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Why Don’t You Eat Me: I Left My Heart in Degustation

By Kirsten|March 14th, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|

degu

Who’s hungry? You better be- cause it’s Munchin’ Monday!

This week we’re off to one of my favorite places in the East Village called Degustation (which means “a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods”). This place is so right up my alley because it saves me from having to convince my dining partner that we should just split everything.

Degustation is a mixture of French and Spanish small plates. You’ve got multiple options here: You can do 5 courses for $50, 10 courses for $75, or just order a la carte. You’ve also got the option to add wine pairings to compliment each course. I’ve done both the 5 and 10 course options and I’d definitely recommend the 10 course option. The 10 course option is all chef’s choice items that aren’t on the menu. Just as a warning, you’ll leave more stuffed than a turkey at Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s so good!!

I don’t typically discuss ambiance and decor, but this is an exception to the rule. They’ve only got 16 seats surrounding an open kitchen, so you get to watch the food being prepared. Who doesn’t like watching men use their hands, huh? And while we’re on the subject- what is it with so many chefs being so frickin’ cute? Sigh… Sorry…Got off topic…

Back on track! The food! If you opt out of my recommendation for the 10 course tasting, then let me suggest a couple items from the “secret menu.” Since we all know how much I love pork, I’m of course, going to recommend the fried eggs, pork belly, winter greens, and parmesan dish.

pork belly

I’d also encourage going with the lamb loin, heirloom cauliflower, pinenut puree, pickled raisins, and mint dish. I don’t usually dig lamb, but the sides that accompany this dish are what make it so amazing.

lambloin

Now for dessert! You MUST get the caramelized torija with citrus fruits. It’s AWESOME and 100% necessary, trust me.

That’s all I’ve got for you this week my friends. Degustation may ruin that beach body that WhyDidYouWearThat got you all prepped for last week, but it’s entirely worth it. Just spend some extra time at the gym or buy a cover-up and call it a day because in my world good food = happiness (and ultimately world peace).

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

P.S. – McNally’s new pizza place Pulino’s opens today and I CAN NOT wait to try it out! The big and mighty are opening food joints for the common folk and I LOVE it. I also love new pizza joints. I just love pizza. Period.

I’m Baggin That

By Kirsten|March 12th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?, WhyDid Wisdom|

pool1

Okay, so you’ve got the tan. You’ve got the suit. Frosty beverage is in hand. So what’s in your bag? Packing for a day at the pool or by the beach is serious business. No one wants to run back up to the room because they forgot something. So let’s get it right the first time around. There are several crucial items that you should always have stashed in your beach bag. Let’s start at the top.

The bag:

I know there are a lot of options out there, but I think a waterproof/resistant bag is a safe bet. It’s prob going to get wet and/or sandy. No reason to spend five billion dollars on a beach bag, but it should certainly still be cute.

diavf2094728998_p1_v1_m56577569831881094_254x500 DVF Egypt Tattoo Beach Tote, $75

The hat:

You don’t necessarily need to wear it all day, but it is good to have on hand in case your nose gets a little too much sun or heaven forbid your ex shows up at the pool and you need a quick disguise. A large floppy one is great because you can stash it in your bag and not worry about it getting crushed. Just pull it out, shake it out, and voila! Instant shade.

pROXY1-7147938t382x444 Roxy Sandbox Hat, $28

The coverup:

You need to get to and from the pool, so you’re going to need something to wear over your slinky suit. Get a coverup that can also double as clothing if need be. You never know how many cute boys you may meet that want to take you for a bite after lounging in the sun.

irissinger_2096_1286710341 Mara Hoffman Chiffon Drape Coverup, $305

The contents:

Okay, here we go. All the items that you need to go ahead and make certain are in your bag:

