Last Saturday night started out as any typical weekend night. We planned on staying around the Upper East Side and meeting up with a couple of friends around 9 p.m. What I thought was going to be a pretty low-key evening took a turn for something a little more exciting when Chris asked if we wanted to go to his friend’s 10 year reunion at Columbia University. My friend and I were definitely not dressed up enough to attend any sort of reunion, but once we were told there were free drinks we were sold. He knows our soft spot for anything free I guess! Plus, I’ve never been up to check out Columbia and had heard the campus was pretty beautiful so this was our shot to check a little of it out.

When we showed up our suspicions of being under-dressed were confirmed with formal attire. No one seemed to mind too much though as we hung out and jammed to 90’s tunes with the live band. Of what I saw of the campus it was beautiful! I’ve always loved exploring college campuses so it was nice to get a sneak peak at Columbia for the night. On our way back from the bathroom I did a little exploring and came across the Columbia lion statue that I had to take a picture with of course! 

Following the reunion we walked down the street to Koronet Pizzeria to grab a couple slices. I wasn’t hungry and passed, but everyone else got one, which ended up being the BIGGEST slice of pizza I have ever seen. This picture is taken on a standard size tray you’d see at a restaurant. 

Something I love about the weather being nice is all of the outdoor seating! Of course this isn’t something unique to New York, but there is quite a bit of outdoor seating. I think I like it more than anything because everyone in the city has come out of their winter hibernations and are out and about again! It’s such a refreshing feeling after such a rough winter where walking more than a block outside made you reconsider your plans. In the last week or two we’ve eaten out at a couple great places. Outside of course!

Wicker Park- If you’re in the mood for some chicken strips on the Upper East Side theirs are great! Their honey mustard sauce is fantastic too, and I should know being a condiment fanatic.

Johnny Foxes- Another place on the Upper East Side to check out! We went for brunch and it was delicious and reasonably priced. Better yet, they offer two free drinks each with brunch! We just ordered orange juice, but this even included their mimosas and bloody marys, which could be worth more than the cost of food in itself

Uva- Mmmm that is what there is to say about Uva! Handmade pasta and some of the best Italian I’ve had in the city. My friend Donna talked me in to splitting polenta with some kind of cream sauce as an appetizer too and it was incredible! 

No matter where you choose to eat, if you get a chance take advantage of the nice weather and grab a seat outside!

I’ve had an itch to go bowling since moving to the city. I used to go all the time in Portland with friends because it was a cheap form of entertainment for the weekend. Cheap in the city? As you may guess, not so much.. In fact it’s kind of an expensive activity here. Instead of the $15 we paid for shoes/lane/2hours of bowling in Portland is pushing $40-50 here. Bummer right?! 

When my boss decided to plan a bowling surprise party for her husband you can bet that I was jumping for joy! After the month of planning the day had finally come this weekend! WOH HOH! We went to Frames bowling at Port Authority and I guess I understand why it’s a little pricier here. It was pretty darn nice! The whole alley was lined with big screened tvs with dim lighting and couches to sit on. It kind of reminded me of the really nice bowling alley they put in at South Center a couple of years ago by the mall. It ended up being such a fun time! Andre was surprised, everyone got along well, anddddd the best part?! I won both games on my lane! Oh yes! Had to make my Portland counterparts proud :)