drinks – Happens For A Reason

Poptails and Pop Art!

April 18, 2017April 18, 2017Posted in Events, new york cityTagged art, art exhibit, art gallery, artist, blog, drinks, Events, health, lifestyle, new york, new york city, Things to doLeave a comment

Hi friends! If you follow me on Instagram or like my Facebook page, then you are probably familiar with FrutaPop, a beverage company that has reinvented the ice pop with a boozy twist. Yes, these alcohol-infused ice pops or “poptails” exist, and they are so delicious. FrutaPOP also specializes in detox and coffee pops. All of their pops are made out of natural fruits and juices, and they offer seasonal flavors so your can have your pops year-round. With a poptail in hand, you’re brought back to your childhood days, with an adult twist of course.

Throughout the month of April, FrutaPOP has been proudly sponsoring The Art of POP: An Ode to Andy Warhol exhibition located at 548 West 28^th Street in Chelsea. Until the end of the month, this POP up exhibition will highlight work from artist and co-founder of FrutaPOP, Laurance Rassin. Rassin is also the artistic director and founding member of The New Blue Riders, a twenty-first century contemporary art movement. This POP up exhibition pays tribute to POP icon Andy Warhol. Pop Art is one of my favorite art movements, and I was delighted to see pop art pieces with a modern twist. If anyone wants to buy one of these pieces for me, please let me know 😉

Every Thursday during the month of April, FrutaPOP will host a series of poptail parties. Come join us on the 20^th and 27^th of this month. You’ll have the chance to try FrutaPOP’s limited edition, alcohol-infused “Andy POPs,” which feature some of Rassin’s Pop Art works from this exhibition on the label.

Please visit Eventbrite (click here) to get your free tickets to one of the next poptail parties!

The POP up exhibition is open until April 30^th, 2017, and hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Also, these pops make the perfect beverage at any event or party, especially now that Summer is around the corner—talk about refreshing! Click here to read more about their flavors and how to order a batch today.

Please follow FrutaPOP on social media!

Instagram: @frutapop

Twitter: @Fruta_POP

Facebook: FrutaPOP

Hope to see you on the 20^th and 27^th6-9pm!

Xx Marisa

I’m on a Boat: Frying Pan NYC

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016Posted in Drinks, FoodTagged drinks, eatprayblog, eats, food, Frying Pan, Hudson river, manhattan, new york city, nyc, summer, summer in the city, Things to doLeave a comment

Looking for a fun and casual yet unique way to spend some time outside this summer? The Lightship Frying Pan is a docked ship located in Chelsea on the Hudson River (26th Street & 12th Ave) at Pier 66 Maritime. The vessel was built in 1929, and in 1991, it became a historic site on the National Register of Historic Places.

On this ship, you can grab some food and drinks (full-service bar and grill) at the Pier 66 Maritime Bar and Grill while enjoying the view of boats sailing down the Hudson. Check out their menu here–if you’re craving seafood, you’ve come to the right place. Their Mahi Tacos are on point!

Grab some friends and head to the Frying Pan early to get a table. The line can get quite long (as well as the line to get to the top deck), but the sunset views over the Hudson are definitely worth waiting for.

The Lighthouse Frying Pan is open seasonally from May 1 – October 1, seven days a week (subject to weather), and their hours are 12PM-12AM.

Price: $$

By CHLOE. Round 2

June 21, 2016June 21, 2016Posted in Dessert, FoodTagged avocado toast, dairy free, dinner, drinks, eatprayblog, eats, food, gluten free, greenwich village, lunch, manhattan, new york, new york city, nyc, salad, vegan3 Comments

Check out my first by CHLOE post here!

by CHLOE. is a vegan, counter-service style restaurant located in Greenwich Village on Macdougal St. and Bleecker St. (185 Bleecker St.). The food is 100% vegan, all natural, plant-based, kosher, and hands down amazing. Their menu is meat, dairy, egg, and guilt free. It’s no secret that this has become one of my favorite lunch spots in the city. By CHLOE has now opened a location in L.A., and keep your eyes peeled for more locations popping up throughout NYC and in Boston!

