Roti - Mediterranean Delicousness (and fast!!!)

Yesterday I had the huge pleasure of FINALLY trying Roti while at work.

I rarely eat out, preferring to hunker down, eat at my desk and get out of work at what I always hope will be a resonable hour.  That doesnt always happen.  Work never goes as one hopes, and while I love my job, I dont have the luxury of running out at 5pm each night.

Anyway - I'm not here to tell you all about my work life balance.  I'm here to tell you about Roti.

The menu is simple.  Choose between a salad, rice bowl, or pita sandwich.  Choose a protein (falafel, chicken, steak).  Choose your sides.  And also fall in love with the included grilled veggies and hummus.



Picture from Roti's website - thank you Roti!

 Whenever I choose to eat out at work its typically a salad, or soup.  Nothing to write home about, and certainly motivates me to get to the market... lets face it... the only reason I eat out is because I havent taken care of the supermarket responsibilities.  I someday hope to push those off onto the hubby, but we would have to be millionaires for that to be a good idea.  The man goes to the market and comes home with the most random food... and always stuff I have no clue how to cook.

I strongly suggest that if you are coming downtown for a little site seeing (maybe a boat tour around the Statue of Liberty... or some shopping at Century 21) stop at Roti and grab a declicious Mediterranean meal.  Its not overwhelming with options.  Its just simple and delicious.

Their website tautes its the food that loves you back, and I must admit, it does.  It feels great to eat a healthy meal halfway through the day.  Especially since its under $10.

Ok les amis... il faut que je vous parle de Roti. C'est un nouveau resto ici dans le Financial District... c'est de la nourriture Méditerranéenne. Trop bon.

Normalement je ne mange pas dehors de mon bureau. Je ne vois pas trop l'intérêt de sortir pendant une heure, pour rester une heure de plus à la fin de la journee. Ce n'est pas que je n'ai pas le DROIT de prendre une pause... c'est que je n'ai pas trop envie de rentrer à la maison encore plus tard que je rentre tous les jours.

Bref, hier, je suis allée manger chez Roti. C'est un restaurant super simple où vous pouvez choisir entre une salade, un sandwich, ou un "rice bowl." Après vous allez choisir votre protéine - fallafel, poulet, viande. Après, les choses vous voulez mettre à côté. Voila - pour moins que $10 vous avez une super repas.

La vérité est que je n'avais pas le choix d'aller manger dehors... je n'ai pas fait les courses ce weekend. Alors nous n'avons rien à apporter de la maison. Mon pauvre mari... Lundi son diner était des bretzels et Nutella. Hier, un sandwich. Par contre, je ne me sens pas trop mal pour lui non plus... C'est un chef. Il peut faire un repas magnifique... avec rien.

 


Thank you Roti for this picture too!



Si vous venez à NYC et vous venez dans le Financial District je suggère que vous vous arrêtez à Roti pour manger. Même si c'est juste vite fait. Comme ça vous auriez plus de force pour vous battre contre les autres touristes si vous allez faire du shopping à Century 21, ou à la South Street Seaport. Et peut-être on se croisera... je crois que j'irai souvent chez Roti :) Bon App!!!

Until Next Time/A Bientot

Poulpy

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Fun in NYC, from a Parisian's perspective

Biba has amazing perspective on everything business!  Check her out on American Woman in France (for some fun) or The Connection Queen (for business).  She is actually known as the Networking Queen.  Originally from France, she arrived in the US in 2003 and began her successful career in networking.  You really should check her out if are an entrepreneur, or just looking for some networking tips.

However, everyone has to have a little fun.  So after Eyenie gave us her amazing post regarding fun things to do in Paris, from the perspective of an American; we asked Biba for the other side.

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Doughnut Plant - wow.

Let me start by saying I have yet to  physically GO to the Doughnut Plant.  And also, I've had to use photos from the website, because I havent been there.  That being said, this is on my NYC Bucket List for next weekend.  With the hubs of course.  However, I couldnt wait to tell you about the doughnuts for fear someone may be visiting NYC this week or next and MISSING OUT on the Doughnut Plant.

