Eating in NYC Part I: what I'm loving right now

Sushi Yasuda takes its sushi VERY seriously and you can taste the difference. 

Long before my boyfriend and I physically arrived in New York City for our two-month sojourn, we were thinking about the most important thing: where were we going to eat? Not wanting to leave such an important matter to chance, I quikly busied myself researching new eateries. Meanwhile, the two of us poured over our extensive restaurant spreadsheet to devise a list of spots we wanted to return to. Yes, we recorded every place we ate at, no, we're not ashamed to admit it. In my opinion, the perfect epicurean schedule should be a blend of old favorites and new restos.

We've been here a month already (wow does time fly!), and so far we've strayed a bit from the original plan and have found ourselves returning to tried and true places more often than trying recently opened spots. What can I say, when something's good it's hard to resist going back for more.    Most of the restaurants we've revisited haven't disappointed, but some unfortunately have let us down. C'est la vie. So without further adieu, here are the eateries I'm loving right now:

If you like classic Italian cuisine with modern touches, then head to the West Village and try L'Artusi.

If you can't get to Japan to try sushi master Jiro Ono's Michelin starred creations, then Sushi Yasuda is the place to be.

If you enjoy feasting on gourmet American meets French food in an unpretentious, cozy atmosphere, then stop what you're doing and drop by Fedora.

If money isn't an issue and/or you're toasting to a special occasion, Tom Colicchio's Gramercy restaurant, Craft, proffers wagyu steak and foie gras that's a notch above the rest.

If you're in a duck state of mind, the prix fix menu at Decoy, the new West Village eatery from the folks at Red Farm is a definite DO.

If you don't mind being a little squished, the refined comfort food at Joseph Leonard is simply divine.

If you like whole Maine lobster, your wallet will thank you for heading over to Five Points on Monday nights for the $24 lobster menu.

If it's Sunday night and all you want is Chinese food, why not elevate your game by tasting Shun Lee Palace's expertly prepared classic items.

If you love smoked fish and Jewish staples like latkes, blintzes and knishes, well, the recently opened Russ & Daughters Cafe is everything you'd imagine it to be.

If French bistro food in a casual, warm environment is what you're after, then the steak frites at Cafe Cluny will do the trick.

New York, I love you: an ode to the city that has my heart

I love you Washington Square Park.                   

If you've missed me these last few months, trust me when I say I've missed you more. The thing is, I kiiiinda found myself leaving NYC and relocating to Miami, and the experience -- while amazing -- definitley threw my routine off.

Rest assured, I promise you copious posts on life down south. But first, first I must pay my dues to the Empire State, which I'll be returning to for two months starting in June. Hurray!

NYC, what can I say, except that I really, really, truly, deeply, madly love you.

I love that regardless of the hour, or the day of the week -- people are ALWAYS out eating, drinking, and quite simply -- celebrating life. You can have a full night out on the town and be in bed by 11:00 pm. Trust me, the city does sleep.

I love that I can go to a yoga class, get a haircut, a manicure, pedicure, wax, pick-up some dinner -- and all within a two block radius.

I love that I can start the day off in the East Village, and quickly make my way (via foot) to the West Village, all the while passing through charming Nolita, NoHo, and SoHo. Each neighbourhood has something unique to offer, and how perfect is it not having to settle for strolling through just one?

I love that people constantly talk about what and where they're going to eat like there's nothing more important. Guess what? There isn't. I fit in from day one.
* I realize there are some exceptions: natural disasters, births, deaths etc.

Yes, I love the subway. Dear subway, you've gotten me everywhere, and for the most part -- on time. And I never had to sit through traffic. Yellow line: you will always hold a special place in my heart. I rode you to my first ever NYC internship at 10Eleven in Bryant Park back in '09, followed by Parsons, Miu Miu, DKNY and Harper's Bazaar.

I love how nearly all restaurant chains operate with military precision, and at a speed that's, well, I have no words.

I love how unpretentious some of your most gourmet restaurants are, and how I never felt rushed despite the massive lineup outside.

I love so many of your restaurants. This deserves its own post.

I love how individual beauty and quirks are celebrated here. More on this to come.

I love that everyone's a doer. How else can you survive in this mecca of organized chaos?

I love that people appear to be perpetually dating despite how busy they may be. Online dating is the norm, and no one's shy to discuss their good, bad and ugly escapades.

I love the bright, fun, ambitious and kind girlfriends I've been lucky enough to make in New York City.

