For a long time I’ve been wanting to write. Write about the million random things on my mind as someone who is in her late 30’s. How I’m trying to feel like myself again after two kids, the challenges of juggling being a mother to two small children while also needing to do things for parents, and in laws. Even the not so serious topics like “actually useful shit I bought on Amazon” lol. Writing down my thoughts was the initial reason I started this blog almost 8 years ago. While I mainly share about food, I love you all for the sense of community and connection you’ve given me – it’s truly what has kept me on that app for this long! So anyway, in true chutneylife fashion, there is no rhyme or reason to these blog posts. There is a giant list of topics I want to share like my FULL IVF story, including all the reproductive issues I had before marriage, my real thoughts on all the crap I’ve tried on my face like lasers, facials and botox, how to meal plan and prep without dedicating your entire life to it, and if you have some topics you’d love for me to really dive into, comment on this post!
OK, now that that is out of the way, I’m getting right into it with a few little life updates because there is just so much that doesn’t make it on to the gram!
Shaan Turns 5
Shaan turned 5 last month!! We had a super chill birthday party at a local indoor play space at his request, and celebrated with a giant sheet cake from our local grocery store, pizza, chicken fingers and it was seriously thee BEST! It reminded me of the simple birthdays I grew up with, and Shaan and his friends had an amazing time. Photos from Spider Shaan’s 5th birthday below:
A few things I’m loving:
My baby niece is visiting us from California for the first time this week and I got this personalized night light for her room to add a sweet little touch (I have these for the boys too!)! We also love this snack box and the boys water bottles that I’ve posted many times before on stories! You can use code CHUTNEY10 for a little discount if you place an order.
I’m a sucker for vases and I can’t stop staring at this gorgeous vase I got from Amazon recently. I’ve also been obsessed with Wide leg jeans and hundreds of you purchased these! They have such a flattering tailored fit and are so easy to wear! I’m 5’2 and they make me look 6 ft tall!
Our “joint” NYE Resolutions:
Pinank and I made a few “couple’s nye resolutions” which are essentially just goals for us as a couple (I’ll share more of these in another post). One of them was to start crossing off the many restaurants on our long long list. We’re in the thick of it with kids and while it’s easier to stay home, we both really value having a meal together in peace and quiet and getting out of the house. Sometimes we even have dinner at 5 pm on a Thursday night because that’s the only reservation, lol. Sharing a few places we’ve been lately:
Fiorella
Limited menu and even more limited space but we came for the Cacio Pepe and it was WORTH IT. Like drown me in Cacio Pepe kind of WORTH IT. Neighborhood vibes, quiet and elevated without being overly pretentious or stuffy. Great mocktails and cocktails. Not meant for a large group, party of 2 is ideal. Sit at the bar!
Kalaya
This Thai restaurant has been so buzzy which is credited to its James Beard Award winning chef. Beautiful space, we loved the dumplings and apps, but left a little underwhelmed by the mains. However many of the dishes are meant to be enjoyed family style so I’d recommend going with a group to try more items (I’d go back with a group again to try more). Limited options for vegetarians but you can make it work (it’s not your typical drunken noodles and penang curry kind of thai fyi). BUT BUT BUT -The Tom Kha Colada blew MY MIND- and you have to get it if you go.
Cote NYC
After years of being on my bucket list, we finally made it to this Korean Steakhouse and it was phenomenal. They only take parties of 4 so we went with our friends! Dinner was amazing (not for vegetarians of course). The salted caramel over vanilla soft serve at the end of dinner was gone in seconds and I’m not even an ice cream fan.
Libertee Grounds
This wasn’t on my list but we ended up here with a HUGE group of friends before the Nimesh Patel comedy show last year and it’s got local craft beer, indoor mini golf, and an Indian Inspired menu! Great “chill” place to come with a group versus a date night. I loved my “slow window roll” cocktail! We enjoyed a lot of the items on the menu (Laotian Crispy Rice Rolls, Asian Caesar Salad, Korean Double Smash Burger were favorites)! Plenty of options for vegetarians, ask for ALL their amazing side sauces!
Almyra
Gorgeous, fun music, spacious and very NYC vibes for Philadelphia! We had mocktails and omg the Spicy Pineapple “Margarita” was AMAZING! Apps were delicious, mains were OK, and I was sad they didn’t have the two choices I wanted for dessert. All in all, I’d definitely keep this on my list to go back to with friends! Perfect for a group dinner, girls night or date night!
Alpen Rose
A swanky Steakhouse that has speakeasy vibes. This is definitely a great date night or “special occasion” place. Amazing cocktails, great indulgent sides as you’d expect at a steakhouse. The food wasnt all that memorable, but the ambience and service was stellar and we had a great time. As pictured below, the ice cream sundae is meant for more than two people, so just a heads up lol.
