Meet The Breeds
Hello Fellow Adventurers,
Ready to fetch this week's wild adventure? My mom invited me to "Meet the Breeds", a unique AKC event at the Javits Center basement. It was an exciting opportunity for us—we got up close and personal with over 200 breeds of canines, from pocket-sized pups all the way up to giant hounds. Who let the dogs out? We did - it's time for some furry fun!
Being an animal lover, I was in doggy heaven when I attended this event! With hundreds of four-legged friends to meet and greet, plus knowledgeable owners who could tell us all about the different breeds – it felt like taking a crash course in canines. Did you know that Finnish Lapphunds are super smart dogs made for outdoor activities? They were originally bred by Sami people living near Finland, Sweden & Russia - and there are only 400 worldwide with just 11 here in the US. So if you're looking for an energetic pup perfect for families or sports teams - these reindeer herders may be your pawfect match!
Not only did I get to meet an adorable sheepdog named Freddie (who, of course, now has his own Instagram account!) and pet one of my favorite breeds - German Shepherd - but also learned tons about Bullmastiffs. It must take some serious commitment to have these cool dogs certified as ‘show’ worthy – which all came with pretty avant-garde titles if you ask me (but don’t worry: they are still equally cute!). In addition to getting up close with them in their ring demonstrations, there were impressive shows provided by police pups for working dog skills too...and let's not forget those agility courses that looked like *SO* much pup-fun!
From friendly fluffers to polite pups, I experienced a tail-wagging celebration of canine companionship! It was amazing seeing so many different breeds in one place - all ready for cuddles and belly rubs. Although some seemed weary after two days on the show floor, their enthusiasm remained intact! Now when I watch dog shows with my family at Thanksgiving, not only will I have an insider’s knowledge about each breed's back story – but maybe there'll be a furry face from our meeting that I’ll recognize!!
After a thrilling show, we were ready to grab some dinner! We had lucked out and snagged reservations at an amazing French restaurant nearby during Restaurant Week. En route, we chatted about the breeds that caught our eye- no challenge since there were plenty of exciting things worth talking about. The walk over wasn't too long and with nice weather on our side, it really made for quite a pleasant experience. When we arrived, it was quite a surprise - I had accidentally made reservations where Table for One originated from! It wasn't until that moment when everything clicked into place that I realized what could be considered fate taking its course.
I was delighted to return. This restaurant holds an unforgettable place in my heart and though it may not be the fanciest spot, its comforting atmosphere makes up for that! Years ago, I took myself out here on a whim - suddenly inspired by this cozy spot's idea of courageously doing things alone. It felt amazing revisiting the space where my blog truly began- especially because I got to show Mom too!
With NYC Restaurant Week, food connoisseurs and rookie diners alike have the chance to enjoy a culinary celebration like no other. This array of high-end eateries offers an affordable menu that draws in all kinds of people together - because let’s face it: food has the power to unite us! That's why I'm so passionate about being a ‘foodie’—sure there are delicious treats involved but at its core, this movement is really just bringing individuals from different backgrounds around one table in appreciation for our shared love (and culture!) of good eats. I realized this back in college one day when I was home on winter break. My bestie and I met up for dinner one night and it was an extra exciting occasion! We spent the evening catching up over delicious food - but really what made that meal so meaningful wasn't just the tasty dishes we shared; it was about connecting more deeply with someone you care about through conversation. Food might have been the excuse to get together, but ultimately our unforgettable night proved its true power: creating lasting memories between cherished ones.
Marseille's restaurant week menu was the perfect balance of deliciousness and deal-seeking! For $60, you get an unbeatable 3-course meal - excluding drinks, tips, or taxes of course. But that's not even the best part...happy hour meant discount beverages plus oysters for a mere $1.50 each! The freshly shucked goodies were probably one of my favorite go-tos’s before I experienced Cull & Pistol (much better) which may explain why these particular bivalves didn't hit all the right notes on flavor this time around - despite this, I valiantly knocked back a dozen!
Dinner consisted of appetizers entrees to dessert courses too good to be true at this price point. For my starter, I indulged in an incredible wild mushroom risotto - not only was it scrumptious but unlike other pre-fixe menu portions, this one definitely filled me up! My entree of choice came in the form of a delightful surprise -a whole Trout Grenobloise. Stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, and lemon before being served in caper butter - it had just enough saltiness to perfectly balance out the savoriness of the dish. To top off an amazing meal like that? The sticky toffee pudding with brown butter ice cream and caramel sauce sealed the deal for sure! It is hard for me to choose a favorite dish of the night but it would absolutely be a toss-up between the entree and the dessert.
Well, what can I say? "Meet the Breeds" was an experience that brought us even closer to our beloved furry friends. It was amazing getting to meet so many different breeds in one day. We had fun with these adorable canines which would normally set you back a bit - but with this cheap event, we got the opportunity to get to know them better! As for NYC Restaurant Week? It was like we were walking on air - or rather, food heaven! Spending just $60 for a 3-course meal is such a steal; with everything on offer, it truly does bring people together without compromising quality. I’m craving some more culinary experiences out there so keep an eye out if you’re looking for suggestions and reviews! Speaking of being kept in the loop, be sure to subscribe if you want to stay up-to-date on all the adventures I’ve been having lately. The world is full of surprises - who knows what exciting journey lies ahead?