the whole plate.

I am currently on two missions in life.

Though they are rather predictable for me, they are important undertakings nonetheless.

One: experience every wine bar in the city.

Two: take advantage of every yoga deal in midtown and lower Manhattan.

a new wine bar: vyne, where a look of disappointment at the lack of flights on the menu got us a round of flights anyway.  it never hurts to ask.

Location doesn’t matter much in the case of the first operation, only quality whites and reds and a good atmosphere.  Last week, I made some good progress, visiting no less than four in a row.  The last [Vintage Irving] was the least impressive, but it served its purpose of preceding an evening spent getting covered in paint in a Brooklyn basement.  The other three included Vyne, situated in my old NYU stomping grounds, with a gorgeous atmosphere that is more than a bit out of place in that section of the village.  I never turn down an opportunity for classiness, especially when it allowed me to reunite with my twin and finally meet the wonderful, wonderful Amy.

Then there was the new Tribeca location of Terroir, one of my favorite spots for a good glass or two.  This new space is about quadruple the size of the miniature East Village original, but it was no less packed when my friend and I made our way inside on Friday evening.  I’m already scheming a trip back to experience the food as well.

hudson terrace: 90 degrees, sunny, seven wines on offer.

And finally, Hudson Terrace, which my happy hour gals and I visited for a mere $12 in exchange for the promise of a rooftop wine tasting.  The evening delivered, with quite a bit of swank [the most amusing aspect, I think, was the fact that likely 90% of those in attendance had entered with the $12 deal, and yet, people were lounging up there as though it was as exclusive as could be.]  ”Tastings” began as half glasses, and as the night moved on, they became far closer to full glasses.  As our entrance fee entitled us to six tastes, we were clearly up there until the sun had gone down.

sometimes you have to do two wines at once.

Next on the list: Ayza, for jazz and wine Mondays.  Further suggestions are seriously welcome.

And the second undertaking?  Well, as my adoration of yoga is equal to my devotion to wine, mission number two [though a bit more controlled and quiet] is no less essential.   I feel like I’m in a place where I’m comfortable in my practice, and I need to be pushed out of my comfort zone. [Aka, get to classes where I have opportunities to prepare for arm balances and inversions that I am completely incapable of doing - yet.]

going with the wine theme: cabernet poached salmon, aka the best salmon i have ever cooked.  simple, moist perfection, with millet and string beans.

Last night was my only free night this week and mid-day, the thought of spending it at the yoga studio popped in my head.  I couldn’t shake the desire to go, even though I had been to a class that morning: I can’t help it if I have a yoga obsession.

Going to that class last night was one of the better decisions I’ve made in my life, as it was led by an unbelievable male instructor, was set to pop and rock music [I'm talking sun salutations to Lady Gaga], was performed in heat with dimmed lights, and basically destroyed me in the most fantastic way.  I’m feeling a need to take this class regularly and improve – and preferably do it on a day during which I haven’t already completed endless chaturangas in morning Ashtanga.  Monetary decisions are ahead.

So, wine and yoga: both missions are well underway, but as I live in a city of endless options, there is much more exploring to do.  And so, I’ve added a page to share more on the second, as I am sure I am not the only one looking out for Manhattan yoga deals.  Click here for more info!

Have you got a summer mission?

Related posts:

1. summer to-do.
2. summer food groups.
3. a simple summer affair for two.