Not having it together; not falling apart

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In one of the final scene’s of Bride Wars, a teary eyed Kate Hudson turns to a teary eyed Anna Hathaway post major cat fight and declares: “I’ve realized I don’t have to have it together all the time and it feels very liberating”.  That may or may not be verbatim; I was only watching this abhorrent film because it was on the jumbo screen at my nail salon, but you get the gist right? I realize that chick flicks, particularly those starring Kate Hudson aren’t exactly beacons of wisdom, yet I heard the aforementioned words at just the right time, and yes, a minor eureka moment ensued.

You see, lately I’ve been having minor freak-outs spurred by several reasons, most of which have to do with all the uncertainties in my life. I’m fortunate enough to be studying fashion marketing at one of the top fashion school’s in the world, yet I still don’t know what part of the industry I want to work in. It seems the more internships I do, the more confused I become. One day I want to write, the next day I can’t fathom the thought of writing for a living and want to pursue a more business-oriented career. Basically, I’m confused. I feel the pressure mounting, and the words: “you’ve been given this incredible opportunity, you’ve got to make the most of it or you’ll be a giant failure”, keep ringing in my head. Sometimes, these thoughts are so loud, not even some intense cardio-kickboxing can silence them. What’s more, the fact I’m a Canadian citizen competing for limited fashion jobs with Americans makes things a tad more complex. America, what did we ever do to you? I mean, we’re soooo nice. On top of that, my personal life is also up in the air, and dating in New York can be, well, tricky to say the least. Will I meet my soulmate? Will I have kids? Will I get my dream job, or any job for that matter in New York (where I want to be)? I DON’T KNOW, I DON’T KNOW, I DO NOT KNOW.

Now do you understand why hearing Kate Hudson’s words hit me so hard? I don’t have it “together”, but maybe if I come to terms with it and accept it, I’ll feel “liberated”? Perhaps if I embrace the uncertainties – give ’em a big ol’ hug and kiss – the panic will subside? Maybe if I stand in front of the mirror and say: “I don’t have the answers and that’s okay”, I’ll feel a weight lifted off my shoulders and I’ll be able to focus on doing my best in the present moment. My former yoga teacher Joanna Nowa, always said: “If you take care of this moment, you’ve taken care of every moment that’s to follow”. How simple and brilliant? With the help of yoga, Hudson and my wise parents and friends whom I call during moments of anxiety, I’m slowly starting to realize that life isn’t necessarily about having it together all the time or reaching certain goals or hitting specific milestones – it’s about the little moments that make up everyday. Happiness doesn’t come from having the answers, it’s about doing little things daily that may or may not lead us to them. Life is but a giant question mark right now, however, if I learn to love the unknown, I can focus more on the present (like savoring this cappuccino in front of me), and then, if and when I arrive at my destination (if there even is one), I’ll be able to enjoy it that much more. I don’t have it together, but it doesn’t mean I’m falling apart either.

DON’T stop and think.

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The other day my friend and I were running around what felt like all of Manhattan (okay it might’ve just been in and around Union Square and Greenwich Village), trying to put our fashion design project together. Our perilous journey towards mediocrity (sorry P), led us through many a campus computer lab, Staples (three times), three restaurants (what, we’ve gotta eat!), Zara (for inspiration), and several other destinations I won’t bore you with. The point of this is wherever we went that day, it seemed all any female over the age of eighteen was talking about was MEN. An earth shattering revelation, I know. But here’s the thing, any discussion I managed to overhear was focused only around the guy. “why do you think he did that?”, and “can you believe he said this”, and “why is he not calling?”, and “when will he finally get his act together?” etc.  Basically, it was all he, he, he.

Listening to these women it hit me that I too am guilty of wasting precious time trying to analyze what the guy is thinking and attempting to interpret his actions rather than thinking about my reactions and feelings toward the situation. Self destructive much? What I’m trying to say is the more time we spend trying to figure out men, the less time we focus on what we want and what makes us truly happy. And c’mon, like we’re ever going to figure ’em out anyways. Ladies, are you with me?

