Showing posts with label Brooklyn. Show all posts

Spring Has Sprung

Oh...my love, hate relationship with this season called Spring.

At it's worst, everything green will cause a runny, itchy & stuffy nose, constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and pretty much most other season allergy symptoms that exist. If I had to go without meds I might as well have a permanent supply of tissues and a trash bag strapped to me. My trusty friends to help fight against the thousands if not millions of pollen particles circulating the air.

Otherwise what's not to like about the life and color that comes with the change in weather?

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Tiny Orchids

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Tiny Orchids

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Red and White Tulips

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Flowers

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Flowers

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Pink and Magenta Tulips

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Pink and Purple Tulips

Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Hyacinth

Cherry Blossoms Season

It's been strangely cold this past week. Strange because we enjoyed sunny and mostly cloud-less blue skies just a week prior. The temperature was warm, borderline hot, for 60-70°F weather. There were many days where it felt almost like summer.

But the last few days have been so gray, gloomy, and rainy. There is the saying that April showers bring May flowers. With all the nice weather throughout early to mid April, I thought we escaped the showers part of April. Flowers without the showers? I'm cool with that!

Guess I spoke too soon and jinxed it. How long will it take to see sunny skies again in New York?

In the mean time, I suppose photos of the bright yesterdays will have to suffice. It was a good thing Bestie C insisted on visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden the weekend she did. Otherwise we probably would have been a week too late to see the remaining cherry blossoms with all the rainfall we've been getting.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms


Sneak peak for a future post...


Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2016 Japanese Cherry Blossoms - Rebecca Minkoff MAB Backpack in Black

What do you think it would be about?

Super Blood Moon

Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse - Mid-Autumn Festival - New York City 2015

Typically whenever there are reports of lunar eclipses or super moons, I don't get all too excited. Not for the reason that they're not a sight to behold. But mostly due to the fact that it is really difficult to see such an occurrence in the city. It is hard to even see many stars at night, forget about an eclipse! With all the buildings, pollution, and clouds playing a part, being able to see the moon is already a great feat (I think).

However, when a super moon and lunar eclipse occur together the chances of being able to witness are far greater. Adding to the fact that it fell on Mid-Autumn Festival meant I was already due to stare at the sky at some point during that night. More reasons to star/moon gaze.

Seeing the full bright moon slowly but surely eclipsing throughout the night was something else. Yesterday was the first time I saw it happening and I was very fascinated. It's just something about barely seeing the edges of the moon glow red to gradually glowing a little brighter as the night passed.

Now if only the next time there weren't so many clouds in the sky to obstruct the view a majority of the night.

Anyways, how was your holiday (if you celebrated)?
Were you able to spot the super blood moon where you are?

Wandering Tales | Brunch & Ice Cream Bonanza in Fort Greene

If I am ever asked to say what comes to mind for "Fort Greene" the namesake park is the first thought. The second would be the high school I attended. After that...maybe the brownstone houses. Otherwise I would say that I am pretty unfamiliar with the neighborhood despite having visited regularly for 4 years.

It took graduating high school and college before going back to Fort Greene to do some exploring. Then again I wasn't that adventurous in high school. Whilst in college, being away from your old school and moving on was the idea. Now is the time to feel sentimental.
Decor at Walter's, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NYC Brunch at Walter's, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NYC
Walter's @ Fort Greene
166 DeKalb Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217
When we heard about the Ice Cream Bonanza at the Brooklyn Flea, Bestie C and I were signed up (figuratively speaking of course). Before filling out tummies with sugar, sugar, and more sugar, brunch in Fort Greene was our top priority in the morning.

We found Walter's via trusty Yelp the night before. Luckily we got there before it got really busy and were seated right away. Their brunch selection is small but I arrived knowing exactly what I wanted: the classic eggs benedict with grilled ham steak. It was definitely delicious, but between you and me I've had better (but that was all the way in Bellevue, WA). The other good part was trying a mimosa for the first time. I quite like this kind of bubbly fruity cocktail.