Featured: Seasonal Smashed Avocado Toast (topped with tomatoes, pickled onions & black salt—It’s the perfect blend of mouth-watering ingredients. I’ve had this three weeks in a row so safe to say it’s delicious. (Can be gluten free with extra charge).

Pesto Meatball (Italian “meatballs” made with mushrooms & veggies, topped with sweet peppers, basil pesto, cashew mozzarella, and almond Parmesan. Typically served on a potato sub roll). I’m not a huge bread/sandwich person (weird, I know) and like to eat sans gluten most days, so I usually ask for a salad instead of a sub or sandwich. By CHLOE is very accommodating to its customers’ needs!

Also featured (below) is my second favorite salad (next to the Quinoa Taco), the Kale Cesar. Since I try to maintain a dairy-free diet(for the most part), I have really missed Cesar salads and cream-based dressings. This salad certainly makes up for lost times and since it is dairy free, I can enjoy the creamy flavor without the guilt. The Kale Cesar is topped with shiitake “bacon,” almond parm, and maple-wheat croutons. I’d order a side of just the bacon bites and croutons if I could. They add a bit of a sweet and certainly savory flavor to the salad. This salad can be gluten free without the croutons.

I hate to say it because I have so much love for this restaurant, but I was not impressed by both the Classic Burger and Guac Burger (not featured because I got them as takeout and it got a little messy!). Perhaps because I am not a vegan and love a beefy burger, both burgers fell short.

I actually prefer the Pesto Meatball over the infamous vegan burgers by CHLOE is known for. The flavors in the meatball sub complement each other and are so tasty and flavorful. I’m Italian, and I even felt fooled by these “meatballs.” If you are interested in more Italian recipes, owner Chloe Coscarelli has a vegan Italian cookbook you should take a peek at while you are waiting in line!

On my last visit, I tried the Kale and Artichoke dip, which has a bold artichoke taste that I wasn’t prepared for and would pass on, since there are so many other savory menu items that I enjoy so much more.

The Mac n’ Cheese is a vegan’s dream. Gluten free pasta can be a hit or miss, but I tried it and it was on point! The sauce is made of sweet potato and cashew “cheese,” and it’s topped with shiitake “bacon” and almond Parmesan. Definitely get the extra bacon option–that was probably my favorite part of the dish.

Rounding out the menu are the Original Air Baked French Fries (gluten free). I’m not the biggest fan of sweet potato fries, however, I now prefer the Air Baked Sweet Potato fries over the original! Don’t forget to try the sweet, house made beet ketchup and chipotle aioli (has a little kick). Devoured!

On a rainy day or if you’re in the mood for a hot, sweet beverage, try the Hot Cocoa! It’s made with a dollop of peanut butter and topped with a cloud of marshmallows. This was a staple of mine throughout the fall and winter! I’m a huge fan of this eatery and once you try it, you will be too!

Price: $$

Rooftop (Re)Views No.1 Loopy Doopy

June 20, 2016June 21, 2016Posted in DrinksTagged blog, drinks, eatprayblog, food, Ice pops, Loopy Doopy, manhattan, new york city, Prosecco, rooftop, rooftop bar, summer, summer in the cityLeave a comment

Prosecco and ice pops anyone? Loopy Doopy rooftop bar located in Battery Park at the Conrad Hotel is best known for their unique cocktails consisting of Prosecco and ice pops (People’s Pops–which are mouth-watering and delicious!). Prosecco is poured and the ice pop is dipped into the wine glass. Once the pop is dissolved, it creates a tasty, fruity cocktail. The juicy ice pop flavors vary monthly, but popular flavors include Blueberry Peach, Strawberry Lemongrass, and Empire Apple–all equally delicious. They also serve other specialty cocktails and small plates if the prosecco & pops aren’t to your liking.

This rooftop bar is indeed a bit of a tourist trap, but a good experience overall and a check off the bucket list for any foodie or New Yorker (do it for the Instagram). For me, these cocktails are an enjoyable summer treat and a very cool concept, especially because I love Prosecco or champagne combined with anything fruity. Heads up: these are overpriced (about $22 for one drink pop), but why not indulge even if it’s just one! The rooftop itself is a small space, so it can feel cramped, but the views are beautiful, as this rooftop overlooks the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Very cool way to beat the heat, relax and take in the scenery!