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Girls' Night on Stone Street

Yesterday was a disgusting, rainy, freezing cold day here in NYC.  Luckily... girls' night had been planned with a few of my favorite sorority sisters.  The girls of VT Beta, Pi Beta Phi.  I was in a sorority while studying at UVM, and there is not enough space on this blog article to tell you how much I loved Pi Phi, the girls, and the experiences.

Anway, seeing as an evening of laughs (you'd have to know B, she can get the most angry person to laugh), gossip (who has seen who?  what happened to this one or that one?), and drinks were planned after a three day weekend; we all went to Ulysses'.

This is a typical pub, albeit HUGE, on Stone Street.  During the Summer the street is lined with tables and people beginning in the late morning to, well, early morning the next day.  And during the Winter, the bars themselves are packed.

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Top 10 things to do in Paris, from the eyes of an American (not Poulpy!)

As you all know I (Poulpy) have started to collaborate with the amazingly talented women of American Woman in France.  Its a blog that offers a wealth of knowledge for American women living in France.  Written from the perspective of an American woman currently living in France.  When I first began speaking with Biba Pedron, the networking queen, she informed me about this blog.  It started a great conversation not only business related, but life related.  Eyenie Schultz has a great perspective, and they both interview other women frequently.  They offer cultural books to learn the subtle nuances.  And of course, information on networking.

After I completed my piece regarding my first day in Grenoble (another piece coming this month!!!), I asked them for a favor.  Write a piece for Jadinou and I about their favorite places (top 10!!!) in Paris and NYC.  My thought is that you, our readers, are constantly hearing our points of view, why not someone else's???

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Pure Wow

I need to take a moment to tell you about PureWow.  Its a website I signed up for a few months ago, and it really does inform me of some wonderful things.  NO the emails arent necessarily about jewelry, or makeup, but they can be.

Friday I received an email for Lemon Ricotta pancakes.  The email subject talked about the upcoming snow storm, Nemo, and how to have a lovely brunch while being snowed in.

I saved the email.

On Saturday morning, with the hubby and friend L from college, we made Ricotta pancakes.  They were delicious.  I even learned that lemon curd tastes good!

This website has other little tid bits about health, beauty, gardening... the options abound.  I'm only telling you all this because I think its a website that everyone should know about, and sign up to receive their emails. 

If you're coming to NYC I strongly suggest you sign up for the emails.  Everyone knows about the Statue of Liberty, but do you know about Yasso?

Salut - je voulais juste vous parler vite fait de PureWow. C'est un site très utile, pour apprendre sur des choses de jardinage, des nouvelles recettes ou des nouveautés obscures dans le monde. Ben, aux EU.

Vendredi j'ai reçu un email pour les Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Samedi je les ai fait avec ma copine L, et A. On les a adoré. Ils ne sont pas trop lourds comme des pancakes normaux. Ils ne sont pas trop 'lemony' ni 'ricotta-y.' Ils sont aussi super faciles a faire!

Bref, je vous parle de PureWow car je crois que c'est un site utile pour tout le monde. Si vous allez venir a NYC, ou aux EU, il faut s'inscrire. Vous pouvez apprendre des choses très intéressantes, dans des emails très courts, avec des photos! C'est génial pour faire une pause au milieu du travail!

Until Next Time/A Bientôt

Poulpy

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Mama Mia - Broadway Week

Two weekends ago I had the chance to enjoy Broadway Week.  It was a girls' night.  And it was amazing.  One of my sorority sisters was visiting from Philly, another is home from law school working as an intern, and she in turn brought a girlfriend of hers from law school.  It was a Saturday night filled with music, singing, and great laughs.  One I wont forget very soon. 

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The most amazing (and expensive) brow shaping of my life

 

I have a colleague at my day job who came back from the perils of Sandy with the most amazing brows I had ever seen.  I saw her at the holiday party, after two months of working from home.  I was amazed.  This colleague of mine is ALWAYS impeccably put together.  She is always in the most fantastic high heels, with the most up to date polish, and beautiful make-up and hair.