However, once we figure out what it is we really want and how we feel about what’s happening, we’ve also got to take two steps back and realize that men often communicate and act differently from us in similar situations. We’ve got to be a little patient and understanding because that’s what relationships of any kind, platonic or romantic are build upon. My whole shtik is we’ve got to stop trying to “get” men and why they do what they do. Instead, we should focus on whether we’re happy, while somehow managing to meet them at least 1/3 of the way, and spending more energy focusing on enjoying the process. Now don’t think I’ve got the answers to how exactly we can enjoy ourselves as opposed to tormenting ourselves, but I’m working on it and when I find the answers — you’ll know where to look.

xoxo
-Val

Summer style: what I can’t wait to wear this season

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These Luciano Padovan sandals are circa ’08 but I adore them and also this shot taken in Toronto in ’10. I’ll be forever grateful to anyone who can name the Essie polish shade I’m sporting because I want it NOW. 



Oh summer I have missed you so! What have I missed the most you ask? Summer fashion of course, especially summer shoes. Ahh, I get giddy just thinking about it. And given my excitement, how could I not share with you what I’m most excited about wearing this season. Here we go…

1. Yellow Accessories

Jil Sandar Clutch; Stuart Weitzman shoes

I bought this Jil Sander clutch last summer at a small boutique in Taormina, Sicily, a picturesque little town that had surprisingly excellent shopping. I remember my mom asking me what I’d wear such a color with and me replying “everything”, and indeed — it goes with everything. Thus began my yellow accessory obsession because you can match the color much like you would a neutral, yet it conveniently brightens any outfit. At the height of my color blocking phase last summer, I paired my yellow clutch with nude sandals, red jeans and a cobalt blue silk tank. At least I thought I looked cool. No? No one else?


The sandals I got two weeks ago for 50% off on Gilt.com (I’m obsessed). Stuart Weitzman makes some of the most comfortable footwear imaginable and I spent two summers working the sales floor at BCBG in a similar version in black patent leather. When I saw these babies in yellow — all self-control flew out the window.

2. The Men’s Shirt

J. Crew “The Boy Shirt”

Those of you who know me know my penchant for button-down shirts, specifically ones from J. Crew. I wear em year round, and I especially love linen/cotton blend ones in the summer. In fact, my default summer outfit is a button-down worn open over a t -shirt or tank top tucked into jeans or denim shorts, and a sweet belt. I also love tossing ’em over a summer dress for just the right amount of warmth if I’m indoors, or if I’m outdoors and simply don’t feel like baring arms. This one from J.Crew is 54% linen, 46% cotton and is aptly called “The Boy Shirt” ($79.50) because of its washed out, loose fit. I’m a big fan of the preppy look, but I can’t stand looking too proper so this piece is the ideal compromise. In this shirt, I know I’ll feel like I just rolled out of my boyfriend’s bed in the Hamptons and nonchalantly threw on one of his shirts. What? A girl can dream right?

FYI: J. Crew offers a 12% student discount with a valid I.D.

3. The Not Too-High, but High Enough Sandal 

Givenchy Sandals 

One of the advantages of having really tiny feet is you can often find heavily discounted footwear come season’s end. Believe it or not, I got these Givenchy sandals at the same boutique in Taromina, Sicily, where I got my Jil Sander yellow clutch. They were the last pair left and I fell for their relatively modest heel and butter soft leather woven to create an intricate web. Dainty yet edgy, and totally comfortable, these shoes were worth every penny.

4. The Summer Frock

Sportmax Code slip dress


The look as it’s meant to worn. What’s great is the sweater can also be worn separately.

It’s a dress, it’s a t-shirt, it’s a t-shirt worn over a dress! This drop waist t-shirt sweater/dress combo is by Sportmax Code, one of Maxmara’s many diffusion lines. What I love is you can wear the sweater t-shirt separately with jeans, and also with the slip dress it’s sold with. The top half lends the outfit a casual, sporty vibe, while the lace trim on the bottom of the top and the silk skirt give it a flirty, feminine feel. Sportswear inspired pieces and pastels are huge again this summer, but I bought this dress primarily because I adore garment’s with slightly quirky proportions and because this lightweight dress feels sooo luxurious on.

5. Printed Pants 

J. Crew Cafe Capri in “Paisley”. 

Prints? Yes please! I’ve never shied from color, so I’m thrilled that this season color is everywhere, J. Crew included. This Cafe Capri in “Paisley” ($148) instantly puts me in a good mood, and being a denim die-hard, I wanted to switch things up and give pants a try. Sure, I miss the stretch, but I like how I can pair these pants with a white cotton  pocket T (my favorites are from Club Monaco) and immediately look put-together. They’ll be perfect to wear to my internship at Miu Miu this summer.

