Le Coq Rico – The Bistro of Beautiful Birds

December 13, 2017

This post is brought to you by Le Coq Rico, but all opinions are my own.

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing the wonderful downtown restaurant, Le Coq Rico. The original Le Coq Rico (The Bistro of Beautiful Birds) is located on Monmartre's Rue Lepic in Paris. Each Le Coq Rico pays tribute to responsibly raised whole-animal poultry. This restaurant is Chef Antoine Westermann's ode to the local terroir, expressed through the flavors of wild and noble birds. Westermann spent more than a year traveling across the Northeast, particularly through the Hudson Valley and Pennsylvania, to meet farmers and learn their poultry raising philosophies. "Fowl is a world unto itself," noted Westermann. "The flavor and texture change depending on the region, breeder, age, and style of farming." The result of this exchange stands today as Le Coq Rico, NYC. Continue reading to learn more about my time at this attractive, chic bistro.

Renowned French chef, Antoine Westermann was just 23 years old when he became the Chef and Owner of his first restaurant. In the twenty-five years that followed, he earned three Michelin stars. Then in 2006, he made the exceedingly rare decision to ask Michelin to remove his stars so his creativity would no longer be confined by the rules and regulations of the guide. Specializing in sophisticated poultry dishes, I was more than excited to try their Tuesday's plat du jour, coq au vin. One of my favorite French dishes of all time, they certainly did the bird justice. It was the best I have ever had!

We started with lovely appetizers of deviled eggs in a bed of octopus, cabbage, and cumin salad along with a creamy mushroom soup with a confit of gizzards (YUM). For our main entrees, along with the coq au vin with egg tagliatelle, we also tried the succulent roasted chicken that is aged 120 days and is served with a side of seasonal salad. Delicious pairings of pinot grigio and pinot noir, we topped it off with dessert, their famous l'ile flotttante (Floating Island) which consists of soft meingue & crême anglaise and three selections of ice cream: coconut lime sorbet, ginger, and vanilla ice cream. Even the espressos are spot on! A truly magnificent, fulfilling lunch!

The service was great, very friendly staff and super helpful when it came to making a selection. I'd recommend Le Coq Rico to anyone! But if you want to avoid the holiday crowds and nightlife scene, lunch is the way to go! And sit at the chef's counter, where you are able to watch the chefs cook for you up close and personal! The only problem with that is it might have your tummy rumbling as you wait! How many of you have experience Le Coq Rico? If you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?! ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Proceed to the Sign

December 11, 2017

WEARING: NEW VIBE INC. VERSATILE PLISSE DRESS/TUNIC/SHAWL/SCARF | KLASSE 14 MISS VOLARE CORAL 36MM WATCH | ROSEGAL BLACK JEANS | DRESS LILY POINTED TOE HEEL BOOTS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY NEW VIBE INC. & KLASSE 14.

Last month at Foundermade here in New York City I had met a unique startup brand, one I instantly connected with. NEW ViBE offers a collection of high-quality versatile items that are perfectly tailored to a modern lifestyle. The foundation of the label is to bring new functionalities to the contemporary wardrobe that provide the most comfort and sophistication. The major influences come from textile and technological innovations, visual and performing arts, architecture, music, and travel. NEW ViBE is a line of smart wearables that transform and adapt to 21-st century human addiction - multitasking. And this black plisse dress/tunic/shawl/scarf is one of the many designs I fell in love with! Come see how I styled this as a dress layered up for winter and also as a tunic with some jeans.

One of the first things that stood out to me about NEW ViBE was definitely the material. this dress is made of pleated satin black crepe and imported from France. The details of the dress, too, was an eyecatcher. The side lacing detail comes in two colors: Red and black. I mixed and matched, keeping the bottom with black lace and the top red. Criss-cross lace-anything is definitely trending and also brings a little bit of edge to a more minimal look. I kept things edgy with these black, red-soled boots, tousled hair and vampy dramatic makeup.

Not only is the material top-quality, it is also extremely sustainable and versatile. The dress can also be worn as a tunic, shawl, and scarf. NEW ViBE offers wearable hybrids, multi-category items, called TACTSTyLES that by simple closure manipulation can transform into a different performance item, depending on the occasion. Their pieces can be worn inside out, upside down and back to front. In the second look, scroll down to the last three photos to see more of a casual look, I wore black jeans and changed the dress into a tunic. This gorgeous Volare red watch is from Klasse14. I love the unique color and indentation of the face. Use my promo code, 'suzannespiegoski' to get 12% OFF your purchase from Klasse14!

New Vibe Inc. Versatile plisse dress / tunic / shawl / scarf - NV1046

I love discovering new and innovative brands such as NEW ViBE and what they stand for. The modern day woman is not just one thing anymore; she's many. And with garments designed to function on a number of levels to meet the demands of the new world, it's not just making changes but it's the sign of the times. So if you haven't checked this new startup yet, now's the time to proceed to it. :) Thoughts/comments always welcome at the end of each post! Wishing you all a great new week.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Cranberry Asian Pear Christmas Sangria

December 8, 2017

This post is sponsored by Villeroy & Boch.

