Week in Review (or Why I Love Fall in NYC)

This was one of those weeks where I was reminded why I love living in NYC. It's fall, the days are cooler, the leaves are changing, and the city is bursting with energy. Working in the food and travel industry, I get invited to some pretty cool events. Though I've never done a "Week in Review" post, I had too many delicious experiences this week not to share. One of these was the chance to taste real jasmine tea at Megu, made by pouring hot water of a dried jasmine flour. Amazing! They gave me a dried flower of my own so I could recreate the experience at home. (The picture–which I LOVE–was taken by the wonderfully talented Mr. Brandon Carl.)

Here are a few of the highlights:

Louis de Sacy tasting. This family-run Champagne house has been making incredible bubblies since 1633. Their Champagnes are crisp, dry, and elegant–and reasonably priced, to boot. My favorites: the Cuvée Nue (i.e. "Naked") which has no added sugar, and the salmon-colored Rosé Grand Cru. Great Christmas gift ideas!

Lunch at Megu. Hands down the best Japanese food I have ever tasted. Everything is imported from Japan and impeccably presented. Don't miss: sizzling kobe beef on a volcanic rock, tempura asparagus spears, insanely fresh sashimi, yuzu creme brulée, and the 21-layer green tea crepe cake (no joke).

Dinner at Le Bernadin with two-Michelin-star Chef Michel Sarran from Toulouse. The dinner was highlighting the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, and included some delicious lamb dishes and wonderful wines from the region, like Jurancon Sec (white) and an unusual red varietal called Negrette.

Lots of cooking! I made Roasted Eggplant Dip, Whole Wheat Chicken Pot Pies with Kale, and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Pears–and entered my favorite Nutella Shortbread Brownies in the Food52 Holiday Baking Contest!

Had the perfect rainy night dinner at home last night with my love: whole wheat spaghetti carbonara with sautéed kale (recipe to come).

And last, but not least, I've excited to see my family this weekend in Fredericksburg, Virginia! I've never been, but I will report back on any tasty discoveries I make.

Happy Halloween weekend everyone!!