Kripalu and Miss Favela

Soar into Fall 2013 at Kripalu

I got the new Kripalu catalog in the mail last night, I was so excited I immediately went through it and marked all the classes I would like to take (wishful thinking). I had a really great time when I was there this past Spring.

I was in dire need of a vacation. I had just gotten a bonus and my manager mentioned that I had a lot of vacation days and that the first quarter was already over (a gentle hint that I shouldn't carry days over to next year).  On the Kripalu website I came across Tiffany Cruikshank's  5 Day Spring Detox for a Vibrant Life - Sunday through Friday in April. The start date was in less than a week... Why not! I got out my credit card and signed up.

An email from Tiffany advised me to start the detox process three weeks before the first day of class and to read her book but it was also okay if I didn't. I went with the latter. The day before I was to leave for the Berkshires I met my friend at Miss Favela in Williamsburg. 

Band at Miss Favela

Caipirinha and Feijoada at Miss Favela

Lunch time party crowd at Miss Favela

I thought I was going to have a nice quiet lunch to catch up. Little did I know it was going to have a live band, music so loud - we had to text each other, dancing, and pitchers of caipirinha's. They also have Feijoada - so good! Lets put it this way - going to Miss Favela before a detox was like Mardi Gras before Lent. It was awesome! I have to go again.

The following day was to be my first day of no:

1. Sugar
2. Wheat
3. Alcohol
4. Dairy
5. Caffeine

I didn't think it was possible to do it but I actually did it. I went through the week without having any of the 5 toxin accumulating foods. It was easy at Kripalu because the food there is very varied, all the food options have the ingredients listed, everything tastes really good, and it's healthy! It was a little tortuous to omit the 5 above (with the exception of alcohol) because I wanted to try everything.

Besides the food another reason I loved being at Kripalu was the Healing Arts. I opted to stay in a dorm room so I could have enough $$$ to get spa treatments. They have a staff of technicians on site that really know what they are doing. The prices are affordable compared to NYC prices. It was the best decision I made, totally worth it as staying in the dorm was much better than I thought it would be.

Remembering all these details really makes me want to go back there! It was a really great way to relax and get away from the everyday stresses. I'll have to narrow down my picks to one or who knows maybe I will splurge and go more than once!

Kripalu

Coney Island

$6 for a ride on the Wonder Wheel

Gated Carts Gated View

View of Coney Island from the Wonder Wheel

I was in New York City for Memorial Day and decided to check out Coney Island.  It was about 90 degrees in Manhattan and I thought getting away to the beach would be good respite from the heat. Upon arrival it looked like 1,000,000 New Yorkers had the same idea.

We couldn't resist stopping to eat at the Original Nathan's Famous Frankfurters. It was surprising we were able to find seating in the sea of people but we managed to score a great shaded table. The frankfurters were very good but for future reference; rule of thumb: eat after you get on the rides. With our full stomachs we were only able to get on the Wonder Wheel (stationary cart not the swinging cart). I wanted to get on the Cyclone and I noticed some new rides in Luna Park but my full stomach and the fleshy crowds turned me off.

My idea for a respite from the heat was right on as there was a beautiful cool breeze off the ocean unfortunately it wasn't relaxing. Way too many people and too much going on. I want to give Coney Island another shot this summer season. I'm thinking of going to the Mermaid Parade on June 23rd. This year marks the 30th anniversary.

Zenkichi - Japanese Brasserie

I was recently invited to dinner in Williamsburg and given the choice between Thai at Sea or "dope" Japanese Brasserie. I chose the latter; I was really curious to know what a dope Japanese brasserie was. I took the L train to Bedford and some blocks later we came to bamboo lined walls marked only with a 77.

We walked in and were greeted by a slightly awkward hostess who called our waitress to accompany us  down a fabulous, dimly lit, bamboo lined, stone walk way to our semi-private two person L-shaped dining booth.  

We were presented with menus and the waitress rolled down our bamboo shade and disappeared. A buzzer button was in the corner for us to summon our waitress to take our order. The menu consists of the Chef's Tasting Omakase Menu or an A La Carte Menu. It also has an extensive Sake Menu. My dining companion was reluctant to go for the Omakase so we opted for the a la carte menu.

The menu consists of sharing plates of which we ordered:

• Bottle of Sake
• Chilled Edamame
• Zenkicihi Salad
• Washugyu Beef Tataki
• Tuna Sashimi
• Rocksalt Jidori Chicken

Everything was delicious.  If you have been meaning to get to Williamsburg Zenkichi is a great excuse. The place feels authentic and romantic because of a fantastic lighting scheme. I am definitely going to return for the Omakase menu and instead of arriving by subway I will arrive via the East River Ferry.

Zenkichi

77 North 6th St

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Open Table Reservations

Richard III at BAM

"Now is the winter of our discontent, Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house - In the deep bosom of the ocean buried."- Richard III, Shakespeare

Shakespeare's Richard III is on production at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Harvey Theater until March 4th 2012. I saw it last night and Kevin Spacey as the lead actor is amazing! He transforms himself into a deformed, villanous, hunchback all the while winning us over with his charm, wit, and scheming. The direction by Sam Mendes, the lighting design by Paul Pyant, and percussion by Hugh Wilkinson all blend together for a fantastic show. Tickets on sale now.