Kitten Lounge

Mingling Mondays ~ Vinegar Hill House

KittenCouture — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Picture courtesy of NY Eater

Earlier this summer, Paul and I headed out to Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn. They had been featured within New York Magazine for their Cast Iron Chicken and we knew it would be tasty as the ex chef from Freeman's, Jean Adamson was one of the co=owner's of the restaurant. It was an amazing night where we were able to sit outside in the garden area (although someone was renovating their home and we could hear their saws at 10pm) and enjoy a great meal. We knew that we would want to come back and taste what they would do for the fall. So last Fri, after dropping in on a Burlesque Festival, we came to a crowded Vinegar Hill House. Fortunately, we were able to get a seat at the bar while we waited. The vibe is very rustic and I love all the wood that's around. As packed as it is, it definitely feels very intimate. I love their basic approach to the overall decor. Although they have a limited amount of alcohol at their bar, they have specialty drinks that are always very satisfying.

As opposed to my last visit where I had a sea bass I believe, I ended up having their famous cast iron chicken! It's important to note that they have 3 appetizers, 5 entrees, 3 sides and a choice of two desserts. The chicken is the only entree that doesn't include a side that comes with your meal. Of course I looked at the available sides and somehow the squash puree, long beans and bitter greens were not something that I wanted. Although the waiter said that I couldn't choose a side that came with the entree (apparently they buy enough sides for each entree), Paul asked someone else and fortunately my fingerling potatoes came with my meal. If you're looking for a nice vibe and a place for a date or group of friends, this is the place. Their coal burning stove kicks out amazing dishes that make you feel at home - the chicken was perfection. For dessert, we had the Guinness Cake which I LOVED when I came the first time and enjoyed having again! If you're in the area, take some time to have a meal here and bring your friends along! If you're brave, try the Apple Cider and let me know what you think of it (4% alcohol but tastes like a mix of apple vinegar with olive juice - it's an interesting taste). I wonder if this could be a future brunch spot or a fun place to have a holiday dinner as long as you're cool with the wait.

Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11201

718.522.1018

Treasure Tuesdays ~ Startup Lucky & Tasty Morsels Bakery

KittenCouture — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

You know that beyond talking fashion, I love keeping you updated on what's going on with my friends who are in the industry! Tasty Morsels Bakery has had a lot of success this past year and the year isn't even over! I feel so fortunate that in many ways, when founder and cookie baker extraordinaire, Crystal Horton and I had a chance to sit down and really learn about one another that I was able to learn about her business from the beginning. Since then, I've seen the cookies appear in the goodie bag for the Brooklyn Cancer Society's Pink and Black Tie Gala hosted by Stacy London, she was apart of Bust's Craftacular in Brooklyn and she was one of the personalities that appeared on the episode of the web based reality show, To Be a Star where she served as one of my friends in the industry who sat with some of the aspiring models in the show due to them winning this time with us.

Of course it was this same day that we bumped into @Aronado after we had finished shooting and somehow the three of us came up with the idea that he should interview her on his show StartUp Lucky which talks with those starting up their own businesses. Crystal is not only someone who has combined her love of fashion and baking but she's also done something that I'm super proud of. She has embraced Social Media and although she is learning the ropes and treading carefully, I love the fact that she is integrating this into her plans! You all know that I'm a huge advocate and I love that you'll see her out there sending tweets via @Tasty_Morsels Bakery. Watch this interview where @Aronado does what he does best - chatting it up and of course, I'm also throwing in my two cents as I play co-host! It was such a good time and if you have yet to enjoy her cookies, your holiday isn't complete without having them and since we have just signed off from summer - we're definitely in fall/holiday mode which is perfect for gifting! Of course you can always check out my friends and more by following me @Cocoabebe.

Mingling Mondays ~ Making Strides in Brooklyn

KittenCouture — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 -0700

As many of you know, the fight against cancer is a huge concern for me! With my personal issues of breast cancer being in high school (and thankfully not having it) to my boyfriend's father passing away from Pancreatic Cancer! Cancer is something that everyone has a connection with it somehow and regardless of what I'm working on or where I am, I always have time to support the cause! This past May, I participated in the Pink & Black Tie Gala which took place at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn! As much as it was an honor to cover this inaugural event on Kitten Lounge and to include a piece from my line, Kitten Couture - I'm excited about this year!

Making Strides is a walk that takes place in October and for those that would love to learn more about this event, you can come with me and many others to attend the Making Strides breakfast on August 14th where you can learn more about this event and many others while sharing in the support of others! If you have questions, visit the Making Strides site to create a team or to add on to someone else's team!

Sippin Saturdays: Happy Fouth of July!

KittenCouture — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:42:26 -0700

With amazing views of downtown Manhattan, my friends and I will be at Alma in Red Hook, Brooklyn, eating Mexican food and enjoying a great show and a clear night!

Check out Macy's to get more info on the fireworks and where you should be if you plan on being on the street!

