A Lovely Birthday Brunch at the Russian Tea Room

 Last Saturday FHFB and I drove into the city to meet our daughter Katie to begin celebrating her 28th birthday.  She had always wanted to go to the Russian Tea Room, so we reserved a table for brunch at 11:30am.  Parking is very easy, there's a lot right next door - and Carnegie Hall is right around the corner! 

 The inside of the Russian Tea Room is just spectacular - with my favorite colors of red and green accented with gold.  They state on their website that they have Christmas decorations up year-round - I think that they must be referring to the red Christmas decorations adorning the retro light fixtures.

 Katie and FHFB ordered coffee, and it was served in a beautiful silver coffee pitcher along with this pretty set of creamer and sugar bowls. 

 Of course I ordered their bellini, which was fresh tasting and so delicious. 

 Here are some pics of the meals - the menu is pretty diverse for brunch and everything was delicous.

Truffle Quiche 

Bacon, leeks, black truffle, potato and Gruyère.

 Boeuf à la Stroganoff

Red wine braised beef short ribs with house-made buckwheat noodles, wild mushrooms and porcini cream

 RTR Sliders - Tasting of three mini “pojarski” burgers with herb fries

Salmon, avocado, tomato and cucumber with rémoulade and pickled onions.

Veal with Comté cheese, wild mushrooms and melted onions.

Kobe beef with black truffle, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions and foie gras.

Here's a picture of the main dining room when you first walk into the restaurant.

Other rooms that we didn't get to see on Saturday are the Bear Lounge, the Bear Ballroom and the Hearth Room.  I think I'd like to sit in the Hearth Room the next time we go.

And here's the Birthday Girl~~

I hope that if it's snowing by you, like it is here, that you are able to stay indoors and enjoy it or maybe head outside for some winter fun as well!  FHFB and I need to do some snowshoeing soon!

I'm watching the cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays and other tiny birds enjoying our suet cakes and feeders set outside my office windows.

I'm taking part in Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper!  Please stop by - she's just posted about that wonderful store in Manhattan - Eataly!!

Ciao, bella!

XXXOOO

Weeding (or lack thereof) and Summer Sundays #7

I always start out the summer with the best of intentions, particularly when it comes to the design and upkeep of my little garden that is located right outside the front of our stone farmhouse.  In the spring we weed, turn the soil over, plant new perenniels, divide some perenniels and add lots of nutrients to the soil.  Over the next few weeks I check on the garden daily, always happy to see more bulbs and early spring flowers in bloom. 

Things looked pretty much under control back then. The flowers and plants all had room to breathe. 

Everyone was pretty happy way back then...

However, this is what the garden looks like today - I was going for that unkept, cottagy look but I think things have gone a bit to far in the unkept realm.   

If you look closely you'll see black-eyed susans, phlox, and impatiens.

I need to get out there and do something about this!!

Hope your day is going beautifully!

I'm linked in at The Tablescaper's Summer Sundays!  Please stop by and see all of the folks who have posted about what summer means to them. 

FHFB and I are heading down to Cape May for a few days, celebrating my birthday with my birthday sister Carol!

I hope to post about that beautiful little town in a week or two, with all of the interesting shops, spectacular beaches and absolutely wonderful restaurants.

Ciao, bella!