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big band brunch at the heath

October 19, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Last weekend was the first time we treated ourselves to brunch in the city since our wedding weekend. Hard to believe that in a few weeks, that will have been four months ago! The Heath is one of the venues associated with Sleep No More, an immersive theater experience we are both big fans of. We found ourselves plotting our next visit between rounds of brunch.

We’re on the McKittrick’s mailing list due to our multiple visits to Sleep No More. We get all of the notices of the fun activities at the McKittrick, Gallow Green, and The Heath – but this one was perfectly timed. For $35 a person, The Heath’s Saturday and Sunday Big Band Brunch includes an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, coffee or tea, and a complimentary mimosa. Not a bad deal. This is something you should definitely book in advance (it was sold out the day we went). [Read more…]

the quick scoop: pass the sweaters edition

October 16, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Tomorrow promises high temps in the mid-50’s. Brrrrr. Oh why hello, sweaters. So lovely we’re reunited. This weekend promises lots of great college football if I can get myself layered up and out the door to take it all in. You can bet I will be anxiously watching as #10 Bama takes on (preferably crushes?) Texas A&M. Can I get a Roll Tide?

This weekend, of course, is the annual New York City Wine and Food Festival. If you’re not planning on joining in for this year’s events though, there’s still plenty to be done here around the city. Up in the Bronx, this weekend is Honey Weekend in Wave Hill. From candle-making to honey tasting, there are two days of packed activities on the agenda. This Saturday, the corn maze at the Queens County Farm Museum is open until 9pm, allowing the opportunity to try out maneuvering the maze underneath the stars. Up for the challenge? You can also take your pick of flea markets. There’s the Brooklyn Flea on Saturday in Industry City (Sunset Park, Brooklyn), or the LIC Flea & Food on Saturday and Sunday in Long Island City. [Read more…]

cocktails at slowly shirley

October 15, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

A few weeks back, I was trying to find a fun spot for drinks with a friend during the week. I haven’t tried a ton of places as of late that I’ve loved for cocktails, so I was determined to find something new to me that would likely be fabulous. I came across several mentions for a spot in the West Village by the name of Slowly Shirley, and I was curious to give it a go. I love the West Village. I do. But I’ve yet to find a good go-to spot in the neighborhood that doesn’t come with the likelihood of an involved wait. Until now…

See this massive mob of people? You will likely see people waiting outside to go in. Don’t think – like we did – this is Slowly Shirley. Instead, it’s a bar by the name of The Happiest Hour, which is part of the same establishment as Slowly Shirley. Likewise, don’t wonder if you should go here instead. Oh no no … let me let you in on a little secret. Instead head slightly to the right to a door labeled “Slowly Shirley”. Knock or wave at the worker standing right there at entrance, and they’ll let you in. Don’t think that the need for someone to help you get in means this is a stuffy place. Not true by any means. [Read more…]

3 ways you can do less to do more

October 12, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Think about it for a second. If you’re like me, you’re never just doing one thing. I actually started writing this post as I was waiting on an elevator. It’s a problem! Even when I’m “relaxing” on the couch at home, I’m trying to catch up with my husband from the day, pet my dog, eat dinner, and watch TV. It’s a problem. If you work in a space like social media, then interruption is your reality. Nonstop. All day.

It’s not easy. I’m no pro. I’m far from it. Today I made myself shut down on the earlier side for some yoga this evening. By stopping the other things you’re doing for a bit and focusing on one thing to mix it up, you give yourself the balance you need to be effective during your day job and with all of the millions of other things people depend on you to do daily. These are three ways I’ve found to strike this balance along the way, and the struggle to mix these into the week is persistent – but it’s worth fighting the good fight.

Pause for the cause. Disconnect in some form or fashion. At least for a 30 minute to an hour window once a week. Maybe it’s walking to the subway without your headphones in for once – instead taking time to smell the fresh warm bagels mingled with brewing pots of coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s waking up early to spend a bit of uninterrupted time writing (I’m a big fan of The Artist’s Way and fabulous writing prompts like NaNoWriMo).

[Read more…]

the quick scoop: think pink

October 9, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause that hits very close to home for me. There are a number of restaurants running special promos for the cause, including NYC’s Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers, Fig & Olive, Scarpetta, Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, The Polo Bar, The Bar Room, and Corso Coffee. Read more here on their specials and to view restaurants in other major metro areas. If you’re looking for a fancier way to support, next Friday is The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala (tickets are still available here).

Lara Ziobro - NYC Lifestyle Blogger - Food Photographer - Food Blogger - Grits in the City

The Empire State Building lit up pink on October 1st

If you see someone wearing a costume this weekend, it’s likely because ComicCon is underway (rather than them just being really early for this year’s Halloween festivities). If you’re looking for a spooky spot to hit up as we approach Halloween, check out Ear Inn – an unassuming spot with some interesting history. Fodor’s even lists it on their listing of “America’s Most Haunted Bars”. [Read more…]

one sweet collaboration

October 9, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Bubbles, cupcakes, and Kate Spade. What else does one need for a lovely Thursday night to boost you across that work week finish line? [Read more…]

bridal bling

October 7, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Photo credit: Amber Marlow

The reality is that there are so many elements to bridal accessories that I never thought about pre-planning, but none are as important as the ring. It’s the physical symbol of everything – the all-important token you will be walking around with indefinitely. Though it wasn’t the case for me, it’s pretty common for guys to get a sense for their lady’s taste (sometimes via friends) to help make this decision. I feel a bit lucky that I didn’t have to provide input, as there are so many things to consider in selecting a ring. Pinterest is a great place to scroll through some visuals to get a sense for your style. Here are some things to contemplate in advance so you’re ready if/when you need to know what you’d prefer. [Read more…]

happy 8th anniversary, grits in the city!

October 6, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

8 years ago, I made the decision to move to New York City. I had a shiny new job, a crush on a guy I knew I was no good, and my sister who I knew I could count on. For some people, getting to NYC is a dream they’ve had as long as they can remember. That wasn’t me. I never thought I’d end up here, but sometimes life has other things in store for you than the plans you’ve been constructing. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve held three different jobs and lived in five different apartments between two different boroughs.

When I moved here, I switched from my old DC blog (District Belle) I started back in December 2005 to start Grits in the City. Over the years, Grits and the City has published over 1,020 posts. This site was more than overdue for an overhaul, so I figured there was no better time than the week of my Big Apple-versary to celebrate the update!

The new site, now located at http://gritsinthecity.net, still has a heavy food focus, but I’ll also be sharing some fashion and general lifestyle posts, including my content series going behind the scenes on NYC wedding planning. Let me know what you think and (shameless plug), if you haven’t already, sign-up via the link on the right to receive updates every time new content goes live.
[Read more…]

the quick scoop – 10/2

October 2, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Pass the cider – fall’s here, y’all!

Not sure about you, but today I waved the white flag, and opted for not only tall rain boots but also a thick, fluffy sweater. The weather outside in NYC leaves much to be desired, but there are still some great things in store this weekend in NYC, if you don’t mind braving Joaquin to get there!

Since we’re at the start of October, this weekend of course means it’s time for Target’s First Saturday at Brooklyn Museum. Free entrance to a museum might be just what the doctor ordered this Saturday. If you haven’t been yet to the new Whitney Museum, this weekend might also be a good one to check out their current Frank Stella exhibit, which looks to be amazing. Weather is looking more promising for Sunday, just in time for the annual L.E.S. Pickle Day. The event kicks off at noon and runs through 5pm. For something completely different, there’s also the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park. Turkey leg, anyone? [Read more…]