C'est Magnifique at Brasserie 8 1/2

By: Finance Foodie

When I first moved to New York City over a decade ago, Brasserie 8 1/2 was the first "finer" restaurant I dined at. I still remember it felt so chic and sophisticated walking down the swooping circular staircase into the dining room - in that moment, it was like I had made it and Manhattan was mine (then I went back to my box apartment that I shared with 2 other roommates and quickly came back down to earth...)

Fast forward to present day - I still live in a box apartment (sans roommates, at least) and Brasserie 8 1/2 is still very much alive and grand (no small feat considering the ultra competitive NYC dining arena). Given its prime Midtown location, this French brasserie is usually packed during the weekdays for business lunches but tends to quiet down for dinner service. The Mister and I, looking to unwind after a stressful workday and escape the hustle and bustle of the area, decided to have dinner here a few nights ago.

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Ballin' like a Baller at Bagatelle

By: Finance Foodie

Unless you are living under a rock in New York, you have probably heard about the Meatpacking joint Bagatelle. Famous for its "turnt up" boozy brunches where patrons dance on tables and drink like camels all before the sun goes down, I must admit I was a bit hesitant to go when I got an invite to have dinner with a few other media foodies (my days of "wiling out" have long been burried). However, I'd always been curious about the scene and my curiosity got the best of me, so I dusted off my heels and party outfit and headed out for the evening.

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