Milkmade Ice Cream Flight at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYCMilkmade Ice Cream Flight Flavors at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
The Ice Cream Bonanza awaited us a few blocks away at the Fort Greene Flea. Our first choice wasn't a difficult one to make since not all the vendors were set up. MilkMade got the upper-hand and their ice cream flight caught us right away. I was happy since it meant not having to pick any one flavor. Everyone around us who saw our wooden rack filled with melting ice cream cones were intrigued. Especially the little kiddies who looked and pointed with jealous. Sorry parents!
Milkmade Ice Cream Flight at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
L to R: Shooting the Pear, Amagansett Sea Salted Caramel, Rumble in Brighton, Rock Rock Rockaway Road, The Orchard
MilkMade - Ice Cream Flight $12
My flavor preference was:
1. Rock Rock Rockaway Road
2. Shooting the Pear or Rumble in Brighton
4. The Orchard
5. Amagansett Sea Salted Caramel

I am partial to ice cream flavors with a crunch texture, hence why Rock Rock Rockaway Road won number 1. The two tied came about because the last two just weren't my favorites. If you like lavender, floral-y flavored sweets The Orchard might be a really great choice. Compared to other lavender flavored sweets I have had I found this one the most tolerable and not overpowering (i.e. not like a candle). While salted caramel or anything caramel-y is one of my "go to" ice cream flavors, this one was just way too salty for my liking.

Bamboo Bites Chicken Satay Sticky Rice at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
Bamboo Bites - Chicken Satay Sticky Rice $9
I don't know why but I think the both of us were half expecting the flea market to be part knick-knack vendors and part ice cream vendors only. When we were tempting everyone with our ice cream flight, everyone else's bamboo boats of sticky rice caught my eye. Good thing there were things other than food being sold at the flea market because I definitely wanted and needed the chance to walk off brunch & ice cream.

Maybe it is the Asian in me but I loveeeeeeeeee me some sticky rice! The flavors of this chicken satay sticky rice was really good. It is a little spicy but the (optional) hot sauce I think made it that much better. Bamboo Bites also sells this with other proteins (like pulled pork and tofu) and sweet varieties (mango and coconut) as well. Just hits all the right spots for me, definitely on my favorite food vendor list!

Monsieur Singh Mango Lassi Push Pop at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
Monsieur Singh Mango Lassi Push Pop at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
Monsieur Singh - Mango Lassi Push Pop $5
Monsieur Singh was the other item on Bestie C's "To Try" list for the day. I knew they were sold in Whole Foods so I was initially going to hold out on trying them. When I realized the brownie ice cream sandwich I really wanted from Luca & Bosco wasn't available, a mango push pop sounded suddenly so appealing. A mango lover is a mango lover. I am not one for things with mint or ginger so forget about having both in one food. But both of those ingredients were not too distinguishable for my palette. That's a plus in my books.

They also had a Passionfruit and Chia Seeds Push Pop which made deciding really difficult since I also like passionfruit flavored things. Bestie C opted for this one and said it was yummy. Maybe next time?

Fort Grace Guava Mango Melon Sorbet at Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea, NYC
Fort Grace - Guava Mango Melon Sorbet $3
This was the dark horse of the day. We spotted their stand during one of our many strolls around the flea market and the bright personalities of the two ladies there got us intrigued. We had a sample of a couple of their flavors and were set to cleanse our palettes with Fort Grace's light sorbet. The other ice creams we had were great and all but after all that heaviness the refreshing sorbet just hit the spot.

Since this Ice Cream Bonanza thing was a special yearly event at the Brooklyn Flea, I am not sure if all the ice cream vendors will be attending the Fort Greene flea market regularly. But there are a bunch of other places where they may be: various Smorgasburgs throughout the city, Hester Street Fair, and other flea/food markets. Otherwise some vendors could be found at their physical shops or tracked down via social media.

If anything looked good, the hunt for ice cream is on!
Anywho...who knew Fort Greene had so much to offer?

Wandering Tales | Brooklyn Botanic Garden

What...? It's been 3 months already?!
Anyway...let's just say excuses are the same ol' same ol'.
I am determined to get back into some kind of a routine!

Let's begin from where I left off at way back in May/June.

