Queen of Quirky Takes Manhattan

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of catching up with Queen of Quirky blogger and galpal Stephanie.

A Kansas City native, Stephanie and I clicked at the big BlogHer conference in Chicago last summer, finding we had both blogging and journalism-to-PR career trajectories in common. It was Stephanie’s first visit to NYC, so we enjoyed an action-packed girls night out on Saturday.

Girls Night Out: Stephanie and me at Buddakan

The evening’s festivities began with dinner at swanky Buddakan, site of Carrie and Big’s rehearsal dinner and one of my favorite restaurants. It never disappoints and this meal was no exception.

For appetizers, we indulged in chili rock shrimp, taro puff pork lollipops and wok hay frog legs. The gastronomic bliss continued with braised short ribs and shrimp and lobster chow fun, and for dessert, a carrot-ginger cake with cream cheese ice cream that was beyond heavenly. Steph is quite the foodie, not to mention a great cook, so I can’t wait to try her take on Buddakan’s braised ribs.

After dinner, we headed over to the Gansevoort Hotel, where we took in the dressed-to-be-seen scene at both the rooftop bar and Tanuki Tavern.

Big Drink: Steph with Tanuki Tavern’s oversized cosmo

Our last stop of the night -- Irish pub O’Flanagan’s, for some final cocktails and the sounds of cover band Planet Groove. We danced to some classic tunes (“500 Miles” and “Sweat--La La La Long” among them), toasted our friendship -- and talked about how Steph’s hometown will figure into my Grand 2010 Plan.

Stay tuned for the big reveal on Friday!

An 80's Style Birthday Celebration

Saturday night, I headed down to SoHo for a birthday celebration with my cousin Chris and ten of my best galpals.

Happy Birthday: Making a wish over a candle-lit slice of ricotta cheesecake

The evening’s festivities kicked off at Petrarca, an Italian bistro long on great service, delicious pasta and excellent wines. Over a delicious dinner (creamless cauliflower puree soup and risotto with porcini mushrooms for me), we talked about my friend Andrea’s new PR gig and the fun of being flooded with birthday wishes via Facebook.

Girls Night Out: (counterclockwise from right): Leila, Sara, me, Caroline, Rachel and Bobbi at Canal Room

After dinner, we headed over to my favorite NYC nightspot Canal Room, which graciously comped our admission for the show. Performing was my favorite 80’s tribute band, Rubix Kube.

Rubix Kube: Best 80’s tribute band ever

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Rubix Kube a handful of times and they never disappoint. I was especially excited when keyboardist Rich Forman gave me a birthday shoutout.

What could be better than celebrating with good friends and revisiting the music of your childhood? I found out when I jumped on stage and rocked it out with lead singer Scott Lovelady.

A Little Respect: Rubix Kube’s Scott and I jammed to the 80’s Erasure hit

You can enjoy the sounds of Rubix Kube most Saturdays at Canal Room. The band will also be part of Canal Room’s Help For Haiti benefit concert on Wednesday February 3rd, featuring four tribute bands. Tickets are $20, click here for more info.

Girls Night Out: Bocca

Last night, I headed down to NYC’s Flatiron District to join galpals Sara and Deborah in celebrating our good friend Leila’s birthday.

Bocca Restaurant & Bar: The tiramisu here is to die for

For the festivities, Leila chose Bocca -- a cozy and fabulous bistro that serves up traditional Italian fare with a twist. Among the culinary delights we enjoyed were goat cheese-filled beet ravioli salad, veal meatballs with chick pea puree and pan-roasted chicken over artichokes in truffle jus. Delish.

After toasting Leila over cocktails, we settled in for a lively conversation, the kind that makes you thankful for girlfriends.

We talked about the recent bumper crop of good movies, who’s hot and who’s not among male celebs (Clooney, of course, and Downey Jr--yea, Pitt and Law--not so much), and whether American men outside of New York are easier to read than their Gotham counterparts.

That’s probably wishful thinking.

Coming up…finding love lessons in career twists and going backstage at NBC’s Today Show.