When it’s good to be a bad listener

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As you guys have probably figured out by now, my life is pretty much an open blog. I love to share my favorite restaurants, shops, stories, insights, jokes, and the like with my family, friends, hairdresser, doorman and well, you get the idea. That said, my love life is no exception. In fact, if there’s one part of my life I especially LOVE to share, it’s my dating dilemmas. I’ll ask anyone who’ll listen what they think of a somewhat cryptic text message or what their opinion is on splitting the bill, sex on the first? third? tenth? date, what not to say on a first date, when’s the right time to break out the sweats, etc.

I’m not exactly sure why I do this. It could be the journalist in me and my natural propensity for sharing news, knowledge and ideas, it could be a manifestation of my insecurities when it comes to romance and relationships, or it might be a consequence of my unwavering need to understand how life and love “works”. Likely, it’s a combination of all the above. The problem is, when it comes to one’s love life, over-sharing and asking for too many people’s opinions can become overwhelming and downright confusing. It can also blur the line between actions you’re doing because it’s what feels right to you, and actions you’re doing because it’s what you think you ought to be doing because your best friend’s friend’s cousin said so, and obviously she knows what she’s talkin’ about because she has a successful marriage. Right? WRONG!

What I’ve learned is if there’s anytime where you have to be truly, madly, deeply yourself is if you want to foster a meaningful connection with someone. After all, how would you feel if the person they fell in love or like with was an amalgamation of people you created based on your trainer’s/ sister’s/ cousin’s/ friend’s/ butcher’s opinion? The real you is bound to come up eventually because that’s just how it goes and then things can get kind of tricky and icky.

So my goal from now on is to me more judicious in my sharing, and to find a way to tell people who are close to me about my life and love life without always asking for their opinions. And, when people offer unsolicited advice, which let’s face it, people tend to do A LOT, I’ll have to figure out a way to listen without internalizing advice to the point where I let it dictate my actions. If I happen to agree, it’s a whole other story, but then I’ll still be doing something because it’s what feels right to ME. Bottom line: we (and when I say “we” I mostly mean “me” because heck, who am I to tell you what to do and how to think), need to remember that no one knows us better than we know ourselves and we are the only ones who know the entirety of a situation, so we’ve got to trust our gut and do as we see fit. Life and love can be terrifying, but there’s no other option except to grab the bull by its horns and go along for the ride –  in our own special way.

Bites: Where to eat in NYC NOW

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Below are some of my current NYC favorites. I made sure there’s a bite for every budget. Let the eating begin! 

Side note: All of these restaurants serve dinner, but I’ve indicated whether they serve other meals as well.

Inexpensive:

1) Thai Terminal (Thai, lunch) 
2) Cafe Habana (Cuban, breakfast, lunch) 
3) Taim  (Falafel, Middle Eastern, lunch)
5) Shake Shack  (burgers, fries, hotdogs, shakes, lunch)
6) Frank (Italian, breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour)
7) Randolph Beer  (Bar food)
8) Sao Mai  (Vietnamese, lunch)
9) Westville (American, brunch, lunch)
10) Cafe Condessa (American/Mexican, brunch, lunch)
11) Cafe Gitane (Moroccan, Mediterranean, brunch, cafe)
12) Hu Kitchen (new!) (organic, gluten free, healthy, eat-in, marketplace, breakfast, lunch, brunch, snack, cafe)

Moderately Inexpensive:

1) La Pizza Fresca (Italian, Neapolitan Pizza, lunch)
2) Paprika (Italian, brunch) 
3) Marumi (Japanese, lunch)
4) Angelica Kitchen (Vegan, lunch)
5) Momofuko Noodle Bar (Asian, lunch)
6) Cafe Mogador (Moroccan, Mediterranean, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
7) Rubirosa  (Italian, family-style, gluten-free menu available, brunch, lunch)
8) The City Bakery (lunch, brunch, buffet style, hot chocolate, cafe)
9)  Alta  (Tapas with a twist)
10) Socorrat (Paella bar, Spanish, tapas, lunch)
11) The Smile (new!) (American nouveau/traditional, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
12) Emporio (new!) (Italian, wood-burning pizza oven, organic wine and dishes, Gluten-free options available, brunch, lunch)
13) Co. (new!) (Pizzeria, brunch, lunch)
14) Jack’s Wife Freda (new!) (Jewish/South African, breakfast, brunch, lunch)

