SPRINGTIME IN THE CITY.

When the sun is out and you can begin strolling the streets without a puffer, it means SPRING is here.


And what more perfect way to celebrate the first signs of SPRINGTIME IN THE CITY than taking a trip to the BRONX to visit the New York Botanical Gardens!??! I wanted to take some time to mention how NICE everyone is in the Bronx. I mean, seriously, what a BREATHER from the rude Manhattan scene where people harass you about wrinkly sweaters and having stubby fingers..I mean, no that never happens to me...As soon as I stepped out of the Bedford Park subway, people were physically pointing me in the right direction (without even being asked) and stopping their cars in the middle of the street to ask if I was lost. While I was probably actually a victim of some social, physical, or racial discrimination (why would they assume I was going the Botanical Gardens?? Besides the fact that I was wearing a floral print shirt, a weird hippie headband, and walking next to a gay man in short shorts????), I was quite appreciative of everyone's concern and thoughtfulness.


This is the 7th running year of the Orchid Show at the NY Botanical Garden. This year's Brazilian Modern exhibit was designed by Miami landscape architect Raymond Jungles. His contemporary Brazilian garden design was inspired by Brazilian design icon Roberto Marx. You can find several of Marx' pieces (and quotes) throughout the show. It was my goal to leave this exhibit knowing which orchid species was my favorite. So that if the question were ever asked of me, I could respond proudly, "Oh - well, orchids are the most diverse species of flower on Earth. But the one that tickles me the most is definitely the Anoectochilus formosanum, commonly known as the Taiwan jewel orchid." But alas, this show was quite vast and overwhelming (in a good way). When you saw one type that you thought was your favorite, a few steps later you would have already changed your mind.


Glorious entrance to the exhibit. We were already screaming and going crazy in here, we didn't realize this was only the beginning...

This glass case was filled with CARNIVOROUS FLOWERS - such as the VENUS FLYTRAP. Rar, scary.

One portion of the exhibit was dedicated to the CACTUS. I found my favorite species of cactus, which actually look like beautiful ROSES.


Orchid Show - I love you.

After winding through the show, we immediately marched our way towards the Everett Children's Adventure Garden for the Chocolate and Vanilla Adventures exhibit. Were you aware that vanilla beans actually come from a species of orchid, Vanilla planifolia?????


At the children's center, we got to have a JELLY BEAN TASTE TEST. We got them all right...yesssssss.


AND sample ANCIENT MAYAN HOT CHOCOLATE. The chocolate was crushed by hand from the cacao beans of the Theobroma cacao tree. We were told that this particular form of hot chocolate is actually 99% chocolate, and 1% water, and the healthiest way to have chocolate because it is nearly in its purest form. They add honey and spice into the mix...which made me somewhat gag. Honey and chocolate should not be friends.


After romping around the Bronx, it was time to return to Manhattan and eat at SWEETIEPIE!!! It is a magical space, with floor-to-floor mirrors and even a completely mirrored ceiling, plush pink velvet seating, whimsical chairs, candlelabras, and a GIANT BIRD CAGE for six to dine in. The vibe cannot be described in one word - but perhaps three that modify each other: crazy casual luxury. Not to mention, the food was superb!! Such a large variety of options on the menu.


The beet risotto. Lord, help me. I am picky about risotto, but I had nothing to pick at about this dish except picking big spoonfuls into my mouth. Perfect glutinous texture, warm, lightly-creamy, and damn comforting.


Eggs in a Nest. Scrambled eggs inside parcels of Parmesan cheese...simple, but delightful.

Chocolate Microcake!

Lemon Microcake!!

I understood that I had to try Sweetiepie's cakes and all...but next time I'm going to just stick to what I love most, and what Sweetiepie makes damn well - their HOMEMADE ice cream!!!! Tres delicieux.

A and I had a hankering to go see a Broadway show after our long, tiring day. Sometimes it's nice to just pay to sit there and be entertained. We decided to just take the subway to Times Square, walk the streets, and pop into the first show that we wanted to see. We finally got to Times Square around 7:40pm (Saturday evening shows typically begin around 8pm) and it was a frantic rush through the tourists to get to a show. I spotted the theater for August: Osage County and made a run for it.

"Do you have any super cheap tickets available!?!?" - I ask the ticket agent.
"Are you two students?"
"Yes."
"That will be $29.50 each"
"SCORE!!!!!!!"

We got orchestra seats for 30 bucks!!! New York Insider Tip: NEVER EVER GET RID OF YOUR STUDENT ID. What a deal. And a perfect way to end a perfect spring day in the city.