Escape to Brazil but stay in New York

When I visited Rio last year I ate at a churrascaria chain called Porcao. I was so excited when they opened a location in New York on Park Avenue. This carnivores dream is not just about the food as the atmosphere and service also set it apart. I have dined at dinner several times and on this occasion stopped by to make sure that the service was similar at lunch. We were welcomed and seated in the airy dining area and offered the option of the Executive Lunch which consists of selecting a specific meat (salmon, chicken or beef) and the buffet or to have the Rodizio. Of course we went with the Rodizio!

What is the Rodizio you ask? Tender cuts of meat, poultry, seafood, pork, and lamb are served on skewers to your table. This continues throughout your meal with different choices and cuts of meat such as skirt steak, turkey wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, and sirloin offered. You are given a small coaster that you turn to let the waiters with the skewers know if you are still being served. Green means “Keep it Coming”. Red indicates “I am too full or don’t want anything for now” Read more

Fondue Anyone?

While in New York I visited one of my favorite places to eat with friends. Dip Cafe is a fondue restaurant on Third Ave that offers the perfect mix of casual fun and urban chic. Sitting outside on a warm day you can people watch as walkers pass or move th fun inside where the bar and diverse seating arrangements allow you to relax with your friends. I have often visited Dip with groups of friends and we have never been disappointed.

On this particular trip we enjoyed the Tex Mex cheese Fondue which is a great version of a traditional queso. They bring the fondue pot to your table with fresh veggies, bread, chicken and shrimp to dip into the warm cheese. For dessert we shared the milk chocolate fondue which comes with bananas, strawberries, pineapple, brownie bites, marshmallows, and small Rice Krispie Treats. Be quick and careful when dipping the Rice Krispie Treats as they quickly melt in the chocolate and then you have bits of krispie in your chocolate.

During the week if you arrive before 8pm you can get $5 Cosmos, Apple and Watermelon Martinis. This is the perfect way to start a girls weekend in the city. You must be 21 with ID to enter so this is not an option for younger people or those with children.

 Dip Cafe is located at 416 Third Ave between 29th and 30th Streets.

646-467-8135

Episode 1: Girlfriend Getaways Escape to New York

Listen in to the premier episode of the EscapeTogether Podcast. We discuss how to plan a memorable trip to New York with your girlfriends.

Stand to the right!!!

As you exit the metro train car you see the escalators ahead of you and are excited that you are able to mingle with the many commuters and not stand out like a tourist. You and your friends get on and are talking when someone yells “Stand to the right”. You look down to see a line of angry commuters lined up behind you. You try and squeeze in between your friends on the right hand side of the escalator. As they begin to hurriedly file past you walking up the left hand side of the escalator, several mutter an angry “tourists” in your direction. There goes that plan for not appearing to be a tourist.

Word of Advice: When traveling on the Washington DC metrorail system it is standard practice to only stand on the right hand side of the escalators. A sure sign that you are unfamilar with the system or from out of town is to stand on the left. If you are unable to get to the right because of the push of people around you, then you better walk up the escalator or face the wrath of an angry and hurried DC commuter.

Next Page »