The wonder and beauty of Macau!

/

It's been many years since I've gone back to Macau.  Back when I went, all I remember was the beef jerky and the very cool looking streets.  Now that I'm back, I still love the beef jerky and the very cool looking streets.  I think it's from all the Portuguese influence.  It has modernized a bit (from all the gambling investments) but the small streets are still there.  They're small streets with a lot of stores (lots of beef jerky stores...I told you they're very good here) and colorful apartments on top.  I was taken to quieter areas of Macau where there were a lot of trees and cool looking homes during the times when Macau was a Portuguese colony.  I had the pleasure of staying at the Presidential Suite at the amazing JW Marriot Macau and the views were a sight to behold.  I was lucky enough to finally have hairy crab at the beginning of the season for the first time...the roe really is something special (did you know there's a special way to eat it?).  Having lunch at Lai Heen was a pleasure, what a beautiful exotic room to be eating in.  Overall my short time in Macau made really want to go back there soon to experience more of the quiet side to this tiny side of China.

p.s. oh, the Portuguese egg tarts were a delight too!

Truly exquisite Omakase @ Ginza Onodera

/

Had the pleasure of eating at Ginza Onodera and experiencing one of NYC's most exclusive and private dinners ever.  The Omakase was like tasting different parts of Japan and experiencing the serenity of the islands.  An amazing dinner and truly one of a kind.

A day off in Roosevelt Island...

/

Got a chance to go to Roosevelt Island on a beautiful day with my oldest and just enjoy a simple quiet day.  We got to spend time together and check out midtown Manhattan from the east side and just enjoy the weather.

Last days of summer... at their favorite park!

/

First day of school has come and gone but the weekend still feels like summer.  So how about a final foray at their favorite park in 80+ degree weather?  A lot of sweat, swinging, and chasing was involved and both got their fill of their last days of summer.  But it seems like it'll be hot again next week... I'm sure these two won't mind.

A stroll in Meatpacking... in 90 degree weather *phew*

/

It was a simple stroll for the beginning of Fashion Week in NYC and then temperatures soared to 90+ degrees.  We didn't stay out too long...decided to grab some afternoon lunch at Soba Totto.

Gelso and Grand... a great Italian Restaurant in Little Italy

/

Had the pleasure of eating at Gelso and Grand.  A wonderful location with indoor and outdoor seating in a great location with amazing Italian food.  Favorites include the Tomahawk steak for two and the mozzarella and tomato appetizers.  Will be checking in again very soon.

A day around Central Park on a hot, humid, and sweaty day

/

Went to check Shakespeare in the Park and got a behind the scenes look at all the preparations needed for such an event.  I got a chance to shoot around the park before the play started.  Didn’t even know there was a castle in Central Park!

A stroll in Williamsburg...

/

Both of us had a day off so we decided to take a drive to Williamsburg and decided to spend a day with the girls and appreciate all the fun wall art in Brooklyn.

 

Our first family trip to Europe... it was a lot of fun and work!

/

Our family trip to Italy was an amazing experience – it was the first time our family in Europe together and also such a far away place.  But it sure was tiring being around Milan, Florence, and Venice with the family.  Totally worth it.