NYC Social - April

Spring is in the air in New York City.  The city seems so much more alive now that the harsh winter is behind us. Puffer coats have all but been put away, trees have begun to flower and my favourite sign of the season - al fresco dining is an option again! The warmer temperatures mean April is full of outdoor fun. Here's what is taking place in NYC this month: 

1. Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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Pardon me, DC folks but there is no need to trek to the Nation's capital for cherry blossoms. The BBG once again looks forward to full blooms this month. Since they blossom for such a short time, keep up to date with this map which is updated every weekday. If you can, time your visit with Sakura Matsuri, which falls on the weekend of the 27th and 28th. 

2. The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens: until April 22

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If Orchids are more your thing, then trek up to the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx for the annual Orchid Show. Stroll through the lush gardens (worth a trip up there for this alone) to the  Observatory where there will be a showcase of orchids in a myriad of colours and varieties. Remember when it housed waterlilies last Autumn? Similarly, there will be evening concerts, potting classes, lectures and guided tours. 

Date Night - Valentine's Edition

S and I forewent celebrating love on Thursday since we had our usual date night set up for Friday.

This week, I managed to wrangle reservations at the Lounge at Atera - the basement cocktail bar beneath the aforementioned new restaurant about town which the New York Times recently awarded three stars to.

Considering the cost of a meal at the restaurant, we assumed correctly that cocktails would be priced at a premium. So we went casual for dinner with classic French bistro cuisine at The Odeon.  While I am no connoisseur, I loved the croque monsieur which I washed down with a refreshing glass of Grüner Veltliner.

We then walked around the corder to Atera. The lounge is small - with space for about 15 people. What it lacked for in decor (apart from the leather seats, the space is very sparse), it made up for in innovative drinks. 

I was in an adventurous mood, so went for the Sap - served shaken, the pine gave it a sweet woody flavour while the egg white resulted in the frothy meringue-like finish. Very easy to drink! S enjoyed the Loose Tai - which as the name suggests, was a spin on the Mai Tai - not just with malt syrup stirred through but also with the addition of malt bits sprinkled on top of the drink. 

Alas we were both so tired from work that we just couldn't handle another round. I do want to try the Bee's Mead though which means a return visit is most definitely on the cards. 

Anyway, I must have been subconsciously channeling old Hollywood as this is what I wore:

H&M Conscious Collection 2012 dress (sim) - last seen here

From my instagram - J Crew Cocoon Coat, Nine West pumps

Giles and Brother hook cuff, Hermes clic bracelet, Cheongsam fabric clutch from Chinatown, Anthropologie belt (sim), Alexis Bittar earrings (very sim)

Have a great weekend everyone, and if you are in the US - hope you have a lovely President's Day too!