Park’s Edge December 30, 2009

Park’s Edge   913 Bernina Ave NE  Atlanta Inman Park   404-584-7275   www.parksedgeatl.com

Park’s Edge is nestled in Inman Park, off the beaten path.  But don’t be fooled because this little spot has a ton of charm!  From the different dining rooms to the eclectic menu, this gem is sure to win you over!  I enjoyed a fabulous brunch with close friends and tried the steak & eggs with chimmi churri sauce & home fries, the Crab Benedict with Smoked Salmon (buttermilk biscuit, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce), Chicken & Waffles, and the Demi’s Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Pancakes & applewood smoked bacon.  Everything was fabulous!  So much so that after I posted my pictures on Facebook, a friend went the very next weekend and ordered the same items and raved about it.  Chef Jorge Pacheco’s creations are bound to delight your taste buds and the $8 bottomless Bellinis & Mimosas are absolutely fantastic.

Prohibition December 30, 2009

Prohibition   56 E. Andrews Drive, Atlanta  www.prohibitionatl.com

The new swanky lounge with the 1920′s underground speakeasy theme is now open.  Although it is not a members only club, you do have to be in the know to get in ;)  The bar is unmarked so you have to find the old fashioned London phone booth at East Andrews and dial the right number. Once you secure the evening password, you will enter through the secret passageway.  The drink menu consists of very intricate drink concoctions crafted by their mixologists.  Be warned, they are very stiff drinks!  Its a nice, upscale alternative to the other Buckhead bars but I would definitely say this is a man’s lounge.  The soft lighting, oak paneled walls, and the humidor that houses more 30 types of cigars caters to distinguished gentlemen. It is a nice experience none the less.

Aurum Lounge December 4, 2009

Aurum Lounge At Metropolis  915 Peachtree St NE  Midtown   404-815-9426

Latin for “gold”, this new swanky little spot in Midtown is a hidden gem.  I went with some friends last night & had a blast.  Gold & cream hues deck out this cozy spot with accents like croc-skinned stools & gold-glittered lighting embellishments hung from chains.

They serve up nibbles & libations while the DJ spins various sounds, including international, R&B, 80′s jams, reggae, and techno depending on the night.  I tried all four of their pizzas and my favorites were the pesto chicken & the one with jam and honey.  Topped off with a few olives.

I really liked the energy of the place.  It feels a lot like a chic hotel lobby (W hotel vibe).  Long Leather couches & cozy booths to lounge if that’s more your speed.  Definitely a scene for young professionals & singles.

Classy, Sophisticated, Beautifully designed venue & smoke free!

I will be going back soon!

The Brass Rail December 3, 2009

The Brass Rail  135 Washington St   Hoboken, NJ  07030

201-659-7074   www.thebrassrailnj.com

In the heart of historic downtown Hoboken is a charming, restored landmark that serves up an amazing breakfast.  Rich, deep colors contrast the wood  throughout the main level and depending on your mood, you can sit in a cozy booth, at a high table, upstairs in a more elegant room, or at the bar with a few flatscreens.  No matter where you choose to enjoy your experience, you can’t go wrong.
I happily sipped on their $5 mimosas paired with my two course brunch.  My first dish was the Lump Crab Nachos with black beans, fresh tomato & guacamole.  It was fresh, and easy to pick at while I waited for my main entree.  I ordered the Lemon Pepper Smoked Salmon with two sunny side eggs and brioche toast topped with orange custard.  I had to slow down and truly savor every bite.  It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures.  Absolutely splendid!

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake December 3, 2009

Made by Molly stand at the Park Slope Farmers’ Market

Brooklyn, New York

OMG!  I don’t care if you’re a sweets person or not … if you want a foodgasm, you need to visit this stand in the park the next time you’re walking though Brooklyn.  Its been written about in the NY Times and its absolutely ahhh-mazing!

My friend and I were walking to have brunch this gorgeous Sunday morning and something in the dessert stand caught my eye (yes, dessert before breakfast-don’t judge me).  So we stopped and scoped out the stand.  While we were standing there in line, we noticed the NY Times article posted to the side.  We decided to give it a whirl and picked up a piece of the Gooey Butter Cake, along with a cookie, and red velvet cupcake.  They were heavenly ~

The cake itself has two different textures.  The bottom layer is extremely moist, dense, and “gooey” kind of like a Mediterranean baklava and the top layer is kind of crumbly & similar to cake.  It completely melts the second it hits your tongue.  Truly one of the best desserts I’ve EVER had!  And my friends who tried it agreed :)

Eat Pray Love December 3, 2009

I read this book a couple years ago when it was first published.  Its been on the NY Times Best Seller list and has received many accolades.  Its been referred to as the new “Bible for women” which I think is quite a stretch but I do think that Elizabeth Gilbert does touch a soft spot with women everywhere.

Its been a while since I’ve read it but this book came to mind when I was traveling last week.  A few events close to heart made me reflect on how we all can get lost in the pack every now and then.  I know that life can be overwhelming at times and the hours slip away and we’re always chasing to catch up but I think its healthy to always stop and reflect for a moment to make sure you’re “checked in” and present.  Because at the end of the day, when you lose focus and are pulled in too many directions, you start to become more and more invisible – hidden behind all the daily events.  I never want to be that woman who’s drowning in her to-do lists, shuffled around, and lost in the chaos … unhappy.  I am so thankful that I have been able to actively live the life that I want and make my decisions without compromise.  That has been a huge blessing and I hope that everyone, no matter their circumstances, becomes more aware of their dreams and follows their passion in life.  We should never lose hope.