I've known S for about two years now.  She is not only amazingly put together and beautiful, but incredibly smart to boot.  So, since she has always been fantastic with me I asked her about her brows.  I had to.  It was necessary that I go where she goes for her brows. 

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NYC Restaurant Week

Dont forget to take part in NYC Restaurant Week until February 8th!  Its a great way to experience some of the best culinary experiences NYC has to offer, while not paying those NYC prices.  Its also a great reason to get together with friends and enjoy a meal.

REMEMBER - Alcohol is NOT included in this deal.  I would hate for you all to go out for a relatively inexpensive meal, and then have a surprise due to the cost!

Also - feel free to check out where A works - DB Bistro Moderne!!!!  Make sure you tell them you are stopping in because of Girls En Ville, and my husband ;)

Enjoy!!!!  And certainly let Jadinou and I know which places you loved!!!  I for one LOVE going to Cipriani during Restaurant Week.

Bonjour Tout Le Monde!!! N'oubliez pas de faire vos réservations pour NYC Restaurant Week. Vous pouvez profiter de la bonne nourriture à NYC, mais pour moins cher!

Vous pouvez même aller au resto ou A. travaille... DB Bistro Moderne!!!! Si vous y allez, dites que vous êtes là grâce a Girls En Ville!!!! Et grâce à mon mari! ;)

Aussi - Dans le prix, l'alcool n'est PAS compris. C'est important que je vous le dise car je ne veux pas que vous payez trop cher juste à cause de l'alcool.

Bon Appetit!!!!!

Until Next Time/A Bientot!!!!!

Poulpy

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Un peu de KS/ A little KS

Enjoy a little Kate Spade sale today!!!
Profitez bien d'un peu de Kate Spade!!!

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La Méditerranée - a great taste of France

This Monday I had the opportunity to check out La Mediterranee in Midtown East (50th and 2nd).  A and I were meeting another couple for dinner, and I found this restaurant on Opentable.com.  It was delicous. 

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Acme, a real treasure of good food

This past Sunday I was invited by a great friend (and his equally adorable significant other) to join them for dinner.  They were kind enough to invite another friend of theirs, not only because he is quite lovely, but also because D was afraid I'd feel lonely without the hubby.  Silly D.  I really loved making a new friend, but I can handle dinner without the hubbs.

Anyway - D chose Acme.  It was quite an experience.  Dim lighting.  Service that was charming.  Amazing gin and champagne cocktail.  And these eggs.  Turned into a custard.  With mushrooms.

Or the chicken, potatoes and eggs melting pot.  I'm not really sure how to describe it besides saying it was DELICIOUS.

Its also a heart attack waiting to happen.  Its certainly not healthy.

I really have nothing more to say about Acme because the decor and food speak for themselves.  I am forever grateful D suggested this restaurant, because I'm fairly certain I would have never chosen on my own valition.

Acme is at 9 Great Jones Street.  the 8th St, NYU subway stop is how I got there. 

Check out the Dinner Menu !!!!!

Pour une fois dans la vie, je n'ai pas grand chose à dire.  Pas parce qu'Acme n'est pas bon.  Au contraire!  Acme est un resto que j'ai tellement aimé, que je n'ai pas de mots.

Dimanche dernier j'ai eu l'opportunité d'aller manger avec mon ami D et sa copine, et un ami à eux.  Apparemment D pense que je ne peux pas aller manger sans le hubby (le mari).  Oh les hommes! 

Bref, il y a une entrée aux oeufs qui etait magique.  Un peu fouetté (comme une cappuccino), avec des champignons (que normalement je n'aime pas), et des herbes.  C'était vraiment un plaisir.

Il y avait aussi du foie gras cru... C'était de couleur un peu rosé. C'était aussi une expérience à manger (je ne suis pas sûre que je le mangerais une 2eme fois) mais bon tout de même.

