Stay tuned for my exciting recount of this world-renowned culinary event!  (I look like a hot mess, so please excuse my appearance!)

Daniel Boulud and your Lunch Belle

This just in from Mantao Chinese Sandwiches:

In celebration of Chinese New Year, Mantao Chinese Sandwiches is pleased to announce "Mantao Mondays." 
 
Beginning today, February 8th, and every Monday during the month of February, you can enjoy your favorite Mantao meals at a discounted price.  Just mention "Mantao Mondays" when you order (for eating in, take out and delivery) and receive a 15% discount!
 
Stay warm with one of our delicious soup and sandwich combos, or combo box options.
Dont forget, Mantao Chinese Sandwiches is on Seamlessweb.com, Delivery.com, Grubhub.com and Americatogo.com.
 
We have full delivery service from 70th Street to 40th Street, between FDR Drive and 7th Avenue. We offer delivery from 11:30am to 9:00pm, Monday through Friday.
 
Thanks for your continued support!
 
Mantao Chinese Sandwiches
www.mantaonyc.com
twitter id: MantaoBuns
212.888.2490
235 East 53rd St.
New York, New York 10022

Calling all of you procrastinators out there!

• Are you looking to buy that special someone a unique gift...not one-dozen red roses?
• Have you been a bad boy/girl and need to shower your significant other with something fabulous?
• Are you swingin' single and in the mood to treat yourself?

...then I've got a great list with some of my personal favorites that are sure to please, listed below in no particular order:

1. ANY of Paige Gamble's fabulous bags or accessories!
2.  Isharya's Crater Pink Ebony Ring
3. Publish Your Own Cookbook with Lulu (example below)
4. Valentino's Couture Bow Jelly SandalSo summer isn't yet within arm's reach, but these adorable flip-flops are sure to warm her up!
5. Learn French, the ultimate language-of-love, together (or solo) at The Alliance Francaise...then plan your escape to Paris!
6. For those of you who don't live in a town serviced by Sprinkles Cupcakes, order their pre-packaged mix to make at home!
7. Pat La Frieda's famous hamburger patty blends (4/pack) are available at Fresh Direct!  Now you've got the key ingredient to making him the best damn burger he's ever had!
8. Frederic Fekkai - Set of 3 hair spraysBest. Hairspray. Ever.
9. Puro los nachos!  Now you can represent your favorite Mexican bar food with a line of apparel from Nacho NY's online store(taken from www.nachosny.com)
10. Valentine's Day Chocolate Tour from Walking Tours Manhattan
11. Chanel: "Lovely Gifts for Valentine's Day," set of three enameled bangles (among other ab-fab pieces)
12. Hand-dipped, chocolate-covered Oreo Conversation Hearts
13. Valentine Ice Cream Grams from MilkMade:

This V-Day, make someone's day by surprising them with a MilkMade Valentine Ice Cream Gram delivered right to their home or office.

For this occasion only, we're trying out something new and offering our February flavors a la carte. Send your loved one (or keep for yourself) a fresh pint of our Salted Caramel or Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream, or maybe even both!

Ever wonder what happened to that discarded Louis Vuitton luggage I found on New Year's Day?  For those of you who don't know what I'm referring to, click *here* prior to reading the letter below.

February 2, 2010

Louis Vuitton

611 Fifth Avenue

NY, NY 10022

Dear Louis Vuitton:

On January 1, 2010, I found some of your discarded suitcases curbside in the West Village came in to possession of two of your vintage pieces of luggage.  While each bag was in need of some good ol' fashioned T.L.C., I felt confident that your company would be able to assist with the restoration and necessary repairs, as I was more-than-willing to put forth the funds for this unique investment.

After some quick research, I learned that your four-story Fifth Avenue boutique had an in-house restoration department.  I could hardly wait for Saturday, January 9th to approach, as this would be the day that I would finally have the luggage appraised.  I had also hoped that one of your employees would be able to tell me just how old these pieces were.    

Saturday, January 9: With a suitcase in each hand (each piece weighing in at approximately 1o and 20 lbs.), I arrived at your Fifth Avenue store minutes before its 10am opening.  Because the weather on this morning was particularly bone-chilling, and for the sheer fact I was toting luggage that was dusty, I came dressed for the occasion (cold weather and dirt): black yoga pants, sneakers, grey-colored Isotoner gloves, my chocolate-brown "puffer" jacket and my hair pulled back in to a ponytail.  Not quite the epitome of fashion.

