graduate. celebrate.

What an incredible past couple of days. 

Thursday was my last day of school. My parents came to New York a day early for my graduation so they could eat dinner in the restaurant. I was able to serve them, which was pretty great since they could see just what exactly I have learned in the past three weeks.

After class, my professor popped open a bottle of champagne. We all cheered to graduating and making it through the past two years. The celebrating didn’t stop there. We all went out to our favorite little bar called Karma. It was all a little blur looking back now....

wine!

One thing is sure, I know I went to bed at 4:30am and woke up at 7:30am for the graduation.

The graduation ceremony included a guest speaker, student speaker, awards and a luncheon with the graduates afterwards. We all sort of ate quickly wanting to move out of our dorm rooms and make it to the train station to go into the city. 

Tired beyond belief

my mum and I

I chose the vegetarian option for lunch. It was pretty, but honestly not all that great. It’s hard not to be critical of food now!

We headed into the city and landed in a hotel in Tribeca. We quickly put our bags down and raced out to meet up with Ilana and her parents for dinner. 

I was so proud of myself! I took my parents on a subway and knew which one to take! I have been working hard on figuring out the subway system, so this was a treat to show off my knowledge to mom and dad.

We had a reservation at ABC Kitchen. A beautiful Jean George restaurant featuring fun fresh simple food with the refined beauty that Jean George is famous for.  It was one of the best meals I have ever had. I loved sharing the meal with Ilana and her parents.  It was truly a fun evening.

they brought ilana and i congratulation cupcakes. Adoooorable.

I didn’t take photos of the meal in order to really enjoy the night. I’m sure you understand. However, I had to take a photo of our dessert. Salted caramel ice cream, caramel popcorn, salted peanuts and chocolate sauce. AHHHH. 

After a long day, we all crashed as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

We woke up a little later in the morning eager to make it to brunch at Maialino. A beautiful retaurant.

My mom and I shared homemade toasted brioche with jam and a side of their homemade pepper bacon (the best bacon I have ever had).  I got a bowl of their granola with yogurt and fruit. I can’t get over how tasty the brunch was. Oh, and we also saw Isaac Mizrahi, the designer!

I took my mom and dad on a nice long walk around the city, showing them my favorite spots in the city. Eataly and Chelsea Market, which is now their favorite spots.

After a day of walking, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I had made reservations at Mas (Farmhouse). Remember that one restaurant I staged out a few months ago?

We were treated incredible well. My parents had never experienced a tasting menu, so they decided it was the perfect timing to indulge in the beauty of a tasting menu.  We had 7 courses with a delicious French Vouvray wine. It was again, one of the best meals I have ever had. To be able to show my parents the beauty of the industry I am in and what it means to eat good food with incredible service, was really great for me.

This morning all we had time to do was experience one last breakfast before heading to the airport. We wandered into Pain de Quotidien. I’ve seen them all around the city and it was on my list to eat brunch there. Known for the communal tables and delicious jams and spreads had be excited to finally eat breakfast there.

We shared the bread basket and I had a big owl parfait with their homemade granola. DELICIOUS. Especially the hazelnut butter spread all over bread with their 4 berry jam. Mmmmm

It was an incredible weekend with my parents. I love building memories and getting to the age of showing my parents what I love and the city that I have been discovering.

I’m on my way home for a two month break from school. I am remembering my goals and planning a delicious meal for them on this plane ride. 

Oh oh oh! I also got to write a guest post on Gabriela's blog. Check it out!! HERE.