We had a full plate this year in our usually quiet city during the summer months.
Our country celebrated 250 years and the Fourth of July weekend was chock full of all things celebratory.
The fireworks and the incredible display of the International Ships sailing up the Hudson demonstrated pride and a majesty that literally filled your heart with joy.
Chip captured some photos from his vantage point on the Pier up by us at Riverside Park, always makes me think of the movie You’ve Got Mail. A story that never goes out of fashion and shows the New York we all remember and loved. Also, a tale of big business over small, intimate business…we feel that deeply as well. That is the cue to have you read the Big Bad Wolf!!
World Cup! Norway went viral with their Times Square Row. Scotland parading around in kilts. What a blast.
And the Knicks fever continued throughout and still.
When all of this reached its end we all kind of missed the distractions but then we welcomed the true sleepy summer lull that blankets the city.
The time for outdoor films and concerts. Picnics and sidewalk dining.
Our two big outings on our Mondays off were an escape, though still in town.
Our friend Phyllis is an auctioneer claiming her podium with grace and theatre at Sotheby’s at the Met Brauer building. She invited us over to view Gus, the T Rex that she was auctioning off the next morning. Plus a tour of all floors of incredible art and artifacts. Seriously amazing. And, she managed to pass all expectations and it sold for 50 million!!!
3 hours that erased all anxious stress and worries from our bodies. The spirit of music. Seeps in and lingers. We felt nourished.
Old friends visiting us in Tribeca give us a sense of home. Each restaurant past becomes again present.
As if no time has gone by. This is our bounty of riches, those connections that you allow us to keep with you. We thank you for the gift.
Now, what indeed are we eating? The menu is leaning to all places South…South of France, Italy, Spain…all with a whisper of North Carolina layered in. Chip leans into his culture this time of year. Especially with the bounty that our friends at Spruce Ridge provide.
The team in the kitchen and the front collaborated on creating house made Cassis from their currants. Makes a scrumptious and light Kir Vin Blanc or Royale.
Sorbet from the Black Raspberries. Glace from the Blackberries that is smooth as silk! And my favorite childhood flavor. A woman used to make and sell ice cream out of her apartment in a complex we lived at briefly. Totally erased the memory of Tuna Casserole! Just sayin’.
Squid Ink Farfalle, mussels, squid, lobster knuckles, bring tomato broth, Basil oil.
Arena Blanc, Corsica
Duck from our friends at North Wind Farms, red wine pickled peach, vidalia onion puree, freekeh with peanut, corn, shallot.
Mencia from Spain. Cornalin from Val D’Aoste.
Tautog, clams, fondant potato, celtuce, celery oil, cream cracker, broth of fish, white wine, cream
Vintage Muscadet, mais oui!
Kind of the best “chowder” you have ever tasted.
Los Bermejos Rosado, Canary Islands, an appropriate addiction.
Terrine of quail, foie gras, Armagnac soaked Flame Raisin…that is my picnic, thank you.
We are always looking for the opportunity to welcome you to our little house. We are wooing you.
Come, escape your outside for a couple of hours.
Raise a fork and a glass with us. We do so enjoy and appreciate your company.
As always. We wish you a peaceful and fulfilling routine. As you care for yourself, take good care of those around you.
Until my next chat,
–Tina and Chip
and the superhero team of Eulalie…
P.S. We were bouncing around names while dining with good friends at il Buco now over 3 years ago!!!
and I wrote Eulalie out on the paper napkin.
My lovely Deborah had saved that memento and sent me the picture. Sweet and thoughtful.
P.S.S. Remember to stroll over to Greenwich Avenue and see the Kelly Boys at Chez Stanley…they are sneaking open soon, as in SOON!