Greek salad with kale; cauliflower, and babaganoush with feta at Jack’s Wife Freda

Relatively expensive but TOTALLY worth it

1) Boqueria (Tapas, brunch, lunch) 
2) Cafe Cluny  (American/French, brunch, lunch)
3) The Little Owl (French, lunch, brunch) 

How nice, they split the roasted chicken and halibut for us at The Little Owl

4) Momofuko Ma Peche  (French/Asian)
5) Market Table (American, market cuisine, brunch, lunch) 
6) Fedora (American, market cuisine)
7) Joseph Leonard  (American, market cuisine, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
6) Craft Bar (American, market cuisine, brunch, lunch) 

White anchovy bruschetta with soft-cooked egg, lemon ailoi and leek confit at Craft Bar

7) Balthazar (French bistro, breakfast, brunch, lunch) 
8) Sushi Yasuda (sushi, Japanese, lunch) 
9) The Northern Spy (American, market cuisine, brunch)
10) Il Buco Alimentari (Italian, brunch, lunch)
11) Barbounia (Mediterranean, brunch, lunch, happy hour)
12) The Fat Radish (Market cuisine, brunch, lunch)
13) Morandi (Italian, brunch, lunch)
14) The Red Cat (American, market cuisine, lunch)
15) Blue Ribbon Sushi (sushi, Japanese, lunch)
16) Momoya (Sushi, Japanese, lunch)

17) Balaboosta (Middle Eastern, brunch, lunch)
18) Kingswood (Market cuisine, brunch, bar)
19) The Mermaid Inn (Seafood, 3 locations, brunch)
20) Goat Town (American, brunch)
21) Blue Ribbon Brasserie (American/French, open till 4 a.m., dessert)
22) The Dutch (American, brunch, lunch, open late) 
2 a.m. post-birthday dessert at Blue Ribbon Brasserie
(Best flourless chocolate cake and sundae in town)
23) Rosemary’s (local, rooftop garden, organic, breakfast, brunch, lunch)
24) Rayuela (Latin tapas, brunch, lunch)

Appetizers from my birthday dinner at Kingswood

25) Red Farm (new!) (dim sum, creative Chinese, brunch) 
26) Cafe Select (new!) (French, Swiss, German, Austrian, bistro, brunch)
27) Barmarché (new!) (American nouveau/Latin American, brunch, happy hour) 
28) Wong (new!) (Asian, locally sourced ingredients) 

29) De Santos (new!) (American, seasonal, organic, brunch, outdoor garden)

Very expensive and VERY worth it 

1) 15 East (new!) (Sushi for fish lovers) 
2) ABC Kitchen (new!) (farm to table, organic, brunch, lunch) 
3) Marc Forgione (new!) (Contemporary, brunch). 


To pursue or to be pursued, that is the question

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New York is a city of firsts, and I my friends am no exception. A little over a week ago I took the plunge and decided to be the first to initiate contact after a first date. I’ve never done this because a) the film He’s Just Not That Into You and the philosophy behind it pretty much sums up my dating code of ethics, and b) I suppose I’m a little old fashioned. Let’s back track a bit so I can tell you how I got myself into such a predicament.

So I met this guy on Jdate (everyone does it here), we exchanged a couple semi-flirtatious emails and a date was arranged. Allow me to preface by saying the weekend before this date, my good friend had had a horrible online dating experience (the kind you read about in Cosmo that makes you think your freaky dates were humdrum), and that prior to leaving the house for this date, my parents gave me the don’t go home with strangers spiel. Thanks mom. Anyways, I’m on this date and it’s going well. He’s good looking, successful and funny, albeit at points in an obnoxious way. No, I have no interest in riding his motorcycle or learning salsa, but it’s not like every guy I’m meeting is the man I’m going to marry. Right? Finally, the dreaded lull in conversation occurs. That’s when I blurt out: “so, is your place near here”? As soon as the words left my mouth I knew I had uttered a first date no no (well at least from a girl’s perspective). The fact was I knew he lived in the neighborhood from our exchanges, however, I didn’t have to get all awkward and start babbling away about how I was just making conversation and that I didn’t mean it like that. He didn’t seem to think it was so weird and politely offered to show me his place a mere two blocks away. What a gentleman.