Happy Fourth of July! If you're in NYC or will be watching the fireworks, you're aware that they will not be in the same location (usually it's at Liberty State Park). This year is not only America's birthday but it is also the celebration of the 400th year that Henry Hudson discovered NY! So the fireworks will be on the Hudson River this year! In essence, it's the city's birthday which is actually very cool. If you plan on coming to the city or finding the best place to watch for fireworks, then you'll want to go on Macy's site to not only figure out where you should be but also to find out some interesting facts about this fireworks and also city facts! Click the link within the spread to go to Macy's site that covers this amazing display. I'll be at Alma in Red Hook, Brooklyn with friends and hanging out at the rooftop! If you don't plan on being on the street, try calling around to see some great places that are available and have rood access!

Fashionable Fridays: Red, White & You

KittenCouture — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:34:26 -0700

1/2 Carat Diamond and Blue Sapphire 14K White Gold Geometric Pendant w/Chain $195 - Ice.com

Wendy Mink Large Ruby Hoop Earrings $90 - Max & Chloe

Baccarat Ruby Rock Ring, Size 53 $230 - Neiman Marcus

Carlos Falchi Handbags Flat Clutch $599 - Zappos Couture

Splendid Eyelet Dress $155 - shopbop.com

I love the Fourth of July and the fact that it's tomorrow, my boyfriend and I have decided that today will be a shopping day! I love when he decides to shop as that means we will have to make some stops at a few places to have a drink every now and then. Now when it comes to themes, I know people will want to find ways to wear red, white and blue without making it look like it comes off as a costume. So for all of those who will be at rooftop parties or anything of that nature, I though a simple white dress would be a nice look. Then, build your love of red and blue with your accessories. You have to decide are you a blue or a red person? I decided that I love blue so I would rather my purse have this color and allow my jewelry to bring in the red. I also love sapphires as this is my birthstone and didn't want the blue clutch to seem like an after thought so I brought in the necklace. You could do the same thing if you're a red person and just switch up the colors. Either way, this is a great Americana palette while also being perfect to wear with other item! Take some time to think about how you will show your pride tomorrow night! I'll be in Brooklyn tomorrow at an amazing roofdeck!

Fashionable Fridays: Style In Real Life

KittenCouture — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0700

A week or so ago, I found myself at the Hayden Harnett store in Greenpoint Brooklyn! I was asked to put an outfit together so I wanted to make sure to find the perfect outfit and of course to accessorize it. This opportunity is known as Hayden Harnett's Style IRL (In Real Life). It's open to anyone that's willing and then each of the items that are included, receive a discount for a period of time. Check out my look and Stephanie's as well! Then, think about what you want to wear as you might find that it's on sale (if it's from our photoshoot the sale is now through June 11th!

Trendy Thursdays: Smells Like Bond No 9

KittenCouture — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

If you're not familiar with " target="new">Bond No 9, then you definitely need a quick crash course in this amazing fragrance brand that not only has amazing notes but also embraces elements of NYC! I love that with 34 scents for men and women and yes a unisex one as well - this is the perfect way to embrace all the scents of New York! Now with so many scents available, it's also important to enjoy the fact that the bottles are just as gorgeous as the aroma! These bottles are collectibles without a doubt and for me there are two scents that are definitely worth highlighting! Astor Place is not only one of my favorite places in the city, but I love the fact that my favorite Starbucks is in the area and I'm not too far from my fave bars. Astor Place is definitely about the arts between amazing pieces and of course fab music as well. My favorite note is the mix of Freesia and Teakwood. This is a fragrantly playful mix of a sweet/dense combination. When it comes to all that is truly playful and doesn't have to explain how it all comes together - you definitely want to enjoy Brooklyn. Wherever you're from and wherever you're heading this combination of scents is always perfect whether you're heading out to work or simply going to your favorite brunch spot! Regardless of which scent you choose, Bond No 9 has proven that you'll always find what you're looking for or what it is that you're trying to convey!

Snazzy Sundays: Tasty Morsels Bakery x Bust Craftacular

KittenCouture — Sun, 17 May 2009 06:00:00 -0700

By the time you're reading this I'm probably on the subway heading to Brooklyn to help set up for one of many Tasty Morsels Bakery's events! We'll be at the Bust Magazine's Spring Fling Craftacular at The Warsaw in Williamsburg, NY. First of all, I'll be Twittering (@cocoabebe) all day from this event and also taking some footage which will find it's way to On the Radar later on in the evening! Come out to not only support all the hardworking indie vendors but my friend and founder of Tasty Morsels Bakery - Crystal Horton (@Tasty_Morsels). We will be sampling cookies and of course you can buy some to bring home to your friends as well!

I have attended and assisted many shopping events but this is definitely one that makes me really happy to be apart of it - so definitely don't be shy in saying hello. I'll give you info about this event of course and you'll have tons of pics to enjoy. I can't wait to see you there and look forward to saying howdy and with it only being a $2 admission, it's a fab way to spend the day! We'll be there from 12 - 7 and look forward to seeing you there.

