Solo dining is underrated but a little luxury to indulge in with a good book. I just started Wave of Blood by Ariana Reines and recommend it. Pretty uneventful week otherwise except for Matt’s rocking gig and a stop at Orso.

2.25 Started off the week meeting friends at Forgetmenot where I usually rotate between the grilled fish tacos with chipotle mayo or the chicken BLT. We stuck to rosé and then shared fries at Le Dive after. I’m giving up fries for Lent. We checked out Studio 151 and ended up in a fever dream at Mona’s.

2.28 I mostly stayed home working on writing before going to Spencer’s spa in SoHo. It’s a great space, and I recommend it. I was craving a salad after and impulsively went to Balthazar after reading that Keith McNally treats solo diners to complimentary champagne. I enjoyed the frisée aux lardons with warm bacon shallot vinaigrette and a soft-poached egg as I read Wave of Blood at the bar. I didn’t feel rushed at all as I sipped on a double espresso after, that was also compliments of the house, and ended my late lunch with a glass of champagne. Balthazar is dependable and the vibes alone are lovely, although definitely a special occasion dinner kind of place.

2.29 After Matt’s amazing gig at Caffeine Underground, we caught the late-night happy hour at Orso and got their sorrentina pizza alongside their pork chop dish with these amazing giant beans in a mix of salsa oreganata and pancetta. It does give a very New York Nora Ephron vibe.

2.30 I made us chicken parmesan as we watched the Oscars. While I haven’t seen The Brutalist or A Real Pain yet I’m glad Adrien Brody and Kieran Culkin both won awards. I’m happy that an indie film won as best picture, but I didn’t think Anora was better than The Last Showgirl, which I really enjoyed.

Thanks for reading and hope you all have a wonderful week.

xoxo,
ashley