After leaving the restaurant, he takes the opportunity to conveniently point out, in the event I’d forgotten, that his place is so close if I’m interested in seeing it. Instead of being cool Val, I become even more awkward and start muttering no over and over again in a manner slightly resembling turrets. Needless to say, it wasn’t my finest hour. I then announce I’m going to take a cab home, and that’s when he leans in and kisses me. I was SO not expecting it and unsurprisingly, I was awkward yet again. I’m on a roll. The kiss was good, a little too much tongue (haven’t guys gotten the memo?) but I leave feeling confused.

Three days go by and I don’t hear from him. Hmm… Is it because he expected me to come up all along and decided I wasn’t worth anymore effort? In truth, I didn’t get those vibes from him but then again, what do I know. Of course my friends have a logical explanation: based on my behavior, he probably has no idea I’m interested, in fact, he probably thinks I’m really NOT interested. Duh, I should totally message him. I’d never thought of it like this, but I think maybe they’ve got a point. I have been told by men who liked me in the past that they thought I hated them. Apparently, I’m a terrible flirt. Great. But, then I think back to all those dates where I was clearly not interested in the guys and where I thought it was so obvious, yet they STILL called. Masochists? There’s that line from He’s Just Not That Into You ringing in my ears: “If I guy wants to see you, he’ll see you”. Screw you Justin Long.

Alright, I’m in New York, it’s a new year, why not message him. So three days after our date, I send him a text. It takes him over twelve hours to respond and by this point it’s past midnight. My friends, I think we’ve just entered booty call territory, how about you? And all this from the guy who wanted me to come up, interesting… Not that most guys aren’t like that, but I transgress. Anyways, the timing of his response doesn’t make me feel good, au contraire — it makes me feel pretty shitty. Not only do I now not feel wanted, but I’ve boosted his ego by indicating I’m still interested. But what was I expecting, if he really wanted to see me, wouldn’t he have messaged me? Damn it, why did I have to try new things?!

I know this is one situation, but maybe I’m just not the pursuer type. Does that put me on par with a suburban housewife from the 1950’s? Should I continue messaging guys who don’t message me? Maybe next time I won’t get a booty call type response? Should I stick to my beliefs? I’ve always thought of myself as a modern woman, but maybe not in this domain? My smart, sexy and worldly bff tells me  guys’ egos need stroking just as much as girls’ and it doesn’t matter who pursues who because it’s 2012! She’s got a point, yet maybe I’m not interested in a guy whose ego needs stroking? Call me selfish, but I want all the ego stroking to be directed at me, at minimum at the start. Should I just shut-up and get out my apron and whip up some meatloaf? This is not an easy question and my friend posed an excellent question: at what point in the dating timeline does the playing field even out and do I think it’s “okay” for the girl to initiate contact for say a third or fourth date? I replied by saying that it’s usually clear when that point is and there’s no set moment, it just boils down to a feeling.

So what do you beautiful people think about girls “pursuing” guys? Does it depend on the circumstances? I think sometimes it really does, or is it always a “no”, or always a “yes”? I didn’t feel good after my experience, but than again, maybe if his response had been different, I’d be out with him again and not sitting here blogging.

Taking the Val out of Valentine’s Day: 1 girl’s adventures in NYC dating (or lack thereof)

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I have this fantasy where I’m sitting at a restaurant enjoying a lovely meal with family and/or friends and at the end of said meal, a handsome stranger walks up to me and tells me he has been unable to keep his eyes off me from the instant I entered the restaurant and he needs to see me again. The physical chemistry between us is instantaneous; my cheeks turn beet red, I smile, he smiles, and voila – I am swept off my feet by the man who will become my husband. Last Saturday, my fantasy came true, well the first part at least…

After all, if everything went according to plan, I wouldn’t be sitting here on Valentine’s eve eating chocolate cheesecake from City Bakery (amazing by the way), and sharing my love life with you people. So here’s what went down: handsome guy celebrating his birthday with a bunch of buddies comes up to me and tells me he finds me very attractive and has been trying to make eye contact with me all evening. We banter for a bit, I smile, he smiles, and he proceeds to get my number. Then, unlike many pickups prior, he asks me to schedule our next meeting right then and there. The only day we can agree on is Tuesday – aka Valentine’s Day. He makes a joke about how he won’t do anything V-day related and I laugh saying it isn’t a particularly Jewish holiday anyways. We laugh some more, stare into each other’s eyes some more and he tells me he can’t wait till Tuesday. Did I mention this guy is fineeeeeee??! He tells me to come out with his friends, but I decide to make him wait till Tuesday. Turns out I’m the one waiting.

