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Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, lets focus on what we're all thinking about; what we should be doing...fitness and getting healthy. Well, at least that what I've been thinking about and beating the mad dash of crowded gyms to get fit once the new year begins. Personally, I find that spinning and barre class tend to be the most effective seeing results at a faster rate. So when I got invited to try out one of Kira Stokes 'B Stoked' Series fitness classes, I felt like my wish had been answered just in time! There were plenty of good options, but since it had been awhile since I've taken a barre class, I chose that.
Kira's Stoked C3 Barre Max class was pretty intense, but so fun and effective. It was one of those class that you knew if you did it regularly you'd be at your inspiration goal in no time. The class is an entire body workout, I'm still sore...2 days later and I've never sweat so much in a class. I can't wait to go back and try her cycling class! BFX Studio is having a Black Friday sale on class packages. Checkout their website (here) and get the best deal for an unlimited package at their fantastic gym. Not only do they have studio classes and a cycling studio; but they also have a workout space with machines and free weights. It truly has everything to satisfy your fitness needs. Besides that its so clean and nice, its hard to find a gym here where you can go in and feel at ease and BFX Studio is that. If you're in NYC checkout their Chelsea or FIDI location; they're also in Boston!
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| Kira Stokes & I before the sweat fest for B Stoked C3 Barre Max (BFX Studio) |
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In my attempt to mix things up, I did something new for me; a mixology class! On Tuesday Nov. 4th at Harding's in Chelsea we crafted cocktails featuring St. George Spirits with master mixologist, Derrick Turner. St. George Spirits is know for their original craft distillery making single malt whiskey, bourbon, absinthe, and several gins and liqueurs since 1982.
All of us were equipped with a personal, fully stocked cocktail station, learning the step-by-step process of making three different cocktails featuring the artisanal spirits from St. George Spirits. Using a palette of easy-to-find ingredients, these cocktails are simple to recreate at home without losing the any flare to impress friends & relatives at the approaching Thanksgiving table dinners and/or Holiday parties!
I had so much fun, Derrick was amazing teacher and the cocktails were delicious! I think my favorite would have to be the Blood in the Woods; the burnt cinnamon smelled amazing and the drink evolved after each sip as the flavors became more tasty and complex. I was most surprised by Simply Wicked because I am NOT a fan of Absinthe and avoid it at all costs! Its one of those flavors that you love it or hate it, but in the way that it was mixed and the fact that not much was added, shockingly I enjoyed the cocktail.
Finally its time for the fun part, the 3 Delicious Cocktails :-P See below for images & recipes:
The Rockefeller: 1oz St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, 2oz Rye Whiskey, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 dash Simple Syrup
Blood of the Woods: 1oz Apple Cider, 1 1/2oz of Bourbon, 1 chard Cinnamon Stick, 1/4oz Maple Syrup, Top w/ St. George Rasberry Liquor
Simply Wicked: 1/4oz St. George Absinthe, 1/2oz Agave Syrup, Pinch of Watercress, 1 1/2oz Gin, Garnish w/ Watercress
Next Class Details:
December – Get the Party Started: Champagne Cocktails
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
PRICE: $35 per person
Space is limited, tickets strongly recommended.
Earlier this month I was able to sample Haru's 'Happy Hour' menu where every item (food or cocktail) is between $4-$8! The best part (drum roll please) the 'Happy Hour' menu ALL day on Black Friday (11/29) at all of their six locations throughout Manhattan. I know what you thinking, can you actually get something good for such a low cost and in the city? Yes, you can! Everything that I sampled including appetizers & cocktails off the menu were truly exquisite. My favs were the fish tacos (so fresh & I was surprised at how tasty they were) and the Elderflower-Cucumber Crush (refreshing and delicious)! On or off the happy hour menu I didn't try anything that I wouldn't want to eat or drink more of.
