le plat du jour

Though I do sometimes enjoy restaurant meals with friends--and love to photograph and write about them so as to relive the special occasion, I mostly cook for myself. Breakfast at home is simple: banana oatmeal; muesli with yogurt; yesterday's toasted baguette with butter, raspberry preserves, and a handful of almonds. Lunch and dinner are, too. I get into seasonal routines, cooking for one.

This past winter, the dish above was a favorite of mine. Broccoli and carrots were oh-so plentiful! And I'd make a dozen of these falafels at a time. Recently however, I've been changing the à la maison menu for spring's vegetables. This sautéed zucchini with feta cheese, capellini/penne with garlic, olive oil, lemon [and spinach], and this roasted asparagus, parmesan-poached eggs have been parfait. Up next, ratatouille with chickpeas. Have any go-to meals to share? La cuisine and I can always use more inspiration...

second set of visitors

When you're moving to a city like Paris, everyone is going to visit you. Then, they don't. It's not that these people weren't being genuine in their intentions, nor that they don't want to be (they do--mostly because they miss you, but also because it's "the City of Lights") trouble is, flights are expensive, traveling is expensive, and taking off a sufficient amount of time from work is not always an option. I understand completely.

So when my mom and sister came in November, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was challenging to juggle grad school with visitors, but giving two of the most important people in my life a glimpse into the life I'd made here was certainly worth it. I savored every moment. It was just what I needed before wrapping up my first semester, taking a weekend getaway to Prague, and heading home before the holidays.

Whereas hosting family is wonderful thing though, hosting friends is another. There's something uniquely special about connections between those with whom you have no true obligation. And for that, I cannot even begin to express to you how thankful I am to have friends who keep in touch, who make it a point to visit.

Anna and Leslie arrived early on Friday afternoon. After meeting them at Gare du Nord, I led them back to my neighborhood where we grabbed a late lunch at L'Auberge Rouge (my favorite) and had front row seats to a car being towed across the street. Then I introduced them to ma chambre de bonne (and the six long flights of stairs it takes to get to it). We took a little while to rest and refresh before heading out again.

That evening, we walked around the 6th, had a cocktail aperitif at Le Pub Saint-Germain, and followed it with galettes and crêpes alongside cups of cider at my now favorite crêperie in Paris.

Fast forward to Monday. They set out for La Cinématique française and Cité nationale de l'histoire de l'immigration, while I began my second semester of grad school. (I'm just excited about this round of classes as I was for the last, by the way... and still a nerd). In between, we met up for "the best" croque madames.

 

Later that night, I introduced them to the guy I've been dating. 

In the midst of seamless conversation at my favorite wine bar, Le Garde Robe, we shared two bottles of  wine, a platter of charcuterie, another of cheeses, a beautiful array of vegetables, and a slice of chocolate cake. 

Oh, and he was approved (woo)! 

I had classes Tuesday as well, but only in the morning and early afternoon. Afterwards, I met them at a closed Centre Pompidou (boo) and introduced them to the heaven that is merci. It was especially appreciated in the rain and gloom that is most of Parisian winter weather. For dinner, we planned on the Palais de Tokyo.

Unfortunately, a haute couture party disrupted our plans. Instead, we ended up eating light meals at a random brasserie before heading into my favorite beer bar, La Fine Mousse; it could've been worse :).

Wednesday (my weekday off this semester) began with French breakfasts at my local boulangerie.

Our day continued as follows: a late morning visit to the Musée Carnavalet,

an entertaining and hearty two-course lunch at L'Auberge Flora near the Bastille,

an afternoon of shopping through vintage stores and designer boutiques in the Marais, 

treats to go (a.k.a. the best macarons) at Pierre Hermé in Gallerie Lafayette,

and finally, after our plans were rearranged because of a sensitive stomach and another (!) haute couture party at my favorite Lebanese restaurant, Rimal, an unexpected 12-dish mezze at a discounted price.

Thank you, Anna and Leslie for an absolutely incredible week.

As for everyone else, please stay tuned for a recap of our weekend in Marrakech. It's worth the wait! :)

never have I ever

With my countdown to Paris at a mere 6 days, I've been thinking more and more about my future there. My graduate program requires a thesis or for-credit internship in the final semester and I have yet to figure out which one I'd prefer. My only comfort is that at least I know what direction I want to go in, kind of.