Girls Night Out: Cesca

Monday, I headed to Cesca restaurant on NYC’s Upper West Side for a girls night out with my new friend Sherri, founder of SingleEdition.com.

Cesca: Delicious Italian fare in an upscale, intimate setting

Sherri and I connected a couple of months ago through our respective work in cyberspace and hit it off immediately after meeting at SingleEdition.com’s Live The Life You Love events.

Over a delicious dinner – during which Sherri introduced me to the unexpected delight of fried brussel sprouts – we talked about work, life and love.

Among the topics of our three-hour chat – the impact of having happily married parents and the challenge of finding commitment-minded men in NYC. Sherri met her Jersey-bred hubby on JDate.com. Though I’m officially over and done with online dating, I think it might be time for me to explore the bridge and tunnel crowd a little more closely.

If you’re looking tips and inspiration for living your best single life, head on over to SingleEdition.com. While you’re there, check out the site’s Just for One Holiday Gift Guide. It’s the perfect place to find something fabulous for your single friends, or even for yourself.

Girls Night Out X 2

Tuesday night, I enjoyed a girls night out double header that began at the Empire Hotel’s rooftop bar, where I caught up with new galpal Amy.

Amy and I connected at an ADL gala back in October and discovered we’re both regulars on the charitable event circuit. Having lost my number one wing woman to the throes of marital bliss, I was excited when Amy volunteered to hit the town with me.

Over drinks, we talked about upcoming events we’re planning to attend and the importance of looking your best when catching up with an old flame.

Vintage: this chic Hell’s Kitchen lounge has a fabulous martini menu

After Amy and I parted company, I headed down to Vintage bar in Hell’s Kitchen, where I enjoyed a few cocktails with fellow dating bloggers Simone and Lost Plum.

The three of us traded observations about the mommy blogger mafia’s hold on corporate America, and the perils of dating men with high-powered jobs and a penchant for text messaging.

“That sounds like my last five relationships,” Simone quipped.

When it comes to sassy, candid takes on singlehood in NYC, it doesn’t get any better than Simone and Lost Plum. Do yourself a favor and check out their fabulous blogs.

Thursday Double Header

Thursday night, I headed over to swanky event venue Hudson Terrace for C Squared Group’s Fall Entrepreneurs networking mixer.

Hudson Terrace: C Squared group took over the swanky space for its fall event

More than 150+ people from a variety of industries filled the space, which boasts nearly 360-degree city views.

HR consultant Patrick and I talked about what makes a great vodka gimlet and why, in his view, “American Psycho” is a must-see/read. Sourcepad CEO Joe filled me in about his company, which is a great online resource for hiring freelance IT professionals that you can work with using live video.

Joe also told me the delightful story of how he met his wife -- during a Scrabble game at a friend’s place.

“She was beating everybody, and I’m terrible at Scrabble,“ he said with a laugh. “She took pity on me and started to help me, to the chagrin of everyone else.”

A Scrabble aficionado myself, I loved this tale of finding love across the game’s lettered tiles. As I’ve discovered with previous boyfriends, wordplay can be a great prelude to romance.

After having my fill of schmoozing, I met up with galpal Rachel at one of my favorite Hell’s Kitchen eateries, Cara Mia.

Over a delicious dinner (grilled calamari, spinach fettuccini in vodka sauce), Rach and I reflected on the multi-step process of getting over a big love -- and the importance of keeping busy along the way with good friends and meeting new people.

Speaking of new people, I filled Rach in about HurryDater E and how much I enjoyed my first date with him. Up next…details about equally exhilarating date #2.

Girls Night Out: Whiskey Trader

Tuesday night, after seeing “Superior Donuts,” I headed over to the Whiskey Trader in Midtown for a happy hour hosted by The Lost Girls.

Bartending Goddesses: (from left) Lost Girls authors and bloggers Amanda, Jen and Holly

While enjoying a couple of cosmos mixed perfectly by Jen, my Divalicious friend Heidi and I talked about male profiling -- i.e., making assumptions about men in suits. She presumes they’re dull and conservative, I think a suit usually spells sophistication.

