Forest Feast: Postcard from New York
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I just got back from the most lovely weekend in New York City. A dear friend from college is getting married this summer so we threw her a “Spice Shower” dinner party in our friend’s backyard in Brooklyn. It was a warm evening so we passed out fans (which we needed!!) and served summery drinks.
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We made Basil Lemon Cocktails with basil syrup, vodka or gin, seltzer and a lemon slice (for the basil syrup, just make some simple syrup and toss it in the blender with fresh basil). Each guest brought a different spice in a jar and a favorite recipe to go with it for our bride-to-be. We served spicy foods like jalapeno poppers (her favorite) along with cheese, spicy cured olives and salumi from Brooklyn Larder.
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Fireflies twinkled as we ended the evening with stories, toasts and an ice cream parfait with berry compote.
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The rest of the weekend was also tasty, and I documented my adventures on Instagram (@theforestfeast): croissants for brunch at Balthazar, a Mister Softee cone while shopping, a cheese stuffed portabello “burger” from Shake Shack, a glass of sparkling rose wine on the top floor of Bergdorf’s overlooking Central Park, and plantain black bean quesadillas from Rockaway Taco during a day at the beach.
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Until next time!
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*All photos and illustration by © Erin Gleeson and originally posted on The Forest Feast.