Food NYC Style

Valentine’s Day 2014: Love, Leopard Print, and Lobster Paella

Braised Short Rib and Lobster Paella from BoqueriaI don’t want to go into much detail about how my Valentine’s Day went since that’s a bit personal, but I was incredibly happy to be surprised by my boyfriend with a date at the New York Botanical Garden’s Tropical Paradise exhibit followed by dinner at one of my favorites tapas spots in the city, Boqueria. From free flowing champagne and chocolate tastings in the garden’s glass-enclosed tropical oasis to enjoying our selection of 6 tapas dishes (including braised short rib and lobster paella!) plus dessert and wine at the chef’s counter, it was a truly wonderful evening.

New York Botanical Garden OOTD featuring a FOrever 21 Leopard Print Coat
Forever 21 Leopard Print Coat (currently on sale!) | Long knit scarf from Korea (similar)

I was also thankful that the weather decided to not be absolutely freezing, allowing me to bust out my new favorite coat which, while not the warmest, features a perfect black and white leopard print and boxy fit. Here’s a snapshot of my evening from outfits to dinner (appropriately heavy on the food porn):

New York Botanical Garden OOTD
H&M Peplum Blazer (similar) | Sparkle & Fade Crop Top | Statement Necklace from Korea (similar) | Choies White Leather Skirt (similar) | Black Acrylic Clear Box Clutch (similar)

Beet Salad & View from the Chef's Counter at Boqueria

Patatas Bravas from Boqueria

Pan Seared Cod from Boqueria

Jen Balisi

Jen Balisi is a New Yorker turned expat, indulging in the best dining, home-cooked recipes, and travel destinations in Hong Kong and around the world.

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