Author: lolitaandthecity@gmail.com

Sunday Brunch: Kickshaw

Commit storefront to memory, otherwise you’ll pass it by.

There are lots of restaurants that specialize in one type of food dish in New York City. There’s restaurants just for peanut butter sandwiches, dumplings, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese.

The Queens Kickshaw is no different.

Located in the heart of Astoria, Kickshaw has become a fast go-to place for a hip coffee shop that happens to serve one of the ultimate comfort foods, grilled cheese, with adult tastes. 

Gritty ceilings and construction-style lights.

Just to warn you it can be a bit difficult to find. Of course then once you’re inside you get the impression that you’re in Brooklyn and not Queens.

Really admired the lighting.
New York humor.
Remember you are in Queens.

The decor is very simple and rustic, complete with long community-style tables. Kickshaw is laptop friendly and provides wifi. And if you need a fix they also provide take out coffee growlers. But onto the most important part of the tour: the food!

A plain Gruyere and Brioche with tomato soup. Just like mom use to make.

The menu is simple — it is grilled cheese after all.  Each grilled cheese sandwich is paired with a soup or salad that compliments each grilled cheese flavor.  Isn’t grilled cheese just cheese and bread? How can there be more than one flavor of cheese?

This is not your ordinary grilled cheese with American Kraft.

You have your choice of Gruyere, Manchego, Mozzerella, Gouda, Feta, or Blue Cheese. And instead of white Wonder Bread, you’ve got brioche (fiance is a big fan of this), foccacia, cranberry-walnut, and multigrain for the boring types.

For more mouth-watering photos check out their website.  I thought I had some more photos of food, but apparently I decided it was better to keep this place a secret and not photograph the evidence.

Prices are pretty cheap for New York City ($8-$10), but remember to bring cash as Kickshaw doesn’t take plastic.  Big groups are fine, but the service will be a bit slower.  And if you are strictly a Manhattan person, Queens Kickshaw might convince you to venture out into the boroughs.

The Queens Kickshaw
40-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11103
718-777-0913

Never Let Go – Titanic 100th Anniversary Events

Ticket from Titanic Exhibition

On April 15th, 1912 the R.M.S. Titanic sank below the Atlantic and we have never able to let go of its tragedy and history since. For 100th anniversary there are several events going around the world to remember and celebrate the passengers who died and survived.

If you stop by the South Street Seaport, one of the first things you’ll see is a lighthouse. That lighthouse serves as a memorial for all the people brought to port.  Note: The South Street Seaport location was not it’s original spot and moved for historical preservation.

Here are a few of the events going on in NYC in honor of the centennial:

  • Join the South Street Seaport for their exhibition about the history and fascination with the ship’s sinking.
  • Queens College will be showcasing documents collected from people who wrote about the days following the sinking.
  • Seamen Church Institute examines the effort from local New Yorks did to help the survivors.
  • Watch Julian Fellows (Gosford Park, Downton Abbey) Titanic miniseries April 14 and 15. Bonus: seeing the newest Doctor Who companion in action. 
  • Gemini & Scorpio are holding a Drowned Ball at the Zanger Hall
  • Titanic in 3D is now playing in select theaters. 

    Caps upon caps – Easter Bonnet Parade 2012

    What does your hat say about you?

    I’ll be on a bus ride back from Boston and will be sadly missing an iconic New York event. While the event is more unofficial excuse to dress up and put that glue gun you bought years ago to use, it is a fun spectacle to watch, see, and perhaps participate.

    During the Victorian era, churchgoers not only wore their Sunday Best but also display their wealth through their extravagant hats.  Now it’s become a Hallmark ritual on how fanciful or ridiculous you can make/wear

    Decorate an old hat you have no use for or get those brain juices flowing with creativity. Peeps are optional but very effective.  Plus you bought Happy Garden for this very reason.

    Check out pictures taken from last year for some last-minute ideas.
     
    Easter Parade
    April 8th, 2012
    10AM – 4PM
    49th-57th Streets (along 5th Avenue)

    Cupcake of the Week: Sugar Fairy Cake + Mini Review

    When Angelic Pretty came out with Sugar Fairy Cake, I had to get it. I reserved the mint version since this would be the most subtle of colors and I’m not one who normally does candy-inducing Sweet Lolita outfits.  
    Now that Angelic Pretty has a US website, the reservation process was pretty easy, and when the shipment came in the store sent me an email (and voicemail!) that they had plenty of accessories.  So as a last-minute purchase I bought a matching headbow that came with the order (with no additional shipping charges. 
    Seeing it in person, I’m glad I made this purchase. It’s very pale and will work well with retro-styled and SweetXClassic coordinates.

    Sunday Brunch: Penelope

    Penelope is one of those places that you see a line out the door and wonder what the fuss is all about. I’ve passed by this place every so often, asking the wait times and see what is reasonable. So far no luck with 45 minutes to two hour wait times.