After texting him Monday night to ask if we’re still on or if it was a figment of my drunken imagination, he replies: “Hi! Holy shit. I’m sorry. I’m really not an ass. I’ve been sick since Sunday. Saturday night I got home at 6 a.m. Been out of it since and just didn’t remember. Raincheck? It wasn’t the alcohol. It was the after effect:(“. Seriously? You just turned 31 and you can’t recover from a hangover in three days? Needless to say, the date has yet to be rescheduled.

So why am I telling you this? Mainly because writing is therapeutic and I’d rather use my blog as an outlet for my venting than say, a metal pole or a certain guy’s head. Maybe on a certain level I’m hoping to gain some insight into the opposite sex, or perhaps into myself? Yes, I knew this guy was drunk, so was I mind you, but we really did spend a large chunk of the evening having very coherent conversations and my friends can attest to that. The point is I was really excited because I rarely feel such an immediate connection and because as cynical as I may be at times, I’m still a really positive person underneath who believes in true love (most days). Plus, this guy had totally acted out my meet-cute fantasy and did I mention he was fineeeeeeee??!

After some pondering (okay, way too much pondering), I have arrived at the conclusion that the reason this date isn’t happening has nothing to do with me. The guy barely knows me so it’s not like he discovered some flaw in my personality. I also doubt it was a beer-goggles type scenario. I mean c’mon, I was wearing my one sexy outfit and five inch heels! And plus, I did actually see him looking at me all night… There are a million reasons why this date will never be. For instance, he could’ve recently broken up with a girlfriend, he could currently have a girlfriend (eww), or maybe he didn’t like me as much as he let on and just didn’t feel like going on a date. He could also be an escaped convict who was caught and escorted back to prison and they simply forgot to confiscate his cell phone. Really, you don’t agree?

When I recounted the story to my male friend, he asked me a wise question, one that I’m still pondering over. His theory is that if a guy is confident enough to walk over to a girl and tell them how attractive they find them right off the bat, it’s highly likely that guy has lots of experience doing that sort of thing and could I really see myself with a guy like that? Good point. Well, confidence is always attractive, but hitting on tons of girls and having the ego that goes with that isn’t. I guess most of us want someone who is confident with women and in other areas of life, but not to the point of cockiness, or sluttiness for that matter. Like with everything else, it’s all about that elusive balance. Sigh.

Regardless, I have no idea if this was the case with restaurant hottie, but it might just be he hits on girls for sport and once he had “conquered” me, he lost all interest. He could’ve wanted to sleep with me that very night, although that leaves me wondering why he was so persistent about scheduling a future meeting time and significantly less persistent about meeting up later that night. Anyways, it really doesn’t matter because it’s over and done with and if I’m going to continue attempting to date in the crazy city that is NYC, I have to learn to move on and not overanalyze, especially situations I’ll never have answers to. I’m working on it, okay? Next post, I’ll tell you about my foray into online dating. Let’s just say they don’t call it Zoo York for nothing…

p.s. if anyone cares to offer any insight into my “situation” please do share!

Val’s Bits & Bites is moving to NYC

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After a sendoff that made me wonder what I ever did to have such incredible friends, I’m finally off to NYC to begin my fashion marketing studies at Parsons. It’s hard to believe this day is finally here, and the reality will only sink in once my parents leave and I’m left all alone in my apartment. I’m nervous, but mainly excited. At this point, there’s no turning back and I’ve promised myself I’m going to make the most of this experience which I am truly fortunate to be embarking upon.

 Twirling in my BCBG maxi skirt (I finally found one!) and Kain Label tank 

Hopefully my studies — and bustling social life (jokes, or maybe not?) won’t keep me from blogging, because I’m sure I’ll have a lot to share with you folks. I also still have so much more I want to tell you about Montreal and other places I’ve been, so maybe I’ll get around to that soon too. The next week will be filled with unpacking, assembling and trying to get into a good groove, so wish me luck! Thanks for reading until now; I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me that you take minutes out of your hectic lives to read (or peruse) my ramblings.

xoxo  – Val

And the award for hostess of the year goes to the one and only Jenny H!

Speechless

C’mon, you can’t like me this much, can you??

