Saturday Afternoon in Photos

Photo by Shann

Today's temperature: 70 degrees!

I'm more of a winter person than a summer one, but couldn't help but partake in a Central Park picnic organized by Steph.

I have to confess. I schlepped all the way to 80th Street from my morning appointments on the LES mainly for a few of Steph's brownies. This morning I was awoken by pots and pans in the kitchen, followed by the smell of very intense chocolate brownies. Sadly enough, I had to leave before those brownies came out of the oven. "They'll be at the picnic!" Steph called as I ran out the door. There was no other option!

The company of course, was wonderful ^_^

Steph and Shann

Most everyone was out with bare shoulders today! Bikers, frisbee players, dog walkers, it's like we've already reached summer. I got sunburned, but I suppose it was worth it.

But next time: no napping in the park without many layers of sunscreen!

Steph, Shann and I packed up and parted ways with the group late afternoon and headed back down to Union Square...

...where we stopped at Jus for a trio of smoothies. Shann and I went with the mango, papaya, and banana combo. Steph replaced the banana with pineapple. I love smoothies, but they're aren't many places in the city that do it right. Jus is just about perfect though. They use fruit and ice and nothing else. No added sugar, fruit juices, sorbets, etc. They keep it clean and simple - just how a smoothie should be.

We walked closer home, pausing in for an early dinner at the too often frequented neighborhood restaurant: Veselka. It was the first time we sat outdoors in a restaurant this year ^_^

Shann went with the Cheeseburger and Fries...

...while Steph and I each had the daily special: "Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole: An oven-baked casserole of albacore tuna, roasted red peppers, and water chestnuts in a cheddar bechamel, topped with panko crust."

The Tuna Casserole comes with salad (dill dressing on the side)..

...challah bread...

...and a choice of soup. We always opt for the Borscht - it's absolutely gorgeous!

Here's hoping the warm weather sticks around - Happy Saturday ^_^

Jus at Coffeeshop
16th Street & Union Square West
New York, NY 10003

Veselka
144 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-9682