    So we decided to take matters into our own hands. We set the alarm for 7AM and headed out early to literally catch the worm.

    At 8:30AM there was still a wait, but only for a reasonable 10 minutes. As soon as we were seated I understood the reason for the waits. Penelope is tiny. Unlike Tea & Sympathy, Penelope has limited space but enough room for people to move.

    I ordered the “Punkin Waffle” – pumpkin waffles with apple butter, dried cranberries, cinnamon-cardamom pecans, and baked apple slices. It was incredibly delicious and tasted like homemade pumpkin bread. Despite the early wake-up call I could only finish only half.

    The price is reasonable despite the long waits. However both of us felt while it was good, the wait wasn’t that worth it. If you are passing by and you’re willing to wait, check out Penelope.

    By the time we left the wait was well around 30 people. This was around 10:30AM.  For a few waitees, Penelope is a very gracious host and offers hot drinks while you wait, as I saw several people with mugs in hand.

    Penelope
    159 Lexington Ave
    New York, NY 10007
    212-481-3800

    Raiding the Bank at Trinity Place, Bachelorette Style

    No Secret Passwords Needed.

    I’m not one to talk about work, but today my co-workers were kind enough to take me out to lunch for a bachelorette luncheon at Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant. 

    What’s fun and very unique about this place is that it’s was originally a bank vault in the Trinity Building.  An ideal and archetype place for two stock brokers and the like to talk business.

    Trinity does not have a dress code, but ideally it should be kept business casual or very toned down Lolita (natural hair only, please).

    One person brought sparkling wine to enjoy the celebration, which the waiter was kind enough to pour for everyone, sommelier-style. The menu is very reminiscent of a speakeasy/high end bar menu with Guinness Pie, Kobe Burger, Duck Confit as entrees. 

    The occassional called for Prosecco.

    Since this was a party in my honor, I decide to splurge and ordered the Duck Confit with English Peas and Bacon.  The duck was crisp and the risotto just as cheesy.  I only wished there was more.  It was incredibly filling and I only had an Apple Cinnamon crepe for dinner.

    Everything tastes better with bacon.

    Also a big note is that since Trinity Place is located in the Financial District lunch was pricey at $20 per person.  It is well worth it. Though make sure to act like big money and you’ll get treated as such, since service was a bit slow with the credit cards. 

    Princess for the Day.

    During the whole event they gave well wishes, as well as a felt crown with little pockets of Post-It notes with advice on how to have a long and happy marriage.

    This was my favorite out of all of them.

    God Save My Shoes Movie Now Playing

    If you are into Lolita fashion, you probably obsessed with shoes.  Whether it’s the bows and thin straps of teaparty kitten heels or the chunky ballerina style that defines rocking horse shoes, you probably have a growing collection of fancy footwear just for Lolita. 

    However you probably don’t have anything on the people in God Save My Shoes.  This movie examines shoe fetishes to the extreme.  Perhaps otaku is a better word since most of the women in this movie are literally shoe collectors keeping them under lock and key.

    See shoe closets that rival Carrie Bradshaw’s and bring some peace of mind that you only own 30 pairs.
      
    Quad Cinema
    34 West 13th Street
    New York, NY 10011
    (212) 255-8800

    Creatures of the Light: Bioluminesence 3/29/12 – 1/6/13

    Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium – 2010

    When I was younger I was really fascinated by the deep ocean and the sea life you couldn’t see with the naked eye. My favorite was the angler fish with it’s glowing fishing rod. For those who aren’t familiar with this fish perhaps you remember the scene in Finding Nemo when Dory and Marlin chase after the scuba mask. The fish with the terrifying jaws and the glowing antenna was the angler fish.

    On Saturday, March 31st, the American Museum of Natural History presents an exhibit about all the organisms who have glowing personalities. It will explore why they glow and for what purposes – if it’s to lure food, scare predators, attract a mate, or simply just for show.

    This exhibit is going to be around until early 2013, but if you are eager like I am see it early before the crowds turn into mobs.  “Creatures of the Light” is an ongoing exhibit, so all you need pay is general admission.

    Princess Jellyfish outfits not required.


    Creatures of the Light: Nature’s Bioluminesence
    March 31, 2012 – January 6, 2013
    American Museum of Natural History
    Central Park West at 79th Street
    New York, NY, 10024
    212-769-5100

    Cupcake of the Week : Ditsy Cupcake Shoppers Tote

    When I went to Max Brenner’s with a group of friends, I was quickly fixated on this tote bag.  At first I didn’t believe her when she said she got it Forever 21, so I decided to do some research.

    Forever21 has coyly branded it the “Ditsy Cupcake Shoppers Tote.” Honestly not sure where the ditsy part is, unless you’re ditsy enough to pass this deal up.

    It’s a $1.50 so you really can’t go wrong with a giant bag for groceries and the like.