Finally, I love that I came to Manhattan hoping to meet the man of my dreams (pardon the cliche), only to meet someone that exceeded all of them. And then I moved to Miami...

Snacking and the city: healthy NYC spots to hold you over

A friend from out of town hit the nail on the head recently: “it seems all New Yorkers do is eat and workout.” Why I couldn’t have said it better myself. Indeed, this city is filled with foodies who are equally as concerned with the origins of their produce, as they are with fitting into their skinny jeans. As I explained to my friend, eating out is always the main event, one around which all other activities are scheduled around. So what’s one to do in between lunch and dinner? Go to the museum? Maybe. Get a snack -- better yet a healthy snack before an indulgent meal? Definitely. Below are three healthy picks: 

1) Chobani SoHo: Shopping in SoHo while dodging camera-happy tourists is an energy-depleting activity that can leave anyone ravenous. Stop by the sleek Chobani store and yogurt bar to refuel and witness just how versatile America’s favorite Greek yogurt can be. The Peanut Butter and Jelly pairs plain Chobani with peanut butter, Concord grape jelly, red grapes and peanuts -- genius. Those looking for a more savory option can order the refreshing Cucumber and Olive Oil served with fresh mint, sea salt and pita chips. 150 Prince St.

Is this cute or what? 

2) Say the words fat free, dairy free and gluten free to a New Yorker and you’re bound to get their attention. At Chloe’s Soft Serve fruit Co., the delicious soft serve is made using only real fruit, filtered water and a touch of organic cane sugar, and comes in flavors like dark chocolate, banana, mango and pear. This healthy snack gets even better with toppings that include goji berries, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and plenty of fresh fruit. 25 East 17th St. 

The perfect 4 p.m. pick-me-up.

3) In a city laden with bars, OatMeals’ claim to fame is being the first oatmeal bar. Pop by the pint size shop to watch oatmeal mixologists whipping up concoctions like the Quatre Fruits Rouge, featuring fresh strawberries and raspberries, dried current and cherries, honey and almond milk. Live on the edge and try the Truffle RisOATo (witty) with shaved Parmesan, truffle oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper. Rich in fiber and protein, a little oatmeal is surprisingly filling. Healthy and guaranteed to leave me hangover-free -- this is my kinda bar. 120 West Third St. (Between MacDougal & 6th Ave). 

The Pumpkin Pie and Quatre Fruits Rouge bowls at OatMeals 

Dispatch from NYC: 5 things I'm loving this month

After a winter that seemed destined to swallow up spring without allowing us so much as a glimpse, May is finally upon us and it feels more or less like, well, May. To fete this occasion, I've decided to do more than simply shave my legs -- I'm sharing five places/things I can't get enough of to help you jumpstart the season. It's astonishing how much happier I am after basking in a little sunlight and swapping my parka for a luxurious leather jacket and lightweight scarf. So read quickly, then hurry along and get a lil vitamin D action. Don't forget to wear sunscreen.

1. Hu Kitchen (5th Avenue between 14th St. & 13th St.) While no one can accuse Manhattan of lacking healthy food options, Hu Kitchen has managed to carve out a niche for itself -- one I'd be happy to curl up in and feast for days on end. The restaurant and market is based around the philosophy humans ought to return to a pre-industrial diet. While I won't go into the fascinating (no sarcasm intended) details of "The Hu Pillars" (there are eight total), in essence it boils down to eating minimally processed foods with recognizable ingredients that  benefit us and the environment. Kudos to them for listing the ingredients in every dish and for substituting sugar with either organic coconut sugar, unfiltered honey or maple syrup. At Hu, the entire menu is gluten free and everything from chicken, to chocolate chia pudding, to kale salad and smoothies are offered. My go-to has been 1/4 piece of organic chicken with three sides: roasted pineapple, dairy free cauliflower puree and roasted butternut squash. Ringing in at $20 and change, it's pricey, but it's positively divine and you know what you're paying for. Take it to go, or park yourself in the rustic seating area reminiscent of the Berenstain Bears' house
 -- only, you know, significantly swankier. And no matter what you do, don't leave without trying an Hu handcrafted in Brooklyn chocolate bar. It. Will. Change. Your. Life.

One of the must-try chocolate bar flavors at Hu Kitchen

2. Tenoverten.  (Two locations, one at the Parker Meridien and another in Tribeca). Whereas most mani/pedi spots operate with the efficiency of a production line, at tenoverten you're not just another number. But even more important than the stellar customer service is the end result; the technicians are better (in my humble opinion) and totally worth the slightly higher price (manicures start at $15, pedicures at $35). The minimalist decor exudes calm, and I dare you not to find the perfect polish among a bevy of choices that include Nars and Chanel at no extra charge.

