Date Night Sushi

Two of my friends do date night once a week. Sort of like the Obamas. 

Last week, though, we all and a number of different things to celebrate and we decided to crash date night and make it a group party.

Handsome Paul (I am not actually sure how this nickname got started--Paul probably owes one of the guys for this) pulled us some strings and got us a reservation at Sushi Samba. We sat upstairs by the window.

We started with the Otsumami, which was an assortment of edamame, green bean tempura (my favorite), and shishito and of course drinks!

Then the fun really began. I had the Seviche de Mariscos which included lobster, crab, and shrimp in coconut milk--and in a real coconut. 

When I was finished I wished I hadn't eaten it so fast!

I resolved myself to pick at everyone else's meals too. 

Including the super fabulous coconut rice.

The Sea Bass skewers and peruvian corn were a particular favorite.

For those crazy people, like Danielle, who aren't fans of fish, there's more than just sushi here.

For dessert we did Samba S'mores--another Handsome Paul pick--and wow were they awesome. 

We had twelve people so everyone got a s'more. 

The gooey marshmallow outside was well suited to holding it over the fire.

Then inside was ice cream, cake, and chocolate--like an ice cream cake pop s'more.

I'm happy to crash Jaida and Paul's date nights any time. 

Tea Time!

Brunch is a thing in New York. It's pretty much a noun, an adjective, and a verb. One of my favorite brunch spots with the most amazing tea and scones is Alice's Tea Cup.

So yesterday, that's where we went.

There are several "chapters" throughout the city. Chapter 1 is on the Upper West Side, currently half hidden under some scaffolding. 

The atmosphere is the second best part. In addition to tea and scones--and really amazing food, there are odes to Alice and Wonderland, including tea sets and treats and books and even tiaras.

We were taken back into the red room. 

There's often a pretty long wait at Alice's so we made a special reservation for Tea Service. We had three teapots with Roobios Bourbon, Jasmine Monkey King, and Birthday Black teas.

Our tea trays arrived with scones, sandwiches and desserts. 

That's chocolate mousse with whipped cream and sprinkles, cookies and mocha cake.

It was all quite delicious. Pumpkin scones, buttermilk scones, chocolate chip and salted caramel scones. Ham and gruyere and chicken curry sandwiches. Oh and the chocolate mousse.

We were pleased.

Next time I want to dress up like the people in the pictures that line the red room.

They also have goodies to go--and a recipe book.

I've had a sick dog for several days (she's finally feeling better!) and this was definitely what I needed.