cafe gitane

Posting this on an empty stomach probably isn't such a good idea but I'm doing it anyway. Went to Cafe Gitane when we stayed with our friend in Nolita. I'll let the photos speak for themselves since my stomach is killing me but I HAVE to say this: AVOCADO TOAST. AVOCADO TOAST!

central park and shake shack

vintage linen shirt, Saint James striped shirt, Theory shorts, vintage Coach satchel, Karen Walker sunglasses, Rachel Comey Miner boots

And here's the only other outfit I photographed in New York. It's kind of hard to be creative when you're working out of a tiny suitcase in unexpected weather. Same shorts, same bag... at least the shoes are different? Anyway, wore this to explore Central Park and hit up Shake Shack to see what all the hype was about.

So does Shake Shack compare to In-N-Out? I can only say that it wouldn't be fair to compare the two since they're two different things: Shake Shack was less of a fast food chain to me and more of a gourmet eatery. Plus In-N-Out is just something I grew up with that tastes familiar now matter where I go, you know? But that's just me I guess. Nevertheless it was delicious, so delicious in fact that I ended up going back and spending a total of $20 there that day. (Granted I never wanted to eat again after devouring a double cheeseburger, cheese fries, soda, and milkshake....)

"Under Your Spell" - Desire (I'm addicted to the Drive Soundtrack haha)

smorgasburg

Here are the snapshots that I promised from Smorgasburg. Like I'd mentioned earlier, we didn't have as much time as anticipated to sample more but we were satisfied with what we got. The view was amazing as well with the clouds clearing over Manhattan so we ate our food right by the waterfront. Someone left a comment on my last post wondering how I could wear shorts in seemingly cold weather but the photos are deceiving: it was actually hot and humid. TOO hot and humid. One of my friends actually asked me how I could go out in a long sleeved shirt and hat... I don't know what I was thinking either.

From top to bottom: Choncho's chicken tacos, beef bulgogi bun from We Rub You, hot dog from Asia Dog, shrimp teriyaki balls from Mimi and Coco.

Looking back I wish we hadn't missed most of the vendors since I have no idea when I'll be back. I was bummed that I didn't get to buy anything from Whimsy & Spice since Jenna has been one of my favorite bloggers for quite some time now (thank for trying to get Mark to look out for me while he was packing up, I wish it had worked out!) For years I've been meaning to order something from their store but keep slipping up... I finally got my chance at Dean & Deluca right before I left and picked up a pack of brown sugar gingerspice cookies for Brent since he's also a fan. Unfortunately I didn't even get to try one since he took them with him to work and finished them all on Bart without saving me one. Rude!

brunch at starbelly in the castro

Apologies to everyone, these pictures are almost a month old but I kept neglecting to post them. Agh, sorry! A couple weeks ago Brent and I stopped by Starbelly to try their weekend brunch menu. I'd been there once before for dinner and it was pretty good but breakfast/brunch is usually my favorite meal of the day and I'd been itching to go back.

First we shared the french fries with three dipping sauces. Totally unnecessary given the amount of food we were getting but I had them the last time I was there and had been craving them quite a bit before that. Last time I also had a chorizo pizza but since they only serve brunch on weekends I knew I had to try their french toast and it did not disappoint. They even cure their own bacon! Brent got chilaquiles which were also pretty fantastic, overall, it was a great meal and I'd definitely recommend it.

blue bottle and miette

I think I spend more time at the Ferry Building by myself than with other people. While it's fun to grab lunch and a drink with someone, I love being able to explore places like this leisurely and at my own pace. I usually start by window shopping at Sur La Table and work my way down the main hall stopping by each section to sample olive oil, cheese, etc. and finally end up at Blue Bottle. BEST ICED COFFEE EVER. It was nice to pick up a cup and sit down at the bar while watching people walk by.

Speaking of people watching, when I was sitting at Blue Bottle I noticed a pretty girl in line at Miette wearing a really cute outfit featuring a Fjallraven backpack. When I finished my drink a couple minutes I decided to get some macarons to go (rose and vanilla for anyone who's curious) so I wandered over and got in line. While I snapped these pictures to kill time I was surprised by a tap on the shoulder, it was that same girl I had noticed before: turns out she recognized me because of this blog! So awesome. If you're reading this, Mimi, it was great meeting you!

st. francis fountain

cafe latte waffle knit sweater c/o white crow boutique

Met with Megan last week before she left for New York to grab lunch at St. Francis Fountain. I needed a bit of a pick-me-up so I went straight for a Coca Cola float as soon as I got there: nothing beats eating dessert before your meal. Our floats even came with cute paper straws!

I've been on huge burger kick lately and can't help but order a burger whenever I eat out. I'd had breakfast here before but had yet to try something from the lunch menu. The bacon may have been a little excessive especially after I'd downed that entire Coke float but I'm just going to repeat the same phrase that I employ whenever I start to ponder certain questionable choices: "no regrets."