When the price isn't right.

Weeks ago, I decided to sell my desk. I have been out of college for a few years now and have to homework to tend to – no piles of library books occupying space, and notebooks filled with research. I now only use my laptop computer, which in my mind doesn’t really need to have its own desk space. I posted my desk on craigslist and received many emails from prospective buyers. I sold it last weekend, and once it was gone, the first thing that came to my mind when I saw all the desks’ contents spread on the floor was “what now.” I hadn’t bought anything to replace the desk yet. I had the idea of using the space for an armoire or chifforobe to put away my bed and table linens, and winter sweaters. I perused a few websites for ideas but of course, my favorites were at 1000 to 1700 dollars at Pottery Barn. Yikes. I searched ebay, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Craigslist, Ballard’s, etc for more options but always went back to PB, yearning for the sleekness and beautiful wood it had to offer. Here are pictures of the 3 armoires that enticed me:

Pottery Barn Farmhouse Chifforobe

Belvedere Armoire

Scarlett Armoire

My mother convinced me not to spend that much (I didn’t need much convincing). I opted for a mahogany-finished armoire found on Ebay at a significantly lower price (picture on right). I didn’t like the round old-fashioned knobs but I immediately thought of how much fun it would be to pick out new knobs at anthropologie. Woohoo! I clicked ‘new tab’ on my computer and started browsing away. Here are my finalists:

Which ones do you like best?

Clockwise from top left:

1) Calico Owl     

2) Gothic knob       

3) Reims knob  

4)Toscana knob  

5)Mother-of-Pearl

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Washington, DC, here I come!

Sitting on a train bound for DC, and slowly readjusting my breathing to its normal rhythm, I decide to write here. Although I am headed to the capital for work, I have extended my stay through the weekend to sightsee and of course, eat! I have never been to DC but in my mind, I imagine it to be similar in size and savoir-vivre as Boston (minus the Red Sox fanatics). I picture cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and cheerful people greeting me here and there… Yes, I realize, I may be idealizing this town more than necessary. One thing I noticed is that apart from knowing that DC is home to the President, the Smithsonian, and the National Geographic, I don’t really know much more about it. For example, I don’t even know what it is known for in terms of food (the one thing I should know!). Again, I foresee it offering great seafood – probably because of the similarities I imagine it to have with Boston.

When this train pulls into Union Station, I have to head straight to my hotel, change and get to all work, no play – well almost no play. I am hoping I can squeeze in a few tourist things tomorrow, including a visit to the Smithsonian, seeing the White House (maybe begging on my hands and knees for the guards to let me into the kitchen and Michelle O’s famous vegetable garden?), strolling along the Potomac river, and sampling some good eats. I will return on Sunday with all this juicy pictures and hopefully, some great dining recommendations!

[image 1 thanks to Schodts' according to this license]

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A giant ravioli you say?

I like to eat. That's a widespread fact. I also like to scour the city for some mouth-watering eats... fact #2. However, there's nothing I like more that to eat a three-course dinner at Chestnut on a Tuesday evening- make it almost every Tuesday evening.

If you know me, you'll also know that I don't really like Restaurant Week. Although I was excited to taste some of the 'best' restaurants' food at an affordable price, I quickly learned that Restaurant Week menus at touted, and otherwise expensive restaurants don't live up to the clout the press builds up around them (not always but often enough). It seems that this event, which was initially created to celebrate food and the social culture surrounding it, is also an excuse to serve up the bad pieces and leftovers of the week. So now, whenever Restaurant Week rolls around, I steer clear.

Chestnut doesn't wait around for Restaurant Week to celebrate food and the loyalty of their customers. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, it offers a prix-fixe menu. And there's no catch. You can choose from any appetizer, any entrée, and any dessert* for a whopping 30 dollars! It is worth every pretty penny if you'll ask me. All the produce, meat, and fish are locally sourced (farm-to-table actually) and everything is prepared with love. How do I know? Well, my neighbor creates the delectable desserts there, and when I have dinner on the back patio, I walk straight through the kitchen! You know a restaurant can only offer great food if they let you walk through the kitchen!

My favorites on the menu include the beet (yellow and red) salad with marcona almonds, the grilled calamari stuffed with quinoa, and the pansoti pasta (giant spinach, ricotta ravioli - my favorite!) with wild greens and mascarpone foam. The menu changes seasonally but these items are around year-round.

*there is sometimes a 5 dollar supplement for 1 to 2 items on the menu.

Chestnut
271 Smith Street (between Sackett and Degraw)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

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