first, central park

Remember how I mentioned that "two friends from Oklahoma flew in for the weekend" to attend my Bon Voyage party? Well, they did so as the best last-minute surprise. On Thursday, K found out she had a long weekend from work; she bought her plane tickets almost immediately and invited her boyfriend to join; even though he didn't have as much leisure time, he chose to take her up on her offer. They arrived at 4ish on Friday afternoon, just five hours before the party.

Yeah, you're right, I do happen to know the most amazing people. I was also lucky enough to have these incredible friends of mine occupy my Saturday as we introduced A (K's boyfriend) to New York City.

11:45am: Brunch at Sarabeth's Central Park South (coffee with cream, original mimosa, spinach & goat cheese omelette, scone).

1:00pm: Stroll through Central Park.

[Meghan, me, Tanya, K]

2:15pm: Walk down Fifth Avenue and through Rockefeller Center.

3pm: Take a Times Square break as they purchase last-minute TKTS.

4:30pm: Enjoy a stretch of the High Line.

5:15pm: Lounge for a bit overlooking the Hudson at Chelsea Brewing Company with a microbrew of choice (Belgian-style white for me).

5:45pm: Venture from the pulsing Meatpacking District to the eclectic East Village in order to have dinner in Tompkins Square Park.

6:30pm: Revel in each other's company and the absolute delight of S'mac's multigrain pasta with Manchego cheese, fresh fennel, onions, and spinach.

7:15pm: Bid the first adieu that brings you (me) to tears. "How lucky I am to have something [as in more than one someone] that makes saying goodbye so hard."

bon voyage

A few months ago, I sent out 100+ invitations to a Bon Voyage party to be held at Greenwich Village Country Club on Friday, August 17th beginning at 9:30pm.

A friend from Syracuse drove down, two friends from home came into the city, two friends stopped by for the night before long Saturdays of travel--one for work, the other for pleasure, two friends from Oklahoma flew in for the weekend (such a surprise!), and 30 more friends attended, hopefully under more convenient circumstances. I honestly cannot express how appreciative I am to have been able to spend the night with each and every one. I just might be the luckiest.

"If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." -Paulo Coehlo

jones wood foundry

At this point, it's safe to assume you're aware of my love of brunch. You may not yet know, however, how ridiculously sentimental I am. In addition to "freaking out," I've also been spending my limited amount of time left appreciating every one and every thing so gosh darn much I might as well miss them/it already. It's a so-good-it's-bad kind of issue. Six weeks ago, I thought I had all of it covered when I reflected on why I'm so glad to call the U.S.A home, but I forgot one very important meal that although served abroad, is not quite as understood in significance as it is here... especially in New York. Yes, I am still talking about brunch.

My former neighborhood in the city, Yorkville, has more than a handful of amazing brunch spots. One of the best is definitely Jones Wood Foundry though. This "food driven pub""represents the best of time-honored British culinary traditions." And, they make one hell of a mimosa. It's one of the few places I return to time and time again, at any hour of the day. You can see a photo from their cozy bar here and another from their cool bathroom here.

[Scrambled Eggs & Smoked Salmon: chives & toasted pumpernickel]

[Eggs Benedict: English muffin, poached egg, hollandaise, spinach & bacon]

As much as I'd love to return to my beloved Jones Wood Foundry again soon, I only have two more weekends to enjoy brunch so I'll be venturing elsewhere. This Saturday, for instance, I expect to wake up on the Upper West Side. Why? My Bon Voyage party is tomorrow. Myself and about 50 of my best friends and family will be celebrating at a bar that can otherwise be described as "a monstrous shrine to frat culture and preppy nostalgia." It is sure to be a night of countless American-based aspects I'll be missing in Paris, too. I really hope I don't cry.