Exclusive Kat: Brunch

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

My NYC Life: Summer Break Hiatus

As you may have noticed, I have been on a bit of a break from EK. There's been a lot going on in my life lately...from moving to a new apartment, traveling, working and even being under the weather a couple times. I struggle with the desire to share and the importance to keep things private and live in the moment. I am sure others go through the same feelings especially with the rise of social media causing so much pressure to share everything whether its necessary or at the very least interesting. Sometimes I feel that it makes it hard to truly enjoy what is happening when you’re always trying to capture it. Being a blogger, that is just what you do...well what you are supposed to do.

I decided to give myself a self imposed summer break where I would take a step back and fully enjoy what was happening in my life and focus on me (and Chicken of course). After 5 years on the Upper East Side I have finally made the big move to a new place in a downtown neighborhood. I miss Central Park tremendously, but overall the change has been one for the better. Another big change is that I now have family (my brother) in the city; I moved here without knowing anyone, its been a nice change to have him here. Enough about NYC, let's talk about the wonderful chances I had getting out of the city this summer: going home to Chicago, the Hamptons (2x), Germany, Spain and back to Morocco. I'm trying to be better about saying yes and living for the experience, I'm such a planner and budgeter; basically I overthink everything and wait to make a move (must be the Libra in me).

(Above picture - Tangier, Morocco at Sol Achakar)

Over the Mediterranean

Dusseldorf, Germany airport

Me in Old Town (Dusseldorf, Germany)

Me in Asilah, Morocco

Asilah, Morocco

Sunset in Tangier, Morocco

July 4th Fireworks (NYC)

South Street Seaport

Relaxing pool side in the Hamptons

Sir Ivan's Castle

The Frying Pan (NYC)

Its so important to not put off what you want in life by thinking you'll get to it later, when that may not be the case. These past months have been a time of self-reflection about what I want, what I'm happy with and what needs to change. Being in a society where you can easily fall into the trap of looking to closely at what everyone else is doing and losing yourself in the process or you constantly compare yourself to others when really all you need to do is focus on you. I made it my priority to focus on making new friendships or simply reconnecting with old ones and get back to having fun (roof toping, brunches, cocktails, museums, dancing and whatever else that suites my fancy).

Blooming trees in Central Park

Lounging with the selfie king Chicken

Southern style BK brunch with friends

Governor's Island Crawfish Festival

Lobster roll from South Street Seaport Smorgasbord

Al fresco brunch in the Hammies

Appetizer at La Marina (same dish Chef Kelvin Fernandez won this against Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby)

Group Pics at La Marina (bday girl in the middle)

The Metropolitan Museum - China Through the Looking Glass

SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park

After Party at Hotel Chantelle

Surprise family dinner at Beauty & Essex for my mom :)

I'm finally getting re-inspired to bring Exclusive Kat back to life and get back into why I started it. To answer that I started EK to be an escape from my reality, where I could write about all that interests and the cool places I get to go to from time to time helping to offset being in a corporate-esque type of job. Now that New York Fashion Week is back what better time to return. :)

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken - Oscar Wilde

New York, NY, USA

Beauty and Essex

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Events: It's Time to Brunch It Up with Pinnacle Vodka

This brunch with Pinnacle Vodka starts in the kitchen then works its way around the country (figuratively speaking)! As expected Pinnacle through another fantastic and fun event featuring their two new flavors that happen to be perfect for the brunch crowd: Habanero and Mimosa. Each area of the 24th Street Loft was a different themed section of America; starting at the Northwest and working our way around. Thankfully they had some appetizers to pair with each station to keep everyone from morphing into a hot mess. My favorite cocktail of the night turned out to be my first one from the North West (not to be confused with Kimye's daughter). The cocktail was the Double Spicy Mary by Niccole Trzaska (shown below, and recipe follows). After our trip around the country we were able to meet up with Nicole and create our own cocktail concoctions using all sorts of garnishes! It was an awesome night to toast to brunch and its new friends Habanero and Mimosa.

Cocktails in collage by Russ Rowland

148 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011, USA

_Events_

Food Review: Bottomless Margaritas + Unlimited Brunch at Maya Restaurant by Chef Richard Sandoval

Brunching is one of the top activities for us New Yorkers. There's nothing better than enjoying your weekend afternoons with family and friends over good food and drinks! Maya has upped the quality by not only supply delicious food but also offering the best brunch deal….only $35 for their bottomless margarita brunch! This includes a variety of drink options and unlimited small plates for dining during a 2hr period. I left full and happy :) Some of my favorites were the Maya dog, smoked brisket tacos, Mayan benedict and pan dulce. Honestly, I can't say there was anything I didn't like. See below for my pics and vist Chef Sandoval's Maya Restaurant at 1191 1st Ave on the upper east side for the new brunch menu and Patron cocktails (you won't be disappointed).