It was August 1999 when I first landed in the US as a 17-year old, nervous yet excited to begin a new chapter of my life. I was about to start college with big ambitions and so much to prove. Fifteen years later, I'm leaving behind the country that I've called home for most of my adult life. Somewhere in this passage of time, I evolved from being a shy, naive teenager into a confident and independent woman. I met and married the love of my life and had a baby, now the second love of my life. I made amazing, lifelong friends. I lived in three cities (Boston, Austin, and New York City) and enjoyed each one at different stages of my life. I got a degree and became a doctor. I learned to embrace fitness and ran marathons. I toobed down the Guadalupe River. I learned to appreciate country music. I performed a dance to a Bollywood song on a moving boat for a Holi celebration. I took part in a flash mob dance to Sheila Ki Jawani on Wall street. I explored national parks and attended live music festivals. I traveled to Iceland where I hiked up a glacier, boated inside a volcanic crater in El Salvador, and jumped off a cliff in Spain. I ran up 46 floors of the Empire State Building while I was pregnant. I attended New York Fashion Week. I blogged!

Life recently threw us a curveball and we're now moving to Singapore! I'm sad to leave behind my sister and my friends in the US who became like family to me. Yet I look forward to new adventures in a new country. 

If you follow us on Instagram, you would have seen pictures I posted of my trip back to NYC - city street scenes that inspire me, places I visited, friends and family I spent time with...until it all culminated in our packing up our life into little boxes to be shipped halfway across the world. American the beautiful, I shall certainly miss you. Singapore, here we come! 

Crossing the street with a view of Times Square

Baby K and me having a picnic in Central Park

Hanging out for a brief weekend in DC 

Horse-drawn carriages that charm you in the city

Quality time with the sister at a food festival in Brooklyn

Grungy city subways - I dared to take Baby K on the subway and he loved it!

Love these street vendors selling pictures of NYC cityscapes

All packed up in our NYC apartment and ready to leave

Being just a 5 minute walking distance from the best known park in the world is definitely a privilege. Central Park is one of those places that is romanticized in films and just as magical in real life. Pre-baby, Central Park appealed to me because I loved being able to go running there. Recently, I've begun to discover a new facet of this park, one that appeals to my baby as well. Now I also love the park because it offers wide, open spaces for my little one to crawl (and soon walk) around freely outside the confines of a small New York apartment. For those of you wondering what to do with a baby/toddler in the city, here a few places to visit within Central Park itself.

1. Did you know that CP has zoo? Yup, a real zoo. And it's not your usual, run-of-the-mill zoo with horses, goats, and pigs. The Central Park Zoo has a polar and a tropical section where you'll find all sorts of exotic (and some endangered) animals - adorable penguins, flipping sea lions, swinging monkeys, colorful tree frogs, hissing snakes, biting piranhas, agile snow leopards...and the list goes on! You really can lose yourself in this world of animals. I brought baby K to the zoo and enjoyed myself as much as he did!

2. There are numerous playgrounds in CP but the oldest and biggest one is Heckscher Playground (located at 7th Ave and Central Park South). Swings, monkey bars, see-saws, and rocking climbing setups provide a place for children to run free. Baby K can't walk yet but he had a whale of a time crawling around on the astroturf and sitting on the swings!

3. Street artists that cater to children with balloons, bubble blowers, face painting, and musical performances are everywhere! You'll find these street performers at every twist and turn, providing entertainment for children and adults alike.

4. Picnicking in the park is totally a summer activity I do with my girlfriends. In the past, we would bring along blankets to lay on the grass and sneak in some bubbly. While that hasn't changed (hehe!), I have now added a baby to the equation. Throw in some toys to keep the baby occupied and you can have a lovely time catching up with friends while giving your baby some quality outdoor time. Plus, the feel of crawling/walking on the grass and seeing dogs that people have brought for a walk really gets babies excited (also great from the standpoint of the baby's sensory development).

Yay! Fun in the park! 

In My City is a series of posts about shopping and fashion in different cities. I have asked blogger friends from around the world to share their favorite local shopping spot(s) in their city along with a picture showcasing their street style.

Today we are featuring a fellow NYC blogger - Maree from A Little Bit Etc. Maree is among the first blogger friends I made. No doubt, she has a classic and chic sense of style and is a makeup guru. I also love her sense of humor - she has a knack for turning even the most mundane topics into something fun(ny) to read. Be sure to check out her blog for all things makeup and fashion and for a good dose of sass!

