Comfort Food Classics at Harding's New York City

By: Finance Foodie

As Fall comes to full swing in the Big Apple, there really isn't any better way to feel all warm and cozy than an All-American comfort food brunch. Therefore, this past weekend, the Mister and I took a trip to the Flatiron district to check out Harding's new "Tastes of American" autumn brunch menu.

The Aloha

Ellary's Greens: Proving That Eating "Green" Can Be Exciting!

By: Anne M. Raso

Last week, I was lucky enough to try Ellary's Greens in one of the historic storefronts on Carmine Street (#33 to be exact) and I was dazzled by the super farm to table freshness of this 1 1/2-year-old eatery—which named after owner Leith Hill’s grandmother and great grandmother. The decor is quaint, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, old-fashioned glass cases filled with healthy desserts, and high ceilings featuring an overlay of laser cut metal (the motif seems to be of leaves growing on stems, almost like a beanstalk).

Green Thai Curry Tofu

Graceful Services Spa: A Shining Star Of Spa Week

By: Anne M. Raso

Spa Week is coming up October 20-26 and it gives spa lovers all over the country too score their favorite services for a flat 50 dollars. I got my all-time favorite spa treatment, an hour-long hot stone massage at Graceful Services in Manhattan last week. I had never been there before but what a treat it was. If you love the relaxation of this service as much as I do, I strongly suggest you book it at spaweek.com ASAP.

Epazote: Your New “Go-To” Mexican Eatery On The Upper East Side!

By: Anne M. Raso

I fell in love with the French-inspired Mexican of Epazote in Yorkville. I like the casual yet dusky atmosphere, complete with Day Of The Dead and rural Mexican colorized photos on the wall and friendly, efficient service, it’s definitely going to be your next “go-to” neighborhood eatery. The prices are right and many of the plates can be shared. They also have the classic guacamole called Guacamole Azteca ($13) made in a mortar and pestle in front of you and to your exact specs, which is the way a lot of people start off their meal. At their recent press tasting, I found the guac chef had over a dozen ingredients he could add to the classic mix of fresh avocado, salt, chopped tomatoes, cilantro and lime juice.

Interior

New Season, New Look - Getting Gorgeous at Angelo David Salon

By: Finance Foodie

Besides indulging in a Pumpkin Spiced [insert food /drink item], I can't think of a better way to start the new Fall season than a brand new look. Feeling tired and weighed down by my long lifeless hair that carried me through this summer, I decided this was the best place to start. So this past weekend, I decided to pay a visit to the Angelo David Salon in Midtown to give my look a bit of an update.

Exterior

Chloe 81: A Superlative “Speakeasy” On The Lower East Side Brings You Back In Time!

By: Anne M. Raso

I’m not sure if it’s because of the success of Boardwalk Empire (set in the Prohibition Era) or just because hipsters need a new retro movement to follow, but bars and restaurants with a 1920’s speakeasy look have taken over the artier neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Chloe 81 is one of these places—it features a lot of pale yellow subway tile and dim lighting, and actually has a semi-secret club room downstairs that features a bar, dancing and a DJ. I went to Chloe 81 for an early dinner because a crowded 11 PM scene with beautiful people is just not my thing at the advanced age of 53, LOL!

Interior