But first, coffee...

Growing up in Europe, my obsession with coffee began at a really young age, almost inappropriately young age. Adults in my family used to gather every day, for a cup of coffee. Drinking that cup, smelling the aroma, knowing everyone's way of drinking it, was a ritual. It meant joining "the circle", it meant participating in gossip feasts, discussing politics, soccer matches, holiday gatherings and countless other social occasions. How else will you know the party is almost over if not for coffee?

You can tell so much about a person by the way they take their coffee. Bold and black, means you're a purist, extra milk and sugar means you love to day dream. Weak coffee meant you're probably going to drink more cups in a row and you're in for a slow awakening.

Coffee is my love. Every morning begins with a cup, and it never feels officially as if the morning had begun, until that first cup has seen the bottom of a mug.

I have been chasing a perfect cup of coffee throughout Manhattan, and would love to share some of my favorite spots with you. I encourage you to try these special cup of jo spots and share your thoughts with me.

My go to coffee spot in TriBeca had always been at an Italian baker, Grandaisy Bakery. Located at 250 West Broadway, the morning perfection of well brewed coffee, paired with pistachio pastry, is an orgasmic way to start your day. Their egg sandwich is also a party in my mouth and only their bold morning roast is also invited. Crispy, fresh baked whole grain bread with hard boiled eggs, dill and herb mayo, capers and sea salt satisfies every Eastern European need for cornishons and eggs in the morning.

While shopping in SoHo, I can never resist the radiant decor of Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring Street. They've won every award for every delicious item on their spectacular menu, and the coffee... well, it pairs perfectly with sunny decor, almond croissants and a copy of the latest Saveur magazine.

My latest discovery since I begun spending more time in the West Village, has been Jack's Stir Brew. It's a real neighborhood spot where baristas know your name and the size of your favorite order. It also fools you by appearing real charming and homey, but they take their coffee very seriously. My fave on the list is the Stella and Mad Max. Make it a double, make it with organic maple syrup and pass on the scone.

Jack's is located on 138 W 10th St. And if you run into Elvis Costello or Sarah Jessica Parker, play it cool.

Till next Time! 

Nina

Emerald- Color of The Year

Pantone 17-5641 Color of 2013

I don't believe in New Year resolutions that begin with "Will not...". Isn't it just better to start resolutions that begin with "I'll surround myself with...." 

For a person that loves vibrant colors, I rarely wear or decorate in colors that are alive. Guess it's the stereotypical New Yorker in me, because as I take a look around my wardrobe, muted, monochromatic lifestyle, I vow to wear more vivacious palette. I fell in love with Greige as much as the next gal, but the understated Calvin Klein elegance, must make way for lush, deep hues that excite.

It's not about simply wearing more emerald, it is about adding dynamism to spheres of your life that may need a little visual boost. Living beautifully means living more artfully, is it not?

Gucci Spring 2013

"Lively.Radiant. Lush...a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony"

"The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

Color of the year. It's not just for redheads and royals anymore. Let's live artfully. 

Til next time!

Nina

Tablescapes

There's something magical about a table set up for a dinner party.

Most hostesses don't get to enjoy the beautiful set up before guests arrive as they are rushing about in the kitchen, plating and feeling the pressure of the clock.

I myself love table decorating and even more so hosting my friends and family for dinners and brunches.

Any occasion is a brand new chance to pick out flowers, scouring Etsy for last minute decorating objets des curiosities.

Vintage cake server for Gummy Bears and Twizzlers in grandmother's butter dish? Oui, si vous plait!

Tea Party for One!

In the world of Grey Gardens, we can't all live in the perfect world where every dinner party deserves most beautiful (and costly!) flower arrangements. Not all get to be Carole or Jackie, some of us get to be Little Eddie or Big Eddie. 

I invite you to explore the delicate art of table setting, for you and your loved one, because we all want to be a part of high society for an evening. Maybe because it's a Wednesday! 

Or because your pen exploded in your favorite bag and the silk lining was pastel pink! 

Who cares? Treat yourself!

Love me violet, love me not!

Mint, gold, it's a party for two!

 Outdoor Party, simplicity at its best

Green with Envy!

No need to serve a five course meal, sometime the more unexpected the better! 

Elegant table setting? Serve baked mac' n' cheese and pigs in the blanket. 

Loving understated elegance? Serve macarons! If only for their beautiful, rainbow colors.

Just teleport me now!

This time of the year, the sun disappearing so quickly, the frigid temperatures and lack of outdoor seating at Juliette makes me think of comforts of tea.

After-all, what's better than Harney and Sons Tropical Green Tea, or better yet... a tea bar designed to tickle every sense. Because life is that wonderful!

Beverage Bar for Winter Blahs!

Til Next Time!

Nina

Crepes

Herb Crepe

Earliest childhood memory of a Sunday morning had always been of "nalesniki". In Polish "nalesnik" is what is more known to everyone else as a crepe. Those wonderful mornings filled my nostrils with scents of vanilla, lemon, and sugar. Simple ingredients, but that's how you appreciate the best quality in them.

If it was summertime we might have used farmer cheese with strawberries and just a tad of lemon zest...

Nalesniki

But it wouldn't be a post on Grey Gardens if not for the inappropriate-ness of said Crepe. Crepes served at dinner time, as a savory addition are a wonderful surprise, or a great entertaining element at any event.

I've tried this mouth watering recipe for crepes with asparagus and sweet onions, and I invite you to try the same! 

Breakfast, what breakfast?!

Ricotta Asparagus Onion Crepes

The medium is so easy to work with, so why not try a sushi version of nalesniki? Just add a pinch of chocolate powder to your crepe mix, for the effect, and after rolling out the finished dough, cut through like a sushi chef pro.

Sushi Farmer Cheese Vanilla Rolls

Start with this basic recipe for a French Crepe and work your way from there by adding and mixing ingredients  There are no mistakes, there are only delicious detours.

1 Cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 eggs

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

Sift together flour, sugar and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together with an electric mixer. Beat in flour mixture until smooth; stir in melted butter.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over a medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using 2 tablespoons for each crepe. Tip and rotate pan to spread batter as thin as possible. Brown on both side and serve hot.

Lastly, bring your crepes out to a party. 

No, really, the New York City hot spot, Le Bain at the Standard Hotel, has its own crepe standard a midst the crowd of beautiful people enjoying their cocktails on the rooftop. A nightclub with a velvet rope, mix of Euro club kids, models and publishers enjoying Nutella crepes at 4 am. Repeat the trend by serving crepes at your next event.

 Le Bain

Club Interior

Creperie

Til Next Time!

Nina