Paul's Honest Meal: Simply Said…

KittenCouture — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

What is the nature of the farmer’s market, the organic and the all-natural? I believe that it’s simplicity. If I may venture down the cliché alley, in my opinion it’s the simple things that make our lives worth living. The undemanding and the effortless welcome us in an array of circumstances and unanticipated probabilities; an unexpected smile, the laughter of a loved one or may be just a lazy Sunday walk at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Personally, the memories of my favorite meals are not set in bold Soho establishments, but are a part of treasured slide show filled with family dinners, friend’s apartments and my great aunt’s loving touch. Back in the day when organic was the norm, the farmers market was just a market and dinner conversation was not just a clever dialogue on ones favorite sitcom, meals were born and past down to our generation. I believe that we need simple recipes for simple markets with simple produce. The simple is the organic and the true. Today, I am going to introduce a simple recipe with ingredients that can be found at any market and prepared by any one.

Sauce

2 medium onions

1 green pepper

1 head of garlic

1/3 bunch of celery

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini squash

7 small tomatoes

Molasses

26.5oz Pomi strained tomatoes

Preheat a large pot with a little olive oil. Chop the onions, celery, eggplant, peeled green pepper, garlic, yellow squash and zucchini squash. Brown the vegetables over high heat. Add fresh tomatoes and continue to sauté. When the vegetables are ready and you’ll know when they are add 26.5oz carton of Pomi strained tomatoes and just as much water. Bring to a boil, add three tablespoons of molasses and reduce to simmer. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste. Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens to the desired consistency and add more water if necessary. If you are a vegetarian then your pasta sauce is ready and if you are an omnivore like myself add meatballs 10 minutes before the sauce is finished.

Meatballs

3 lbs ground pork

1½ lbs ground beef

1½ lbs ground lamb

1 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs

1 extra large egg

1 onion

3 garlic cloves

½ cup of water

½ cup of chopped cilantro and parsley

Mix everything in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Shape the meatballs to your desired shape and size and place into an oiled aluminum pan. Preheat the over to 500º F and brown the meatballs. Add the meatballs to your sauce 10 minutes prior to completion.

Cooking does not have to be complicated and ingredients do not have to be expansive in order to prepare a delicious meal. All you need is the knowledge of a couple simple cooking techniques and the courage to use any ingredients that you think will work for you. And trust me, a couple of good friends and plenty of wine alongside your newly found love for the homemade is that one perfect and necessary garnish for any meal.

Snazzy Sundays: Set The Table

KittenCouture — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:48:27 -0700

Last night Paul and I hung out in Williamsburg and saw the cutest shops. One of the restaurants that we had dinner in was in a large beautiful brick building (it is our dream one day to have a building like this). With Sundays post on my mind, I knew that I had to find a perfect piece. As I woke up this morning hearing the crazy rain that came out of nowhere, I realized that I would spend the morning lounging and visiting Pottery Barn.com. I think that tables are so important in the home! It's perfect for storage, filling the space in the home and so much more. Just like we have styles in our dress, there are various tables that also show a little bit about who we are and this site and store is always the best place to go! Have some fun looking at these tables and to also think about anything new you want to add whether you're moving, prepping for the holidays and more.

Paul's Honest Meal: Brook - My Secret Lover

KittenCouture — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0700

So, it’s Saturday morning, you wake up in your moderately priced Brooklyn Heights apartment, your dog is pacing next to your bed, your girlfriend is at the breakfast bar working on her obnoxiously thin laptop and the only thing on your mind is Brook – your secret lover. You welcome the sunshine, as you slowly pull the blankets away from your face and a breath of crisp fresh air brings in a brand new day and a brand new hunger. You throw on your jeans, you grab your flip flops and you are off to walking your dog along the promenade. As the other pet enthusiasts are captivated with their canine friends, you begin to formulate a plan; a plan to catch a glimpse of your secret lover.

Your unsuspecting girlfriend is excited to spend this perfect day with a blanket, a cooler and a couple of ipods at what appears to be the perfect destination – Long Beach, NY. You pack your things, you grab a couple of chai tea lattés and you are ecstatic to get a seat on the LIRR along with fellow pale urbanite staycationers. Your girlfriend thinks that it might be the caffeine that’s keeping you awake, but little does she know that it’s the memory of Brook that has your mind in overdrive unwilling to relinquish its hold until the very moment you get that final glimpse. As you are welcomed to the beach with the conductor’s friendly reminder that you have reached the final stop, you suggest a slightly different route to the beach with the promise of an earlier arrival. And there it is your lover’s secret lair – the Nagahama.

Long story short, do your self a favor and forget about every sushi place that you have been to anywhere within the five boroughs, buy a LIRR ticket, spend a day at the beach and finish it off with a delicious meal at the Nagahama sushi restaurant on 169 Park Avenue in Long Beach, NY. The fish is always extremely fresh (which I feel should be the number one criteria of any great sushi restaurant), the rolls are generous and the menu boasts enough variety to satisfy the most discerning of pallets. This is not the place for suits or khaki pants, but it is your final destination for mouth-watering sushi. And as for Brook, don’t forget about my girl, you can always find her along with other delectable house specialty rolls waiting for your arrival and ready to service your pallet with the most complete array of flavors.

On a side note, let go of your inhibitions and try the unfiltered sake. You will be thankful for the milky unassuming beverage and indulged with the finishing touch of a thinly sliced cucumber in your glass.