Here it is. The last year of my 20's. As I 'm fast approaching 30-years-old, I can't help but reminisce over what I thought my life would be like by now. The outcome is a little different than expected, but it's been a pretty amazing life thus far. So, I figured I'd celebrate my birthday like I do every year with a week long fiesta.
The party started with a late lunch at Pulino's with my friend Taryn. This Italian restaurant positioned right on Houston Street in Nolita proved to have great service as well as delicious food. Taryn and I shared a carafe of Rosé, a burrata pizza, and a Insalata Nicoise. Highly recommended by our server, the pizza was garlic-y and cheesy. The crust was thin and crispy so it was easy to throw back a few pieces. Hell, it was my birthday!
Later that evening we met up with some of my other friends for some early drinks at one of my favorite East Village spots, Yuca Bar. This place serves up phenomenal cocktails and happy hour from 1PM - 8PM. I have tried their margarita and caipirinha and both were great but this night I opted for the white sangria. It's strong, tasty, and comes in half or full carafes which is great if it's just two of you or a larger group. Despite the constant throng of people at Yuca Bar, there always seems to be a relaxed ambience that brings that Latino spirit.
The next evening a former professor wanted to catch up and get me a birthday drink. I met him at his usual spot,
Molly's, in Gramercy. Every time I go to this bar the staff is always very friendly and they seem to make everyone feel right at home. This night I was catching up with my professor and the bartender suspiciously asks him to come outside for a quick chat. I was curious but just kept sipping my beer and people-watching. A little while later the bartender came out of the kitchen with a huge slice of chocolate cake and a candle. The entire bar began singing happy birthday to me; including the three Englishmen that were bought off with Guiness' from my professor. I think Molly's is a great bar to make your regular spot or to just stop in and enjoy scrumptious Irish fare.
Of course I could not finish out my birthday week without a party. My roommate, Rae, and I planned a joint party to celebrate together as her birthday is around Christmas time. Conveniently, we both turned 29, so in order to properly celebrate the last year of our 20's we had a 1920's themed party. After searching high and low for a spot to host our large group we decided on
Lolita Bar in the Lower East Side. I contacted them via email and they responded quickly and didn't require a deposit or bottle purchase. We told them the size of our group and they reserved us a very generous space. My friends came to party in some very impressive outfits. They all looked phenomenal and seemed to have put a lot of effort into their 1920's style. The music was a mix of indie rock, alternative rock, and hip hop. In other words there was something for everyone. I only wish I knew the bar only excepts cash or Amex since several of my friends had to leave the bar in the cold to get cash. Otherwise we had a wonderful time celebrating our birthdays at Lolita Bar.
After a long week celebration I enjoyed lunch in Italy, drinks in Brazil, dessert in Ireland, and went back in time to the 1920's. The first week of 29 has made me ready to take this year by storm. I always look at my birthday as my time to reflect and make new goals and pledge that my new age will bring wisdom and adventures. With the help of my family, friends, and this great city anything is possible and that's why I love New York City.
For more Why I Heart NYC with Adrianne Benzion stay tuned to Clubplanet!
