The Bachelorette

I love an excuse to dress up and hang out with girlies, and celebrating Sonia's last Friday as a sexy, single lady was just that. She had an entire day of indulgent girly activities like a picnic at Revere beach, manicures at the mall, and Cirque de Soiel in the evening, but I joined for dinner and drinks at Cuchi Cuchi.

Cuchi Cuchi is a theatrical restaurant with the servers wearing feathers, pearls, and satin in an old Hollywood costume-y style. I dressed up in my black banana republic dress (from goodwill!), shiny black heals, and peacock feather headband. (I wish I had shot a self-portrait in the bathroom!)

The food was great, of course, but I will go back to try some more of their creative cocktails! I had the blood orange cocktail, which was outrageously tasty.

Congratulations to Sonia and Chris!

daily show

When I was planning our last visit to New York, I tried to get tickets to see The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The next available tickets were for more than a month later, so another trip was quickly planned.

There I am, saving our place in line.

The sign above the door to the studio, which reads "Abandon News, All Ye Who Enter Here."

Of course no photographs could be taken inside the studio, but you can watch the entire episode online, if you so desire. Here's a link to the episode in which Phil, Priya, and I were part of the audience: Monday, June 28. The guest was David Axelrod, President Obama's most senior adviser. Jon was critical of the Obama administration, but Axelrod came back with some great points about the steps the president has taken to get his campaign promises done.

After the taping, we planned to meet up with Cindy in Hell's Kitchen for noodles. While we were down there, we happened upon a fantastic cheese and wine bar. Such a great find! (Priya showed off her amazing German language skills when she ordered a German wine.) Cindy met up with us just in time to devour a slice of lemon meringue ice cream cake deliciousness. And it was so great to see Cindy and here about her first year in New York and medical school. That girl is seriously awesome!

food + film

The New York Food Film Festival was going on while we were around. Let me just say, I love this idea. This is my new favorite thing.

NYC Food Film Festival 2010 Trailer from George Motz on Vimeo.

Phil and I went to the last night of the event, which was Burgers and Beer. The event was at a cool warehouse in Dumbo, Brooklyn. I felt so cool just being there - Brooklyn has that effect on me. I know what you're thinking - Aimee, how could you, a vegetarian and non-beer-drinker, have a good time at a Beer and Burger Garden? Four words, my friends: World's Longest Condiment Bar. Sponsored by Whole Foods, there was plenty for me to make a meal out of, besides putting cheese on a bun (which would have made me pretty happy anyway). There were re-fried beans, salad greens, tabbouleh, spicy pickles (omg so good), potato chips, kettle corn, fried eggs, in addition to more sauces, ketchups, and marinades to keep your fridge door filled for the next ten years. I snagged some New Mexican green chile and some chimi-churi sauce that I bet will make some killer tofu. As far as drinks were concerned, I was covered there, too. They had the chocolate worm milk that comes with the kids' meals at Chipotle! My favorite!! (Looking back, not the healthiest meal, but I think I did pretty well for myself, all things considered.)

After stuffing our faces, we saw a special screening of Beer Wars (it's streaming on Netflix if you want to see it, too).

This event was so much fun, that I can hardly wait to see what next year will be like. Have we just started a summer tradition? I hope so!!

Sam Adams

I just uploaded the photos of my Pentax from the past few months, so here are a few activities since I've moved to Cambridge.

Mr. P's fall birthday was the perfect excuse for us to take a surprise (for him) visit to the Sam Adam's brewery. Their free tour and free sampling room fit with my unemployed budget, and I think Phil had a great time. Not being a beer drinker myself, he got my 4 ounce sample to boot.

Phil in the tasting room.

Enjoying myself in the gift shop.

My gift to Phil: the amazing sillly straw.