Et les cocktails... gin + champagne... rien de mieux

Alors, les amis, il faut que vous allez manger chez Acme.  Et pensez à D, car je ne l'aurais pas trouvé sans lui!

Vous pouvez trouver Acme a 9 Great Jones Street.  J'ai pris la ligne N jusqu'à 8th Street NYU.

Aussi - allez regarder le Dinner Menu, vous verrez!!!

Bon Appetit!!!

Until Next Time/A Bientot
POULPY

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Thanksgiving

A with our beautiful turkey

Thanksgiving.  Its an American (and also Canadian) holiday.  If you search for the holiday (I did a quick Wikipedia search), you will find :

"Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November...
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621.^[2] The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days, and was attended by 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.^[3] The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought"

Anyway - as someone who was born and raised in America, Thanksgiving has a huge impact.  People even discuss what they are thankful for on facebook during the month of November.

In NYC we have the Macy's Day Parade.  The night before you can head downtown to see all the balloons being blown up.  On Thanksgiving Day you can watch the parade on tv as you prepare your feast.

Thanksgiving in my family was the typical :  Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Stuffing, Pie and so much more.  My parents taught me early on to be thankful for my family.  My friends.  My life.  I always loved playing the "thankful" game on Thanksgiving.  Everyone goes around a circle stating for what and whom they are thankful each year.  In elementary school you make hand turkeys (trace your hand and make it a turkey).  As you get older the tradition changes.  College meant cooking with friends and drinking and hoping you dont burn the turkey.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate your friends and family.  To tell them you love them.  Its also the beginning of the holiday season in America.  It also means Black Friday the next day when stores have AMAZING sales!

This year I am so thankful it has made me emotional.  I was married on Tuesday, November 20th to an amazing man.  This man, A as we call him on the blog, makes me happier than I could imagine.  He does everything he can to make me happy.  He shows me he loves me.  He spoils me in so many ways; but most importantly he makes me laugh until my stomach hurts.  I have now become Mrs. and I love him for that opportunity.  Im thankful and proud to be his wife.  I'm proud to share his last name with some amazing people, noteably his father and grandparents.  They are wonderful people and I'm thankful to call them family.

I am thankful for my parents. I have not always been an easy child.  I left for France in 2006 and wasnt planning on returning.  I spent four years in college in Vermont, 8 hours from home.  I had a rebellious stage (which really was NOT terrible).  Through thick and thin my parents have loved me, supported me, and cared about me.

My mom, my uncle, and A

I am thankful for my friends.  We love each other unconditionally because we have grown up together.  Whether they be friends I made at 10 years old, or 22, they are amazing people.  Each person teaches me new things everyday.  They make me laugh.  They inform me when I'm being ridiculous.  They love me for me, and I love them for them.  They are my life and have always been my life.

I am thankful for so much, but this year I have been so touched by the love and support A and I have received from our famillies and friends.  Thank you.

A and I had the opportunity to have friends and famillies with us on Friday, November 23rd to celebrate Thanksgiving #2.  I was able to SHOW them how thankful I am for their support.  We were able to show them how much we love them.  And since I wasnt cooking (A did the cooking), they were able to eat an amazing meal as our only was of saying thank you. 

Thanksgiving is so important in America.  Not only because of the meal.  Not only because of the shopping on Friday.  Not only because of the beginning of the holiday season.  Thanksgiving allows us to all say 'thank you' and to show our loved ones we care.

This post is a way to yell it from the roof tops... thank you friends and family for loving me (as I am).  Thank you for loving A and adding him to our family.  Thank you for supporting our love and our hopes and dreams.  I promise when we open a restaurant we will have a special table for you all! 

