I love checking out new restaurants and bakeries with good friends. I randomly stumbled upon a blog post about this newer restaurant called The Cleveland in NYC. This restaurant located technically in “nolita” and only a few steps from line 6’s spring street stop. There’s a fun outdoor area in the back of the restaurant giving you the option of eating outside. We sat in the outdoor area and enjoyed the steak sandwich, pulled- roasted chicken sandwich, branzino, and hand-cut french fries! The fries were definitely a must.

The next stop was dessert. We walked over to Dominique Ansel bakery, home of the cronut. Yes, that’s right, a cronut – half doughnut, half croissant.  There is a high demand for these because you have to be willing to queue at 6am (2 hours before they open at 8am) in order to buy one for a measly $5. The rules are that you can only buy 2 per person and they sell a limited amount, getting sold out very quickly.  Unsurprisingly, there are scalpers and people selling them on the black market for $50 or more. I’ll have to wake up early and try to get one next time.

Besides their cronuts, there are plenty of other delicious dessert choices to keep your stomach satisfied. All their desserts are artfully made, perfect for Instagram, and full of butter to keep you coming back. I highly recommend the Paris-New York pastry, not only does it have the name of two of my most favorite cities, but it had peanut butter and chocolate, enough said.

Besides eating incredibly delicious food, I got to catch up with two pretty amazing ladies! If you are ever in the need of some a princess cut 4 prong diamond engagement ring or any other jewels, this is the woman you need to talk to! My friend Sunjoo who has been working in the diamond district for many years in NYC is able to consult and provide anxious boyfriends with the most beautiful and high quality diamond engagement rings at a really good price. Forget Tiffany’s where all you are getting is a brand name and paying way too much for the baby blue box, she’s the one you need to go to! And, she works with people internationally as well.

Now, if you are interested in fashion in anyway, you need to pay attention to my friend Patricia. She started her own fashion line and it’s so inspiring to see all of her talented and beautiful designs. She creates clothing as well as jewelry. From her robot necklaces to her exquistly embroidered dresses  there’s no denying her talent. She sells her designs on her website and also at a boutique in Singapore called Lula Rock, which is in the Palais Renaissance mall on Orchard. This is definitely just the start of great things for her. It’s always so inspiring to see your friends with incredible talent and passions pursuing their dreams.

A sneak peak on my next post on our road trip to Rhode Island!