As the doors were promptly unlocked at 10am, I made my way up to the fourth floor where I was greeted by a stoic woman behind a counter.  "Good morning," I said, "long story short, I found these two suitcases on the side of a street in the West Village.  My assumption is that an older woman died in her apartment, and someone unfamiliar with the value of LV leather goods unknowingly added these to the pile of unwanted items.  Anyways, I'm willing to put forth the investment to have these pieces restored and was hoping that you could help me."  Without so much as stepping out from behind the counter, the woman blankly glanced at me, then down at the bags.  Something about the luggage made her lean over the ledge of her workspace; I assumed that she was just as mesmerized by the pieces as I was.  "Unfortunately, LV does not restore anything that contains mold.  It is a health hazard," she stated.  I put the suitcases on to the ground and observed them closer.  "Mold?"  I asked.  "I'm not quite sure that I know what you are talking about, ma'am.  Can you please show me where you see this?"  The woman finally stepped away from the counter, sighed loudly, and walked towards me.  What I had assumed was a thin layer of dust was, in fact, mold.  "That's the strangest thing I've ever heard," I responded.  "Isn't there someone else that you can ask?  Perhaps they'd make an exception.  My story is quite unique."  She gave me a fake smile and vanished from sight, promising that she'd inquire with her boss.  Seconds later, she returned with the same dire news.  Another employee, who had overheard our conversation, approached.  "My colleague is correct, we do not work on any pieces with mold.  Plus, after 5-10 years, LV discontinues certain types of leather, making this impossible to restore.  I would estimate that these bags are at least 20-30 years old," she added.  "Did you give her Mike's card?" She asked the counter-lady, who responded with a "no."  The sales-woman handed me a business card and said, "although we cannot guarantee his work, this gentleman does do restorations on our products."  I was completely dumbfounded and shocked.  "Thanks," I mumbled.  She then excused herself and wished me the best of luck with my newly-acquired suitcases. 

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah choo!"  The stoic counter-lady began dramatically coughing and sneezing.  "Ack!  Ugh," she gasped as she grabbed her chest, "that mold is making me sick!  See how I'm coughing and sneezing?"  Without so much as a "good luck," or "thank you," or "have a nice day," the woman returned to her position behind the counter as I waited, for what seemed like an eternity, for that elevator to approach the fourth floor, take me back to ground-level and as far away from LV as possible.  Also, I had to wonder: could the way I was dressed, and/or the fact that I was honest in divulging how and where I acquired the bags have played a role in the treatment I received?  Vivian Ward, is that you I hear?  "Big mistake.  Big!"
With a suitcase in each hand, I fled the boutique with as much speed and adrenaline as a bank robber.  It's times like these when I truly miss the warmth of the South.  No, scratch that: it's times like these that remind me how DONE I am with paying to be treated like total shit. 

As I found myself standing outside on the corner of frigid cold street and Fifth Avenue, shocked and fuming with anger, I remembered that I had a list of errands to run.  "What the hell am I going to do with two heavy suitcases?  Should I just take them home?  Maybe I should just leave these old things on the street!  If LV can't restore them, then who can?"  And then, just like that, a light bulb of hope burst in my head.  "Leather Spa!"

Located just beyond Fifth Avenue on 55th Street stands a shrine to all-things-leather.  I first came in to contact with the "Leather Spa" when I had to get the delicate elastic band on my brand-new, sky-high Christian Louboutin sling-backs tightened.  After nothing short of a miracle was successfully and affordably performed, I have since become a very loyal Leather Spa customer.  "Can you help me?"  I asked amidst panting.  "I just had the worst experience.  LV claimed that there was nothing they could do to help me restore these bags, and that they were unworkable because of mold."  The friendly Leather Spa employee grinned, "Of course we can restore these!  The mold can be scraped off.  We will water-proof the exterior, clean the interior, and get these back in to shape.  I will call you as soon as we have a plan-of-attack, price and estimated work time."  I literally had to restrain myself from jumping over the counter and hugging this man.  As tears began to well up in my eyes, I thanked him from the bottom of my heart and proceeded on with my day's errands, sans suitcases.  I was confident that I had left the luggage in the best hands possible.    

