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We had the most incredible brunch ever. The restaurant was so gorgeous, and it was a beautiful sunny morning so we sat outside in the cute garden area. Also obvs all photos of me in this post are by Jasiminne.
I had Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, which was hands down the best avo toast I’ve ever had, and Jasiminne had the Steak Tartare. We then shared the Almond-Crusted French Toast with cherry compote, and we put Jasiminne’s candle in it and lit it with her lighter…for the blog photos obvs.
The staff were super attentive and the loveliest waiting staff we had on our entire trip. They noticed us celebrating Jasiminne’s birthday and really kindly brought out a slice of cake with a candle in it, singing Happy Birthday to her! The cake was pistachio and lemon, and despite being rather full, we ate as much as we could and it was delish!
We decided to head up to Midtown where there were lots of things to do inside. We did a bit of shopping (hello Sephora and Victoria’s Secret), and then had a peak inside the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station. Instead of the Juliana’s pizza lunch I’d planned for Jasiminne down in Brooklyn, we ended up having Shakeshack – not such a bad swap really.
Finally the sun came out, so we jumped in a taxi down to the Highline. It looked SO different to when I was there in Winter! It was lush and flowers were in full bloom, it was just gorgeous. And much busier.
Neither Jasiminne or I are very good with large crowds of people, we both get a bit panicky and stressed, so we walked a little way along and then got a taxi back to our hotel to freshen up for dinner. I’d only bought one outfit with me for clubbing (I wore my jumpsuit on the Thursday, but it was more ‘bar’ wear rather than club wear) so I wore the same dress I’d worn the night before.
I’d managed to get a reservation at Tao Downtown for the birthday girl’s birthday dinner, which was a liiiiittle stressful. I was determined to make sure we ate there for her 30th – if you don’t already know her/read her blog, Jasiminne is Malaysian and Chinese, and adores her Chinese and Pan-Asian food. Tao Downtown is one of the coolest Pan-Asian restaurants in NYC, and was basically the perfect place for the occasion and a girls dinner in New York. I tried to book a week beforehand, but they were already fully booked online, so a desperate email to the restaurant luckily resulted in us getting a table for two at 8pm. Perfect!
As it was Jasiminne’s big birthday we decided to go all out. We had; Dim Sum Dumpling Platter, Yellowtail Sashimi, Crispy Crab Sushi Rolls, and Miso Roasted Black Cod. We sadly couldn’t fit in a dessert as it was just too much, and I was still on antibiotics and therefore couldn’t eat a huge amount before feeling super full.
The sashimi was my favourite, and the Dim Dum platter was Jasiminne’s fave. We sent the Sushi Rolls back as the combinations of flavours just didn’t taste right, however the restaurant didn’t remove them from the bill. With drinks, tax, and tip, we paid around $180 for our meal, and despite it being an insane price to pay for frankly not a lot of food (why do we always choose the most expensive dishes!?), I honestly think it was worth every cent (aside from the sushi), the whole experience was incredible and it’s such a special place. It was perfect for our last night in NYC and J’s big 30th.
The music in Haus is hip-hop, and as I was now officially off antibiotics as of dinner-time, I went wild with the alcohol. Jasiminne and I are both total lightweights, so while Jas struggled with the Asian flush, I struggled with staying still.
Get a drink or two inside me and I will literally go all out on the dance floor. Think Beyonce but with no talent. I’m not blessed with a skinny frame, however I am blessed with blonde hair (albeit dyed a few shades lighter than my natural dark blonde), and a pretty great arse and boobs, so ya know, gotta make the most of these things, and in a club like Haus this is like the holy grail, so you get treated like a #Queen. It’s the biggest ego boost ever.
So on the podium booty-shaking to 2 Chainz Birthday Song it was. Thankfully this is one of Jasiminne’s fave songs, and we’d both been singing it all day “When I die bury me inside the Gucci store…”, so as soon as it came on she threw herself onto the podium and joined us in dancing. It. Was. Epic.
Gosh I last went to NYC two years ago and am desperately due another trip. Looks like you had such an incredible time!
Sophie
x
A Story of a Girl
What a fabulous thirtieth birthday and you're such a lovely friend to decorate the room for her like that! You're making me miss New York so much and Tao Downtown!
How sweet that you celebrated Jasiminne's birthday in such style, and I love your off the shoulder dress. The Highline is one of my fave NYC spots
I love NYC! was recently there too! <3
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Wow, you certainly organised a great birthday celebration for Jasiminne! This really makes me want to jump on a plane to NYC 🙂 Angharad x
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