Montreal Sushi Crisis Part II

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It’s time to sound the alarm. The crisis I hoped to avoid is indeed upon us. But, and there’s always a but, the situation isn’t as dire as I had originally predicted. Phew. Still, the quest for sushi in Montreal that is both high in quality and affordable, remains just that – a quest.

The reason we can relax a tad and avoid an Armageddon scenario is thanks to a little place on Parc Ave. called Bistro Isakaya. My parents found out about Isakaya through their friends at La Mer, who informed them the restaurant’s Japanese born sushi chef/owner purchases only the best. Decor-wise, Isakaya isn’t particularly exciting on the eyes and the service is good, not great. But if the sashimi is fresh, I’m a happy camper and it’s definitely fresh here. I’m not sure when they have it, but if king salmon sashimi happens to be available, you must try it. Plus, the maki rolls are simple – i.e. none of that mango, curry, cream cheese crap that screams of inauthenticity. My favourite is the Isakaya roll featuring salmon, crab meat, white fish, tobiko and cucumber, however, classics like the spider with soft shell crab, salmon kamikaze and California are also excellent. And though I’m not the biggest lobster fan, my friends who tried Isakaya’s lobster roll had nothing but positive accolades for it.

Maki and sashimi at Bistro Isakaya 

Appetizer wise, the dishes are also simple yet tasty. Standout apps include the tuna cocktail and the ultra light fried eggplant in bonito broth. Isakaya also does lunch and it’s cheap, cheap cheap which is why I’ll let it slide that there aren’t plenty of options to choose from. Oh, and speaking of cheap, considering the quality of the fish, a dinner for one at Isakya without alcohol can easily cost under $35. Are you out the door and in the car yet?

Fried eggplant in bonito broth at Bistro Isakaya

But, oh, there it is again, I still think Bishoku in its heyday (before new management and chefs took over) was better than Isakaya. The freshness factor is virtually equal at both, however, I simply preferred Bishoku’s slightly more inventive appetizers, maki rolls and the service was undoubtedly superior. I do think liking one over the other comes down to a matter of tastes and we all know how tastes can vary, so I’ll let you decide for yourselves. This is intended for the people who knew Bishoku before the “changes” because I don’t suggest you go there now. Sadly, it hasn’t gotten better. Let’s leave it at that because it’s a sensitive subject.

I also returned to 5 Saisons which reopened late September after a fire related closing. 5 Saisons delivers (within the NDG/Westmount areas), so there’s a big brownie point right there. It’s also a BYOB which merits at least 3 brownie points if not more. The restaurant’s fare ranks quite well on the freshness and taste scale, but I’m not exaggerating when I say it wasn’t easy finding maki rolls that weren’t “contaminated” with fruits or an abundance of tempura flakes. I find that extremely frustrating, albeit I am an easily frustrated gal. What’s more, 5 Saisons is no cheaper than Isakaya, so unless I’m ordering takeout and need lots of wine to go with my sushi (hey, somedays can be really stressful), then I’m dragging my butt to Parc Ave.

The Te Quiero roll at 5 Saisons with spicy tuna, crispy tempura, cooked shrimp and avocado rolled in a soya bean leaf was too heavy on the sauce and tempura. 

Clearly a woman on a mission, I went to Sushi Yu Mi on Sherbrooke West as well. It’s an adorable little spot that’s designed mainly for takeout orders. The staff was friendly and my order of maki rolls was completed quickly and the cost was very reasonable. Though I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was, I can say that something felt just slightly off. Don’t get me wrong, it was good and I’d like to give it a second chance, yet there was a taste to certain rolls that just didn’t jive with my palette.

Kaizen was another place I visited on my search for sushi greatness only to find sushi suckiness of the highest degree. It was bad, and when I say bad I mean BAD as in awful, as in STAY THE HELL AWAY. Are we clear? My intention isn’t to insult anyone, but I feel fortunate to have walked out of there without food poisoning because the fish was the furthest thing from fresh. It’s a shame because the service was top notch, the interior is beautiful and spacious, and Kaizen has one of the best wine lists in town. To be honest, it’s also too expensive to even be on this list since my search is about quality and affordability, but I had to try it. I left Kaizen feeling robbed – it’s totally overpriced, especially when you factor in the yuckiness. If you’re willing to spend on sushi, go to Jun I. I raved about it in Montreal Sushi Crisis Part I and I have been back several times since and each meal was better than the last. Word of advice: if there’s a roll of the month, do yourself a favor and order it – you won’t regret it.

