First year of grad school down, it's spring, and new york is open!
Well hello there! With my finals turned in and my first year of grad school in the books, I’m finally emerging. The weather’s warming up, the sun is again kissing my skin, and my favorite eateries and other haunts are finally reopening. Over the past few weeks it’s been a joy to reacquaint myself with NYC after a long year of cloistering myself in my apartment--and just in time for sundress season!
First on my list was a little wardrobe update. Now that stores allow you inside, I wandered around SoHo and snagged some sexy, springy date pieces. One of my favorite shops in that area, the R.M. Williams, has a pair of boots I’ve been coveting (not the Maya model haha.) However, I’m telling myself I’ve indulged in enough retail therapy for the moment! Besides traditional retailers, I love perusing thrift stores for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. It was a treat to take the time to rifle through clothing again.
Browsing farmers markets is another thing I’ve missed dearly. There’s no better way to pass a languid weekend morning than wandering arm-in-arm among the colorful bouquets of flowers, neat stacks of produce, and handmade meats, cheeses, and other confections. Fresh-brewed coffee at the market always tastes the best, somehow. Plus, my inner foodie gets a thrill out of carefully selecting items for that evening’s dinner, and trying to cook with an ingredient I’ve never used before. Over the past few weeks I’ve visited two of my favorites: Union Square Market and Green Point Terminal. I’m thrilled to report that it’s peak strawberry season--get ‘em while they’re super sweet! I’m planning to accompany the ones I bought with champagne.
On the note of celebration, I fêted the end of my first year at Balthazar a few days ago, with fresh oysters and a glass (ok, several glasses) of white burgundy. Nothing says summer like salty, savory fruit de mer and a little bit of a buzz. The combination of sublime weather, company and food is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. I would love a reprise, if you’d like to take me--I haven’t tasted the escargot yet. What’s been your go-to celebration drink this spring, I wonder?
Despite all its charms, I’m eager to travel beyond New York this summer. I don’t know about you, but my wanderlust is in high gear! I’m traveling soon around the Northeast and the Midwest in June, and maybe even Texas later this summer. I would love to celebrate with you while I’m in town, so get in touch if you’re in any of those areas! It’s really helpful to gauge interest ahead of time so I can coordinate to meet your schedule.
Of course, I’m vaccinated and would be delighted to be flown out to you, wherever you might be. (I’ve even got some mini vacation ideas if you’d like to go away for a weekend yourself. Paris is open now, just saying. Or perhaps a lux, scenic AirBnB?) All this is to say, I’m looking forward to a summer of celebration and relaxation! If you’re up for a rendezvous, get in touch--let’s see what mischief we’ll find ourselves in.
XO, Maya