3. Bathtub Gin.  (9th Ave between 19th St. & 18th St.) No, you don't have to be a gin drinker to enjoy this Chelsea bar because I for one certainly am not. I came here on a first date recently, and embarrassingly walked by it several times before my date (who was watching me look lost the entire time), came to my rescue. Here's the thing, to enter Bathtub Gin you have to walk through a fully-operating coffee shop, the name of which escapes me. Once in, you're greeted by a bouncer at another door. This door has no name which is a tell-tale sign you've reached a "cool" destination. The atmosphere is that of a posh speakeasy, and there's a retro bathtub in the center that begs for some Instagraming (you have to hop in of course). Food wise, I only tried the duck spring rolls and they were an A-.

4. Brunch at The Dutch (Sullivan St. corner Prince St.) Whether you're craving a decadent brunch (hot fried chicken, cornmeal flapjacks) or prefer to air on this side of healthier -- there's something mouth-watering for everyone at The Dutch. Just do me a favor and order the lobster cocktail if you're a fish lover because this is one mouth party you won't want to miss.

5. Stella McCartney Sunglasses. I won't deny, I probably put more effort into choosing a new pair of shades than I did my online dating profile. The thing is designer sunglasses are ridiculously expensive, and I have two perfectly good pairs, so to justify a new purchase they had to be "special". Fortunately, I found a pink cat eye shape from Stella that's unlike anything I own, and at $225 -- I was spared shopper's guilt -- a win-win if I've ever seen one.

Blurry shot of me in my Stella sunnies. 

xoxox

Val




Instead, we use organic coconut sugar, unfiltered honey, and maple syrup.

March Madness: five NYC restaurants I'm drooling over this month

If you've met me, you know I live for good food. Not unlike most New Yorkers, (yup, I just referred to myself as a New Yorker, I think a year and change living here grants me such a privilege) I peruse a restaurant's menu well in advance and spend the entire day salivating. Likewise, I also plan my outfit accordingly (hello stretchy pants). However, unfortunately, or fortunately? I have the stomach of an 85 year-old, i.e., highly sensitive. I'm also a bit of a health nut, albeit one who believes in eating with complete abandon at least 10 percent of the time. All this to say, the restaurants below satisfy the perfect ratio of guilt-free to decadent -- a combo we all need to hold us over till the first real signs of spring. What's more, none of them will break the bank so you can still afford those ankle-strap heels you've been lusting after.

Yuzi-wasabi shrimp at Red Farm

1. Rosemary's (Greenwich Village, no reservations unless group of six or more, seasonal Italian, rooftop garden, open all day everyday). Must try: chopped salad "Siciliana"; skirt steak; and brussels sprouts. 

2. The Smile (East Village, reservations accepted, American nouveau/traditional, open all day everyday). Must try: lamb meatballs; sauteed autumn vegetables with cranberry beans, green and yellow zucchini, house-made ricotta and fried egg; and roasted balsamic chicken served with lemon and thyme roasted red potatoes.

3. Red Farm (West Village, no reservations, modern chinese, dim sum, weekend brunch, dinner). Must try: yuzu-wasabi shrimp, steamed lobster dumplings and the three chili chicken.

4. Barmarché (Nolita, reservations accepted, American nouveau/Latin American, weekend brunch, dinner, happy hour). Must try: grilled corn bruschetta with crushed avocado, pecorino, cilantro and lime; and seared scallops with creamy corn, roasted jalapeno and balsamic reduction.

5. Café Select (Soho, reservations accepted, French/Swiss/Austrian/German, open all day everyday). Must try: Toblerone mousse (it's outer-worldly!).

Drinking in the city: 10 favorite NYC bars

Chances are, if you're planning a visit to NYC, you'll want some boozing to compliment your eating (which will also involve boozing), but hey -- you only live once (YOLO). Here are some of my favorite bars based primarily on atmosphere and crowd "quality" because cocktail-connoisseur I aien't. So eat, drink and be merry my friends! Happy holidays

xoxo - Val

1) The Wren 
2) 10 Degrees (yummy food too)
3) The Mulberry Project
4) Wilfie and Nell (yummy food too)
5) Employees Only (yummy food too)
6) Little Branch
7) Booker and Dax
8) Pete's Tavern (great burger)
9) The Lobby Bar at Ace Hotel (yummy food too)
10) Kingswood (really, really yummy food too)

Bites: Where to eat in NYC NOW

Below are some of my current NYC favorites. I made sure there's a bite for every budget. Let the eating begin! 

