After walking Canal St. and getting bombarded by men trying to sell us “Louis Vuitton” and “Chanel” handbags (not interested) we walked down W. Broadway and into a Sample Sale, god I love New York!
The first thing I spotted when I walked inside were these little delicate Hamsa and evil eye bracelets that I L.O.V.E and were only $60! The only reason I didn’t buy one (or two or three) is that I have several that I bought on the streets of Paris, which hold much more sentimental value because, well, I bought them in PARIS! But if I didn’t have them already I would have definitely added them to my jewelry collection! (A girl can’t have enough jewelry – and don’t let anyone tell you differently)
I took a lap around the rest of the sale and didn’t find anything else (they mostly had winter coats) until I was about to walk out the door and spotted a gold initial disk necklace at the bottom of the jewelry case… I literally gasped out loud at the thought that I ALMOST left without, not only seeing this necklace, but without trying it on (I am OBSESSED with EVERYTHING MONOGRAM and GOLD!) Not to mention there were only three left! Two of which were my first and last initial, “AS” – Aren’t I lucky!?
I tried it on and obviously loved it, but there was a little something that was bothering me… The initial was skewed and looked like it wasn’t centered on the disk and I just couldn’t get passed it. So, needless to say I left empty handed. I even got the girl to take off an additional $20, (it would have cost me $120) but it just didn't feel right. AND FOR GOOD REASON!!...
A few blocks up sat French Connection and boy were they having a SALE! Before I walked in I fantasized about the Samantha sequin dress that I had tried on in London over the summer (and literally drooled over)… My sister convinced me not to buy it while we were abroad, not only because I had nothing to wear it to, but because the dollar wasn’t doing so hot…. Good call Cydney! Because TODAY it was 50% off $249.99!!
I ended up getting the Samantha in black for 60% off and paid a whopping $100 for her!! There truly is no better feeling than getting an amazing deal!! I also bought the Luxe Crepe Blazer Dress in black, which was 50% off and can not only be worn as a dress (when it’s buttoned) but can double as a blazer when left open! LOVE.
So, after our mini shopping spree we definitely worked up an appetite and walked over to Spring Street to have a bowl of the French Onion soup at Balthazar, which might I add is the BEST FRENCH ONION SOUP I’VE EVER HAD, but unfortunately the kitchen was closed so we walked back to Broadway (not W Broadway) and into Café Bari!
Every time I’m in Soho I walk by this restaurant and someone always comments on how delicious the food looks (they display items on their menu out on the sidewalk, to entice passer-bys to stop in for a bite) and I never stop in… Until now!
Before I forget I must inform you all that this place is a little pricey, but what isn’t in New York? The other day I bought a box of cereal for almost $8, ughhh kill me. Anyway!
I had the Eggplant Napolitana, it’s one of their many delicious sounding appetizers and it was only $11, so not bad!
Ok, back to my Eggplant! The dish is served hot with Fresh Mozzarella over diced tomato Napolitana and, of course, fresh basil! I am a sucker for anything that’s hot, I’m serious, if it burns my mouth and makes my eyes water I’m the happiest!
I highly recommend this dish! It was so yummy (and hot) and literally melted in my mouth! The mozzarella wasn’t over powering and there was the perfect amount to have a little piece on every bite! The eggplant was served lightly fried, similar to eggplant parmesan (but sliced SUPER thick) and was extremely juicy and crunchy! I’m not even kidding with you, writing about it now is making my mouth water, and I literally ate it less than 4 hours ago!
Also, the French fries are a MUST! They were so hot and crispy and I’m the pickiest person when it comes to French fries! They really were so gooooood! Yummy.
After “lunch” (it was 4:30ish) we walked 5 steps to Baked by Melissa and each got a few cupcakes to “taste” since they are little bit-sized mini guys!
I got a Cookie Dough, S’mores, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter Cup.
The Cookie Dough was hands down my favorite by a landslide and I would definitely 100% get it again. The s’mores was nothing special and didn’t even taste like a s’more, super disappointing. L The Mint Chip was pretty good, the frosting on top was super smooth and when I popped it in my mouth it felt like I had just taken a bite of mint chocolate chip ice-cream (this may have been a result of standing in the freezing cold while it was snowing, but nevertheless it’s what I tasted!). The Peanut Butter Cup was, well, there was an explosion of peanut butter right when I bit down, so, if you like that sort of thing then this cupcake is for you! I’m sticking with the cookie dough!
That’s all for now!!
Love,
Your One & Only Fashion-Fixated Foodie
Balthazar
80 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 965-1414
Baked by Melissa
529 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 842-0220
Café Bari
529 Broadway
New York, NY 10012-3927
(212) 431-4350