Thank you to our readers of this blog!  Jadinou and I could not continue our blog if it wasnt for your love and support.  We promise to continue trying to deliver informative, funny, and interesting posts.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

My best friend since high school - 13 years of friendship

Thanksgiving c'est une fête super importante aux EU. C'est fêter le quatrième jeudi de Novembre. Si vous allez sur Wikipedia pour chercher un explication, vous trouverez :

"En 1620, une centaine de dissidents anglais, nommés Pères pèlerins, débarquent du Mayflower dans la baie de Plymouth au Massachusetts. Ils y fondent la Colonie de Plymouth et la ville éponyme. Mais les débuts de la colonisation furent difficiles et la moitié des arrivants périrent de scorbut.
Ces derniers ne durent leur salut qu'à l'intervention d'un autochtone nommé Squanto qui avec l'aide de sa tribu, les Wampanoags, leur offrit de la nourriture, puis leur apprit à pêcher, chasser et cultiver du maïs.
Afin de célébrer la première récolte, à l’automne 1621, le gouverneur William Bradford décréta trois jours d'action de grâce. Les colons invitèrent alors le chef des Wampanoags, Massasoit et 90 de ses hommes à venir partager leur repas en guise de remerciement pour l'aide apportée. Durant ce festin, des dindes sauvages et des pigeons furent offerts^[6]"

Si vous êtes à NYC pour Thanksgiving vous pouvez aller voir la parade de Macys. Elle est magnifique, mais faites attention, la ville déborde de monde. Vous pouvez aussi la voir sur à la télé (j'imagine que vous savez ça).

Aussi, le mercredi avant, vous pouvez descendre à Downtown, et vous pouvez voir les préparations de la parade!!! C'est vraiment magnifique à voir!

Moi, j'ai appris à fêter Thanksgiving très jeune, mais pas juste ce jour la. Mes parents m'ont toujours appris à montrer mes sentiments à mes amis et à ma famille tous les jours. Mon père m'a toujours dit que c'est important de montrer quand j'aime quelqu'un car je ne sais jamais ce qui peut se passer.

Cette année je suis vraiment 'thankful' (reconnaissante) pour mes amis, ma famille et A. 

A friend and me.  And do you see Jadinou in the photo from 2009???

Le 20 Novembre je me suis mariée avec A. Je suis devenue Madame (ça me fait sentir veille). Je sais que ma vie est faite pour être avec A. Il me rend heureuse, et je crois que je le rends heureux. On s'aime. Tous les jours il me fait sourire, il me fait rire. Tous les jours il montre qu'il m'aime avec tous ses gestes. Et tous les jours j'essaie de montrer que je l'aime avec toute mon âme. C'est mon amour.

Je suis vraiment fière d'être sa femme, de prendre son nom. Je suis fière de faire parti de sa famille, et de partager mon nouveau nom avec des gens magnifiques. Notamment, son père et ses grand parents. Ces gens son vraiment formidables. Ils ont des coeurs ÉNORMES, et je suis 'thankful' qu'ils m'ont accueilli dans leur famille.

Je suis 'thankful' pour mes amis. Ils m'aiment pour moi, et je les aime pour eux comme ils sont. Mes amis sont ma famille. Je ne fais pas de différence. C'est vraiment des gens sans qui je ne pourrais pas vivre. Ils m'apprennent des choses tous les jours. Ils montrent qu'ils m'aiment tous les jours, et j'essaie de montrer que je les aime tous les jours.

Je suis aussi 'thankful' pour mes parents. Ce sont deux personnes incroyables. Ils n'ont pas eu une vie facile mais ils m'aiment et me soutiennent. Je n'etais pas une enfant facile tous le temps, mais ils m'ont supporté. Et honnêtement, je ne sais pas comment ils ont fait.

Aussi, la mère d'A. Elle nous a toujours soutenu. Elle a toujours su qu'on était fait pour être ensemble. Et quand on n'était pas ensemble, on a crée un relation merveilleuse toutes les deux. C'est ma Mom II, ma maman. C'est une femme magnifique et je suis fière de l'appeler maman.

Pour nous, ici aux EU, Thanksgiving est le début des fêtes. Le vendredi, Black Friday, tous les magasins ont des soldes énormes. C'est le jour où l'on commence à faire le shopping pour Noël. On commence à mettre les décorations pour Noël. Mais, le jeudi, on dit merci. On parle avec la famille et on dit ce qu'on a sur le coeur.

