It has become a mini holiday tradition (for the 2nd year now), that LK and I get a couples massage at the Great Jones Spa, and get dinner before. This night is a huge treat for us for several reasons. One, Great Jones Spa place is pure luxury and something that LK and I would not normally do in our everyday life. Two, I am almost never in this neighborhood anymore and it is fun being able to visit. Three, meals with LK in Manhattan are few and far between. LK has not worked in Manhattan for several years, and has never lived here. I lived in Manhattan for many years, and still work here. However, in our earlier years of dating, going out to Manhattan restaurants didn't happen too often when Manhattan rent was already burning up my bank account. Now that we live in Brooklyn, going to Manhattan on the weekends to eat seems like such a chore! So any time we have a chance to share a meal in Manhattan, it is special.
Before our couples massage last, we went to Hecho En Dumbo. It is great Mexican food, lot of smaller plates, and a solid happy hour. This was before I got into collecting matchbooks.
This year, I wanted to try something new before our massage. I knew Saxon + Parole had matchbooks, and I heard good things about the restaurant, so I booked us a reservation on OpenTable (another thing I look for in a restaurant: points!) I had some time to kill before meeting LK, so I decided to grab a drink at Hecho En Dumbo which is nearby. As I was finishing my drink, I asked the bartender for the bill. As I was texting LK that I was about to head over to meet him at Saxon + Parole, I realized that my wallet wasn't in my bag. It made for a very awkward moment with the bartender when I had to tell him that I couldn't pay for the drink I ordered, and that my husband was on his way to rescue his forgetful wife.
With my bartender looking confused and amused, I asked him if they still give out matchbooks, that I saw it on someone's Instagram and that the logo is fantastic. He said that they unfortunately don't carry them anymore, and I nodded sadly, saying that matchbooks are a dying art.
By the time LK came to rescue me, I decided that Mexican was truly what I was after. My taco craving has been strong for the past few weeks, so we cancelled our Saxon + Parole reservation, and enjoyed a delicious and very economical meal thanks to the happy hour. We ordered:
-several rounds of margaritas (makes for an even more relaxing massage)
-guacamole made to order with freshly fried chips
-queso fundido with chorizo
-tuna sashimi tostada
-shrimp tostada
-steak tacos
-chocolate and hazelnut cake (this took FOREVER to come and almost made us late for our massage)
All in all, it was a great night after I got past the bartender humiliation and matchbook fail! It's such a shame they don't carry them anymore, look how cute they were!
-GK
Image here: Matchbook Diaries
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