Top 5 Reasons Why Rain in Manhattan is Terrible...in case you didn't know

As we get a glimmer of the sun this afternoon, I was reminded of all the reasons why rain in Manhattan just makes everything terrible. And since the rain is unfortunately nowhere near over for the next couple of days, please allow me to rant for a moment, and feel free to chime in.

1) Umbrellas, oh the umbrellas!
Not only are they wet and unwieldy, but one is forced to cohabitate with those who do not know how to navigate the subways or streets while toting them, whether open or closed. People swinging closed up, long umbrellas are always one step away from poking you in the stomach.
2) Slowing everything down!
From the line backup at the subway exit, filled with people trying to put their umbrellas up, to the mysterious way the subways are always running behind (how does rain affect this again??), you better add and extra 20 minutes to wherever your destination may be.
3) Puddles, puddles, everywhere! Beware of sloping street corners where the puddles run deep and cabs don't slow down, causing a veritable tidal wave of infested water. (A word to the wise...keep your mouth closed).
4) The bundling!
Even if it’s warm out, I still feel the need to bundle up in defense of the weather, causing miserable subway rides as I’m buttoned up and way too warm. Ick. And don’t even think about trying to carry your coffee if you expect to have your umbrella and read on the train. Trust me, I’ve tried.
5) The fruit guy is nowhere to be found!
I ONLY buy fruit from the little stand on the corner, where a man drive his truck into Manhattan each (non-rainy) day, sets up his stand, and sells delicious, low-price fruit. Admittedly, I do look forward to this each day, as it is the cheapest fruit I’ve found - $1.00 bag of baby carrots, 2/$4 containers of raspberries, and a rainbow of other various fruits and veggies. Unfortunately when it rains, fruit guy is nowhere to be found and I’m left hungry and unhealthy for the day.

The one good thing to come out of the never-ending rain? Everything is green! Here's hoping the sun will hold out for the Yankees game tonight as I head out to the Bronx!

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate From Your Couch

On this rainy (and cold and windy and overall miserable) Cinco de Mayo, no one would blame you for just wanting to get home, put on some comfy clothes and do your celebratory drinking from your very own couch. (After all, Fringe is on tonight and I can't get enough Joshua Jackson OR John Noble!) But if you still want to add some Mexican flair to your night, we've got your at-home guide to Cinco de Mayo!

1) No celebration is complete without Coronas, so pick up a 6-er on your way home tonight - and don't forget the lime!
2) For easy snacks, try Tostitos and Queso dip!
3) For dinner, try my Easy Enchiladas (recipe below). They are delicious, easy, and quick! I will be making them this evening, so I'm praying Morton Williams still has my ingredients by the time I get there!

Rachel's Easy Enchiladas
What you need:
1 lb chicken, cubed
Small soft tortillas
1 small can green chiles
1 can enchilada sauce (recommended Ortega or El Paso)
Shredded cheese
Salt & Pepper
Olive oil, about 1 tbsp
Extras:
Sides – corn, rice & beans of choice (I like yellow rice & black beans, yum!)
Fixin’s - sour cream, lettuce, chopped tomatoes

Preheat oven to 350. Coat bottom of baking dish with small amount (2 tbsp) of enchilada sauce and set aside.
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sautee chicken until just cooked through. In mixing bowl, mix cooked chicken, half of enchilada sauce, green chiles (to your own taste!), shredded cheese (to your liking).
Place tortillas in between two paper towel on plate in microwave for 15 seconds to soften them. Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture, roll up, and place in baking dish. Pour remainder of enchilada sauce over the tortillas, sprinkle with lots of shredded cheese, cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Add your own spin by creating your own sides! I will be having corn and black beans!
* For spicy, spicy version, try adding some cayenne pepper to your chicken filling!
* Make it healthy! Substitute whole wheat tortillas, reduced fat cheese, reduced fat sour cream, and brown rice!

Hope this brightens your rainy Tuesday! Any other suggestions for a home-grown Cinco de Mayo?

Everyone Loves a Brunch

Including mom's! It’s that time of year to honor Mom, and what better way than to do it with Sunday brunch. We received some requests for Mother’s Day brunch recommendations, and here they are!

Feeling downtown trendy vibe? Try Tribeca!

1) Cercle Rouge - 241 West Broadway

See this article

2) Sanctuary Tea – 337B West Broadway Featuring a two-page tea list, variations range from English Breakfast to Lychee Tea to Tangerine Dream
Food Features: Vanilla Bean Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Sliders

East Sider? Try the Union Square area!

1) Irving Farm Coffee Comp

any at 71 Irving Place:

Features an extensive list of both house, domestic, and international coffee blends.

Food Features: Cinnamon Waffles, Quiche, Paninis, & Ice Cream Floats (yummm!)

2) Friend of a Farmer – 77 Irving Place

Food Features: An assortment of Omelettes, a full bakery menu, & Pumpkin Waffles (my personal fave)

More of a Midtown Westie? Channel your inner French with Marseilles in Hell’s Kitchen!

Food Features: Nutella Croissant (I have no words), Brioche French Toast, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Omelette

Any other suggestions for a delectable Sunday brunch?