Side note: All of these restaurants serve dinner, but I've indicated whether they serve other meals as well.

Inexpensive:

1) Thai Terminal (Thai, lunch) 
2) Cafe Habana (Cuban, breakfast, lunch) 
3) Taim  (Falafel, Middle Eastern, lunch)
5) Shake Shack  (burgers, fries, hotdogs, shakes, lunch)
6) Frank (Italian, breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour)
7) Randolph Beer  (Bar food)
8) Sao Mai  (Vietnamese, lunch)
9) Westville (American, brunch, lunch)
10) Cafe Condessa (American/Mexican, brunch, lunch)
11) Cafe Gitane (Moroccan, Mediterranean, brunch, cafe)
12) Hu Kitchen (new!) (organic, gluten free, healthy, eat-in, marketplace, breakfast, lunch, brunch, snack, cafe)


Moderately Inexpensive:

1) La Pizza Fresca (Italian, Neapolitan Pizza, lunch)
2) Paprika (Italian, brunch) 
3) Marumi (Japanese, lunch)
4) Angelica Kitchen (Vegan, lunch)
5) Momofuko Noodle Bar (Asian, lunch)
6) Cafe Mogador (Moroccan, Mediterranean, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
7) Rubirosa  (Italian, family-style, gluten-free menu available, brunch, lunch)
8) The City Bakery (lunch, brunch, buffet style, hot chocolate, cafe)
9)  Alta  (Tapas with a twist)
10) Socorrat (Paella bar, Spanish, tapas, lunch)
11) The Smile (new!) (American nouveau/traditional, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
12) Emporio (new!) (Italian, wood-burning pizza oven, organic wine and dishes, Gluten-free options available, brunch, lunch)
13) Co. (new!) (Pizzeria, brunch, lunch)
14) Jack's Wife Freda (new!) (Jewish/South African, breakfast, brunch, lunch)

Greek salad with kale; cauliflower, and babaganoush with feta at Jack's Wife Freda

Relatively expensive but TOTALLY worth it

1) Boqueria (Tapas, brunch, lunch) 
2) Cafe Cluny  (American/French, brunch, lunch)
3) The Little Owl (French, lunch, brunch) 

How nice, they split the roasted chicken and halibut for us at The Little Owl

4) Momofuko Ma Peche  (French/Asian)
5) Market Table (American, market cuisine, brunch, lunch) 
6) Fedora (American, market cuisine)
7) Joseph Leonard  (American, market cuisine, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
6) Craft Bar (American, market cuisine, brunch, lunch) 

White anchovy bruschetta with soft-cooked egg, lemon ailoi and leek confit at Craft Bar

7) Balthazar (French bistro, breakfast, brunch, lunch) 
8) Sushi Yasuda (sushi, Japanese, lunch) 
9) The Northern Spy (American, market cuisine, brunch)
10) Il Buco Alimentari (Italian, brunch, lunch)
11) Barbounia (Mediterranean, brunch, lunch, happy hour)
12) The Fat Radish (Market cuisine, brunch, lunch)
13) Morandi (Italian, brunch, lunch)
14) The Red Cat (American, market cuisine, lunch)
15) Blue Ribbon Sushi (sushi, Japanese, lunch)
16) Momoya (Sushi, Japanese, lunch)

17) Balaboosta (Middle Eastern, brunch, lunch)
18) Kingswood (Market cuisine, brunch, bar)
19) The Mermaid Inn (Seafood, 3 locations, brunch)
20) Goat Town (American, brunch)
21) Blue Ribbon Brasserie (American/French, open till 4 a.m., dessert)
22) The Dutch (American, brunch, lunch, open late) 

2 a.m. post-birthday dessert at Blue Ribbon Brasserie
(Best flourless chocolate cake and sundae in town)

23) Rosemary's (local, rooftop garden, organic, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
24) Rayuela (Latin tapas, brunch, lunch)

Appetizers from my birthday dinner at Kingswood

25) Red Farm (new!) (dim sum, creative Chinese, brunch) 

26) Cafe Select (new!) (French, Swiss, German, Austrian, bistro, brunch)

27) Barmarché (new!) (American nouveau/Latin American, brunch, happy hour) 

28) Wong (new!) (Asian, locally sourced ingredients) 

29) De Santos (new!) (American, seasonal, organic, brunch, outdoor garden)

Very expensive and VERY worth it 

1) 15 East (new!) (Sushi for fish lovers) 
2) ABC Kitchen (new!) (farm to table, organic, brunch, lunch) 
3) Marc Forgione (new!) (Contemporary, brunch). 