Sunblock. You should ALWAYS be wearing at least SPF 15. I don’t know how else to pound this into your heads. Skin cancer + premature aging = not sexy.
Lip balm- not gloss. Guess why? Lip gloss is like putting oil on your skin. It actually will increase your chances of getting a sunburn on your lips. Ouch! Try to also get some lip balm with SPF.
Sunglasses. I mean, this is pretty obvious. They are so essential for so many reasons. They can hide a bad hangover, provide yet another form of disguise, prevent squinting (squinting causes crows feet, people), and they’re obvi a great accessory. Be sure to grab a case for them as well. Don’t want sand scratching up the lenses.
Bottled water. I’ll probably have some environmentalists yelling at me for this, but how else would you like to carry my water? Perhaps a canteen? Hydration is really important in order not to get overheated in warm climates. (To appease the environmental activists- refill the same bottle with water when you run out. Happy?)
Trashy beach read. I am the queen of “pink books.” My bookshelf basically consists of those and business books (I know…). Might I suggest some Candace Bushnell?
iPod. You may actually get sick of your bff’s constant babble about her ex-bf and want to shove some headphones in your ears to drown out her drone. Why not pick up a water resistant case for your iPod?
Camera. Obviously you want to document how fab you look sitting by the pool so you can immediately upload to Facebook. If you’re really ambitious, you’ll invest in a Flip cam like us.
Aloe/after sun lotion. Your skin will be parched after a day of sun. Give it some TLC. (This will also extend your tan).

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your day in the sun. (And send us your best beach pics!)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Fully Illustrated

By Kirsten|March 12th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

bar-refaeli-bikini

Okay, now that we’ve determined your body type and your swimsuit needs, it’s time to go find that special suit. Where is the best place to look for sexy bikinis? Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, of course! I buy the swimsuit issue every year because- um, hello, I’m bikini obsessed and it makes for a great motivator to get your lazy butt up and to the gym, specially when you see those amazing pieces from https://thehermoza.com/collections/swimwear. Something about gazing at Bar Rafaeli’s rump just seems to do the trick. Anyway, I’ve gone ahead and compiled some of my favorites from this year’s issue and found exactly where you can buy them. I know, I really am too kind.

1992

Susan Holmes Silver Studded bikini, $184

(page 21)

12645 La Blanca triangle top, $59, string bottom, $49

(page 119)

10_daniellasarahyba_behind_07 Maui Girl O Romeo bikini, $180

(page 111)

12641 Sauvage Sliding Triangle top, $94, hipster, $92

(page 149)

12635 Luli Fama triangle top, $73, string Brazilian bottom, $73

(page 133)

irissinger_2098_196064627 Mara Hoffman 3 strap bikini, $175

(page 74)

10_julieordon_27 Maui Girl Emerald Peacock bikini, $200

(Reebok foldout)

itsy1 Beauty and the Beach itsy crochet shimmer bikini, $92

(page 107)

1265937635 Becca Animal Magnetism bikini, $285

(page 108)

skyler2_large Mikoh Skyler one piece, $185

(page 110)

si_Primary Large_452 Agua Bendita Bendito Biscuit bikini, $198

(page 161)

10_genevieve-morton_28 Ana Kosturova Beach Goddess bikini, $145

(page 177)

Now, get to shopping. It’s time to hit the beach.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Suit Up

By Kirsten|March 11th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

Bar-Refaeli–-010-Sports-Il

In case you weren’t already aware, I’m a swimsuit aficionado. I own more bikinis than most Hawaiians and I wish I had more reasons to wear them. (hint, hint, fellas).

Not everyone is as enthusiastic about swimsuit season as I am though. Last year, I gave some tips on how to find the right bikini so let’s go ahead and revisit those really quickly and then I’m going to add some more rules to help guide you to looking like Brooklyn Decker on the cover of SI. (Well, keep your top on).

First, you need to take a good look in the mirror and determine your body type. What part of your body do you love and want to emphasize? What parts are not your favorite?
Get a bathing suit that is flattering on YOU. Don’t grab one because you saw it on someone else or it is trendy. Bathing suits are a personal thing and just because Marisa Miller looked hot in it, doesn’t mean you will (I know, we all want to look like her).
Thongs are either meant to be worn under your clothes or on your feet. Please do not wear thong bikinis. There is the TINIEST percentage of the population that looks good in them (mostly based in Brazil). You are more than likely not one of them.
Speedos are not cute. Ever. It’s a swimwear version of leggings as pants.
Get waxed. WhyInGayHell did it, so can you. No one wants to see your burning bush. Promise.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Switch it up. Go ahead and wear a top from one bathing suit with the bottom of another. Just make sure they do coordinate in some way (i.e. same color family, complimentary colors).
Guys- your shorts shouldn’t be super baggy, and they also shouldn’t be super short. Aim for right around the top of the knee. Also… lay off the crazy flower patterns and flames. Simple is good.
Hit the gym. Not only is it good for your health, it’s good for my eyes. You want to look like a well oiled machine when you’re splashing in the sea. Flab is in no way fab.