Speaking of assumptions about the opposite sex, I decided to vet my theories on texting versus calling with a couple of friendly guys at the bar.

When I said that texting to make plans is less considerate than making a call, both men balked. They maintained that it’s hard to know when is a good time to call a woman, and one even tried to liken texting and emailing to the lost art of letter writing.

With all due respect, I think these are just excuses for not taking initiative and picking up the phone. As DatingRevolution founder Ross Felix puts it so well in this blog post, guys need to man up here. A quick call goes a long way toward making a girl (this girl, at least) feel courted.

Coming up…a look at Broadway’s sizzling “Burn The Floor” and an action-packed night out in Hell’s Kitchen.

An Eventful Week

When it comes to the perfect mix of female bonding, nights out on the town and budding romance, this week had it all.

Girls Night Out: Heidi and me at The Lost Girls happy hour

From a happy hour celebrating The Lost Girls and their upcoming memoir and a schmoozefest at one of NYC's hottest event spaces to an exhilarating second date with adorable HurryDater E, I’ve been on the go non-stop and enjoying every minute of it.

Coming up…details of all the action and the debut of a new SGITC feature.

Girls Night Out: StyleFixx

Last week, galpals Caroline and Heidi joined me at StyleFixx’s fabulous Girls Night Out.

Caroline, me and Heidi at Girls Night Out

Held at NYC’s Metropolitan Pavilion, the shopping party featured more than a dozen fashion, beauty and accessory vendors, along with complimentary massages and free hair treatments. Included in the $30 ticket price -- five cocktails and a swag bag with girlie products ranging from lingerie tape to anti-humidity hair spritz.

StyleFixx’s first NYC event was a big success

My favorite finds of the night were in the accessories category. I loved Mara Sinderbrand of Mara Made Jewelry’s necklaces crafted from handbag beads. Equally elegant -- Martha Almeida of BluetNewYork’s no-pain velvet headbands.

While enjoying our drinks and some tasty samples of Vermont’s Cabot cheese, Caroline, Heidi and I talked about the downsides of high-tech communication. Heidi’s boyfriend bliss had hit a brief snag over a text messaging exchange. I, meanwhile, was still smarting over being deleted as a Facebook friend -- by my cousin. Ouch.

The three of us also shared a few laughs after Heidi convinced me to say yes to a stylist offering to flat iron my hair. I nearly flew out of the chair when he said this particular flat iron would set me back a cool $150. For that price, it should come with a hairstylist.

StyleFixx’s next Girls Night Out in NYC is set for spring 2010.

Girls Night Out: Meatpacking District

Last weekend, my friend Bobbi and I enjoyed a girls night out in NYC’s Meatpacking District.

Agave: adobe walls and flickering candles contribute to the hip yet relaxed atmosphere at this Mexican eatery

Over dinner and a shared pitcher of sangria at lively Mexican eatery Agave, we talked about past and present affairs of the heart -- from our respective experiences of cops being major players to our different takes on May-December romance.

Bobbi is having fun with a twentysomething personal trainer-aspiring rapper. I prefer men who are my contemporaries or older, having had three boyfriends who were approximately 15 years my senior, and parents with a 25- year spread between them.

Later, Bobbi and I encountered a well-coiffed mixture of twenty and thirtysomethings at a crowded bar across from Pastis. Just when we were about to call it a night after a few glasses of wine, a tall, adorable guy with an Australian accent brushed past us with a group of male friends.

Originally from Melbourne, he introduced himself as Dave and quickly reminded me why Aussies have a reputation for being great storytellers.

Dave told us the tale of how he met his most recent girlfriend. While traveling to Africa, he found himself naked when his clothes were stolen during an afternoon of skinny dipping. His soon-to-be sweetheart stumbled upon him and took pity on his embarrassing situation, and so a romance was born.

Which just proves that you never really know when Cupid is going to strike. And that it’s preferable to be fully clothed when he does.

SGITC Reader Perk: VIP Tix To StyleFixx Event

StyleFixx.com is hosting a two-night shopping event at NYC’s Metropolitan Pavillion – and they’re offering free VIP tickets to 30 lucky Single Gal In The City readers!