Happy Friday, everyone! I've been fighting a cold all week. Just when I thought I was in the clear, it got worse. But I'm on the mend and am definitely trying to catch up on work and am so ready to relax this weekend. It's supposed to snow tomorrow in the city and you know I'll definitely be taking advantage of that for a photo shoot! (Bearing in mind I'll more than likely freeze my booty off ha ha!) I know my pup will be over the moon about the snow. But what to drink afterward? I'd suggest either a warm Hot Toddy OR perhaps something a bit more festive and fruity without burning your tongue off? I've partnered with Villeroy & Boch to share my cranberry Asian pear Christmas Sangria recipe! It's so delicious and easy to make, you're not going to want to miss out on this amazing concoction. Continue reading for the recipe, it'll be a weekend hit!

Cranberry Asian Pear Christmas Sangria

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cinnamon stick

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup water

1 cup fresh cranberries, divided

1 pear, sliced

zest from one orange

1/4 cup brandy

1 bottle white or red wine

sparkling water

Directions:

In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a clear glass pitcher, combine the Brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate and allow the flavors to come together for 12 and up to 24 hours.

When serving, spoon some fruit into a glass, pour the sangria over the fruit and top with a splash of sparkling water.

NOTES:

Try topping the glass off with a sugared cranberry. Just rinse some cranberries under water. Let them sit for second, then dip them individually into granulated sugar.

There's not much to this recipe. You'll need cranberries, an Asian pear, an orange, brandy, white wine, a couple of cinnamon sticks and sparkling water. Oh, and sugar for garnish. You don't have to but I found the added touch of sparkle on the cranberry polished the overall look right up. First, In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a clear glass pitcher, combine the brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate between 12-24 hours, depending on how patient you are... but the longer you wait the more you'll allow the flavors to come together. I'd even recommend adding a dash of vanilla into the mix, if you like your sangria more on the sweeter side.

The glassware set is everything needed to toast to health and happiness this holiday season, not just for this weekend. The Ovid White Wine set is so chic (it is also available for Red Wine and Champagne) whether your choice of drink is red, white or bubbly, these dishwasher safe Ovid crystal glasses will ensure that it is enjoyed in style. It also makes a great gift for any wine/champagne enthusiast and/or foodie. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to shop the glassware down below and don't forget to leave a comment with your thoughts about today's holiday sangria recipe! Have a fantastic weekend. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

Williams & Sonoma Chemex® Pour-Over Glass

Villeroy & Boch Ovid 4-Piece White Wine Set

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Blue Winter Bunny

December 4, 2017

WEARING: WHO WHAT WEAR™ COLLECTION FAUX FUR TRIM PARKA |
 GENUINE PEOPLE SWEATER DRESS | SHOE DAZZLE FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS |
FOREVER 21 SOCK BOOTS | MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY | 
STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED AVIATOR GLASSES | CASE APP ITALIAN MARBLE IPHONE CASE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY WHO WHAT WEAR™ COLLECTION, MEDUSA BAGS, & CASE APP.

I spent last Friday evening with Who What Wear™ at the amazing office/event space, Neuehouse, here in New York, where a conversation with panelists Danielle Yacobovsky, Co-Founder of BaubleBar, Wendy Nguyen from Wendy's Lookbook, and Marianna Hewitt from Life with Me, was the highlight of the night. I really valued the panel's insights on the new up and coming changes within the digital content world and mingling with other bloggers afterward over bites & drinks with quite an enjoyable gifting suite from the Who What Wear™ Collection! Spotted at first sight was this amazing lightweight faux fur trim parka jacket. Come take a look at how I styled this jacket for a chic look that can still be pulled off on these wintry days with the proper amount of layering.

Unquestionably the most luxe parka of the season, the Fur-Trim Parka - Who What Wear™ has lavishly soft, fun pop of light blue color faux fur trim around the hood; the silky-soft heavy satin gets extra presence from a drawstring waist and boldly bright hardware. Flap pockets complete the traditional parka look; you’ll love it as a chunky contrast over slim-cut outfits, like this one in today's post with faux leather leggings, a wool sweater dress and white button down shirt. And it's only $70 at Target! You can shop it here and at the end of this post.

I accessorized with a pair of black sock ankle boots and brought a pop of color with this blue clutch/crossbody bag. My oversized aviator glasses are from Stella McCartney and my Italian marble phone case is from Case App. They have several designs to choose from for your phone or laptop. What's even cooler is you can customize your own design if you want to. It makes for a great stocking stuffer! Use my 20% discount code, 'SUZANNEE20' to get a marble-like one like mine and/or personalize one too!

What do you guys think of this layered outfit? I didn't think I'd be warm enough outdoors due to the lining of the parka, but with the wool, it was a real saver! Even something like thermal wear would also come in handy with this lightweight jacket. And how great is the color of the faux fur trim? Link to shop this jacket can be found here and also in the 'Shop the Look' section down below. Lastly, don't forget to drop a comment before you go! Have a great Monday. :)