Here are some pictures of what the suitcases looked like pre-restoration:

Me and my new-found treasure! Note the dust on the suitcasesMe and my new-found treasure! Note the dust on the suitcase      

And here are some pictures of what the suitcases currently look like post-restoration:

Lookin' good!! Thank you, Leather Spa!Lookin' good!! Thank you, Leather Spa!

To end on a fair note, I will say that LV makes one hell of a good product.  The company's leather goods truly do stand the test of time, and these gorgeous pieces of luggage are no exception.  Now, if only I could say the same for the customer service I received...

Sincerely,

The Lunch Belle

It's not everyday every year that I'm treated to an extraordinarily fabulous gastronomic experience at one of the world's most celebrated restaurants.  The last time this occurred was when my mom bought me dinner at Bouley for my belated birthday...in September 2008.  Now, for those of you that follow my website regularly, you know that I tend to dine at relatively affordable restaurants, especially if I'm the one footing the bill.  

Theresa, my dear friend from home who currently resides in Dallas, was recently in Manhattan for a couple of days on business.  Her job allows for her to come to the city a handful of times per year, thus acting as a great excuse for the two of us to get together.  On Thursday evening, I met Theresa after work at her posh home-away-from-home, The Four Seasons Hotel on 57th Street.  After catching up over a few over-priced cocktails, she suggested that we grab a bite, and, that "the food menu in the bar simply would not do."  Theresa flagged the maitre d' and inquired about a table for two at the infamous L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which, was conveniently located within The Four Seasons.  "The only seating for two is available at the counter, which overlooks the open-kitchen," the maitre d' informed us.  Within minutes, the kind gentleman led us through the restaurant and beyond the hostess stand towards our front-row seats at the open-kitchen stage.  

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon has been on my dining-radar ever since the Parisian-based restaurant opened its doors in Manhattan just a couple of years ago.  And now, I feel so blessed to finally be able to cross this institution of haute cuisine off of my "must try before I die" list.  Believe me when I say that my experience was nothing short of perfection.  From the incredible service and knowledgeable staff, non-stuffy atmosphere, and plates of delicacies that tasted just as gorgeous as they appeared, L'Atelier positively took my breath away.  C'est magnifique!

Theresa: thank you for treating me to the most fabulous dining expedition I've experienced in recent memory.  For me, it was truly a "Cinderella" moment.  

Please enjoy the pictures of my meal, below. 

View of the kitchen from my front-row counter seatPlace settingAmuse bouche: foie-gras mousse, port-wine gelee, parmesan foamScallop carpaccio with toasted poppy seedsFoie-gras ravioli in chicken broth, topped with shaved black trufflesLangoustine papillote with basil pestoAmuse bouche: smoked eel and foie-gras mousse trifleBraised veal cheeks with Thai jus and crunchy vegetablesAmuse bouche (dessert): tangerine curd, hazelnut brittle, hazelnut foamPassion fruit custard, 10 Cane Rum gratine, coconut foamHomemade caramel

• Cuisine: gastropub/British
•  Occasion: 1x1/small groups, trendy, famous chef (April Bloomfield), hip, heavy/stick-to-your-ribs cuisine, bar scene
  
•  Price: most entrees under $32 (with the exception of the large terrine boards, Smoked Belly for 2, and Stuffed Pig's Foot for 2)  
•  Reservations: not accepted 
•  Phone: (212) 679-1939
• Website: www.thebreslin.com
• Location: 20 West 29th Street (btwn 5th Avenue & Broadway), at the Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel, including the unaffiliated retail establishments that share its address (Stumptown Coffee Roasters, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room), is one of those venues with a visible aura that radiates hip, hype, and "I'm cooler than you will ever be."  This trendy playground beckons me to ask myself, "Am I fashionable/in-the-know/awesome enough to hang out here?"  Before you get the wrong idea, I'm not knocking the service I've received during each of my three visits; because everyone who I've come in to contact with (be it the hotel's employees, the baristas at Stumptown, or the staff at The Breslin) has been incredibly warm and welcoming.  However, gracious hospitality aside, I still find this cutting-edge cool, upscale hipster-haven to be quite intimidating; the same kind of "intimidating" that I felt on my first day of 6th grade - at a new school - looking around the lunch room wondering where or who the hell I would sit with.  Ya, that kind of sums it up. 