Scheduled for Wednesday October 21st and Thursday October 22nd at NYC’s Metropolitan Pavillion, StyleFixx’s shopping party features the latest in fashion, beauty and accessories. Project Runway designer Kara Janx will show off her fall 2009 line. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary massages and facials from Rani Spa, free hair treatments by Enzo Milano and make-up demos by celeb makeup artist Eve Pearl.

VIP admission to the event includes a product-filled swag bag. The best part – next week’s event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer. When it comes to a girls night out, it simply doesn’t get any better.

So round up your best galpals and email me at SingleGalInTheCity@gmail.com if you’re interested in one or more free tickets (four maximum per person).

Many thanks to the generous folks at StyleFixx.com!

Opening The Vault: Early Days Edition

When you amass 95 journals, you invariably get asked the question -- do you ever reread them?

1. Yes. And most recently, I found myself reaching far back into my hefty archives, to the days when I first started keeping a diary.

As I’ve just rediscovered, my flair for drama began at a very early age. I now Open The Vault and take you waaaaay back to the early 80’s….

New York, NY
October 28th, 1981 (age 7)

Dear Diary,

I hate my friends…except for Brian. I love him. He’s cute, sexy and adorable.

One day I will marry him.

* * *

November 12th, 1981

Dear Diary,

I fell in love with Brian one week ago. He loved me then, but he doesn’t now.

Help!

* * *

November 21st, 1981

Dear Diary,

Mom and Dad are coming home today and I’m in big trouble because I’ve been fresh with my grandparents.

Plus, my boyfriend has been loving me on and off.

P.S. My life is all wrong.

* * *

Though I have no recollection whatsoever of Brian, I must admit revisiting my marital thoughts about him made me smile. At the tender age of 7, I unknowingly got quite a preview of the bumps in the road that go along with school crushes and other forms of romance. All of these years later, I’m still learning when it comes to love.

Coming up…an enlightening evening with the experts of SingleEdition.com and a belated girls night out.

Celebrating National Singles Week

While reading Glamour.com’s fabulous Single-ish blog, I learned that this is National Singles Week. It may not be a well known occasion (truthfully, I never even knew it existed), but I think it’s definitely one worth celebrating. Especially because there’s plenty to celebrate about being minus a plus one, as I’ve rediscovered over the last couple of days.

The other night, I headed out to happy hour on my own. It had been several months since I’d flexed my flirting muscles in this way, so I was both exhilarated and a little nervous.

Butterfield 8: A great place for happy hour fun and flirting

Thankfully, I picked a great spot -- lively midtown hotspot Butterfield 8 – with a good crowd. Within a matter of minutes, I found myself talking to charming gadget salesman Milton about everything from the search for happiness to what exactly constitutes good sex.

My conversation with Milton reminded me that, when you’re single, adventure is always right around the corner if you know where to look. Last night, my newly-single trainer was beaming about the possibilities that lay ahead for her now that she’s exited an unhappy relationship.

Of course, one of the best things about singlehood is the tradition of girls night out. Tonight, I will be enjoying a big night out with three of my best galpals – and U2 at Giants Stadium.

How are you celebrating National Singles Week? Whatever you do, make it fun and fabulous. After all, that’s what being single is all about.

Girls Night Out: Bounce Sports Bar

Friday night, I had the pleasure of catching up with my cousin Carla over drinks at Bounce, a lively sports bar and restaurant on NYC’s Upper East Side.

Bounce: A good place for happy hour and, on occasion, mingling with men who love sports

Bounce was serving up 2-for-1 happy hour specials, so I treated us to some flavorful frozen margaritas that tasted more like daiquiris (note: strawberry tops coconut here).

Carla and I hadn’t seen each other since the start of summer, so we had lots to talk about. Among the threads of conversation – moving on from no-good old flames, the inevitable expiration date of summer flings and the pleasures of a good meal.