Trouble with the Tush?

Maya makes a great bikini that is incredibly flattering on the derriere. They have added a little cinching on the back so that it gives your booty more definition. They also aren’t large bottoms, which goes along with my guidelines for good fitting bikinis.

C29B36-431_med Maya Signature Cut and Triangle top in Cherry Coral, $185

Tata Trauma?

If you’re looking for a little more up top, try to get something with embellishment or ruffles, or pattern.

ON_2010_P2R

OndadeMar Girly Ruffle Bikini, $144

Does your cup runneth over? The key is support, support, support!

6559 Becca Bungalow Bandeau Top, $80, bottom, $64

Tummy Terrors?

I’m not the BIGGEST fan of this new “high waisted bikini” thing, but I do get where it could be helpful for some. This is a good way to make your trouble zone look a little slimmer.

17594086_060_a Free People Printed High Waist bikini, $198

Hopefully this will put you at ease while swimsuit shopping. Vacations are meant to be fun and this carries over to your swimwear. Now go grab a cocktail and trashy novel and soak up the sun.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Don’t You Eat Me: Life’s a Beach

By Kirsten|March 8th, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|

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We’ve gone and done it again, folks. We love a good theme over here at WhyDid and this week’s theme is in honor of the imminent warm weather that we’re all anxiously awaiting. It’s officially “Beach Week” and to get us started off on the right foot, I’m going to tell you about some of Manhattan’s best places to grab drinks where you’ll feel as if you’re actually at the beach (or at least out of the city).

Warning: Don’t get too excited and venture to these places with pale bare legs a blazin’. WhyDidYouWearThat will give the go ahead when it’s time to trade in your skinnies for minis!

For a tropical escape in liquid form, I recommend the following places:

1. The Rusty Knot: If you’re not able to look out over the ocean, you might as well look out over the Hudson, no? Well, we’ll take what we can get here in Manhattan and the Rusty Knot offers a simple escape with a rustic “nautical” theme and tasty tiki drinks (including Mai Tais and Dark and Stormy’s). Ahoy!

rustyknot

2. South Street Seaport: Who doesn’t like walking along the beach with a frosty drink in hand? I know I do, but there sure aren’t many places you can do so in Manhattan. South Street Seaport is an exception to the rule (we love breaking rules!). Here you can buy a drink and meander through the boardwalk and gaze at the ships without having to worry about those pesky cops stopping you. If you can get past all the tourists (or can simply ignore them) then you’re bound to enjoy yourself.

southstreetseaport

3. Sushi Samba 7: With drinks like the Nina Fresa and Fico Freso doubled with outdoor space giving a cabana-like feel, you’ve got yourself a mini vacay right here in NYC. Just do yourself a favor and don’t go on the weekends because you’ll have to fight the B&T for a spot at the bar.

100806sushisamba3

4. P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson: Some are not aware of the sister to the Midtown P.J.’s and they are missing out. Same great food, but much better atmosphere. Located on the Hudson between Tribeca and FiDi, you can watch the boats and the cute banker boys while sipping on a cocktail. (*Bonus- the outdoor seating is totally dog friendly).

660.x600.ft.venues.pjclarks

5. Have your own rooftop pool party: If you won’t be making it up to the roof at Soho House when it reopens this spring, have no fear. Throw the most exclusive rooftop party in the city- your own! 1. Buy baby pool 2. Find a friend with a nice rooftop 3. Buy cooler, beer, and mixes for margaritas and strawberry daiquiris (or try some of WhyDid’s favorite summer beverages) and voila! You’ve found yourself miles away from Manhattan all the while still being right in the thick of it.

Strawberry-Daiquiri