Before I studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, I'd never had Lebanese food. And before I moved to Paris for graduate school, I'd never pursued a possible future with an international philanthropic organization.

{vegetarian mezze}

I don't think it's a coincidence that the majority of my friends have careers in which they're directly helping people--whether it be through medicine, research, journalism, therapy, non-profits, etc. I seem to be attracted to those who do good in the world. It's surprising I never believed myself to be one of them until now.

A few months ago, my advisor noted how my educational path thus far has been unique since I started out so speciality-focused and am only now broadening my study horizons. He's right, but I can't imagine it having gone any other way. Although my professional degree is in magazine journalism, travel seminars exposed me to human rights in a whole new light. Even before then, in high school, I hosted exchange students and participated in leadership programs. And thanks to Girl Scouts, I've volunteered for most of my life.

{mint tea}

Not to mention the need for good work: Polio is still an epidemic in three countries. There is only one book per 300 children in some low-income neighborhoods in the U.S. One in seven girls in developing countries marry before the age of 15. Worldwide, 1.7 billion people live in poverty and 800 million people live without clean water. The American Red Cross responds to 70,000 disasters each year. (Statistics from this month's Marie Claire.)

Last semester, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at UNESCO. It was such an experience to work with people from so many different countries with such impressive professional backgrounds. And to be honest, most of the time, I feel that way in the company of my fellow grad students. Though notably younger, each one of us came to Paris with unique portfolios and inspirational motivations; like the birthday girl from the special occasion dinner above. I look forward to seeing where 2013 takes us.

three days in prague, part 3

Our last day in Prague fell on a Monday. Although we awoke to a bustling little city headed into their last week of work before the holidays, we decided to approach the day with weekend ease since we'd accomplished so much on our first and second day there. In other words, we slept in nice and late.

First up, breakfast. We rounded the corner to Mama Café where we were sure we'd be able to have a small breakfast alongside our morning coffees. As it turns out, the cute little place only served savory lunches and sweet desserts. The Czech lemon cake we opted for was, lucky for us, amazingly light and not too sweet.

Next, museums. After sending out postcards to our family from the beautiful Prague post office, we stopped into the Mucha Museum to marvel in the works of the Czech Art Nouveau artist and the Museum of Communism to learn more about the recent history of the totalitarian regime. I highly recommend both!

Then we made our way through the Old Town Square (again) to walk up Prague's own "Champs d'Elysées", and eventually, wander through the Jewish quarter. It was small but quaint and the six preserved synagogues were beautiful. It also inspired lunch...

After two days of goulash and beer we craved cleaner eats. Dinitz, one of many kosher restaurants in the area fit the bill. We began with an appetizer platter of beef kebab, spring chicken skewers, and falafel with tahini sauce alongside a basket of fresh bread, and then enjoyed huge green salads of our very own.

Afterwards, we hurried back to our apartment to pack up. Just a few hours later we were in Paris, and one day following, we had both arrived in New York. Escaping to Prague gave me the perfect dose of holiday spirit to come home with. And now, even though it's post-holidays, I couldn't appreciate it more.

gastronomie across the park

Guess what, ladies and gents? I've officially received my French visa... allowing me to go and thoroughly indulge the nerdy student within me, and to live a life somewhat like the video posted on the Facebook page. What a relief.

Yesterday, after bidding adieu to the lovely people at the French Consulate, I took a stroll through Central Park. The summer weather was perfect--warm, sunny, little if any humidity--and the air smelled oh-so sweet. (Next time you're not in a rush in New York, I highly suggest you commute from the Upper East to the Upper West, or vice-versa, in this way.) I was heading across town to stop by Gastronomie491 to see the vibrant and wonderful Katie, and after realizing how adorable the market/café is, decided to sit down for an early lunch as well.

My order? Housemade falafel with tahini, arugula, and red onion in a pita alongside a house salad. I was starving, and it was delicious. The service is noteworthingly good, too :). My waitress gave me a sample of their muhammara.

