Virginia's Long Island: The Blazer Pub in Purdys NY

Virginia's Long Island: The Blazer Pub in Purdys NY: "This is quite close to the home where I grew up . A popular hangout in Northern Westchester that is worth a stop if your are ever dri..."

The Blazer Pub in Purdys NY

This is quite close to the home where I grew up .  A popular hangout in Northern Westchester that is worth a stop if your are ever driving upstate on I684.  This is The Blazer Pub in Purdys, NY.  I have been there on many memorable occcasions.

My Dad had spent many Friday nights with his Knights of Columbus friends playing cards and enjoying the beer and friendship that is abundant at this Pub.  I spent many days and nights enjoying burgers and wings and an occasional beer. ;)



A sexy Bentley



One New Year's Eve, an ex-boyfriend and I were stopping into the bar on the way to Manhattan for a fancy party.  We were asked by a suave gentleman why we were dressed up and where were we celebrating.  Ten minutes into the conversation I realized we were conversing with Ralph Lauren (He had (has?) a home and horse farm in the area)! 

The Celsus Burger is my personal favorite - a juicy burger with swiss and bacon!  This is a place known for their burgers and their huge and crispy fries!

This afternoon was all about burgers.  Actually, the cute senior couple (who I think I recognized) who were sitting across from us were enjoying burgers!  At our table, my brother Bill, Sue, Andrew and I all ordered burgers. 

The Blazer Burger (above) that Andrew enjoyed was smothered with creamy blue cheese, carmelized sweet onions and mushrooms.  Andrew and I agreed that the onions were overpowering...but the burger was still awesome!

The Blazer has a great draft beer selection.  Andrew had a Smithwicks "frosty, cold goodness".  Andrew said it was the best Smithwicks he's ever had.  I had a chardonnay, somehow...

Bill and Sue had juicy burgers, too!  We all loved the bacony, cheesy goodness that is the Blazer Pub Grub!  What a great place to hang with your friends!



I wasn't going to write a post about this today....but, I am drunkenly dedicating this to Margaret, Laura, Karin, Melissa and Rosemary!  Cheers!

Virginia's Long Island: My Celebratory Lunch at Porter House NYC

Virginia's Long Island: My Celebratory Lunch at Porter House NYC: "My Simple Life is getting a little complicated. Because of my New Year's Resolution to create a blog about Wine, Food and Fun, I have..."

My Celebratory Lunch at Porter House NYC

My Simple Life is getting a little complicated.  Because of my New Year's Resolution to create a blog about Wine, Food and Fun, I have created a little buzz and am branching out a bit.  I was in Manhattan, meeting a Doctor who I will be helping with her Social Media.  After my meeting, I wanted to celebrate in the Columbus Circle Mall - a stellar place to hang!

I chose Porter House - Michael Lomonaco's beautiful restaurant.  And yes, I had a heart stopping moment when Michael and I smiled at each other!  I hope, with my eyes,  I conveyed my utter respect for a hero of New York Cuisine.

I settled in and checked out the wine list.  I was trying to figure out what I wanted when the Sommelier stopped by and offered some advice based on what I liked.  I chose the Jean-Marc Brocard 'Domaine Chablis', Burgandy 2009.  ($16 glass)  I really like the pure, clean taste of French Chablis.  White Burgandies are right up my alley!



I was pleased to find a 3 course lunch special on the menu and that I arrived in time for it.  For $24.07, they offer a prix fixe lunch menu every day!  I will definately return for this awesome deal!  I chose to start with a Caesar salad from the prix fixe menu and a selection from the appetizer menu - a wonderful crispy yet creamy crab cake ($20).  This was by far the freshest and tastiest crab cake I have ever had.  The horseradish-mustard cream was surprisingly light.  These choices went really well with the Chablis.

Then, I switched to a different glass of wine.  I chose a Chardonnay, L'Angevin 'Three Squares', Russian River Valley 2008.  ($16 glass)  This went well with my Angus Rib Eye Steak Frites in a nice red wine sauce. 

I felt like I was getting away with something.  This steak was definately worth more than the prix fixe price!  It was so tender and perfectly cooked.



I have to admit that I was stuffed, so I asked to take the flourless chocolate torte home.  It was delicious - the top was like a cookie and the bottom part was creamy and decadent.  Such a good ending to a wonderful day!

I am a happy girl!  Dreams come true.



Virginia's Long Island: Strolling Around The Columbus Circle Mall NYC with...

Virginia's Long Island: Strolling Around The Columbus Circle Mall NYC with...: "I was in Manhattan on a misty day for a meeting about helping someone with their Social Media needs. I was a block away from the Colu..."

Strolling Around The Columbus Circle Mall NYC with Salvador Dali

I was in Manhattan on a misty day for a meeting about helping someone with their Social Media needs.  I was a block away from the Columbus Circle Mall and I am always tempted to stop in when I am passing by.  Andrew and I ate at Landmarc last year - an epic lunch with a memorable Foie Gras dish and lovely half bottles of wine.

This time around I had a celebratory lunch at Porter House.  I will add a post about that nice meal in a bit.

I was shocked to find that there was a huge art exhibit called "Salvador Dali - The Vision of a Genius"!  There were ENORMOUS statues on every floor and an exhibit of smaller statues.  What a nice surprise!  The exhibit runs from March 1st through April 30th.  If you have the means, you can buy one or two.

I had some time to kill before my meeting, so I strolled.

Since I didn't have an extra $700k lying around for a statue purchase, I opted for a few cookbooks from Borders.

That reminds me - I really need a mani-pedi!

Virginia's Long Island: Malaga Restaurant - A Spanish Charmer in NYC

Virginia's Long Island: Malaga Restaurant - A Spanish Charmer in NYC: "Malaga is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Andrew and I find ourselves on the Upper East Side of Manhattan alot and we almost..."