New York, this is what dreams are made of...

I have an embarrassing statement to make. Up until last week, I had never really been to New York. I went for work, but pretty much only saw the inside of offices, ate bland catered food, and almost got run over by a million cabs. I also went as a child, but remember little besides the statue of liberty.

My mother and I went to New York last weekend for a girls weekend. It was fantastic. I love really inspired food. I used to work at a restaurant with a top chef winner (he is also from New Mexico, major points if you know who I mean) and that spurred a life long appreciation for quality and love in food. We went to Esca for dinner the first night. I will admit, I was skeptical. I assumed that any celebrity chef would be overrated, but it was wonderful. The food was delightfully simplistic, so that the quality of the ingredients was apparent.

Dress: Cynthia Steffe

Jacket: French Connection

Necklace: Max and Chloe

Shoes: Donald Pliner

A friend, who is also a native New Yorker and food lover, recommended Balthazar's. Their roast lamb sandwich was amazing. The tables are tiny, getting in and out is extremely awkward, but it was worth it. We were seated immediately without a reservation which apparently is a rarity. The cafe around the corner is great for pastries, soups, salads and coffee without all the to-do.

The next day I took a long run in Central Park (got a little lost) and we went to the Frick. I have one recommendation if you are going to New York, VISIT THE FRICK. Henry Clay Frick was an industrialist from Pittsburgh (where my mother hails from, she is in this picture). He built his mansion, which sits one block north of Central Park, with the intention of it serving as an art gallery. It was the epitome of calm and beauty in a dirty over-populated city. It was exactly what I needed to escape being overwhelmed by the city.

The Frick boasts Velasquez, Turner and many other great artists. (Velasquez is a personal favorite, I visited Las Meninas in the Prado at least weekly when I lived in Madrid.)

Tickets are 5$ for students with ID, another perk.

Wandering around the upper east side and 5th ave.

Top: Velvet for Uniqlo

Jeans: James

Bag: Cole Haan

Shoes: Steve Madden

Studying in Bryant Park

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Blazer: Zara

Tshirt: Madewell

Belt: Hand me down from Mom

Skirt: Jcrew
Bag: Cole Haan

Shoes: Steve Madden

I grew up around horses, seeing them daily. Although for some reason, when I saw one in NYC, I got excited and needed a picture!

We also went to BD Bistro for dinner then Jersey Boys. I got to meet my childhood friend's fiance, he is in the show! It was great, very lively.

I will definitely be returning to New York this year, especially now that my friend R has moved back to the city!

She has an amazing blog: http://loveatfirstshop.blogspot.com/