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This post is a throwback, going way back to my brother's birthday. His birthday was in August, smack dab in the middle of summer. We trekked out on a hot and muggy day, definitely a day that called for comfort. But comfortable doesn't need to be boring, gone are the days when these two words were joined. This brings me to my outfit of choice on that day: comfortable, simple, and effortless.

Rag & Bone Tee, J.Crew jeans, Ray ban wayfarers, Ann Taylor snake stilettos, Vintage Coach belt, Michele watch, Zara bag — Rag & Bone Tee, J.Crew jeans, Ray ban wayfarers, Ann Taylor snake stilettos, Vintage Coach belt, Michele watch, Zara bag

Wearing something tight on an extremely humid day is a no-no, unless, you can bear it or already do (props to you). I steered towards throw-on pieces -- jeans and a tee, with a twist. Everything I was wearing was mine, minus the belt; it's my brother's. These two are closet staples and essentials; everyone has jeans and a tee. It's what you do with it that turns it into something okay, or something wow. Add your personality and make it your own.

Before I get to the birthday brunch, I have a little funny story to tell. First things first, ever watched The Wedding Planner with J.Lo? If you haven't, go and see it; it's a cute rom-com. But movie aside, I had an iconic Wedding Planner moment, i.e. getting my heel stuck in a grate. Even better, a worker with a trashcan, along with a huge crowd of people was headed towards me. Talk about adrenaline pumping! So, future note to self and readers: no stilettos when walking the High Line. Now, on to the food.

We had brunch at Cookshop, a greenmarket-driven restaurant that's not even a couple of blocks from the High Line. Starting off with drinks, they have a good-sized drink menu -- alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Siu and I opted for fruit mocktails, mine wasn't as sweet for a reason: jalapeños. Yes, you read that right, jalapeños. I've never had a spicy, fruity drink before, but it wasn't too spicy that it was off-putting. If you visit and they have it, give it a go.

Our appetizer was their lemon curd beignets. I've never had beignets before, real beignets from New Orleans. But, if they taste like these, I want more. Not too heavy, and still light and airy, these were little pockets of sunshine. The meyer lemon curd was tart and refreshing-- perfect for a hot, muggy day.

Siu's peach … — Siu's peach pecan french toast

Siu and I went the sweet route, while my brother went with savory. Either way, you're bound to get something delicious. My pancakes were huge; I don't think the picture do them justice. If you're worried about the ricotta (cheese, in pancakes!?), you won't taste it. Think about it as a flavor enhancer, for both the lemons and blueberries. Like the drinks, the french toast was sweet and tart. Add in more depth with the pecans, giving the meal a nutty and roasty flavor-- perfect with the sweet and tart peaches. My brother's salmon egg hash was perfectly flavored with a variety of herbs, and they didn't skimp on the smoked salmon. The biscuit served with his meal was soft, break-apart, buttery goodness.

I love the greenmarket and rustic approach to Cookshop's food. You can just tell when something's made in a cast iron skillet or griddle. Not going to lie, a part of me felt like a cowboy whilst eating. Maybe it was the decor, music or cast iron but all of this evokes an American Western charm. So, I guess I'm calling this good ole' cowboy food, just taken up a notch.

Cookshop is located past the High Line at 156 10th avenue at 20th street

*Note: Cookshop changes their menus seasonally, some items may, or may not still be on the menu.

xoxo,

Yzabelle

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