First off, Happy March - we are that much deeper into the winter (which hasn't been too bad if you're in the NYC area), we're about to "spring forward" in time and of course the summer is that much closer (ah flip flops and shorts - have we really been parted this long)? So with that in mind, the Kitten Lounge is launching it's month long theme - THINK CITRUS. For the entire month of March, we're carrying you through this season with thoughts of citrus. We will be infusing your homes, wardrobe and palate with all things that are citrus! So if you think you have something that fits within this taste or within the color scheme - you'll find it right here.

Now, on to raising a glass. This recipe, which was found on Cocktail Times, combines my three loves: citrus, lavender and of course martinis. This definitely something that is aromatic to the senses and is also a great way to learn a new drink that is perfect for gatherings at your home or an event that you will be attending.

Citrus Lavender Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 wedge fresh orange
- 2 fresh lavender leaves (or 5 - 6 pieces dried lavender)
- 1 1/2 oz Level vodka
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour mix
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 packet of sugar in the raw

Muddle orange wedge and lavender at the base of the shaker (or a mixer). Add vodka, Cointreau and sweet and sour mix over ice in the shaker. Shake well and strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. (Optional: Rim martini glass with honey and dip rim in sugar)

I am familiar with Illy in that I have seen their products and that they have retail locations in the city but I had never thought about trying out the coffee. In fact I have become a tea enthusiast within the last year. Prior to this change, I was all about Starbucks when it came to their Vanilla Soy Latte, Green Tea Soy Latte and any Green Tea beverage that I could get my hands on. This all changed when I was introduced to the most amazing Vanilla Honey Latte on vacation - I realized that coffee does have a distinct taste and clearly, I have been missing out. Thankfully my friend who is a fan of Illy not only agreed that this coffee was good but encouraged me to try out Illy. I have yet to try it but they have one at the Sony building - so this week I will have to give it a try - I completely see coffee in a new way. I also love that this location has a lot of seating and is perfect to meet with people prior to, during or after work!

I stayed at the Venetian while I was at Vegas and they had a Grand Luxe Cafe (if you love Cheesecake Factory, they own or affiliated with this as well) in our hotel. I was pleased once I knew of the connection and knew that I would find amazing things here. Being someone who doesn't eat breakfast, I found myself here on Tuesday morning since I had been out the night before and Patron and I had rekindled our relationship with one another (in addition to other drinks as well). I saw this Honey Latte Drink which looked yummie but nothing could describe how good this was! Simply put, I fell in love with a Latte and I don't think that Starbucks is going to cut it any more. I know what's in it but don't know how to make it. If there are any Baristas out there or those who know where I can get this (in NY), let me know and I will let you know how close it comes to the one I enjoyed.

Honey Vanilla Latte

Double Espresso

Honey

Vanilla

Steamed Milk

The night before Thanksgiving, I ended up going to an amazing restauraunt that had a great vibe. Isabella's which is located on the UWS, sat right by the park where at around 10ish we saw balloons getting inflated for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Isbaella's is apart of the B.R. Guest Restaurants which also owns Blue Water Grill, Ocean Grill, Dos Caminos, Atlantic Grill, Ruby Foos, etc. I must say that that night we enjoyed the best Honey Pear drink which has presseco and pear vodka - amazingly refreshing birthday. In addition, I enjoyed the seared salmon, new england clam chowder (love the pumpernickel croutons) and blood orange sorbet - so good. Although I had never been here before (my friend and I had popped in the weekend before for brunch - but it was super busy), this has quickly become one of my fave spots. I think this is a great place to go for brunch or for a nice dinner as well.

Isabella's

359 Columbus Ave @ 77th ST

NY, NY