at any sushi restaurant though we knew there was no rice or fish. The portion was perfect to share as there were six pieces.
The dish was well crafted and beautifully composed. It was remarkable how the nut cheese had a creamy consistency similar to that of ricotta and the flavors were perfectly balanced.
The freshness was clear through the crunch of each bite and the flavors exploded on your tongue. Bo and I were each amazed and immediately wished we had made dinner reservations at Pure so we could continue the tasting adventure.
As we were discussing our predicament, loud sirens began to go off and the security lights were flashing. Every patron looked towards the hostess in confusion and alarm. However, the hostess was as confused as everyone else and merely tried to silence the alarm.
Bo and I could barely contain our laughter since we knew the alarm in question was the fire alarm. Keep in mind that Pure Food and Wine does not have a single flame or heating element in it since all the food is raw. The staff new this as well and also saw that back in the kitchen and offices nothing was smoking or in flames. This unfortunately continued off and on for five minutes. Bo and I therefore quickly decided it was time to bid adieu to Pure Food and Wine until next time. Within minutes of our departure four fire trucks arrived on the scene and forced the patrons out of the building so they could investigate. Within a minute of arriving they had searched the building, given the all clear, and were on their way again. What a hilarious and ironic few minutes!
Though the tastes are still fresh in our memory, Bo and I are already dreaming of their five course chef’s tasting menu which is a steal at $69. Until then, I think I may have to procure a copy of Sarma’s cookbook Raw Food Real World. The cookbook features over 100 recipes that anyone can enjoy from the comfort of their own kitchen.

Share Button
Follow:

Barbounia Restaurant: Gramercy Chic Greek

Apartment hunting works up an appetite, especially when it is preceeded by an 11 mile run. In between two broker meetings on Saturday Bo and I only had an hour to find lunch and knew we wanted a restaurant where we could relax and have space to review the apartments we had seen throughout the morning. We were in the Gramercy area and quickly headed towards Park Avenue as we figured this large avenue would provide the most options. Cosi is always a reliable chain but we weren’t in the mood for a chain, Sushi Samba and City Crab weren’t serving lunch, and the 24 hour diner was jammed pack.

That left us with Barbounia, a large restaurant we spotted across the street. We could tell it was open as there was a large sign out front and the door was propped open welcoming newcomers. As we approached we realized the sign was an advertisement for their brunch special: add $12 to your brunch and enjoy all you can drink champagne, belllinis, and mimosas. While this is definitely a good deal, unfortunately Bo and I knew we couldn’t enjoy the special due to our afternoon broker meetings.

Upon entering Barbounia, we were both amazed with the atmosphere. The space is quite large and airy, displying an open kitchen in the back, fun whimsical throw pillows along the side tables which all in all bring back visions of Aladin and Arabian Nights. The lavish warm gold and yellow tones are inviting and welcoming against the ornate decorations which channel the restaurants Mediterannean and Turkish roots. We were quickly greeted by a friendly hostess who was able to seat us promptly. Luckily the restaurant was only half full when we arrived though the bar area was alive with friends recapping Friday night’s events and girlfriends meeting for lunch. The seating was well spaced during lunch and we had ample room on either side which is a refreshing change from most New York City restaurants. The menu, while only one page, featured Mediterannean fare spanning from fallafel, hummus, eggs, and the classic greek salad. Bo quickly chose the Falafel sandwich (tahini, chopped salad, and zhoug) while I chose the Classic Greek which featured Classic greek romaine, tomato, cucumber, black olives, feta, and za’atar. I knew that a mere salad wouldn’t satiate my post long run hunger so I added grilled shrimp for some added protein. Upon our waitress’ suggestion we also ordered an the hummus tapas.

The hummus tapa came out quickly and looked absolutely decadent. The hummus did not come out with warm pita but instead a warm salt and rosemary encrusted doughy loaf of bread. The hummus had a light garlic and lemon flavor though the true winner was the bread. The doughy texture and warm salt was just what we were both craving. It was clear that this is one of their most popular menu items as every table around us was enjoying the same appetizer. I caught a glance of the eggplant tapas and regretted not choosing that instead as I bet the flavor would have been even better. Oh well!

Our main courses came out a few minutes later and were presented beautifully. Bo’s fallafel sandwhich was in fact a gyro and the warm hummus and tahini was oozing out the end. The flavor complex was spot on while the crunchy greek inspired vegetables (tomato, cucumbers, lettuce) balanced out the richness of the tahini and fallafel. In one word, Bo described it as a delicious vegetarian lunch. In fact, he was very proud of the fact that he ordered a vegetarian entree as he is trying to be more open to enjoying vegetarian meals instead of dwelling on their lack of meat. My salad blew my expectations away. I had prepared myself for a typical greek salad with bits of feta, chopped cucumbers, and way too much olive oil. But, intsead I was delighted and overwhelmed with the large triangles of feta, the jumbo shrimp, and the flavorful herbs. I was glad that I requested they serve the dressing on the side as it was far more oil than herbs and vinegar. However, when used in small amounts it was a perfect addition.

Overall, Barbounia was a perfectly chic brunch spot which we will hopefully enjoy again soon one evening with friends. I can only imagine what the space would be like at night with the energy of a Saturday night crowd and their creative drinks.

In addition to Barbounia, some of our other Greek recommendations in NYC are as follows:
Avra

141 Est 48th Street,            212-759-8550

Tends to be a bit pricey but this is a perfect restuarant to go when entertaining clients, enjoying a corportate meal, or celebrating.

Pylos

128 E. 7th St, west of Avenue A/212-473-0220

It’s lasted in the East Village for over six years. That in itself makes it a success!

Thalassa

179 Franklin St/between Greenwich & Hudson/212-941-7661

They have 5,000 bottles in their wine cellar, need we say more?

Share Button
Follow: