“New York provides not only a continuing excitation but also a spectacle that is continuing.” – E.B. White
Washington Square Park Arch. Taken on 10/18/12.
It’s been quite a busy week for me and I had very little time to sit back, relax and have a chance to post. Today is a wet mess in New York, but I’ve been pretty productive indoors 
As I’m waiting for laundry to tumble dry low, I thought I would write a few highlights of the past week and some recommended new restaurants & spots I’ve been to.
Last Saturday, I presented one of my papers at Stony Brook University’s Global Lives Conference hosted by their Department of Cultural Analysis and Theory. It was a great experience! I was able to chat with some very interesting graduate students and faculty and hear other presentations as well. I always get a bit nervous speaking in front of a group, but I think it went over very well. That evening I went to Las Ramblas in the Village to toast to a successful Saturday .
There I am!
Las Ramblas is a great spot, that’s always bustling and always serving delicious tapas. My favorite dish on the menu was the lamp chop lollipops (I’ve never had ones seasoned to such perfection before) and of course the margaritas 
!
Sunday I spent very much holed up writing. By 9pm the BF recommended we go out and get me some fresh air at this new Irish spot that had opened up, not too far from where we live. I really didn’t feel like leaving my apt. after doing work all day and take out sounded excellent, but I agreed that fresh air would do me good (I was starting to talk to myself…one of the first signs you’re going stir crazy). I’m really glad I agreed too because the Irish spot was adorable & delicious. It is called Tir Na Nog. For those who are familiar with the one on Eighth Avenue across from Madison Square Garden, this is in the same vein, but also very different in atmosphere. It is located on West 39th Street btw. 8th & 9th Avenue.
Interior of Tir Na Nog (39th Street). Courtesy of http://www.tirnanognyc.com
The restaurant opened in late August, but only recently was fully completed (outdoor sign and all). Inside they have erected what looks like a stone house, with tables inside, it is just so cool- definitely not something you see everyday in a restaurant. Our authentically accented waitress was so friendly and informative too. The BF and I split a salad and a shepherd’s pie, which was made with lamb, and was excellent! If you work or live in the area, I definitely suggest stopping in to this restaurant. It is casual but the food and atmosphere is definitely not slouchy.
Monday evening my class that normally meets had a holiday break, so I made sure to catch some extra time in the library. After about 5 hours of reading philosophy & theory, I scooped myself out of Bobst and headed over to The Bitter End with some of my graduate friends to watch the band Barkhouse perform. The singer in the band, is one of my professor’s sons and he had such an excellent voice! The overall performance was great- check them out if you’re into folk/rocky stuff like I am.
Barkhouse performing at The Bitter End- 10/15/12.
The BF met me there and we went to dinner after across the street at Waldy’s High Heat. Omgosh- it was very delicious! We split two pizzas (his had sausage on top and mine meatballs). They were thin crust, brick oven perfections. Andddd they had some funny wall art up in their bathroom, so I definitely added this spot to a returning to category of noshpoints.
My meatball pizza. So yum!
Cheeky wall art
Tuesday night was the debate . I love me a good showdown, and I was definitely not disappointed. I also love that this blog now exists to make me laugh everyday:
http://bindersfullofwomen.tumblr.com/
I think this is my favorite one:
Meme courtesy of bindersfullofwomen.tumblr.com.
On Wednesday evening I had dinner with my good friend Deane who always chooses the best NY foodie spots. We went to Hudson Clearwater, a small restaurant with lots of flavor! The lighting was a bit dark, so I couldn’t get good pics, but you’ll have to take my word for it, that if you haven’t been here, you should add this place to your list of restaurants to try. The cocktails alone are worth it!
Cocktails at Hudson Clearwater.
I had the Mutiny & Deane the Damson Sour. I’m usually more of a gin girl, but the kick of rum was just what I needed to wake me up after a long day of work & class. For dinner we shared their crab cake appetizer and then I ordered the Crispy Duck Breast and Deane had the Pan Seared Arctic Char. The food, conversation and atmosphere were all exquisite! For their full menu click here.
Hudson Clearwater is located in the West Village.
One thing to note when you go to the restaurant is that the entrance is not on Hudson, but rather just around the corner on Morton. There isn’t really a sign, but there is a back garden with tables, so keep an eye out for the first door on your right when you are walking down the block.
Last night, I indulged in another dinner out after class. I think all the stress is causing me to indulge! I went to the Cornelia Street Cafe for some great wine & comfort food with the BF and his friend Justin. We shared the goat cheese salad & the mac and cheese for an appetizer (soooo good- they use 5 different cheeses). Then I had their special entree of the night- the beef stew. My goodness- it was beyond savory and delicious. As Justin said- “clean plate club”- delicious.
Cornelia Street Cafe is also located in the West Village. Can you tell this is my fave NYC neighborhood to eat in?
Today is all about doing some work and getting my apartment back in order. I’m looking forward to a semi-quiet weekend, and hope to get lots of work done. Monday night is the last presidential debate- which I’m looking forward to watching, although I don’t know if it will be as spicy as the last one was.
This morning I went to the Shining Spirit Breakfast hosted by the Paul Robert Carey Foundation, my BF’s family’s foundation, which provides quality of life funds to individuals recovering from cancer at various hospitals. Every year they have a panel of news and political commentators discuss the upcoming election and with this year’s election being quite a heated topic, it was definitely interesting to hear them engage in conversation about the 2012 presidential race. This election is definitely not lacking in excitement!
Shining Spirit Breakfast
So there you have it! My whirlwind week. I’ve got to get back to the reading now. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. I’m hoping to catch Searching for Sugarman this weekend, and not to do much else.
xox
Val