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I finally made it to see the cherry blossoms this year. Woot woot!
They are just as pretty as I thought they would be. Even though I am not usually a fan of pink-colored anything, these are definitely an exception.

cherry blossoms Brooklyn Botanic Garden
cherry blossoms Brooklyn Botanic Garden
cherry blossoms Brooklyn Botanic Garden

cherry blossoms Brooklyn Botanic Garden cherry blossoms Brooklyn Botanic Garden
It seemed that towards the end of the day the Botanic Garden was preparing for some sort of event. There were white folding chairs being placed under the cherry blossom trees. Perhaps there was going to be a wedding or something of the like there? What a great idea if it was!

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

repurpose Hurricane Sandy Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Built out of the debris from Hurricane Sandy

tulips Brooklyn Botanic Garden
black hero tulips Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Black Hero Tulips
tulips Brooklyn Botanic Garden

bonsai tree Brooklyn Botanic Garden
I can never get over how cute bonsai trees look!

terrarium Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Has anyone had terrariums before? I've seen a few terrarium DIYs here and there lately and am slightly interested. The problem is I seem to not have much luck with greenery...at all. Even the cacti and succulents I had last year didn't make it past the one year mark in my house.

March Happenings

It is easy to get into a rut with school and work.
Somehow I was able to do some fairly interesting things in March.

red jacket juice
Red Jacket Orchards - Cold Pressed Juices
wilklow orchards
Wilklow Orchards
Stumbled upon a farmers' market in Downtown Brooklyn.
They were pretty much all selling things apple related. I thought apple season was in Autumn?

Otafuku x Medetai
220 East 9th Street New York, NY 10003
otafuku takoyaki otafuku takoyaki
Takoyaki
otafuku taiyaki
Taiyaki (Red Bean, Nutella with banana)
Had some takoyaki, taiyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba
This was all shared of course! ... Except for the 2 fish breads that I devoured :P
I don't know of many other places that make takoyaki, but Otafuku is pretty well known in NYC for theirs. They have actually moved to a new store location that is just down the block from their previous "hole-in-the-wall" shop.

samsung studio 3d print
Visited the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Soho
Got a bunch of freebies & played with the Samsung gadgets
Made a few 3-D print-out key charms

Chaamlex Thai Delish
34 Lexington Ave, New York 10010
Btwn E 23rd & E 24th St
chaamlex thai iced tea chaamlex chicken pad thai
Rediscovered thai iced tea (That stuff is awesome!)
Pad thai here was alright. A bit too ... sweet for me? But can't complain much since this thai restaurant is really close to school.

Maison Keyser Flatiron
921 Broadway New York, NY 10010
Btwn 21st St & 22nd St
masion keyser parisienne cocotte maison keyser yuzu tart
Parisienne Cocotte & Yuzu Tart
Met with Kar Yi, lilladyslife, and Monkica
Had a French(?) meal for the first time
Tried a great tart that was surprisingly not very sweet at all (looks are deceiving!)

dove advanced care deodorant influenster uni voxbox
Dove VoxBox & Uni VoxBox
Received some goodies to try
I try to not use stick deodorants anymore, but gave the Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture a go anyways. I think that it works well. I'm not really sure how it compares with other deodorants but it seems to do it's job.

The Uni VoxBox came chockful of stuff. I haven't gotten to trying everything yet. But it seems that I actually picked the wrong foundation shade so I can't test that out properly. I have miixed it with lighter foundations though and a little bit of the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Sand goes a long way in terms of color. I don't like the consistency of the product very much. It is a little too thick for my liking. Even when I mix it with liquidy products it is still pretty thick. It makes it a bit difficult to blend the product out.


Did you do anything interesting or out of the norm recently?

Wandering Tales | Smorgasburg ... Part 3

Oops...I accidentally published this draft early.
Oh well! Guess I'll have to finish it then!

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I didn't think I would be able to visit Smorgasburg until it got warm again. But apparently they have moved indoors for the winter. They run every weekend (I think) along with the Brooklyn Flea in a warehouse-like building in Williamsburg. It is easy to miss, but thankfully the organizers had many signs and people to point you in the right direction.

Smorgasburg - Brooklyn Flea Market
80 North 5th Street (at Wythe Avenue)

Since Bestie S was finally free on a weekend, Bestie C and I decided to take the opportunity to bring her to Smorgasburg. (Bestie A unfortunately couldn't make it this time around. Next time!)