La, dans ce post, je dis merci à tout le monde - mes parents, mes amis, vous, et mon mari. Merci. Je vous aime tous, et je ne pourrais pas être moi sans vous.

Merci encore, et bonnes fêtes (Happy Holidays!)!!!!

Mr and Mrs

Until next Time/A Bientot

Poulpy

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JuZha - Makeup for the soul

 Makeup enhances.  Changes.  Updates.  It can be used to raise self esteem, or when done poorly, kills one's self esteem.  But more times than not, make up makes a woman feel beautiful, sexy, desireable.  Thats the point.

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Sorry!! Desolee!!

Jadinou is on vacation...my job for the two weeks was to write a post or two.  Thats it.  Well, I have a couple drafted, and havent finished them. 
I honestly cant wait to tell you all about JuZha, but I was waiting on professional photos.  I have some now, and will be finishing the post this weekend.  I promise.

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Easiest Chicken Dinner! TROP FACILE!



As many of you know my idea of dinner is a sandwich.  Or cereal.  Or half a bottle of wine.  That works for me.  However, seeing that I am dating a chef, I have started to feel like I need to step it up.  IT being my cooking.  I cant live with a chef and only be able to make brownies, cake, and burnt toast.

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Love and Ties (L'amour et les Cravates)

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a man in a NICE tie.  Not the stupid ones with snowmen, or weird designs, or some screenprint photos his mom bought.  A beautiful, well made tie.  Down in the Financial District I manage to see all kinds of ties... some are fantastic, and others I am awkwardly embaressed for the men and their next business meeting.

A doesnt really wear ties unless its for a special occassion.  He doesnt exactly have the occassion working in a kitchen.  Last thing anyone wants is a tie in their food.  But let me tell you... I personally think he is HOT in a tie.  :)

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Halloween

I do not LOVE Halloween.  Unless, of course you are talking about dressing up and eating tons of candy.  Then yes, I LOVE Halloween!

It seems that here in America, in cities across the country, something somewhere is haunted.  (Not like in Europe since your countries are centuries older than us)  My first haunted experience was the local fire house, at the age of twelve, and I cried.  Incessantly.  To the point of having to turn on the lights and "prove" to me that it was a show, and not real.  My parents were mortified.  Wouldn't you be embaressed of your almost teenager crying like a baby in public?  Yup, that was me.

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Black + Graze

While working last Wednesday I received an email (one of a million) from Pure Wow. I place these emails at the top of my daily updates. I always open them, and 95% of the time I find something new. A cool restaurant. A nifty bar. An interesting film. Or, like today, a cool new boutique.  Black + Graze

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BLOGGER BUTTONS - HELP Please!

  I need a moment to vent... how is it possible that I have been sitting here for over 3 hours, and cant figure out a blogger button.  I took a photo, saved it, made it 125x125 pixels... I uploaded to Picassa.. after, of course, having created an account.

But Picassa, after 10 hours of work, makes zero sense to me.  So while I realize I'm being 150% Debbie Downer, how...do...these..things...work?

I just dont get it.  I've tried multiple different functions for saving the photos... Picasso or a dummy post that I keep until the end of time... but, when I go to Picasso, I cant find the URL for the photo... and when I use the dummy post, and  view in HTML, and copy and paste the URL... its doesnt work.

Please take pity on me... please help!  I promise to tell you all about Black + Graze tomorrow!!  Which is an amazing boutique that just opened in SoHo, and has an amazing goal + vision + outlook.

Désolée - j'étais en train de me plaindre.  Ce qui n'est pas très gentil... je sais.  Mais bon, comme je disais en anglais, ca fait maintenant 3,5 heures que je bosse sur des "blogger buttons."  J'en peux plus.

Mais je vais pas continuer de me plaindre... je vais au DB Bistro Moderne pour attendre A, et pour un verre de vin. 

A demain pour vous parler de Black + Graze... C'est une nouveau boutique a SoHo!

Until Next Time/A Bientot
Poulpy

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