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Living in one of the fashion capitals of the world, you would think I am a shopping machine. Every major department store at my disposal, flagship stores of every major designer just a cab ride away, but surprisingly I have to admit that I do most (if not all) of my shopping online! *cue shock and awe* Maybe it is my suburban roots and all my time spent in the mall, but I love when I can get all my shopping done under one roof – efficiency is key for me! And with so many great sites out there that offer free shipping and free returns with loads of amazing designers, I simply can’t resist. Now that being said, you can definitely still find me wandering the streets of soho or traipsing down 5th Avenue popping into some of my favorite free standing stores on the regular, but for nabbing the best deals – I always find them online.

Take this outfit, for example, that I am wearing in the below pic – the faux fur Three Floor parka, Rag & Bone Newbury boots, and Equipment sweater were all nabbed during a markdown on Shopbop.com. I never seem to have that same luck when in store. The trick is I pin all the items I want to buy to a Pinterest board, and then check back regularly to see when they have been reduced. And then I pounce! Free shipping and free returns make it super easy and when in doubt, order the two sizes you are debating between and send back the one that doesn’t fit. I know for many of you that are die-hard in store shoppers, this may never be an option. But once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to ever go back. My favorite sites I visit regularly are Shopbop, Revolve Clothing, Nordstrom and Piperlime. And yes, that free shipping/free returns theme is always present – it makes all the difference!

Now for those purchases I can simply cannot make online - I love to frequent Bergdorf Goodman for a splurge, Club Monaco for the most perfect chic wardrobe essentials, J.Crew for their prints, and the GAP for the best jeans and button downs.

Summer, a time for enjoying outdoor street festivals, rooftop bars, and movies in the park…a time for eating gelato, sipping iced coffee, beach bumming, walking around in shorts and flip flops, and mini getaways. Speaking of mini getaways, the hubby and I took a lovely trip to Fire Island with some friends over the long weekend. Fire Island offers a very accessible beach escape at just about an hour’s drive from the city. Compared to the more uppity Hamptons, Fire Island has a decidedly more relaxed and casual vibe. What’s more, this 31-mile barrier island has wide sandy beaches (not rocky), and most of them are accessible to the public. There are several different communities within the island and you can get around with bikes, water taxis, or by foot. We spent our time at Ocean Beach, Sailor’s Haven, and Cherry Grove, and each one offered a different experience!

Grand Central Terminal is one of those places in the city which always leaves me with a sense of wonder. More than just a train station, it’s a work of art. Its impressive Beaux-Arts façade and grand interior with ornate chandeliers, sweeping marble staircases (modeled after the Paris Opera House), and arched passageways is an aesthetic feast for the eyes. Another arresting feature of this building is the pale blue vaulted ceiling painted by a French artist, made to resemble the sky with its zodiac constellations. And let’s not forget the gold Tiffany clock, the century-old iconic timepiece that sits atop the information booth in the main concourse. This New York landmark literally reeks of history…and that’s why I enjoy it so much.

Most days, no one really stops to “ooh and aah” over all this. Over 500,000 commuters pass through this structure every day, immune or perhaps accustomed to its beauty. But as Grand Central celebrates its centennial birthday this year, one can’t help but stop to consider how gracefully it has aged. Despite rocky points in history when it suffered from abandon and neglect or when it was in danger of being torn down, Grand Central has prospered and now boasts of the same splendor as that of 1913.

On a recent Friday evening, I visited Grand Central to check out an art installation, one of many ongoing events for the centennial celebration. The art installation called Heard-NY was abstract (take from it what you will) but visually appealing – horses adorned with beaded, embroidered headdresses. Below are a few pictures (okay fine, several pictures along with a couple "then and now"!) from an hour spent strolling around the building.

Grand Central Terminal concourse circa 1940

My capturing of the Grand Central Terminal concourse today

Ticket booths circa 1940

How the ticket booths look today - not too much as changed!

The iconic, 100-year old Tiffany clock

Ornate chandeliers

Nick Cave's art installation Heard-NY

Historical photos and details on Grand Central Terminal from the following sources: here, here.

The weekend is coming and one of the plans we always make with friends is to meet for brunch. Brunch is the best meal one can have - it is at that in-between time of day that you can have sweet or savory, eggs or sandwich, mimosa or coffee, and no one can judge you. Nothing spells the weekend more than enjoying french toast with a side of gossip with your best friends.

Source

To gear you up for the weekend, here is a list of what we think are the best brunch spots we've been to in DC and NYC. Boasting of a strong brunch culture, both NYC and DC are a mecca for brunch spots for all types of budgets and tastes. We easily have a list of 6-8 brunch spots that we'd consider our favorites, and the list seems to keep growing the more places we try. But since this is meant to be a comprehensive post and not a Zagat report, here is our abbreviated list!