From there, I walked up to my aunt's apartment to see her and her three boys before they left for their 2-week vacation to Rome. It was so nice to catch up, especially as she's the aunt who lived abroad in Barcelona for ~2 years in her 20s. They'll be back a week before I leave so it wasn't quite a "goodbye," but with three weeks left, the pressure to spend time with people I love is on, in a big way.

heat waves & prom dresses

If you haven't heard already, it's very hot and humid in New York; as if the newly appointed summer were trying to make a point or something. This means one of two things. First, my eating habits will most definitely "improve." This is not to say that I make completely unhealthy choices the other three seasons of the year, just that in the heat of summer, I crave more raw fruits and vegetables.   

Case in point: today's breakfast smoothie. If you can believe it, I was actually explaining this recipe to a gentleman at a West Village bar late Wednesday night, and he was actually very interested in hearing it. I can be quite the conversationalist ;). Moving on... my usual blend consists of spinach, banana, cucumber, frozen berries, romaine, flax, almond milk, cinnamon, and avocado. Today, however, I tried something new.

Last week, a representative from Vega contacted me to see if I'd be interested in trying their newly branded Vega Energizing Smoothie. Yes, please! I hadn't enjoyed a Vega smoothie since the delicious Shake & Go choco-a-lot samples on my road trip, and was thrilled to find I love the vanilla almond Energizing Smoothie just as much. Rich in nutrition (two vegetable servings, 10g plant-based protein, 5g fiber, 1g Omega-3) and ridiculously convenient ("add water, shake, and go!"), they also come in four other flavors: tropical fruits, chocolate, mixed berries, and natural. I can't wait to try each one this coming week.

Aside from salads and smoothies, I also tend to gravitate towards quicker meals. Yesterday, I whipped up a batch of quinoa with edamame and bell peppers, grilled a handful of my beloved haricot verts, and warmed up left-over falafals (inspired by Heidi Swanson on a day when it wasn't ludicrous to use the oven) for lunch.

Second, the on-set of summer means that although I'm re-starting a running routine, I will most often seek refuge (and exercise) in beautiful, air-conditioned studios like this one. You can follow my class reviews on Pravassa. In other news, remember how I mentioned my little sister's prom? Well, there she is looking stunning as always in the left photo. To the right, you'll see me, seven years ago, at my junior prom. Our dresses are surprisingly similar, wouldn't you say?

hummus & pita co.

Finding lunch in New York can be a pain. Oftentimes, you'll spend about $15 on a mediocre lunch, only to bring it back to "enjoy" at your desk. I was lucky enough to have a variety of options at my last office job, and still I tried to consistently pack my own lunch. But now there's Hummus & Pita Co...

Last week, I joined Katie for their Press Preview Party to celebrate their opening at 585 Sixth Ave. It was quite the lively atmosphere! Within moments of my arrival, I was greeted with a spinach boureka--a Turkish pastry made of phyllo dough and filled with creamy spinach and spices--and a glass of red wine.

After finding seats at their long communal tables (made of reclaimed bowling lanes), we went to the assembly line-style counter to order our meals. We both chose to create a bowl. Other options included creating a platter or filling a handmade, tandoori-oven baked plain/whole-wheat pita or laffa bread.

Then came the challenging part... choosing what I wanted in that bowl of mine. The options were literally endless. To start, one could opt for a falafal, shawarma, chicken, steak, or taboon base. Their original hummus is always included, though flavored options are available, too. And that's not all. There are 23 possibilities of Mediterranean-inspired salads of sorts, plus fresh, sliced vegetables.

In the end, I decided upon roasted pepper hummus, falafals, Mediterranean rice, Moroccan beans, tabuleh, Spanish eggplant, beet salad, Greek salad, chickpea salad, Israeli salad, and stuffed grape leaves. I also tried Katie's pita and harissa.

Everything tasted tasty and fresh, and as authentic as "fast-casual" food can be. 

My delicious meal ended wonderfully with rugelach, a traditional Jewish pastry made of a cream cheese dough and filled with dried fruit and nuts. Moral of the story: With it's convenient location, Hummus & Pita Co. is a must for a quick, healthy, and satisfying lunchtime meal. If only I lived/worked closer :).

P.S. Happy 17th Birthday, Deanna! I love you oh so much and couldn't be prouder.