Our Redeye Brunch

The morning after our wedding in New York City we continued celebrating at The Redeye Grill, where Brian and I fell in love years ago. Our friend Caroline set up the most amazing brunch for our family including lots of champagne, appetizers, and my favorite guacamole! It truly was a feast. Being back at the restaurant brought back so many happy memories for us. It was the perfect way to relax with our family after our wedding!

Scenes from the weekend.

On Saturday night my school held our annual Spring Fling fundraiser in Fort Greene. A bunch of us teachers met up beforehand for beer and pretzels at Black Forest Brooklyn before walking over to the event. Our parents put together an amazing evening including a silent auction, yummy appetizers, and a photo booth (which we took full advantage of!). I had a blast catching up with old parents and dancing with friends. On Sunday Brian, Emily, and I started our day with brunch at Queens Comfort. That afternoon I sat in Astoria Park correcting homework while Brian and Em ran and biked around. The weather was amazing and it felt so nice to lay in the sun in shorts and a tank top! I am more than ready for the warm temperatures this week. How was your weekend?

Scenes from the weekend.

What a weekend! Saturday afternoon I had brunch at Reynard in honor of my friend Hannah's birthday. Hannah moved to Austin, TX a couple years ago so I cherish each and every time we get to see her in the city! There was a 7-alarm fire in Williamsburg that started early Saturday morning, so we ended up battling the smoke and ash to get to and from the restaurant. Saturday night I met up with my friends Rachel and Brianne for dinner at Cafe Mogador in the East Village. From there we walked to Revision Lounge for my co-teacher's birthday/bachelorette party. We were out way past our usual bedtimes but we had an amazing time dancing and celebrating. Sunday was a much more relaxed day until that nail biter of a Superbowl game. GO PATS!

Reason #257 why I love summer.

You can treat yourself to the most delicious brunch whenever you feel like it.

Gouda grilled cheese and iced coffee at Queens Kickshaw. 

Peels

One of the joys of spending my spring break in the city is that I get to catch up with friends over lunches around town. There is something so relaxing about mid-day dining; the restaurants feel bright and airy, the menus include brunch entrees, and the crowds are nowhere in sight. I had a wonderful time catching up with Danielle at Peels on Tuesday. We caught up about life, our big moves, and photography over a delicious meal (my build a biscuit with eggs, sausage, and gravy was out of this world good!). Danielle and her husband are moving to Philly this weekend, so I am so grateful we got to hang out one more time before they left!

Scenes from (a past) weekend.

A few weeks ago, my wonderful friend Amy visited me in New York City for the first time! We had a ball running around town taking in all the Big Apple has to offer. There is nothing I love more than having family and friends come visit, especially during the holidays. I can't wait until Amy comes back to see me again!

My favorite grilled cheese at Queens Kickshaw. 

Brooklyn Heights brownstone. 

DUMBO. 

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan. 

The exchange all dressed up for the holidays. 

The New York Public Library in Bryant Park lit with hundreds of tea lights. It was breathtaking. 

Hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows at City Bakery. 

Grand Central Station. 

Our night on Broadway- We loved Mamma Mia! 

Brunch at Clinton Street Baking Company. 

Donut Plant. 

Chelsea Market. 

View from The Highline. 

Twelve dates of Christmas: On our third date of Christmas...

... we enjoyed a delicious brunch at Freeman's, in the Lower East Side. 

I discovered Freeman's a few months ago, and instantly fell in love with it. The restaurant is tucked away on Freeman's Alley, a quant little street nestled in the Lower East Side. As soon as you turn the alley corner, you feel like you have been transported into another world. White lights are strung across the buildings, shrubs line the old brick walls, and the warmth of the restaurant is felt before you even step foot inside. 

The restaurant itself is a series of intimate rooms spread across two levels. Worn wooden floors, antique books and couches, and farm tables create a space similar to an old cabin tucked away in the woods. While you are dining, you would never know you were smack dab in the middle of New York City! And the food is delicious. Brian and I loved our scramble, apple cinnamon pancakes, and endless cups of coffee. 

When Brian and I first met, we went out for brunch almost every Sunday. We fell in love over the course of those meals, and for that reason among many our brunches will always be very special to me.