Walking in Memphis

So I've fulfilled one of my New Year's Resolutions: visiting a new American City.  I've been to Tennessee plenty, but a couple weeks ago I visited Memphis for the first time.  My trip was super fun and I was able to see some sites.  We started at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.

National Civil Rights Museum

Afterwards we went to Central BBQ where I had my first taste of caramel cake.  Since I'm a vegetarian, it was nice that Memphis had a little non- animal something special for me to try out and I was definitely pleased.  We then took a walk down Beale Street. It wasn't super happening at 4:30 in the afternoon, but I'm told it starts hopping later on.

Peabody Hotel  

Next went to the Peabody hotel where I got to see their world famous ducks march from the fountain onto the elevator.  I read about this in a book last year and I couldn't wait to see all those ducks in a row.  On the way from downtown to East Memphis we passed the Memphis delta and had I known we were so close to Arkansas I would have fulfilled another resolution by visiting a new state.  (We did inadvertently venture into Mississippi the next day but I've been there.  Tennessee touches more states than any other.)

Owen Brennan's

Our belated Valentine's dinner was at Owen Brennan's, a New Orleans style restaurant.  It is also convenient located in the same shopping center as Vineyard Vines which I check out a couple days later.  We had the best Beignets with a delicious caramel sauce.  I definitely want to go back for those.  Those Memphians sure do love their caramel.  So that was just my first day in Memphis and only the start of the fun.  I can't wait for another visit.  I need to go back to Gibson's, where they sell the world's best red velvet donut and I still want to see Graceland.  

Fine Dining

My life is not my own.  I worked till 11pm last night and who knows how late I'll be staying tonight.  I have to make the most of every moment I have for myself these days.  This month I did make time for two of the finest establishments the city has to offer.  

Mario Batali's Babbo

I have been wanting to try Babbo for many years, but never got around it. I got my go to pasta, gnocchi, and it was delicious. Regretfully, I had to skip out on dinner and return to work. I can't wait to go back soon though so I can try out another dish.

Tamarind in Tribeca

Someone special surprised me with dinner at Tamarind for my birthday. I couldn't have been more delighted. I got a non-alcoholic lychee drink and special cauliflower appetizer and a dish I had never tried before: shahi paneer. This place is now my favorite Indian restaurant and shahi paneer may just be my new favorite Indian dish.  Tamarind has definitely earned their Michelin star.  I was also serenaded with the sweetest softest version of Happy Birthday to You I've ever heard sung.  

Cap-sleeve Cuties

Lilly Pulitzer Rylan dress

Elizabeth McKay Fifties dress

Just A Spoonful of Sugar

Last night I went to see Mary Poppins on Broadway.  After finding out it was closing March 3, I realized I needed to see it right away.  I've seen Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aida, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, and Newsies, and I just couldn't bare to miss the only Disney musical I hadn't seen.  J and I got fourth center orchestra seats which is exactly where I like to be sitting.  The best part of the musical for me was "Step in Time" which was a huge tap dancing number. It was the whole magical singing and dancing act I want when I go to a show.  I've never had such a difficult time not singing along at a show.

There are all these rumors that Dumbo, Aladdin, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame are the next shows.  Personally, the only show I didn't really enjoy was The Little Mermaid, so they should just keep churning these suckers as far as I'm concerned.  One day I may have children and leave the city and I know Broadway will be one of the things I miss the most.

Nook for my Nook

fresh little green gia in ostrich

I won this Kate Spade Gia on ebay and was delighted to discover that it's the perfect size for my nook along with some loose papers.  I got the gold sparkler last year and it's great, but the sparkles come off everywhere so I decided I needed another and will just use the sparkler as a clutch.