DC

1) Scion
Scion became famous in DC after President Obama lunched there with his supporters and signed the menu. A lovely neighborhood brunch spot in Dupont, this is my go-to place when I want to indulge in a scrumptious meal but am unwilling to walk more than 5 blocks. I enjoy the cute outdoor patio and the modern décor, but more importantly, the food is of high quality. The menu offers a range of a la carte egg options. My favorite, though admittedly calorie-laden, is the huevos rancheros.

2) Bombay Club
If you’re looking for delicious and high-quality Indian food in DC, Bombay Club is the place to go. Add unlimited champagne on Sundays and you’ve got the perfect brunch! They offer buffet style Indian food, with vegetarian and meat options alongside sweet Indian deserts. Whenever my friends go, we definitely take advantage of the unlimited food and drinks, and probably overstay our welcome. But how can you not with this place?

3) Tabaq
Tabaq does its brunch basics well, offering delicious crab cake benedicts (my favorite brunch dish), omelettes, waffles, French toast, and $3 mimosas. I also love the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a great view of U street and rest of DC.

NYC

1) Crema
A relatively unknown gem in Chelsea, I'm almost hesitant to share it with the world! Crema has an amazing Mexican style brunch, complete with breakfast style Mexican omlette, chicken chilaquiles, quesadillas, and chile relleno. Everything on the menu is just superb and delicious. The unlimited mimosa brunch offering doesn't hurt either! Crema is also one of those rare places that doesn't need reservations - you almost always get a table right away. That's a big bonus for a brunch spot in the city!

2) Friend of a Farmer
Located in the posh Gramercy area, Friend of aFarmer offers a contrasting rustic style setting. Made to look like an English countryside home that serves up hearty breakfasts, this place reminds you of what a wholesome meal is all about. I love the French press coffee here, and I literally die after their assorted bread and muffin basket. This place serves up several different types of omelette preparations as well, so there is something for everyone's omelette-seeking tastes.

3) Beauty & Essex
Nestled in the Lower East side, Beauty & Essex is almost missed if you walk by it. The exterior of the restaurant is a pawn shop that sells vintage jewelery and other eclectic items. Walk further inside and you'll be surprised by the swanky restaurant interiors and even the bathrooms. One might think it's all a gimmick. But the food is quite exceptional. I just love their soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven pumpkin and blueberry scones, their refreshing kale and apple salad, and brunch pizzettas. Be sure to make reservations well in advance for B&E! We've written about this place in a previous post here.

Now that you know our top selections, we'd love to hear what YOUR favorite brunch spots are in your respective cities. What are your top spots and what places do you suggest we try?  

The original Kati Roll Company at McDougal and Bleecker in Greenwich Village

New York City is known for its world class restaurants serving up high-brow foods, culinary delights the names of which you can’t pronounce, and cuisines from countries you haven't even have heard of. While that’s all well and good, I contend that you cannot have experienced an honest to goodness meal in New York unless you’ve been to The Kati Roll Company. The Kati Roll Company is the anti-thesis of all that I just described. It’s a hole-in-the-wall which speaks of quiet assertitude, unassuming from the outside but bold in its offering of a disarmingly simple yet wholesome meal inside…the namesake kati roll.

It seems like all I've been doing for the past two weeks is consuming and imbibing calorie-laden foods and drinks without a care in the world. I figured that if the world ends on December 21 as predicted by the Mayans, I will have at least died happy and well-fed. But alas, the world did not end and like it or not, I will soon have to deal with the consequences of my over-eating. But until Jan 1 rolls around and I have to start training for the Empire State Building Run-Up (more on that soon!), I will continue to indulge myself.

Hi everyone! Guess it’s been a while since you heard from us. Admittedly, we’ve been a bit sporadic with blogging lately. With a hectic work schedule, busy holiday season, and our recent travels, blogging has taken a backseat. No worries, right? These are all part of the blogging ups and downs. Sometimes life gets in the way, sometimes you worry about not posting often enough, sometimes you want a break from it, and sometimes you wonder what the point of your blog is at all. But at the end of the day, we started this blog not for anyone else but for us. So even if the blog has no point, no theme, or no consistency, we’re okay with it…or learning to be okay with it. Do any of you feel that way?