The seaweed salad was the only dish I enjoyed at Kaizen. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t try Oishii Sushi, nor did I revisit Shodan or Tri Express. After all, I was beginning to fear mercury poisoning. Based on my memories, Shodan is a good bet, although for the price I suggest Jun I. As for Tri Express, I’ve only been once and it was at least five years ago. I do recall a superb meal that perhaps was a little too avant garde for me back then, though let me assure you this foodie has grown up. Okay so maybe I scared you a little too much at first, but I had to get your attention somehow. So there you have it my friends, now go and eat some sushi and share your thoughts with me.

The sashimi appetizer at Jun I

Some Bits & one Bite to start off ’12

~ valsbitsandbites ~ 2 Comments

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR to my dear readers. Second of all, I am deeply sorry for being MIA throughout December (c’mon, you know you missed me…). I promise I had plenty of good reasons to avoid blogging, but now I’m back and ready to rumble. This post is a random mishmash of bits and one bite to start off the new year. So let’s get rolling.

Fashion
What better way to welcome the new year than with photos of drool-worthy footwear. While in New York apartment hunting last month, I had to stop by the Bergdorf’s designer sale to see if there were any goodies worth splurging on – and as luck would have it there were. I’ve been wanting leopard pumps for quite some time now since they add an element of sophisticated spunk (does that even make sense?) to any ensemble. How perfect then that I stumbled upon a pair by one of my favourite shoe designers: Miu Miu. Don’t look at me like that, I swear they’re really comfortable.

Then my dear mother (god bless her soul), found a pair of Robert Cleregie ankle booties to carry me through the winter with style, comfort and relative warmth (I can wear my SmartWool socks). I had never tried anything by the French brand, but I instantly fell in love for the chunky heel (hello stability!) and touches of patent leather. I’ve found my sole-mate.

Interior Design
Since getting accepted to Parsons in NYC and knowing that I’d have an apartment to call my own, I’ve become slightly obsessed with interior design. It’s important for my place to be at least to some extent a reflection of me, which isn’t exactly the easiest thing considering most of my furniture is coming from Ikea. But much like in fashion, the secret to making a look truly your own lies in the details – i.e. it’s how you accessorize.

In the summer, while in the Amalfi Coast with my family, I bought two medium-large black and white photographs by a local photographer so that I’ll always be reminded of one of my most beloved spots on earth. The photographs weren’t expensive, but I took them to Art-en-ciel in Westmount to be framed. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s definitely worth it because now they look like a million bucks. Photos to be posted later.

My parents also happen to have bought colourful canvas paintings by a Jamaican artist during a trip to the island years ago. There’s three in total; each depicting a unique scene, and I know they’ll add much needed colour and oomph to my mainly black and white decor.

There are two others like this, but they’re horizontal and a different size. I think they’ll look great together.

While visiting my birthplace this summer, I stole some wooden decorative pieces painted in a traditional Ukrainian folkloric style from my dad’s apartment. They don’t exactly go with the modern look of my digs, but they have sentimental value and at the end of the day that always wins.

Ukrainian folkloric art

In Saint Martin last week, I came upon a relatively new home decor store called Ambiance, where they sell original pieces designed and made in France (St. Martin is half owned by the French). I’m a sucker for throw pillows and these Paris themed ones have just the right amount of whimsy. Plus, they’ll remind me of two wonderful places that I adore: Paris and St. Martin. La vie est belle!

Food
Bistro Lustucru in the Mile-End has been on my to-eat list since last spring, but I only made my way there just before Christmas. What enticed me was their extensive raw bar featuring every kind of tartar under the sun along with other raw items such as beef carpaccio and grouper ceviche. The raw offerings didn’t disappoint, particularly the citrusy salmon tartar. Oh, and the fries were beyond. Meanwhile, my friend ordered the fish soup and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. The real piece de resistance, however, was the dessert special. It was a roasted marshmallow and lemon concoction, the details of which have unfortunately escaped me (too delighted to write notes I suppose). And while the service was a little haphazard, the reasonable prices, good music and the laid back, youthful vibe more than made up for it.

Our raw assortment: Salmon tartar, tuna tataki with veal filet carpaccio and beef carpaccio 
The unidentifiable but unbelievably good lemony dessert