Laser Cut

Date night is back in full swing now that S is back from visiting family half-way across the world. We took it pretty easy for our first outing as "legal newlyweds" last Friday and dined at Gaonnuri. Located in Koreatown and a block away from our apartment, it's slightly more upscale compared to its neighbourhood counterparts. We have our (cheap) favourites in K-town but Gaonnuri's location on the highest floor of a highrise and a FANTASTIC view of the city skyline was a great alternative for our mini celebration!

via - pretty views in restaurants are pointless if the food isn't up to par but I gladly give this place a thumbs up! 

Norvel Dress at Nougatine

In a bid to get as much al fresco dining in before temperatures dip, this week's date night took place at Jean Georges' sister restaurant Nougatine Terrace. The full menu is served in the outdoor area - just sans the white tablecloths you will find in the main restaurant - and with a fabulous view of Columbus Circle and its infamous replica of the World's Fair Unisphere.

The only downside of sitting outside is that there isn't a lot of light when the sun sets. My deteriorating eyesight meant that the flashlight app on my iPhone made an appearance more than once. Though nothing could take away from the best part of dinner though - a "simple" warm chocolate cake with a gooey centre, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream:

via

I highly recommend Nougatine, especially for brunch. I love taking visitors here since the indoor portion has expansive views of Central Park West via it's ceiling-to-floor windows. Breathtaking to say the least. If that doesn't convince you, reservations are welcome at the restaurant - so elusive an offering when it comes to New York City brunches!

Anyway, here's the what I wore out to dinner:

Elevated Acre

The Financial District is more than just Wall Street and that famous bull. My favourite place south of the island is a wonderful privately-owned public garden, the Elevated Acre. A couple of weeks back, I arranged a midday coffee date with Thea there for some outfit photos - resulting in a rare glimpse of my work wear style.

Even though I work in financial services, usually beaten in the conservative stakes only by lawyers, summer style in my office is just a little bit more easygoing. The menfolk do not need to wear ties and the women, well, they get to wear printed pants!

The entrance to the Elevated Acre is located at the top of a couple of flights of elevators/stairs at 55 Water Street. The somewhat secret space is a welcome escape from hustle and bustle of the financial district. There is a expansive lawn nestled within colourful flower bushes - which is my favourite spot for lunch (and a siesta) on a warm day. Then beyond that is a "boardwalk" which offers panoramic views of the east river and its bridges. 

H&M shirt and pants (Latter currently in stores. Size down as it stretches. A lot) (sim, sim and sim), Ann Taylor belt (sim), Dinosaur Designs necklace (sim), Valentino bow pumps (sim and sim)

Do you have a similar refuge from the work day?

(Edit: Use this coupon for 20% of one H&M item through Labor Day!)