Well, after that random rant...here’s a review of a play I attended last weekend: On a gloomy and rainy Sunday afternoon, my husband and I made our way into Clurman Theatre where “Bumbug: The Musical” was set to play. We weren’t sure what to expect – we’d only heard that this was a holiday-themed musical produced by Indians with mainly Indian actors. Once the show got going, it took little time to realize that this is a “desi” version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol". In this story, the central character is an Indian immigrant aptly named Scroogewala who runs a convenience store in New York City, all lonely and jaded. There’s the love interest of Scroogewala, Sunita, who opens her heart to him despite her own fears and misgivings. And finally, there’s the ghost who shows Scroogewala his past, present, and future and teaches him to let go of his hang-ups and freakin’ accept love in his life already! The storyline was familiar, of course, but there was a parallel narrative about the homesickness, isolationism, and loneliness faced by immigrants in the United States and how they learn to deal with these difficulties. While there were no surprises with how the story ended, the 1.5 hour-long show was certainly entertaining with a cast of talented actors/singers and musicians. My absolute favorite part of the show? A hilarious performance by Sunita's mother on how to seduce a boy! I thought the whole musical was a good mix of comedy and emotional depth. Go watch it while the show is still running!

The stage setup...notice the many, many boxes of Indian Kingfisher beer!

Happy Thursday everyone! The weekend is almost upon us and, if you’re anything like me, you start thinking about what your weekend plans will be. I’m actually MEGA UBER SUPER excited about what lies ahead for me this weekend. I’ll be visiting my “adopted” hometown of Austin, y’all! I lived there for several years before moving to New York, and I truly love everything about Austin (hence, I “adopted” it as my hometown in the US – though nothing replaces my hometown of Bangkok!). I am pumped about catching up with all my Austin friends, gorging on Tex-Mex food, absorbing the heat and the Texan pace of life. In between all of that, I will also be attending the 3-day Austin City Limits Music Festival, which I used to attend every year when I lived in Austin. More details to come after I return from my trip next week!

But enough about me, let’s talk about what YOU will be doing this weekend. Here are some recommendations of some goings-on about town:

Madison Square Eats

Imagine a land far, far away where you can enjoy Indian, Mexican, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, and a number of other cuisines all in one sitting. Well, that land is actually not that away. Nestled in the triangle between Fifth Ave, Broadway, and 24th Street, Madison Square Eats offers a gastronomic haven from food trucks and well-known restaurants around town: Momofuku, Mexicue, Ilili, Graffitti , Hong Kong Street Food, Wafles & Dinges, etc. With the weather getting chillier, your days of hanging out outdoors are numbered. So take advantage of this small and cozy outdoor food festival . Last weekend, my friends and I ended up having a 2 hour dinner there, chatting away over wine, falafel, dumpling chaat, truffle oil & honey pizza, black bean tacos, crepes, and lord knows what else! Get there before it ends Oct 19.

Toshi’s Lounge

After a satisfying meal at Madison Square Eats, my friends and I randomly wandered into Toshi’s Lounge just a few streets away. What a great find! This place has live music every night and is reasonably happening without trying too hard. It hit the perfect equation of “Not too hipster + not too dimly lit + not overly loud = Being able to see the person in front of you and having a decent conversation with them”. I can definitely see this place becoming a frequent hangout spot.

So check these places out and let me know how you liked them. I’ll be back from Austin next week and maybe we can exchange stories from our weekend shennanigans?

Running on the streets of New York is a frustrating experience for me because my “runner’s mojo” gets constantly interrupted by slow tourists and street lights. I have enjoyed running several races and half-marathons in the past – so a space that allows me to run (wild? and) free is essential. Central Park has come to the rescue on many an occasion. In fact, running there has become a longstanding Saturday morning ritual. But a girl’s gotta mix things up a bit every now and then! That’s what motivated me to go running in High Line Park recently. Now the question is - is it potentially the next running destination?

This week is a special week. Because it marks 2 years since I made New York City my home. I can honestly say that I’ve loved every minute of living here. I know how clichéd that sounds. But can you believe that I initially was not excited about moving here? I had some reservations about how life would change for me. But it really just took a few months to adapt and get into the swing of things once I moved. New York City has a way of integrating you into herself, into making you one of her own so that you know that this is where you belong. Moving here has led me to some pretty awesome friends who are like family, given me some life-changing experiences, and taught me about who I am. So thank you New York for one hell of a ride so far. It’s been fun, crazy, psychotic, exhilarating, confusing, overwhelming, joyous, and adventurous. I hope it never stops. 