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
String Bean Tempura (w/ curried salt --$4); Flash-Fried Shishito Peppers ($5); Lobster Gyoza ($8); Short Rib Buns ($8); Chicken Wings (w/ spicy garlic or teriyaki sauce -- $8); Fish Tacos ($7); Chicken Yakitori ($5); Filet Mignon Yakitori ($6); and the Haru Wasabi Roll ($8). Edamame ($4), California Roll ($4), Spicy Tuna Roll ($5), Crunchy Spicy Salmon Roll ($5) and Vegetable Spring Rolls ($5).
Happy Hour’s $8 Cocktail Lineup:
Saketini, Lycheetini, Green Tea Margarita, Elderflower-Cucumber Crush and Premium Mojito.
Happy Haru’s Beverage Menu:
Hitachino White Ale ($6), Ommegang ‘Hennepin’ craft beer ($6), SeaGlass Pinot Noir ($8), Kinsen Plum Wine ($4) and Koshu Masamune Sake ($4).
All Haru locations throughout Manhattan: Gramercy Park, Sake Bar, Wall Street, Third Ave, Amsterdam and Broadway. Please visit http://www.harusushi.com/ for complete location listings.
Left: Fish Tacos ($7) Right: Spicy Tuna Roll ($5)
Elderflower-Cucumber Crush beefeater 24 gin or don q rum, st-germain elderflower liqueur and fresh cucumber
Short Rib Buns ($8)
Lobster Gyoza ($8)
Komodo Dragon absolut vanilla, cruzan coconut rum, pineapple juice and blue curacao
Strawberry Fin Roll crunchy spicy yellowtail, jalapeño peppers and mango, topped with scallops, wasabi tobiko and fresh strawberries.
Kiss Of Fire Roll super white tuna, salmon, jalapeño peppers and wasabi tobiko, wrapped around crunchy spicy tuna and more jalapeños.
Chicken Katsu
Saketini
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of stopping by Vella for a tapas and cocktail tasting! I love Italian food and being that Vella is actually in my neighborhood; it was a clear win, win! Here in NYC we've been experiencing an Indian summer giving everyone their last push to eat outdoors. Vella has an amazing patio section, perfect for socializing and people watching. For me, good food is just as important as the price! I'm happy to say Vella is 'real person' affordable without losing the class and elegance of a dining out experience!
Now on to the important things…like the food & drinks. My favorite cocktail was the Kissyomama (its spicy & I love a good spicy cocktail). Runner up, the West Egg; its a must try! There wasn't a a dish I didn't enjoy, but were some definite stand outs. The crab cake was delightfully and full of crab. Nothing better than a crabby crab cake! The truffle mac & cheese with or without bacon was insanely good; the bacon just enhances it! The tartars were scrumptious as well, especially the tuna (I'm a seafood person all the way) it was so fresh and perfectly prepared with flavors that harmoniously blended together. Go to Vella's website here or stop by when you're on the upper east side!
Ricotta Lemon Honey & Arugula on Flat Bread
Roasted Wild Mushroom Crostini
Left: Magic Lantern ~ Russian Standard Vodka, Pimm's Cocchi Americano, Muddled Cucumber & Mint, Fresh Leon Juice, Simple Syrup, Topped w/ Ginger Beer & a Strawberry Wedge
Middle: Prosecco ~ Mionetto DOC Venteo, Italy
Right: West Egg ~ Maker's Mark Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Strawberry, Club Soda
Classic Steak Tartar
Left: Cucumber Mint Lemonade ~ Mint, Cucumber, Fresh Lime Juice, Club Soda, Ginger Beer
Right: East 77th ~ Jasmine Tea Infused Grey Goose Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Strawberries, 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Kissyomama
Don Julio Reposada, Domaine de Canton, Mango Puree, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, 2 drops El Yucateco Green Hot Sauce, 4 Thai Basil Leaves
Tuna Tartar (with Cucumber, Chive, Apple & Mustard)
Tuscan Caesar Salad (Caciocavallo & Croutons)
Crab Cake with Cabbage, Carrot & Cucumber Slaw
Truffled Mac & Cheese + Bacon
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