I think it is best to go with others, that way you could share and get to try more things. But if sharing is not your cup of tea, that's all right too!

Ramen Burger
Shredded Beef Ramen Burger $10 ...... Original Ramen Burger $8
The line was pretty short for the Ramen Burgers when we arrived, so we figured Bestie S had to try it at least once. I was surprised to see that they offered a different burger. We were going to try it but found out it was Sold-Out as we reached the front of the line. Although I have personally had enough tries of the original Ramen Burger, I wouldn't mind trying the other one at least once. But it better have tons of juicy sauce! (Because without it the burger just isn't anything too special to sing praises about.)

Outer Borough
Beef Roll $8
Bestie C had one of these while Bestie S and I were waiting for the Ramen Burger. Her's looked really good + she said it was pretty tasty, so we had to try it for ourselves. At the end of the day, the both of us agreed that this was our favorites of everything that we had. The pancake was really toasty, crunchy, and flaky. We also liked the addition of a bit of sriracha inside. I thought the filling could have had a little more meat compared to the cucumbers though. (Just personal preference.) It was well worth the $8!

Bolivian Llama Party
Bolivian Rose Petal Lemonade Soda $4
Maracuya Lemonade Soda (Bolivian Passion Fruit & Lemonade Soda) $4
Mora Basil Soda (Andean Blackberry Basil Lemonade) $4
Of the 3 sodas that we got, I liked the Maracuya Lemonade Soda the most. It tasted a lot like fizzy pineapple juice. But these aren't something that I would buy again, or really recommend. They lose their fizzies really quickly.

Red Hook Lobster
New England Clam Chowder - $7
I have never had clam chowder before, but Bestie S has (from her school cafeteria). Unsurprisingly, she said that this tasted way better in comparison. I, on the other hand, thought this was really good! Definitely great for a cold and chilly day. Maybe I need to go on a "Best clam chowder" search? Any recommendations for places in NYC?

Rice & Miso Everyday
Grass-fed Beef Grilled Rice Ball - $5 (or was it $6...forgot :X)
At this point all three of us were pretty stuff, even after we made a round through the flea market section of the warehouse. When we came back to the food area, the smell from this stall was just too attracting. Perhaps it was the sesame oil they used to grill the rice balls with? Plus, their lines were pretty consistently long. So we gave it a try. We all thought that this wasn't anything really special. Just brown rice with a little bit of beef. Scents are so deceiving! Another miss that day. They did offer rice with curry, which seemed interesting...but we were way too full to have rice + curry.

The Bruffin
Spanish Bruffin - Chorizo & Manchego Cheese - $5
Bestie C had this on her list before we even bought anything, so I thought I should give it a try too. I ended up buying one of these to try at the very end of our trip to devour during the walk to the subway station. The Bruffin is suppose to be a mix between a muffin & brioche. I'm pretty sure I've never had brioche, but this bruffin's textures (buttery and flaky) are reminiscent of a croissant. It was very very cheesy, which I love! Not complaining about that. However, I am not sure if the middle was just very cheesy or a bit undercooked...the center was a little too mushy and soft for my liking. Plus, the very bottom of the bruffin was pretty charred and stuck to the paper wrapping.

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I was hoping to eat some lumpia again from the Lumpia Shack but unfortunately they weren't offerred at this location. (I think it has to do with a No-Frying-Allowed rule.) Instead there was an Adobo Shack, which I am assuming is from the same people as the Lumpia Shack. Their rice bowls looked really delicious, but the 3 of us agreed that it probably isn't the smartest choice to pick when there are soo many other stalls to try. Maybe next time! I definitely want to try more Filipino food.

There seemed to also be a lot more stands that sold sandwiches this time around. & Big sandwiches at that. Even though it is probably well worth the money, sandwiches are too filling for people/groups, like us, who go to Smorgasburg just to try food. That being said, they did look tasty though! I think I need to see if they have physical restaurants or trucks that I could go visit..

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I also bought a pack of Black N' White S'mores to take home to my little brother (which we haven't eaten yet), along with 2 bottles of dressing from Momo Dressing. I'll try to update this post with photos of the S'mores later on today!

Has anyone else visited Smorgasburg's winter location yet?
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