Work and Life-Guilty Pleasures of NYC: New Years

This was a holiday I was not looking forward to for two major reasons-seems strange to start a new year without my partner in crime and second, what do you do with yourself when you are a singlet?

Similar to my previous post, my friends came through big time!! My buddy Ed invited to me to have NYE dinner with his buddies. He told me there was a group of them that had known each other since undergrad that had a huge dinner party each year. Last year they all lived in Seattle and had this party on some island in a huge house they rented out. At first, I hesitated because I felt like it was a pity offer. After taking my pride away, I graciously accepted! Figured dinner started at 7, I'd be home before midnight-thus taking care of that moment when the year changes and it's time for a kiss. Sounded perfect, so I put on a cute new top from Christmas, curled my hair and headed out to meet new friends.

Ed's buddy lives in Murray Hill, which was fun because I started reading about this area before I went. Mainly planning my transportation on NYE in this city-bus, subway, cab?? Am I going to be safe?? Turns out this place is called Frat Hill sort of. Apparently there are a bunch of rich frat boys that migrate here and a ton of bars to add to the feel.

So, I walk in the door and meet 6 people (all couples), plus Ed and Krysten (who I already knew). Everyone is so nice and accommodating. There is wine already open with cheese and meat on the table.

I knew I was going to have a great night.

Ed and Krysten

Peter and Jeanetta-they live in Minnesota, he is an English Professor and she is a pastry chef. She is actually taken a class here in NYC right now with the Craft Bar owner!! This will come in handy in a bit

Jeremy and Mary-they live in Chicago. He is an attorney (one of the chefs tonight, thus the apron) and she works for the city trying to bring healthy food to the underserved, writing grants etc.

This is Nick, it is his house. He was another chef. He is a writer by trade and his first book is going to be published soon. I snapped a quick pic

This is Madeline. She is Nicks wife and a writer as well. Books are obviously important to them, check out this part of their house!! All books.

Ok, so the food. These boys are unreal. I was amazed at what was in store. I tried to take a picture of each dish before being touched, but missed out on one-you'll see. Seven courses with alcohol to match. It took all night to serve 6, and we had to postpone dessert until after new years which meant that I had to be there for the uncomfortable kiss-which was really no big deal. I got to text kiss my hubs at that moment!!

Course 1-Oysters and a light champagne

Course 2-Caprese Salad on toasted bread

Course 3-lightly battered shrimp on a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette and broccolini. And, sardines for those who wanted them-all but me!

Course 4-Vinison and endive with a spinach puree and my fav-sauteed brussel sprouts. This is the dish I missed-sorry!

Yay! Stole this pic from Ed!!

Course 5-Red Mullet with a vegetable salad base. There are roasted radishes, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes with light olive oil dusting. Hope you can hear Nick in my descriptions. As he would present these, he would describe them as I am.