To be a Tourist in NYC...1st Time for Everything
I made a commitment to myself that this summer, I would do things that I've always wanted to do. I've been trying different restaurants in the DMV (2 a month), I finally drove on the rap located on New York Ave (leading to the BET headquarters)...not impressed and spent a weekend in NYC as a tourist. I've been to New York many time but always spent time shopping and not enjoying what the city had to offer.
As always, I traveled with a few of my girls - Nyree and Tress. We stayed at the Millenium Hotel in Times Square. Our room had an amazing view but we only stayed in when it was time to take a nap or go to bed. We were able to dine at some great restaurants and run into a few celebrities. I would highly recommend heading to Bryant Park and have brunch at Bryant Park Grill. The service was great, the food was delicious and the ambiance was perfection! Wherever there is a W hotel, check it out. I've notice each in every city has a unique feel (minus DC...not that impressed). The lounge at the W inTimes Square was filled with a hip, happening crowd ready to profile.
Overall, my time in New York as a tourist was fabulous. I'm ready to head back and party like a New Yorker.
Shout out to our crazy ass Bolt Bus driver who was hopping curbs and jumping over cars heading to NYC...
A Different Approach to Happy Hour.
Early in June, Tressa and I wanted to throw a celebratory birthday happy hour in honor of our girlfriend, Jarin. We didn't want to go to the normal places like Park at 14th or a hotel lobby instead we selected Jazz in Garden at the Sculpture Garden. During the summer months, every Friday starting at 5 pm, the National Gallery of Art host a happy hour, where different Jazz bands perform. Hundreds of people show up after work to cool out, meet up with friends and enjoy the scenery.
We packed our picnic basket, which included an alcoholic concoction (disguised in a jug) a bottle of wine, a blanket and headed to the garden. We found a shaded area under trees and noticed a sign that stated no outside alcohol permitted. I guess since they already sell wine and sangria, the outside beverages will take away from their sales. Well, it didn’t stop up as well as our surrounding friends from discreetly taking a swig from the wine bottle. I also came across a group who found Pinot Grigio in a juice box…how clever. I have no problem drinking wine from a box. Overall, Jazz in the Garden is a great place to gather friends or even a hot date. It’s inexpensive and definitely a different take on happy hour.
Location:
On the National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Bistro Laurent Tourondel...Try Saying That Three Times
The duo was at it again...We visited BLT Steak last Friday to continue our journey of restaurants. We braved the thunderstorm to head back into the city to try a restaurant that I've been dying to visit for years. When dining, I'm all about the ambiance and BLT has an up beat atmosphere with a menu to compliment it. If you're looking for a restaurant to share your deep, darkest secrets with a friend...this is the place to do it because no one else will hear you above the noise of the happy diners.
I started off with a watermelon infused cocktail, which was stronger than expected but gave me the right buzz to envision a good night rest (mission accomplished). Tressa and I were not too daring and ordered the same entree 10oz hanger steak and shared a side of potato gratin. Prior to our meal arriving, the server placed a smalll dish of pâté on our table compliments of the chef. Do you ask what type of pâté? Well it was so loud in the restaurant that I was unable to ask the server what he was serving. I also did not want to annoy him any further since we had previously asked him to take a few *wink* pictures of us in advance. The pâté was tasty but I have a void of textures so it was not my favorite. Up next was warm popover bread which could only be described as one word and two syllables - delightful. It was moist ( I hate that word...cringe...LOL!) and melted in my mouth. It's a must try, when visiting.
Once our entrees were delivered, we were at complete silence. The medium prepared flank steak and potato gratin was mouth watering. The overall expereince was satisfactory and I would visit again to try other items on the menu. The value can be pricey but we did not exceed our budget...well at least I hope we didn't.
BLT Steak
1625 I Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20006-4061
(202) 689-8999
A Very Fun Night on the Will Wash Podcast! Oh and Celebrating Nyree's Birthday
It ended up being a success. We had a great conversation and was able to cover a variety of topics from dating, religion and even added a few of my own personal accounts...thanks to my friend "Pinot Grigio. Well, listen to what we had to say.
After my debut, I headed over to Policy to celebrate my girl, Nyree's birthday. Happy Birthday Chica! Policy is definitely the place to be on a Tuesday night. It's very reminiscent of 1223 (R.I.P) circa 2003-2004. The DJ was rocking and the goose was flowing but by 1am the lights turned on and the party was over. For the young professional who wants to get their party on and be in bed by 1:30, Policy is the place to be on a Tuesday night.
Introduction & off to a Mediterranean villa
I've decided to finally start blogging although my page has been setup for a couple of months. But now it's time. I will be posting entries about everything and anything.
One of my really good friends, Tressa, had mentioned that she wanted to start going to different restaurants in the DMV to experience the atmosphere and cuisine. I as well, wanted to do the same but could never find anyone to join me. So over a casual conversation, we decided that we go to two restaurants a month and share the experience with anyone who cared to listen. In addition to our restaurant tour, we will visit random places that we always wanted to see, heard about and document our journey.
So our first choice was selected because I received a gift card from Neyla, which is located in the back streets of Georgetown. The restaurant evokes the feel of a FAB Mediterranean villa (not sure how I got that feeling since I've never been to the Mediterranean). As Tress and I sat, we were immediately given pita (which tasted like Pizza Hut Breadsticks) along with yougurt and olives. It was a pretty tasty starter before the main course. In addition, Tress order the chicken shawarma and I believe Gambas a Pil Pil. I was too occupied with my entree, Chicken Shish Taouk (also known as a Kabob) that I didn't grab a taste of hers. 
The meal was decent but nothing to do back flips over. If I were to go back it would be for drinks and to take pictures (my friends and I LOVE to play photoshoot wherever we go...yes it's a
game) because the decor in Neyla is gorgeous. See pics of our experience...
Location:
Neyla
3206 N Street,
NW Washington, DC 20007
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