Exploring NYC: Smorgasburg Food Market

Welcome back! 

I have now officially been in New York City for a whole month, I can't quite believe how quickly the time is flying by. Before I arrived, I created a bucket list. One of the things that features on it is to visit Smorgasburg, a giant all-food market located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I finally got around to doing this and it was one of the best days I've had in the city so far!

There were around 100 different vendors at the market in total. The locations was perfect, right next to a little beach which gave customers the most incredible view. Due to their being so much choice, you can imagine how long it took me and my friends to decide exactly what we wanted to fill out tummies with. 

After walking around a good few times, I settled for a brisket sandwich with all of the trimmings (it tasted just as good as it looks)! If you've never scrolled through the Smorgasburg Instagram then you've been seriously missing out. Definitely don't do it when you're hungry though, it'll definitely make you sad about all of the amazing food you can't get your hands on!

One thing I've had my eye on for the weeks before coming here was the waffle cones. I saw the stand as soon as I walked into the market but thought I would save myself until after I'd had something savoury to eat. This was the biggest mistake ever. When I walked back to queue up there must have been a good 50 people in front of me. Judge me all you want, I waited just under an hour, but look at how beautiful it was...

I can honestly say it was worth it. I opted for the original waffle with vanilla ice-cream (yes, that multi-coloured stuff is vanilla), chopped up strawberries and fruity pebble dusting. I left feeling so full but soooooo satisfied - I can't wait to go back next weekend! 

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

Exploring NYC: Chelsea Market

Welcome back!

Today I am taking my first classes of the Fall semester, making me a fully fledged Fashion Institute of Technology student. Yay! The past week has been all about settling in to life in the city, so I've made the most of it and visited some of my all time favourite places - one of them being Chelsea Market which is located in Downtown Manhattan within the Meatpacking District. 

"Chelsea Market has become in just fifteen years one of the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors purveying everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake. Attracting 6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked, and written-about, destinations of any kind in New York City. Chelsea Market is a neighbourhood market with a global perspective."

There is something about this place that gets me every time. The buzz is constant and the food is incredible. You'd think that the industrial interior would make it feel cold and unwelcoming but for me it has the exact opposite effect. I'd be happy to spend all day in there!

Out of all of the restaurants and café's available, my all time favourite is definitely Amy's Bread. I came here for the first time when I visited the city in June of last year. Me and my Mam were introduced to their Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches and fell in love after our first bite! If you're ever stuck for something nice to grab on the go then give this place a try. 

Then there's the fairy light walkway. If you actually stand and watch people turn the corner, their reactions when they first see it is so cute! It makes you feel like you're in a dream world for all of 10 seconds. 

At the end of the market is when you hit the Artists & Fleas area. It's filled with loads of different independent brands such as 'I Am Here Brooklyn' who make the best postcards I have ever seen. (I may or may not have bought a couple yesterday - keep an eye on my Instagram for a picture of them!)

I hope you enjoyed this post, come back for more on Friday!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.

Quote Credit: Chelsea Market Website. 

If You're Creative Then This Is The Place To Be

Welcome back!

Last night, me and two other lovely bloggers for The Creative Quarter were invited to The Loom, located on High Pavement Street in The Lace Market area opposite the Nottingham Contemporary.

Once we arrived, we were warmly greeted by James and Samantha - a brother and sister duo whose passion for the place spilled out immediately. They shared with us an abundance of information, as well as enlightening us on The Creative Factory concept. James, being a highly skilled creative himself, wants The Loom to be a place where artists can come together and exhibit their work. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with ease, which is so so important!

The Loom is a bar/restaurant that opened last November, but has recently been beautifully refurbished. As you enter, everything is monochrome, resulting in feeling as though you've entered a time machine and popped out into an Old Hollywood movie. The gorgeous bay window and overall attention to detail had us overly impressed already, but then we walked in further and the excitement increased! 

Everything changed. The lighting, the decor. I felt like I was in a completely different venue. There was artwork referencing films that I've loved for years everywhere, such as childhood favourite 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'. 

Although the whole place is incredible, what really stole the show for me were the stain glass windows situated at the rear. I could've stared at them for hours! They featured iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Debbie Harry (Blondie), David Bowie and Andy Warhol. 

I really want to express how wonderful The Loom is. Me and the girls had another event to attend, but if we hadn't then we would have happily stayed until they closed. Even though there was a networking event occurring at the time, we felt relaxed and almost 'at home'. 

If you're reading this and thinking "wow, this place couldn't get any better" then believe me when I say, it can! They serve a whole host of amazing food and drink, which again has been thought out down to the very last detail. All of the options have been named (the Ha "Loomy" Burger was my personal favourite) and James' talented partner Faye Finney was responsible for all of the illustrations found within the menu's. 

I think I was so consumed by where I was that I almost forgot to take many photographs, so please please please go and check this place out. I promise, you will not regret it!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself. 

The Northumbrian Hamper

Welcome back! For the past few days I've been in Bamburgh on a mini-break with my family.

On Wednesday we visited Seahouses, a little town home to this gorgeous shop.

The Northumbrian Hamper.

We picked up lots of lovely local Northumberland produce. Honey produced by Chain-bridge Farm as well as Ice-Cream and Cheese from Doddington Dairy among a ton of other amazing items.

I literally could've spent hours in there - the staff are so friendly making it an even more enjoyable experience. 

Not being biased in the slightest it truly is the nicest shop in Seahouses by a mile.

If you're ever nearby then please pop in and have a look - I promise you won't regret it!

(I would even go as far to say you should all make the journey purely to pay The Northumbrian Hamper a visit). 

It's so lovely and refreshing to be in an environment filled with produce that's been thoughtfully put together (so much better than anything you can get in the big name supermarkets in my opinion)!

If you do go - let me know what you thought of it in the comments section below!

Love, Lana Skye x 

Photo Credit: Myself.