Lavinia at Home

It’s back again – Barneys New York Outlet Winter Sale at 255 W 17th St (Between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue). Tel.: 212-450-8400

Quality, Fashion, Taste! Twice a year you can 40% to 60% off original prices at Barneys Outlet Sale on selected women’s and men’s fashions, shoes and acessories – Armani, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors … Inside was big chaos, but it seemed that only few were leaving empty-handed and remember there’s no dressing rooms. It’s a madhouse, but still fun to search for real bargain. It starts on Thursday, December 10th (Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-7p.m.) Unfortunately for ladies, the menswear has nicer stuff than the women section.

We went to the Mohonk Mountain House for weekend and it was really romantic escape at mountaintop from busy New York City’s life. It’s 90-minute trip from Manhattan in New Paltz, NY, tel.: (845) 255-1000. Mohonk is an old-time castle and this mountain top house is a unique experience; you will forget your computer, cell phone and TV, just relax…

There is a lake for swimming, tons of hiking trails, horseback riding, beautiful gardens, mini golf, spa, massage services and many more things to do.

At day time we went for fishing on the lake and luckily I caught a trout, but turns out it was little to small to be prepared by chef for our dinner.

There is afternoon tea with cookies served in a massive great room with sofas and veranda with rocking chairs overlooking the lake; the perfect place to read, knit or chat.

Mohonk Mountain House is beautiful place to vacation and perfect for a couple’s getaway, but it’s not a cheap.

I love this hotel. It’s luxurious with nice views of Central Park, restaurant and bar downstairs. This hotel’s location is also perfect; its located at 160 Central Park South, New York, NY, Tel: (212) 247-0300, which is between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue right on Central Park South, close to Columbus Circle and Broadway.

Jumeirah Essex House first opened its doors in 1931 and recently this Manhattan landmark had completed refurbishment program that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage.

The lobby was all marble and looked very elegant. Staying here makes you feel very important. This hotel is not cheap. The rooms are simple but very comfortable, with huge televisions, they have really great beds. There is a well stocked minibar, only be aware; if you take something out, you will be charged for it. We had after dinner a ‘doggy bag’ and we decided to put it in the minibar to keep it cool, so we had to call the front desk to explain it.

Restaurant Type: Japanese
Our Rating: 8.4
Food: 9 • Service: 8 • Décor: 9 • Atmosphere: 8 • Price: 8

It’s located at 245 Park Ave S. (Between 19th Street and 20th Street) in New York City. Tel.: 212-475-9377
This Sushi Samba Park is an assortment place of snacking delights from Japan, Brazil and Peru with DJ Sabo on Friday Nights.
We went to this restaurant second time and had lunch on weekend and I just love this fusion restaurant. The food was great and I got them quite quickly. The ceviche was excellent and my mojito was strong and yummy. This restaurant is mixing South American elements and ingredients with Japanese cuisine and it taste very good. The result is a spicy, natural mix of two cultures that have perfected the art of raw seafood. There was something on the menu for everyone, including great steak, seafood and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is relaxed but the food is fine-dining quality. Best people watching around. Check it out and better make sure to have reservations.

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Restaurant Type: Chinese
Our Rating: 7
Food: 7 • Price: $7.50-$15.95 (Appetizers), $5.95-$12.95 (Soups) $12.95-$38.00 (Main Courses)

Time ago this was the best Chinese restaurant in New York which is located at 570 Lexington Ave, (Cross Street: 51st Street; tel.: 212-583-1668). One day I decided to order take out and was disappointed about the food; it did not have any flavor, it was very blah. However I liked few small things: they had mini chocolates with order included, main course take out plastic container had date, when food was prepared. I had good size portions and had leftovers for next day’s lunch (my favorite).

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