Month: March 2012

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.

Sunday Brunch: Max Brenner

As a New Yorker, I tend to avoid tourist places due to higher price points and the crowds (and the long waits).  However I do make an exception for Max Brenner‘s. 

Max Brenner was one of the first places my fiance took me too when I first moved to New York City.  I was amazed by the chocolate and the oddly designed drinkware.  As well as the food was modestly  We went there again a couple more times, but the price seemed more expensive and the wait suddenly was not worth it.

Making memories

Recently, I had the opportunity to go back.  ElleJay from Sherry and Cookies was in town and I was invited to a small get together.  Max Brenner was on the agenda and I decided to give it another chance. Thankfully there was brunch on the menu.

Since it was St. Patrick’s Day, most of the table splurged on drinks. 

Berry Nutty Professor
Peach Lemonade
Max’s White Russian
Tiramisu

I went with the Lazy Breakfast, presuming it was just your average “two eggs any style” staple. When it arrived I was very wrong and understood the “lazy” part of the title. I ordered and expected two eggs (sunnyside up) with bacon on the side and perhaps a roasted slice of tomato. Instead it was two fried eggs, tomato, and bacon bits as an omelette.  Which was delicious and became a Max Brenner convert once again (at least for it’s brunch menu). My only disappointment was that the eggs were more cooked through than a runny yolk I tend to prefer.

Lazy Breakfast.

On another note it also came with a sugar biscuit with butter and milk chocolate, as well as home fries. At first I was unsure how to use the chocolate, until it occurred that I could just drizzle it on the biscuit!

And the rest of our party’s lunches were just as delicious.

Pasta and paninis for everyone
Kobe Beef Burger that was split in half with waffle fries and chili mayo.

Taking into account that I was with Lolitas that day, we all chipped in for dessert.  There was a sharing plate, a fondue for two, and banana tempura.  And Max Brenner you should always save room for dessert, since chocolate is their specialty. Though be sure to share. This would be the only way you can finish without feeling guilty.

European Chocolate Fondue for two
A sampler plate of everything on the dessert menu. Fondue not pictured.
Banana Tempura

Max Brenner is restaurant with slightly higher prices and long waits. When we visited there was practically no wait. They don’t take reservations for small groups, so if you are on a date have some topics of conversation on hand.  But for chocolate it’s always well worth the wait.

Max Brenner
841 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
646-467-8803

Facebook Page, Con-going and Being a Tourist

Being a tourist for once!
  • Check out Lolita and the City’s Facebook Page and on Bloglovin’ for easier access to posts. I’m testing out the Timeline feature, so I greatly appreciate feedback!
  • I’ll be shipping off to AnimeBoston for some good old-fashioned reporting.
  • There’s a 80/20 probability I’ll be also heading to Chicago for C2E2, especially after this latest announcement. I’m shocked at the response of Lolitas in the area attending so hopefully I will get to meet some of you. 
  • If you know any cupcake or brunch places in either cities I could try please let me know!

Audrey Grace Pop-Up Shop + Preview 3/23 – 3/28

Audrey Grace is a small boutique in Mississippi that emulates all things beautifully vintage.  The name comes from two prominent fashion icons that represents Audrey Grace: Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Thanks to Small Girls PR, Audrey Grace is being a good Southern hostess and throwing a party in honor of opening a pop-up shop at the Highline Loft. There’ll be sweets, wine, music and of course lots of advantages to shop!

This Friday, March 23rd from 8-10PM, you’ll be able to preview shopwares and clothes from Audrey Grace, Erin Fetherston, Alexander Grecco, Rachel Antonoff, Lulu Frost, etc.

There’ll even be a performance by SuperCute!, a local tween band from Brooklyn whose fashion style could be inspired by cult party kei.

The event is free, but it’s strongly suggested to RVSP to make sure there’s enough bubbly for everyone.

If you have already made Friday night plans, the pop up shop is still open from March 24th – 28th 11AM – 8PM.  Check out their blog and Etsy for a preview of what to expect.

Audrey Grace Launch Party
Friday, March 23, 2012
8 – 10PM
The Highline Loft
508 W. 26th St
New York, NY 10001

Sunday Brunch: Laut

When in doubt, Laut.

 
Now it’s time for the other half of brunch: lunch!  There’s nothing wrong with eating breakfast at lunch time, but it’s nice to have a real lunch once in awhile.

I had originally discovered Laut through MalaysiaKitchen two years ago and was more than pleased with my experience.  Now I try to bring everyone I know there at least once.  Laut specializes in Malaysian, Singapore, and Thai food – a real Asian fusion.  And if Lillies Victorian Bar is full, this is right next door.
One of the reasons I wanted to go here was that Laut is one of the few places that serves tea tarik. Tea tarik is warm milk tea that is “pulled” or poured back and forth between two metal cups before serving. This makes the tea very frothy and a pretty nice spectacle to watch if your near the kitchen.

Tea Tarik in action at a  Malaysia canteen.

Roti is traditonally Indian, but they serve this at Laut as well since Malay food is also has Indian originas.  There are two kinds, Roti Canai and Roti Telur — both of which you can’t go wrong. Roti Canoi looks a very flaky funnel cake that you peel off and dip into sauces. Roti Telur looks more like a savory pancake with egg, peppers, and scallions.

Roti Telur straight from Malaysia

Roti Telur with curry dipping sauce. Curry Puffs are optional, but delicious

Laksa is another dish that is delicious and best served spicy. If you have watched No Reservations, this is a dish that Anthony Bourdain raves about a lot. Ironical a few weeks ago he even visited Laut to share his Singapore memories.  I will warn you that the laksa here is so spicy that you may not be able to reach the bottom.  I love spicy food as much as the next person and can take the heat too, but I had to throw in the towel and took at least half home.

Curry Laksa.

What I also like about Laut is that you can walk in almost any time and get a table. While this is an indicator of not-so great food, Laut it just means the food is so great that most people just don’t know about it. The price was average and affordable, and the service was OK. I put an OK because waiting for the check was a bit of a hassle.


Laut
15 E 17th St
New York, NY 10003
212-206-8989

CFDA’s You Can’t Fake Fashion Bags 2.0

Picture of 2011 You Can’t Fake Fashion Bag

In New York City it’s very easy to find counterfeits, sadly to say. Just today, I overheard two tourists about how they planned to go to Chinatown to “get a bag.” It’s cheaper and just as good as the real thing. However it’s not the real thing and the feeling of buying a counterfeit is not the same as buying the real deal.  It also takes away hard-earned money and work and effort designers go through just to make these. 

While Coach, Prada, and Louis Vuitton (or LV) are big brands, they still are hurt by the peddlers on the street.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America have teamed up with eBay’s Fashion Vault once again to bring shoppers and pro-activists together to promote the idea of support designers instead of counterfeiters. On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 you can check out the bags or buy a blank canvas and design your own. This year will have four different styles: the duffle tote, the satchel tote, the gear tote, and the bucket tote.

One initiative they started was created generic canvas bags with the phrase “You Can’t Fake Fashion.” CFDA also asked several designers to created their own one-of-a-kind bag that is representing their brand.  The designer bags ($200) tend to go rather quickly, but you can purchase regular totes ($45) to decorate or leave as is. 

I wholly recommend purchasing and supporting CFDA’s cause. Plus you always need a new bag. Check out my review on last year’s tote.

My personal favorites this year are Betsey Johnson, Robert Gellar, The Row, and Tommy Hilfiger. You preview some of the designer totes, and the regular ones at SheFinds.