Feliz Cumpleaños Michelle!

It was Michelle's birthday celebration yesterday! We had a great time - I hope it wasn't just because it was a great group of people. We were at Studio Square, and it was mostly Michelle's friends as well as some of her co-workers, Mi Cariño and I, Analiz and Wilken. I had a blast dancing to some old school hip hop with Wilken, who like me, is into old hip hop steps. The place is pretty big and unfortunately cash only, but the few bits of food (read bar food) we ate, as well as the sangria, were really good.

The best part though, was being able to just simply walk back to Mi Cariño's place. It was a good, leisure walk, and we got to enjoy the fresh crisp air. Now, if only we could find a good gay club close to us in just that way.

Latin Cabana

An afternoon of walking down Steinway in Astoria gave way to finding a restaurant that claimed to have authentic Cuban food, Latin Cabana. We walked in and talked to the owner, figured out it looked legit enough and decided to have dinner there as soon as possible.

And that we did, Mi Cariño and I with our different ideas as to how to test the place. Since my experience with "authentic Cuban food" is limited, I just go with what I think is tasty. A caribbean restaurant that can't do white rice right is not worth it in my opinion, and so I had me arroz blanco with maduros and picadillo (seasoned ground beef.)

For good measure, we tried the tostones

It wasn't the best white rice or picadillo I've ever had, but it was seriously good, and according to Mi Cariño, authentic enough. We'll be there again, for sure! 

Of Unexpected Dates and What Not

So I'm working at the office late afternoon when I get a text from Mi Cariño asking if I feel like taking the train to Astoria to meet up with her. Since my evening plans consisted of me cross stitching as I watched several episodes of Friday Night Lights I said "Sure!" Plus I get to see her, so score.

And to Astoria I went, riding the yellow line all the way there and in the meantime getting to do some reading which I was quite happy about. I have to admit, as nice as it is to take around 30 minutes to get to work (and 18 of those I spend walking), I sometimes miss the hour commute into the city. It gave me so much time to read and write. I wrote so many poems riding to work, riding to school! Did so much homework!
Mi Cariño and I timed our arrival perfectly since we met as both walked down the elevated train steps.

After some shopping, we had dinner at Wave a, surprise surprise, Thai restaurant. Unto the food!
First some crispy spring rolls with pineapple sauce

Followed by Tofu Vegetables with Spicy Brown Sauce and White Rice.

I decided on this dish (instead of my usual pad thai) because it is chockfull of eggplants. Yum!

The dinner and conversation were just beyond delicious. We took our time walking back to the train, (not) enjoying the cold air. I have to say, I can't wait for Spring to get here people! Well, Spring weather. Can you believe, we're already "springing" forward next week?!

In another note, this is the third time I go to a Thai place without ordering pad thai. I think my culinary taste is growing!

In any case, off to Zumba! Today's will be hard - I have to do the Cardio Party and my body is still sore from the Zumba/3 mile walking I've subjected it to for two days. Oy.