Good morning everyone! I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday! My morning started at 6 with a personal training session. This morning’s session was probably 60% arms, 20% legs, 20% abs which means that right now I can barely lift my iced coffee to my lips.  Ouch!

Theodora and I are going to try and stretch out our muscles tonight at yoga so hopefully that will help my muscles. Or, by the last downward dog I may just want to crawl out of the yoga studio. We’ll see.

This morning’s commute was another steamer. The New York City subway system is a wonderful gift to have approximately 300 days per year. You don’t have to worry about snow blocking the roads, ice storms, or traffic. But, for two months each year you get to deal with every other person’s body odor, sweat, and stickiness. Trust me, it’s not pretty.

After such a hot commute, I was ready for a cool breakfast. An iced coffee along side banana cinnamon oats. After making the oats I stuck them in the fridge for 15 minutes to cool. It was a refreshing change!

I’m sure by now you all are wondering about today’s title. Outdoor dining in New York is lovely except when the city is a sauna.

Last night I met Gabriella, Theodora, and Tina at Birreria for a delicious dinner date. Located 14 floors above Madison Square Park, Birreria is Eataly’s rooftop restaurant and brewery which features fresh cask brews and delicious food. Unfortunately, fans are quite sparse up there which means we were each glistening by the time we left.

Last night’s experience was similar to my first in that the food and service was wonderful. I also had a chance to try a new beer and new salad which just proved to me that Birreria can do more than just sausage and beer well.

The weather held out, allowing us time to catch up on the rooftop deck. The conversation ranged from blog drama to Gabriella’s new culinary adventure.

After a bite of bread dipped in their delicious olive oil, I was excited for my entree.

Three of us went with this salad which was unexpectedly delicious. I ordered the insalata cotta cruda, with bibb lettuce, wax beans, potato, roasted onions, asparagus, tomatoes, olives, capers and red wine vinaigrette.  The mix of capers, roasted onions, and mixed potatoes gave it a unique texture and the portion was just enough to leave me satiated but not stuffed.

I paired this dish with a side of their krauti, or sauerkraut, which was wonderful but too large a portion.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening and I definitely think Eataly is on to something.

Life is too short not to eat well…in good company.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!