This weekend our dear friends, Meg and Spencer, are visiting from Atlanta. Since sophomore year of college, Meg and I have been incredibly close. We suffered through college finals, the same major, many dramatic college moments, more than one late night Sig Ep party, and so much more. Now, even though we live almost a thousand miles apart, we’re as close as ever. When we are reunited, a few times per year, it’s like no time has passed!
Due to work and marathon craziness, I wasn’t in hostess mode until late this week. I quickly realized that I forgot to make reservations for Friday and Saturday night dinner. If it wasn’t a holiday weekend in New York City than it wouldn’t have been such a big deal. But, this is the first holiday tourist weekend and all of the restaurants on our wish list were booked. While my Twitter friends provided some great suggestions, it ended up being Bo who discovered last night’s restaurant, Duo NYC.
Located between Flatiron and Murray Hill, just a few short blocks from our apartment, Duo was opened four months ago by Lorraine and Sabina Belkin. The two sisters, who were raised in the restaurant industry, wanted to create a chic yet classic environment for “patrons to enjoy their show stopping contemporary American dishes” while creating a party atmosphere.
Based on the amazing reviews it has received thus far, we were surprised when we entered at 8pm to find the restaurant only half full. But, as the evening continued, this changed quickly. Upon sitting down we were greeted by the fanciest menus I’ve ever seen: fully backlit menus!
They were fun and perfect for the dark restaurant. While waiting for Bo we ordered cocktails and appetizers. Their cocktail menu is extensive and each one we ordered was fabulous! We sampled the pomegranate mojito and the Forbidden.
We can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience. The service was beyond amazing, exchanging one mixed drink and one entree for free during the evening, and very attentive. The appetizers and the roasted vegetable pasta were by far the standouts of the evening.
A perfect location for a fun dinner with friends or a celebration, we certainly hope that Duo NYC makes a place for itself in the New York City restaurant scene!
After weeks of seeing Ali’s gorgeous pictures and Central Park running recaps, I finally got my ass up to Central Park for a morning run!
I went to sleep at 10 last night, so I could wake up bright and bushy tailed at 5:05! My goal for the week was to complete a Central Park run before leaving for Atlanta. Each week I talk about running outside, but always find myself inside Equinox on a boring treadmill.
This morning I enjoyed my first pre-work Central Park run EVER! I loved every single second of it!
Even though I had the challenge of being outside versus on a treadmill, I was able to maintain a great pace the whole run!
Mile 1 9:56
Mile 2 9:55
Mile 3 9:49
Mile 4 9:33
Mile 5 9:34
Mile 6 9:55
Mile 6-6.9 9:35
I used the 63rd street Equinox as my “home base” this morning, arriving by 5:45 so I could drop off my purse and change of clothes, before heading towards Central Park. From Equinox, I ran up Park until 68th street where I cut over towards Central Park.
The windows and buildings in the Upper West Side are absolutely gorgeous!
Once I hit the park, I headed towards the Reservoir, where I wanted to do some speed work on the nice soft, flat surface.
The park was lush with Spring growth and filled with other runners and cyclists enjoying the amazing weather!
I said hello to my dog friend before heading up towards Cat Hill.
The cyclists were so fast!! I saw multiple groups training together including the Lipstick Triathlon team!
Oh hello Cat Hill! I focused on my form and sprinting up the hill as quickly as possible!
Once reaching the Reservoir I was pleasantly surprised to find functioning water fountains. During the winter months the city turns off the water fountains as a cost saving method and you never know when they’ll turn them back on.
I stretched for a second and then enjoyed a few sips of water before tackling speed training on the reservoir path. My goal was to maintain less than a 9:40 pace during my loops. Seeing Ali inspired me to be even faster as she sprinted right by me while I stretched!
Check out the gorgeous scenery I enjoyed while I looped the reservoir!
I chased this guy for a quarter mile before finally passing him!
By the end of my last lap I was exhausted!
But not too exhausted to savor one last glance of the skyline before heading back towards Equinox.
6.9 miles later I felt refreshed, excited to have finally run outside, and inspired for my upcoming races! Running at least once per week in Central Park has now become my number one workout goal! Yoga and swimming will come in good time but for now, I want to enjoy every last week of Spring weather before it gets hot and humid in New York City!
While in New York City, I’ve vowed to live life to the fullest; taking advantage of every great opportunity that comes my way.
Therefore, yesterday, at 4pm when my friend Jessie, with whom I attended University of Georgia, invited me to opening night of the Tribeca Film Festival, I put everything on hold to attend. I immediately cancelled my training appointment, told my manager about the opportunity, and dashed home to change before the event.
I didn’t know much about the event, just that it was going to be a star-studded opening along the Hudson River and rumor had it that Elton John was going to make an appearance after we watched his new documentary.