Montreal Sushi Crisis Part II

It's time to sound the alarm. The crisis I hoped to avoid is indeed upon us. But, and there's always a but, the situation isn't as dire as I had originally predicted. Phew. Still, the quest for sushi in Montreal that is both high in quality and affordable, remains just that – a quest.

The reason we can relax a tad and avoid an Armageddon scenario is thanks to a little place on Parc Ave. called Bistro Isakaya. My parents found out about Isakaya through their friends at La Mer, who informed them the restaurant's Japanese born sushi chef/owner purchases only the best. Decor-wise, Isakaya isn't particularly exciting on the eyes and the service is good, not great. But if the sashimi is fresh, I'm a happy camper and it's definitely fresh here. I'm not sure when they have it, but if king salmon sashimi happens to be available, you must try it. Plus, the maki rolls are simple – i.e. none of that mango, curry, cream cheese crap that screams of inauthenticity. My favourite is the Isakaya roll featuring salmon, crab meat, white fish, tobiko and cucumber, however, classics like the spider with soft shell crab, salmon kamikaze and California are also excellent. And though I'm not the biggest lobster fan, my friends who tried Isakaya's lobster roll had nothing but positive accolades for it.

Maki and sashimi at Bistro Isakaya 

Appetizer wise, the dishes are also simple yet tasty. Standout apps include the tuna cocktail and the ultra light fried eggplant in bonito broth. Isakaya also does lunch and it's cheap, cheap cheap which is why I'll let it slide that there aren't plenty of options to choose from. Oh, and speaking of cheap, considering the quality of the fish, a dinner for one at Isakya without alcohol can easily cost under $35. Are you out the door and in the car yet?

Fried eggplant in bonito broth at Bistro Isakaya

But, oh, there it is again, I still think Bishoku in its heyday (before new management and chefs took over) was better than Isakaya. The freshness factor is virtually equal at both, however, I simply preferred Bishoku's slightly more inventive appetizers, maki rolls and the service was undoubtedly superior. I do think liking one over the other comes down to a matter of tastes and we all know how tastes can vary, so I'll let you decide for yourselves. This is intended for the people who knew Bishoku before the "changes" because I don't suggest you go there now. Sadly, it hasn't gotten better. Let's leave it at that because it's a sensitive subject.

I also returned to 5 Saisons which reopened late September after a fire related closing. 5 Saisons delivers (within the NDG/Westmount areas), so there's a big brownie point right there. It's also a BYOB which merits at least 3 brownie points if not more. The restaurant's fare ranks quite well on the freshness and taste scale, but I'm not exaggerating when I say it wasn't easy finding maki rolls that weren't "contaminated" with fruits or an abundance of tempura flakes. I find that extremely frustrating, albeit I am an easily frustrated gal. What's more, 5 Saisons is no cheaper than Isakaya, so unless I'm ordering takeout and need lots of wine to go with my sushi (hey, somedays can be really stressful), then I'm dragging my butt to Parc Ave.

The Te Quiero roll at 5 Saisons with spicy tuna, crispy tempura, cooked shrimp and avocado rolled in a soya bean leaf was too heavy on the sauce and tempura. 

Clearly a woman on a mission, I went to Sushi Yu Mi on Sherbrooke West as well. It's an adorable little spot that's designed mainly for takeout orders. The staff was friendly and my order of maki rolls was completed quickly and the cost was very reasonable. Though I can't put my finger on exactly what it was, I can say that something felt just slightly off. Don't get me wrong, it was good and I'd like to give it a second chance, yet there was a taste to certain rolls that just didn't jive with my palette.

Kaizen was another place I visited on my search for sushi greatness only to find sushi suckiness of the highest degree. It was bad, and when I say bad I mean BAD as in awful, as in STAY THE HELL AWAY. Are we clear? My intention isn't to insult anyone, but I feel fortunate to have walked out of there without food poisoning because the fish was the furthest thing from fresh. It's a shame because the service was top notch, the interior is beautiful and spacious, and Kaizen has one of the best wine lists in town. To be honest, it's also too expensive to even be on this list since my search is about quality and affordability, but I had to try it. I left Kaizen feeling robbed – it's totally overpriced, especially when you factor in the yuckiness. If you're willing to spend on sushi, go to Jun I. I raved about it in Montreal Sushi Crisis Part I and I have been back several times since and each meal was better than the last. Word of advice: if there's a roll of the month, do yourself a favor and order it – you won't regret it.

