Afternoon Tea at Cha-An

Going to tea at Cha-An was a unique experience which was surprisingly similar to the traditionally English meal. Cha-An is a cozy and intimate restaurant specializing in Japnese-style tea and deserts. The restaurant is located in the Japanese enclave of NYC's East Village which I had yet to experience. It truly felt like I was a tourist in Japan for the afternoon. We ordered the afternoon tea set which came with tea smoked salmon sandwiches, scones, red bean pound cake, green tea macaroon, and a pot of tea. To sample some savory flavors, we also ordered the mushroom and scallion quiche, seafood gratin, and curry soup. With bite size portions at Cha-An, you can try a variety of different dishes without feeling overwhelmingly full. Keep this in mind and do not go ravenously hungry expecting a satiating meal. The selection of tea was enormous with a wide variety of green teas and herb teas. The Culturistas recommend the Honey Phoenix Oolong tea and a trip to the high tech Japanese style toilet. The remote-controlled bathroom visit is as much of a must as the tea.


This was an awesome experience and the next time you are contemplating a trip to Japan we suggest going to Cha-An first. Just remember to bring cash! Arigato!



CHA-AN TEA HOUSE
230 E. 9th Street
New York, NY

Bikram Yoga NYC!

After eating our way through the holidays in December, many of us tend to view January as the time to take action and get fit. There is no better time than the present to find deals and specials at gyms or yoga studios. If you are looking for an amazing workout that leaves you sweaty, centered, and borderline euphoric, Bikram Yoga is a great option. This 90 minute session held in a room heated at approximately 100 degrees will force you to challenge your body with 26 poses. What we love about Bikram is that anyone can do it. You do not need to be a yogi to start up and get involved. Bikram Yoga NYC is now offering a new student special of 10 days for $20. With each class is normally priced at $23, this is a steal!

For more information on locations and schedules please check out the website BIKRAM YOGA NYC

There are Bikram Yoga locations in many different cities throughout the United States, this is not limited to New York or Los Angeles.

Namaste!

Passport to Poland- without leaving NYC!

I usually spend either Saturday or Sunday going on some type of an urban adventure. I decided to check out Greenpoint, because I have yet to explore that part of Brooklyn. We walked around Greenpoint Ave where it intersects with Manhattan Ave. I felt like i had been teleported to Krakow, Poland. Each block was filled with Polish bakeries, restaurants, and smoked meat shops. We walked into a hole in the wall restaurant called Happy End Polish Cuisine. This is a total family dive, and the likelihood that you will be served by a woman with a missing tooth and a kerchief is exceedingly high. She was very helpful and made several suggestions as to what we should order and explained the daily specials.



We were the only non-Poles in the entire place and even got to watch a German movie dubbed over in Polish. We ordered potato pancakes (even though Hannukah is so 3 months ago,) stuffed cabbage, and white borscht. The portions were more than enough and I did not even need to use salt. Our bill for three people was $15. For a five dollar meal, I would gladly visit "Little Poland" any day. If you are more interested in baked goods, there are at least two bakeries on every block.

Cabbage salads

My next step is to scope out this neighborhood at night and see what the nightlife is made of. Bring on the Polska dancin!

Savvy Shopping Tip: McQ 2 day pop up shop

Attention New York Culturistas: Looks like you guys will get the chance to shop
Alexander McQueen's line for Target a full three weeks before the rest of the country! (I'm super jealous)

Thanks to nbcnewyork.com we have the info for you guys:

When: February 14th- February 15 12-10 pm

Where: 330 West St. at West Houston

The two-day pop-up shop features designer Alexander McQueen's line for Target, "McQ". The line will be available online and in stores on March 4th, 2009. Get there early so you don't miss out--but be prepared to duke it out with all the other savvy fashionistas in NYC.

Please don't stop the MUZIK!

The best mailing list I joined since moving to New York is GBH. They send out weekly emails on the best electro/dance show events going on. Their lineup is so amazing right now that I want to go to a GBH event every weekend through April. Here it is and its all at Webster Hall on E. 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Ave.

2/13/09- Xavier from Justice and Busy P

2/20/09- Felix da Housecat

2/27/09- Steve Aoki and Felix Cartel (woooo LA Crew!!)

3/13/09- Calvin Harris

3/20/09- Boys Noize

4/3/09- MSTRKRFT AND BLOODY BEETROOTS

I AM BEYOND EXCITED. Tickets to all shows are only $10 in advance. I'm about ready to kick on my dancing shoes because there is gonna be a lot of movin' in the next 2 months!

Recessionista tip of the week!

EXERCISE YOUR BODY NOT YOUR WALLET!

I know it is bitter and cold outside and the walk alone from the subway to your apartment is miserable. However, it makes days that are 25 degrees out and the sun is shining feel like SUMMER. That is a big statement coming from an LA girl. But like everyone else, I have adapted...moderately. Below please find some suggestions on creative and economic-friendly ways to take advantage of physical activities NYC has to offer.


Brooklyn Bridge- I walked across this beauty last weekend and felt completely rejuvenated. One might say it was literally a "breath of fresh air." When its 35 degrees and no snow, there is no reason to stay indoors. There is a wonderful pedestrian walkway and it is probably only a 25 minute walk. Towards the end we lost sensation in our hands and feet, but that is a reflection of "bad gear" not bad weather. I cannot wait to stroll across the bridge once spring rolls in!


Yoga to the People- this popular yoga joint is donation-based yoga. More specifically, you pay what you think it is worth. The suggested donation is $10 per class, however, everyone is welcome and any amount you offer to pay is accepted graciously. It is also designed to be for people at all levels. Whether you are first-timer or you have been doing yoga for years, this class welcomes you. I am trying this tonight and will report back. VERY EXCITED.

More restaurant week! NYC style

If you remember last weeks post on Los Angeles restaurant week. NYC residents will be happy to know or be reminded of NYC restaurant week! It works the same way as LA--top restaurants in New York such as Nobu and 21 Club give out set course meals at more reasonable prices.

There are only two prices, (unlike LA's version) lunch is $24.07 (oddly) and dinner is $35.00. New York City restaurant week is from January 18th-23rd and January 25-30th.

Check out the participating restaurants, their menu's and prices below:
NYC Restaurant Week

Reporting Live from NYC!

As Lady D mentioned in a recent post, the Culturistas are now bi-coastal. While we are sad to no longer live in such close proximity to each other, we will now be able to bring you a more diverse set of reviews covering comparisons of coastal trends, art events, cinema, food, and most importantly fashion! NYC postings SOON TO COME.


Miss u D!!