Don’t worry, I had no idea what to wear. I tried on four different outfits ranging from dresses to jeans until finally settling on my green silk JCrew blouse, skinny jeans, heels, jacket, and my aviators since the event was outside. I threw my Tory Burch flats on and slipped my heels into my purse in case the evening called for them. Within thirty minutes I was in a cab headed down to the Financial District.
It had been ages since I had been downtown and it was amazing to see the progress they had made on all the new development around Ground Zero.
Upon arriving, I was surprised how organized the area was. There was a very clear area for press, attendees, ticket pick-up, and the seating area.
Jessie snagged our snazzy blue wrist bands earlier in the day, by waiting in line for the free Tribeca Film Festival opening night tickets for the public. There were a few thousand people in attendance and there was a section for each wristband color, depending how early you got in line.
By 7pm, Jessie and I had taken our seats in the blue section, along the Hudson River. It was a gorgeous evening filled with a light breeze, sunshine, and blue sky. After a week of rain and overcast weather, this was a welcome surprise for all attendees!
We were surprised by the lack of food and alcohol vendors and instead decided that a Starbucks dinner of champions would have to suffice. We shared a yogurt and their fruit and nut plate along with a bottle of water. It was the perfect amount of food to keep us going until we could get a real meal after the show.
At 8pm, right on the dot, Dennis Leary, took the stage. He is just as sketchy on stage as he appears on television, and he didn’t exactly match the mood. However, he lightened the awkwardness by making jokes about MeatLoaf and Gary Busey. He also introduced the evening’s first act, The Bangles and PS 22 who performed “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
They were adorable, especially during their Egyptian dance, but not exactly what the crowd was expecting.
Jane Rosenthal, one of the Tribeca Film Festival’s founders, took the stage next and thanked everyone while also giving a brief history of the event. The event was started 10 years ago in hopes of bringing movies, businesses, and talent back to the Tribeca area after the tragic events of 9-11.
Tribeca which is held near the Ground Zero, was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001. Rosenthal in her speech thanked New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, filmmakers and the sponsors. "I could have never have imagined that we would find ourselves here today nearly a decade later," she said.
The evening’s documentary, Cameron Crowe’s “The Union” was introduced by Martin Scorsese, who has also been involved with the Tribeca Film Festival since its inception. He was exactly as I imagined, in his accent and stage presence. He talked about his passion for film and music and how they go hand in hand.
After his introduction, it was movie time! The hour and a half documentary, is the story of Elton John and Leon Russell’s making of their record, “The Union.”
The film shows John and Russell reuniting after having not spoken in 38 years and gives a behind-the-scenes glance at the writing and recording of the collaboration between John, John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin and Russell for the album that was released last year and debuted at No. 3 in the Billboard 200.
It also flashes back to old footage of both musicians in the early 1970s, snippets of guest musicians on "The Union" such as Brian Wilson and various sequences of John hailing Russell, now 69, as the greatest piano player that ever influenced him and crying when Russell composes "In the Hands of Angels" off "The Union."
The movie was interesting and quite entertaining as I didn’t know anything about Leon Russell before last night, nor did I know much about Elton John’s beginning. However, the true magic came at 10pm, when the movie ended and Sir Elton John graced the stage!
The incredible 64 year old singer and song-writer belted out six songs, including two of my favorites, “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man.” He also played our favorite song featured in the documentary, “Shiloh.”
As you can see from the video, he was absolutely amazing! I was elated that my FlipCam actually made its way into my purse last night and was able to capture this experience on film!
So, while I was sad that I wasn’t able to blog yesterday, my first day since January 1st to have missed a post, I think you’ll agree that having the opportunity to see Elton John and experience opening night of the Tribeca Film Festival, is more important. I can’t thank Jessie enough for the incredible opportunity and the very New York memory.
Question: Who is the best artist you’ve seen live in concert?
Due to work and marathon craziness, I wasn’t in hostess mode until late this week. I quickly realized that I forgot to make reservations for Friday and Saturday night dinner. If it wasn’t a holiday weekend in New York City than it wouldn’t have been such a big deal. But, this is the first holiday tourist weekend and all of the restaurants on our wish list were booked. While my Twitter friends provided some great suggestions, it ended up being Bo who discovered last night’s restaurant, Duo NYC. 
Based on the amazing reviews it has received thus far, we were surprised when we entered at 8pm to find the restaurant only half full. But, as the evening continued, this changed quickly. Upon sitting down we were greeted by the fanciest menus I’ve ever seen: fully backlit menus!
They were fun and perfect for the dark restaurant. While waiting for Bo we ordered cocktails and appetizers. Their cocktail menu is extensive and each one we ordered was fabulous! We sampled the pomegranate mojito and the Forbidden. 
We can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience. The service was beyond amazing, exchanging one mixed drink and one entree for free during the evening, and very attentive. The appetizers and the roasted vegetable pasta were by far the standouts of the evening.
A perfect location for a fun dinner with friends or a celebration, we certainly hope that Duo NYC makes a place for itself in the New York City restaurant scene! 