Calories be damned, we indulged our gastronomic whims and headed over to nearby Cilantro for tasty Mexican fare. There’s no better way to start the weekend than over a shared plate of guacamole with one of your favorite people who just happens to also be family. Even if -- now that I’m in Single Gal slimdown mode -- it means spending more time at the gym.

Coming up…a long-awaited visit to the set of SATC2 and a trip to the US Open.

Girls Night Out: Connolly's Klub

Last weekend, I headed down to Connolly’s Klub in Times Square to catch up with my good friend Amanda and see cover band M-Theory.

Amanda and me

Fronted by Amanda’s galpal Courtney, M-Theory performed an energetic mix of Top 40/pop rock tunes. During a rousing rendition of “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” Courtney came into the audience and gave me the chance to sing a few notes – when it comes to indulging your inner karaoke diva, nothing’s better than 80’s music.

Rocking It Out: Amanda and M-Theory revved up the crowd at Connolly’s Klub 45

Amanda briefly took to the stage to lead the band on Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold,” dedicating the song to all the ladies who’ve dated men that fit this description.

Over a few cocktails, we talked about our own hot and cold exes, and about her upcoming trip to Panama with fellow Lost Girls authors Holly and Jen to pen the epilogue for their eagerly-anticipated memoir (due out in spring 2010 from HarperCollins). I’ve had the privilege of getting a sneak peak at the book and it’s fabulous. You’ll fall in love with The Lost Girls and find yourself itching to follow in their footsteps and embark on your own year-long journey around the globe.

A mutual love of travel is what first brought Amanda and I together back in ’05, a tale that she chronicles with her inimitable flair here. She’s one of my heroes – as a writer, intrepid globetrotter and all around fabulous woman. I can’t wait to be first in line at The Lost Girls book signing.

Coming up…a farewell to online dating and a review of a departing Broadway hit.

Girls Night Out: Uva

Last night, I caught up with my good friend Sara at Uva, a charmingly rustic wine bar and restaurant on NYC's Upper East Side.

Uva: One of the most inviting wine bars on the UES

I could feel myself unwinding as I enjoyed a delicious (and affordable --$13) flight of three white wine varieties. Over a delicious dinner – tuna carpaccio and veal melanzane for me, heavenly prosciutto-filled ravioli with cream sauce for Sara – we talked about workplace politics, our upcoming Labor Day getaway to New Hampshire and friends who are tying the knot this year.

While discussing the latter, we found ourselves musing about complications that seem to throw a wrench into thirtysomething dating, namely the challenge of sustaining that carefree attitude which seems so effortless before crossing the 3-0 threshhold.

After dinner, we put in an appearance at my newlywedded friend Cindy’s farewell-to-the-city soiree. Just back from an African safari honeymoon, Cindy and her hubby are moving to New Jersey on Friday. As she begins this new chapter in her life, I feel a mixture of excitement for her and wistfulness for the days when she was my number one wing woman.

I look forward to visiting Cindy in the burbs – and to the girls nights out yet to come with Sara and my other galpals who are still on the prowl.

Girls Night Out: Midtown West

Last Thursday, after the Lauren Luke/Sephora event, I met up with my good friend and colleague Caroline for a girls night out.

Our first stop, Haru in Times Square, where we were well tended to by a solicitous waiter and charmed by the Japanese eatery’s twinkling lights. Over some hot sake and delicious sushi, we talked about old flames that can’t be rekindled, the healing power of friends when coping with loss and making progress toward big dreams.

Caroline is one of my favorite people. She’s irresistibly fun to be around, has a huge heart and an infectious laugh that makes me smile every time I hear it. We were both smiling when we stumbled upon a new eatery that shares her name.

Sweet Caroline: A beloved Neil Diamond ditty and now, a lively new NYC eatery in Midtown

Our last stop of the night was Hudson Terrace for a swanky party sponsored by Take A Chance TV for the upcoming “GI Joe” movie. Caroline and I enjoyed a few cocktails (mojito for her, vodka and cranberry for me) and took in the crowd of pretty people. Though we didn’t spot any celebs, we did encounter plenty of boldfaced name wannabes. I think we almost got knocked over by one partygoer’s enhanced cleavage.

