This day started off with me inhaling breakfast at Nico prior to a brutal aerial conditioning meets barre method type class. The food was lovely as Nico always is but wasn’t my best idea.

Nico Osteria
Bomboloni
Soft scrambled eggs, peperonata, prosciutto, olive focaccia

Afternoon cocktail at Salone Nico

For our afternoon snack I thought Brandi needed a tour of Eataly. I like the Chicago one so much more than NYC that I hate to pass up a chance to visit. And it was very tempting to steal this cool Peroni glass!

Eataly
Formaggi
Fagioli e carciofi

And on to the real purpose of this trip (not that we needed another reason aside from a birthday celebration)…..

Next : Chinese Modern

Pressed Okra

Bamboo Shoot and Lily Bulb

Scallop Dumpling with watercress and white fungus,
Pork Dumpling with Jujube and Cuttlefish
Congee as a hot foam with pork floss

Monkfish with white asparagus in a roasted spine broth

Crab with Green chile paste and fresh coconut

Tiger Salad with cold skin noodles and seitan
Tingly Squab with tarragon and Sumac
Skate chops in the style of Muslim lamb

Shrimp in a Duck Yolk “Sand”

Beef and Broccoli in liquid and solid state

Duck in Layers

“Pulling Threads” with Sweetbreads, Taro Root and Banana

Frozen rice soup with legumes and whipped vinegar

Dragon’s Beard Candy with a pressing of honey

Fortune….

And the highlight of the evening….my menu! Thank you so much to everybody at Next for going above and beyond always and making this such a special evening!

But this girl can do high and low equally well as 2 hours later I was doing a birthday shot of Jameson!