The seaweed salad was the only dish I enjoyed at Kaizen. 

Unfortunately, I didn't try Oishii Sushi, nor did I revisit Shodan or Tri Express. After all, I was beginning to fear mercury poisoning. Based on my memories, Shodan is a good bet, although for the price I suggest Jun I. As for Tri Express, I've only been once and it was at least five years ago. I do recall a superb meal that perhaps was a little too avant garde for me back then, though let me assure you this foodie has grown up. Okay so maybe I scared you a little too much at first, but I had to get your attention somehow. So there you have it my friends, now go and eat some sushi and share your thoughts with me.

The sashimi appetizer at Jun I

Some Bits & one Bite to start off '12

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR to my dear readers. Second of all, I am deeply sorry for being MIA throughout December (c'mon, you know you missed me...). I promise I had plenty of good reasons to avoid blogging, but now I'm back and ready to rumble. This post is a random mishmash of bits and one bite to start off the new year. So let's get rolling.

Fashion
What better way to welcome the new year than with photos of drool-worthy footwear. While in New York apartment hunting last month, I had to stop by the Bergdorf's designer sale to see if there were any goodies worth splurging on – and as luck would have it there were. I've been wanting leopard pumps for quite some time now since they add an element of sophisticated spunk (does that even make sense?) to any ensemble. How perfect then that I stumbled upon a pair by one of my favourite shoe designers: Miu Miu. Don't look at me like that, I swear they're really comfortable.

Then my dear mother (god bless her soul), found a pair of Robert Cleregie ankle booties to carry me through the winter with style, comfort and relative warmth (I can wear my SmartWool socks). I had never tried anything by the French brand, but I instantly fell in love for the chunky heel (hello stability!) and touches of patent leather. I've found my sole-mate.

Interior Design
Since getting accepted to Parsons in NYC and knowing that I'd have an apartment to call my own, I've become slightly obsessed with interior design. It's important for my place to be at least to some extent a reflection of me, which isn't exactly the easiest thing considering most of my furniture is coming from Ikea. But much like in fashion, the secret to making a look truly your own lies in the details – i.e. it's how you accessorize.

In the summer, while in the Amalfi Coast with my family, I bought two medium-large black and white photographs by a local photographer so that I'll always be reminded of one of my most beloved spots on earth. The photographs weren't expensive, but I took them to Art-en-ciel in Westmount to be framed. It wasn't cheap, but it's definitely worth it because now they look like a million bucks. Photos to be posted later.

My parents also happen to have bought colourful canvas paintings by a Jamaican artist during a trip to the island years ago. There's three in total; each depicting a unique scene, and I know they'll add much needed colour and oomph to my mainly black and white decor.

There are two others like this, but they're horizontal and a different size. I think they'll look great together.

While visiting my birthplace this summer, I stole some wooden decorative pieces painted in a traditional Ukrainian folkloric style from my dad's apartment. They don't exactly go with the modern look of my digs, but they have sentimental value and at the end of the day that always wins.

Ukrainian folkloric art

In Saint Martin last week, I came upon a relatively new home decor store called Ambiance, where they sell original pieces designed and made in France (St. Martin is half owned by the French). I'm a sucker for throw pillows and these Paris themed ones have just the right amount of whimsy. Plus, they'll remind me of two wonderful places that I adore: Paris and St. Martin. La vie est belle!

Food
Bistro Lustucru in the Mile-End has been on my to-eat list since last spring, but I only made my way there just before Christmas. What enticed me was their extensive raw bar featuring every kind of tartar under the sun along with other raw items such as beef carpaccio and grouper ceviche. The raw offerings didn't disappoint, particularly the citrusy salmon tartar. Oh, and the fries were beyond. Meanwhile, my friend ordered the fish soup and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. The real piece de resistance, however, was the dessert special. It was a roasted marshmallow and lemon concoction, the details of which have unfortunately escaped me (too delighted to write notes I suppose). And while the service was a little haphazard, the reasonable prices, good music and the laid back, youthful vibe more than made up for it.

Our raw assortment: Salmon tartar, tuna tataki with veal filet carpaccio and beef carpaccio 

The unidentifiable but unbelievably good lemony dessert