Coming up…a look at the art of courtship and SGITC takes off.

Girls Night Out: Astoria

Last Friday, I ventured over to Queens for a girls (plus one) night out at Studio Square, the new beer garden in Astoria.

A cavernous space, Studio Space boasts an indoor bar area adorned with urban murals and an outdoor garden with a stone fire pit and communal, hand-carved tables.

Fun In Astoria: Taking in the scene with (from left) Lauren, Dan, Louise and Leila

Galpals Leila, Louise and Lauren, along with Lauren’s hilarious friend Dan, joined me at SS. We settled ourselves at a center table for an animated conversation about weddings and marriage.

Lauren and Louise told a few cautionary tales about brides who rushed down the aisle only to regret it later.

I shared my optimism about marriage, due in large part to the fact that most of my married friends are actually happy with their respective mates. Dan made the salient point that being single has as much merit as being wedded to another person -- especially when you reside in the people playground that is New York.

Along with a few pints, we indulged in SS’s tasty food menu, including burgers, fries and surprisingly good sushi (the eel avocado roll is delish). Even a brief downpour didn’t dampen the fun.

As we made our way back hours later to Manhattan, it occurred to me that I need to do more inter-borough excursions. That’s the thing about New York -- you don’t have to travel far to be in a completely different world. And when you’ve got great friends to share it with, the journey’s even sweeter.

Girls Night Out: Club Rebel

Last Thursday, I headed to Club Rebel in Midtown West with galpal Bobbi and her friend Michelle. The occasion – a performance by lanky Russian pop star The Oskar and Bobbi’s aspiring rapper beau Pasha (a.k.a. P Gunner).

Hot Stuff: The Oskar, me and P Gunner

As an opening band warmed up the small crowd, we took in the colorful scene. A group of Oskar’s twenty-something fans gathered around him while a crew with NTV, the top Russian-language channel in the U.S. filmed it all.

Over a few cocktails, the three of us dished about dating and nightlife in NYC. I filled the girls in on current distractions of the male variety. Bobbi mentioned a recent night out that found her surrounded by a dozen single men. She agreed to call me next time she finds herself in such a predicament.

Michelle, happily ensconced with her live-in boyfriend, shared details about a swanky tennis-themed party she photographed at NYC’s Hudson Hotel. A true talent behind the lens (she snapped the new signature pic of me you see on the right), she’s been capturing some of Gotham’s hottest events for years.

A little after 11pm, Oskar, joined by a few equally lithe backup dancers, took to the stage. His energetic five-song set included the catchy electro pop rock tune “Barbie Doll” and featured a duet with Pasha.

I missed the finale – sleep was beckoning me – so I’m looking forward to downloading some of The Oskar and Pasha’s repertoire. I can’t wait for their next gig.

Girls Night Out: Per Lei

Sunday night, my friend Bobbi and I enjoyed one of my favorite summer pleasures – dining al fresco.

We caught up over dinner at Per Lei, a chic Italian bistro on NYC’s Upper East Side with a charming staff that's as European as much of its clientele. While enjoying a scrumptious seafood pairing (tuna tartar with avocado, pan seared Chilean sea bass), I filled Bobbi in on new developments in my work and blog life and she told me about her hunky personal trainer.

Per Lei: delicious Italian fare in a chic setting on NYC’s UES

Eventually, we found ourselves musing about the uncomplicated appeal of boy toys – and the (for me) slightly more complicated merits of Botox.

A physician’s assistant, Bobbi is certified in injecting the popular anti-aging concoction. One of my dearest friends has tried it and looks fantastic. The downside – the more you use Botox, the more of it you tend to need to achieve the desired result.

And I can’t forget the time I sampled Freeze, an anti-aging cream alternative to Botox. My forehead literally felt frozen, a weird sensation I’m not sure I’m vain enough to try again.

Still, it’s nice to know that should I ever want to temporarily halt the aging process, I’ve got a good friend who’s medically qualified to help me.

Coming up…debating the rules at Dating Boot Camp and a random celebrity encounter with a member of the brat pack.