Possible new home???

J's dream is to renovate one of the gorgeous old brownstones in our Harlem neighborhood. I'm on his team, but never really thought he meant this...

But then I saw this...

And by the time we reached this room, I was reconsidering...

So we left, totally confused, and celebrated my dad's 67th at Zoma, the best Ethiopean restaurant I've ever known (mom + rachel in Zoma below)

And sang to him with treats from the Cupcake Cafe...

And ended the night on our balcony under the stars.

Sunny Sedona with my Honey

We took a long weekend trip to Sedona, Arizona. There were vortexes (vortexi?) everywhere.


I found the love cactus on our hike.

Minnesota with Cherries on Top

We spent a long weekend in Minnesota, unpacking (and then repacking) J's entire childhood in two days while his parents prepared for their big move. His mom taught me how to bake his favorite dessert from childhood...but I bet it won't taste the same when I make it (and it shouldn't, really...)

Home Sweet Home

We didn't know what to expect when we moved to Central Harlem two years ago. We bought our apartment because it had space and light, and we imagined that we could sprawl out there, and not need to move on for a while. We were moving from the Upper West Side, and the new neighborhood seemed to reflect our new apartment: there was space and light, and we a feeling that it was a place that we could grow with and into. And as it turns out, that feeling was right.

Perfect Day in Buenos Aires, No. 2

My second perfect day in Buenos Aires (and fully interchangeable with the first perfect day).

I would start the second day in San Telmo, especially if it happens to be a Sunday. On Sundays, the streets of San Telmo become a feria, with magicians, antiques and tango dancers all competing for attention. Stop for a cortado at Bar Dorado, or a big bowl of pasta at Bar Federal. If you have room left over, try a delicious ice cream at Dylan.

In the evening, head to Voulezbar in Palermo for a delicious meal in a lovely setting.

My two perfect days in Buenos Aires

The dark forces of work stranded me alone in Buenos Aires for many more days then originally expected, but it turned into the perfect way to spend an early fall week in South America. I've boiled my favorites into two ideal days of wandering in lovely Buenos Aires...


Perfect Day #1

Try to wake up early to avoid the other tourists at Recoleta cemetary. It's a little creepy to be all alone in a cemetary where tombs the size of small houses tower above you, but it's worth it to be alone with the feral cats. Evita's tomb, piled with flowers, is on the left if you face inward through the main gate.

After the cemetary, pass through knick-knacks in the Recoleta feria and then its a simple decision -- empanadas or ice cream? It's an easy walk to Una Altra Volta (Avenida Santa Fe 1826 on the corner of Avenida Callao in Recoleta) for delicious helado, which was more like gelato. I tried a few flavors and chocolate amargo (a bitter, dark chocolate flavor) won my taste test, but I bet that you won't go wrong with any selection. If you are craving a more substantial meal, try La Cumana (Rodriguez Pena 1149 between Arenales and Santa Fe in Recoleta), for delicious empanadas and clay pots of locro (a thick stew with corn, beef and pumpkin).

In the afternoon, check out Palermo SoHo. Begin at Plaza Palermo Viejo or Plaza Cortazar, and then wander to the other -- the blocks are lined with boutiques and cafes. It's the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. If you are still hungry after an afternoon of empanadas and ice cream, try La Cabrera (5099 José Antonio Cabrera in Palermo Viejo), by far the best parilla that I visited in the city (and believe me, the parilla list was long). Ojo de bife and a delicious malbec...