To celebrate my 2 years, Urban Mantra is hosting a giveaway! We wanted to share a piece of New York with our readers. Say hello to this lovely coffee table book: New York Fashion Week: The Designers, the Models, the Fashions of the Bryant Park Era. Since there is no New York City without the fashion, we thought this book would make for a unique giveaway (and appropriate too, considering that NYFW just ended!). This book is a collectible featuring photos from what is called the “Golden Era” of Fashion Week, the Bryant Park Years (before NYFW moved to the Lincoln Center in 2010). It’s a hardcover book with over 300 pages of picture, stories, and exclusive interviews with famous fashion designers. 

Entering the giveaway is easy. Please leave a comment below to say you’ve followed and then actually follow us! You have 4 options for following: Twitter @urbanmantra1, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', and/or Instagram (@richat81). The winner will be announced on October 7! (Please note that as much as we’d like to open this giveaway to our non-US readers, this giveaway will have to be limited to our friends in the US).

Thank so much for reading and we look forward to your comments!

Well folks, New York Fashion Week is over and you can go back to dressing in your sweats. No more flashing camera bulbs, and no more paparazzi running behind you to capture your oh-so-stylish outfit. Okay, who am I kidding? That only happens to people like Mira Duma.

Hello fellow New Yorkers! The sun is shining, the clouds are gone, and the weekend is upon us. What more can you ask for? Well, a fun plan for the weekend ahead perhaps? There are a bunch of activities going on in the city this weekend which should not be missed. Whether you’re looking for something interesting to do or have friends in town to entertain, here are my recommendations for this weekend.

Last Monday, I did something crazy. I went to watch a movie in the park. I know, it’s not the most earth-shatteringly unique activity but you know what? It was fun. It was spontaneous. Sitting on a checkered blanket with some kati rolls and drinks in hand, my friend and I enjoyed the simple act of watching a movie in Bryant Park. As I absorbed the view of the city skyline rising above us and the company of a few hundred other friends on the lawn, I thought to myself, “This is way better than being at home on a Monday night!”

In my top 10 list of unique summertime activities in the city, MoMA PS1’s Warm Up 2012 is definitely up there. It’s an outdoor live music series held every Saturday during the summer at the MoMA PS1. Lest you become confused like I did, this is NOT the MoMa (Museum of Metropolitan Art) in Manhattan but the one in Long Island City. But don’t let that deter you – it’s just a quick subway ride to get to this museum in Queens. Upon arriving, you’re led into the courtyard of the museum where there’s a giant urban installation called Wendy. Beyond the installation, there’s a DJ playing what is called “experimental music”, a cryptic name for what is basically not mainstream music. Self-described as ethereal-lounge-eclectic, if that makes any sense. Regardless, the whole laidback vibe and relaxing music was refreshingly un-New York (I was almost reminded of my days in hippy Austin!).

Food fairs in the city are as much a summer staple as the cafes with outdoor seating, concerts in the park, and smelly streets! Earlier this week, I found myself at an event called Hester Nights. I know what you’re thinking  – these summer fairs are a dime a dozen. What makes this one so special? Here’s the lowdown, amigos…

Reason 1: Hester Nights offers a line-up of local, indie food businesses every Thursday at the Hotel Eventi Plaza. It’s open from noon to 10pm, so you could literally have lunch, dinner, and a mid-afternoon snack there, if you were so inclined. And unlike other food fairs, you don’t have to struggle to carry and consume your fruit juice, pizza slice, and taco all while standing; there’s outdoor seating in the plaza with a cool ambiance.

Reason 2: There’s a reasonable choice of food stalls (listed here). At my recent visit, I sampled eats from Bombay Sandwich, Pizza Vita, and La NewYorkina (needless to say, I was very full later). In speaking with the husband-wife duo behind the Bombay Sandwich stall, I learned that they started this endeavor just about 6 weeks ago! After trying their authentic Indian-style potato and chutney sandwiches reminiscent of Bombay street food, I knew I would be back for more.

Reason 3: Hester Nights isn’t just about food. There was a stall by Estate Jewels with an eye-catching display of their vintage jewelry collection. I was only planning to browse but instead walked away with a gold chain bracelet I fell in love with (don’t judge, it happens to the best of us). I believe there are different vendors every week.

Reason 4: There was also a party to celebrate the official opening of a retail store called The HESTER. Honestly, I’m not sure I understand this store which has advertised itself as “new retail concept”. The store layout is minimalistic with certain areas occupied with displays by jewelry designers, interior, and clothes designers. Whether all the displays were present as works of art to be admired or for sale was unclear. The HESTER will be open late in conjunction with Hester Nights every week.

Clockwise: Joel Fitzpatrick organic towels; DJs at the party; free wine; Kelly Lamb geo-planters

So there you have it, folks. A simple recipe to spice up your Thursday night. If you end up going, let me know how you enjoyed it!