"They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table."
Yep. That's Martha Stewart, in case the giant letters on the television weren't clear enough to make out...or if you've been in a maximum security prison and haven't had any media exposure for the last 20 years. It was so very difficult not to post about my trip to NYC before we left but I wanted to sort of keep it to myself until it happened - I guess I was trying not to jinx anything! New York is a town that scares the crap out of me for the first 30 minutes I'm there but after that...it feels like a favorite pair of (comfortable) shoes. Welcome back.
A group of bloggers from Atlanta were invited to attend Martha's Blogger Show. I made the whirlwind trip with my girls Shameeka from The Broke Socialite, Ashley of IceMilk Aprons, and Atlanta publicist Laura Scholz. While my 15 seconds of fame was thwarted - I was asked to talk to Martha about my blog but the show ran long - we had an incredible time. It was a real treat seeing the bloggers on the show - Pim from Chez Pim did a killer pad thai segment on the show as well as gave away copies of her new book.
That's Joey Kola - he does an incredible job getting everyone hyped up for the show. It was also great to meet some bloggers I've gotten to know through Twitter and Facebook like Andrea and Kamran (whose blog is just so lovely). I also got to sit next to Ashley from Not With Salt - too bad we couldn't really talk during the show!
In typical Tami traveling style, I stayed an extra day to try and squeeze in as much walking, eating and visiting as I could in 24 hours. My friend Michael and I had a post-Martha celebratory meal at Motorino in Williamsburg. The pizza wars are in full effect here in Atlanta and I was tipped off about Motorino by fellow Atlanta foodie Melissa Libby. It was everything I had hoped for and more: perfect crust, great charring, beautifully simple toppings - I had the brussels sprout and pancetta pie. Such a charming place and a gourmet dining steal.
Another stop on our foodie tour day really found a place in my heart. Brooklyn spot Building on Bond is truly one of the coolest little joints I've ever seen. Incredible interior, DIY decorating, vintage fixtures - all the while serving food, coffee, and cocktails with no attitude or special effects. We sipped wine out of vintage juice glasses and spoke to one of the owners for a few hours. No website that I can find (!!!) but they have a Twitter account.
I've struggled to find words worthy of describing this tuna tartare I ate at adorable Brooklyn restaurant Jolie. I should clarify - the tuna tartare I ate TWICE at Jolie in Brooklyn. Did I mention I was there for two days? The most sublimely soft and buttery tuna, perfectly dressed with shallot and citrus and topped with beautiful greens tossed in a heavenly x 100 truffle vinaigrette. My version of heaven in a dish. The guys that work behind the bar are just adorable, as well - so funny and personable. I felt at home instantly. I just can't stop thinking about this place or this plate.
I also had a fantastically divine meal at The Vanderbilt. It was easily the meal of the trip. Plate after incredible plate showed up at our table. I had long since dropped off the camera so no photos to share with you but the highlights were: blistered Shishito peppers with chili salt, the chicken liver mousse, and the most INSANELY delicious pickled and fresh fennel salad. I've been daydreaming about it and will for sure be making it for my blog, fear not.
My brisk trip to NYC was an incredible, breathtaking reset to a year that started off a little rocky. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to share that experience with my friends and fellow bloggers. It was also quite a treat to see Michael and Kate and eat our way around Brooklyn - I now see why there is little need to go into Manhattan. Everything about Brooklyn that I saw was pretty delicious. I'll be posting all of my photos to a NYC Flickr set throughout the weekend.
