Fall in Central Park and a Baby Photo Session

Autumn in Central Park is absolutely dreamy. While the spring produces cherry blossoms, bright green leaves, and vibrant blues, purples, and pinks, fall is its own kind of beauty. It's like nature's last hurrah before winter, the trees releasing their final pigment of color before all of the leaves fall off. Strolling in the park, bundled up in a beanie and scarf and thick sweater, the ground is golden with leaves and the crisp air is something magical.

It's been a very slow progress into cooler weather this fall. There have been extremely sunny days that only require a light sweater, interspersed with a cooler day every now and then. I am absolutely loving it! It's that beautiful in-between stage, where we are right on the cusp of winter and all of the holidays, but not quite their yet.  

This past weekend was so busy, but so much fun! My parents flew into New Haven, CT on a layover, so we drove up and met them for the day on Saturday. We explored the Yale campus and the few shops and restaurants around the area. On Sunday I met up with one of my good friends from high school who was visiting, Amber, and her sweet 9 month old baby boy Benji. (I am in LOVE!) We got cookies from Magnolia Bakery and then ate them on a picnic blanket in Central Park. I took some mommy-baby photos, and he is just the cutest nugget ever!!!!!!! Overall, it was a lovely busy weekend with gorgeous weather and good food and great people. 

West Harlem/Hamilton Heights Restaurant Guide

While most people don't travel northward of 125th unless they are heading to their own apartment, West Harlem—and specifically the Hamilton Heights area—have a few hidden gems that are worth the trek for any food-lover. If you want to have an adventure, take the 1 or ABCD trains and get off at the 145th station. Then, continue by eating at a few of my favorite places in the neighborhood!

• The Hand-Pulled Noodle

If there was only one meal I could eat for the rest of my life, it would be noodles from the Hand Pulled Noodle. Chewy, perfectly seasoned, fresh, and steaming hot, the noodles here are made fresh to order and prepared with such care you can taste the love in each bite. Boasting as one of the few places in the Northeast to serve this style of Northwestern Chinese food, it is the only place of its kind in NYC. While the restaurant is small on space, the cozy atmosphere is inviting and modern. Other things on the menu include steamed bao, fried and steamed dumplings, and scallion pancakes.

What to order: Seriously everything! or Lagman noodles with chicken and veggie stir fry, pork and chives dumplings

• Harlem Public

Two doors down from The Handpulled noodle sits a dark pub with amazing bar food. Always packed with locals as well as visitors from other parts of the city, Harlem public has a wide range of beers on tap that change almost every week. They also serve incredible cocktails, including a Pop Rocks margarita and my personal favorite, the Adalyn, which is a Rosemary, lemon, cucumber and gin concoction of refreshing goodness. The appetizer list is diverse, including a creamy Mac and Steez with pulled pork, Mauricio's Guac, avocado fries, and fried pickles. For other food choices, the BLT is a solid choice as well as the Harlem Public burger with peanut butter.

What to order: Avocado fries, Mauricio’s Guac, any Harlem Public Burger

• Bono Trattoria

For authentic Italian food and pizza with the freshest ingredients, head over to Bono. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a gigantic wood-fired oven set in the center of the restaurant offer a comfortable, upscale, and lively ambiance. The pizza is unbelievably fresh and made-to-order, with a crust that perfectly straddles the line between chewy and crispy. Other menu items include a variety of salads, authentic Italian pastas, appetizers, and a selection of wines and beers on tap. It is one of my favorite places to go for fresh Italian food and a drink after work.

What to Order: Bona pizza (sweet sausage, roasted peppers, tomato sauce and mozzarella), Roasted Beets salad, Strangozzi

• Geisha Sushi

With a dark and moody atmosphere, Geisha Sushi isn’t your typical Hamilton Heights restaurant. Easy to overlook, it offers a fresh sushi line-up with a variety of rolls, bento boxes, and other small plates. When I want something healthy and on the lighter side, this is my go-to. The careful presentation is thoughtful and plated beautifully, and the service is always attentive and engaging. Although they do not serve alcohol, it is BYOB, without a corkage fee. For dessert, try the fried oreos!

What to Order: Fire Island Roll, Manhattan Roll, Shrimp Tempura main dish

• The Grange

Rustic and unique, The Grange offers a welcome respite to city life with its farm-like décor and cozy interior. Browse the antiques on the walls near the bar, the vintage mirrors, and antique chandelier. Both a bar and restaurant, they serve a unique menu with a focus on comfort food and use seasonally fresh ingredients. The parmesan garlic fries are to die for, and the croquettes (when ingredients are in season) are perfectly crisp and satisfying. The salads are all equally fresh and filling, and the grass-fed beef burger on brioche roll is big and flavorful. I love coming here for the drinks, the atmosphere, and the comfort food!

What to Order: Fromage and Charcuterie plate, Croquettes, Garlic Fries

Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

We ate pizza and black and white cookies and drank wine and sang karaoke. The best part was when all of the guys sang "I Want it That Way" and knew every word!!! Then we went to Brother Jimmy's where Kristen knew most everyone there so we got half off our loaded nachos and got free pickleback shots. Basically, New York City is insane on Halloween! The subways were completely full like they are at rush hour, but it was 2 AM, and almost everyone was in costume!

Mac and cheese falls into the category of one of my favorite foods of ALL time. I love making quick stovetop mac and cheese, like this one, but if you have time baked mac and cheese is even better. The butternut squash adds the flavor of fall and adds a touch of sweetness to the mac and cheese. It also allows the recipe to be slightly healthier than normal because it contains less cheese since the squash replaces it. This was so yummy and if you love mac and cheese, you should try it!!

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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (serves 2-3)

Ingredients:

• ½ butternut squash
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tbl. butter
• 2 tsp. flour
• 6 oz. cheddar
• 8 oz. pasta shells
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp. paprika

Directions: Slice butternut squash in half, and remove outer skins. Dice one half of the squash into small cubes. In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and cook butternut squash over medium heat, stirring periodically, until lightly browned on the outside. While squash is cooking, cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside. Season squash with salt and pepper to taste, and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Remove from pan and place in small bowl.

In same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour until thick. Add milk, paprika, and bay leaf, and continue stirring. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Slowly add in cheese, a little at a time, and continue stirring until melted, for a few minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add mashed butternut squash to cheese mixture. Combine pasta with cheese-squash mixture, and top with fresh herbs of choice!

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