The Breslin Bar & Dining Room (we'll call it "TB" for short) is the newest gastropub love-child venture by co-owner, Ken Friedman, and chef/co-owner, April Bloomfield.  In other words, the hottest place to wine and dine at the moment.  Since reservations are not accepted and I'm no celebrity, Dana and I thought that it would be in our best interest to arrive when the restaurant began its dinner service...at 5:30pm.

On Tuesday evening, I hauled ass from work en route to the Ace Hotel/TB.  Panting and nearly out of breath, I arrived promptly at 5:20pm.  Although dinner service did not begin for another ten minutes, the restaurant's bar was open, allowing me to enter the space.  Having seen that the hostess stand was staffed, I meandered my way through the crowd of pretty-young-things and enthusiastically inquired about a table for two.  "The kitchen is still doing some prep work, so it will be a few more minutes.  We'll let you know when we're ready," I was told.  And shortly thereafter, Dana and I were led to our table pour deux.

TB's atmosphere and interior decor is reminiscent of an intimate "apres ski" lodge. 

Note the bright white space towards the lower right quadrant of this photo: this is the open-kitchen where diners can watch April Bloomfield prepare their meal

I don't know if we chose to forego ordering alcohol in an effort to save calories (ha!) or money, or both.  But Dana was content with her glass of chilled tap water and I found tranquility and utter delight in my fizzy homemade lemonade.

Dana and I decided to kick off our overly-indulgent meal by splitting the Scotch Egg.  What resembled a golden, batter-fried baseball was actually a soft-cooked egg that had first been draped/wrapped with a layer of homemade pork sausage and rolled in breadcrumbs before being deep-fried.  Dana "did the honors" and cut the egg in half.  We both gazed in awe as the gently-cooked yolk slowly spilled over on to the small white plate.  

The Scotch Egg is basically a compact breakfast (incorporating bread, egg and sausage) on crack.

Pig trotters, fried head cheese, pork scratchings; you name the offal and Dana will eagerly partake in eating it.  I, on the other hand, am not so quick to order a plate of organ meat, making dining at a restaurant like TB slightly difficult.  There are, however, a couple of less adventurous entrees listed on the menu.  Dana and I decided to split the Chargrilled Lamb Burger and the Braised Shin of Beef.  Both entrees arrived simultaneously.  Due to the minimal table space, the burger was placed in front of me, and the beef shin in front of Dana.

A wooden slab of butcher block was topped with the most succulent lamb burger constructed with: a toasted sourdough bun, salty and pungent feta cheese, crunchy rings of red onion, and a 3/4"-thick patty of the juiciest ground lamb cooked to a perfect "medium rare."  Thrice-cooked chips, a.k.a. homemade steak fries fried THREE times to achieve a thick and crunchy exterior giving way to a mashed-potato-like interior, were paired with a zesty cumin-mayonnaise.  Everything about this entree was spot-on, rich, ridiculous, naughty and unique; all at once.  Never, in my 29 years of life, have I had a better side of chips/French fries (oh crap, I just drooled on my keyboard!).

Because the dining room was so dimly lit, I couldn't get an excellent photo of the burger, but these pictures should give you the basic idea.

The Braised Beef Shin reminded me, in composition and texture, of a short rib; the cut was boneless, fork-tender, rich, and marbled but not gristly.  Served atop a shallow puddle of polenta and subtle-y crunchy black cabbage (this added texture), the tender chunks of beef were finished with fresh green parsley and a warm gravy bath (rendered from hours of braising).

While I'm still not sure how/why Dana and I justified ordering dessert, our waitress recommended TB's Sticky Toffee Pudding...and we surrendered.  The ingredients are somewhat difficult to picture together, but do your best to imagine: sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, rolled in Stumptown coffee grinds, soaked for hours in a sweet roux, then served alongside sliced, poached pears and a scoop of homemade ice cream (forgive me, I cannot recall the flavor).  Though I found the melange of flavors to be unique and delightful, I would have preferred that the cake itself be slightly more moist and "sauce-y."

In conclusion, I found my experience at TB to be the exact opposite of what I had originally expected.  The service was excellent, the meal was perfectly paced, the food was unique and delicious, and both the crowd/employee's were non-intimidating (even despite the fact that I looked like a hot mess toting a huge backpack, Ugg boots, and my long hair was pulled up in to a messy bun).