Our sexy night at Bubble Lounge

Hayley Anne spent last weekend with me in the Big Apple. Our itinerary included dinner at Prohibition, an inexpensive yet tasty brunch with my sorority sisters at Zucchero e Pomodori on Second Avenue and 75th Street, a run in Central Park, shopping in Union Square and drinks with Jackie at Bubble Lounge in Tribeca. Look how cute we are (although I still kind of look like a sick person, as I was sick all week with the flu):
Anyway, we spent a few sexy hours in Bubble Lounge, the chic and trendy champagne bar in Tribeca. Unsurprisingly, drinks were expensive, but worth it. Jackie and I ordered a glass of the Phillipe Prié Brut for $15 and Hayley had a glass of white wine. Jackie left early as our little social butterfly had another party to attend, but Hayley and I ordered another round of drinks, the complicated kind this time, and a panini*, which was absolutely delish. After munching on our sandwich and downing our complicated drinks, a London Fog for Hayley and Raspberry Caipirinha for me, we headed out into the cold New York night in search of some good dance music (Britney, of course). If you're in the need for a sexy GNO (girls' night out) and don't mind spending some hard-earned cash, Bubble Lounge is a good option. Just be prepared to have a minor heart attack when scanning the champagne menu, as there is a $4,000 bottle listed, the Ruinart "L'Exclusive" Christophle 2000.

*I think we were the only women in the entire bar who ate something. "Normal" Manhattan women seem to exist only on wine and black coffee.

Sunday brunch

This past weekend a couple friends and I decided to go to brunch. While roaming around Astoria, it’s hard not to notice the wide array of restaurants along Broadway as well as 30th ave. We decided on Balu, located on 30th ave and 38th Street, and we LOVED it! It’s only been around for about 8 months and from the looks of it, is going to be around for many to come.

Balu is a restaurant/bar/lounge with a phenomenal atmosphere—very classic yet laid back at the same time. The walls are painted different shades of purple and white. Dark purple curtains hang from the windows, white couches line the outer walls, and light purple silk taffeta drapes the ceiling. The wait staff was incredibly friendly and the food was outstanding. We ate chocolate pancakes, a prosciutto and mozzarella panini on ciabatta bread, and a grilled chicken wrap with avocado, tomatoes, and roasted peppers. Corn bread muffins are served before your meal, as well as an unlimited cup of coffee (and for 3 coffee lovers, we were in heaven!). And best of all—brunch comes with unlimited mimosas, bellinis, or bloody marys! Who could pass on that?! Oh, and did I mention, brunch is only $12!

We were also told that at night Balu gets pretty crowed! We’re going one night soon to check out the night atmosphere.

In the spring and summer months Balu lines the side walk with tables, so customers can spend their afternoon people watching, eating, drinking, and passing time with their friends.

I’ve decided to make Sunday brunch my new ritual. What’s a better way to end one week and start a new week?? I give Balu 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone exploring Astoria.