Piggy Swine Flu

President Obama says not to fret over the recent swine flu epidemic, but as a person living in the place where 8 of 20 cases have been reported, I’m on full alert. Short of wearing a germ mask (which I'm totally considering), here are some tips for keeping your sanity.

Do’s & Don’ts:
1) Since the subway surf is never a guaranteed option, do use a tissue or other disposable cloth to create a barrier between you and the germ-infested handrails.
2) Do scrub those paws! This should be the first thing you do when you walk into the office. Say it with us, "lather, rinse, repeat…"
3) Even better, do carry around hand sanitizer – remember this article?
4) Don’t stand too close to other people unless absolutely necessary.
5) Don’t make your diet pork-free, as pork products are ok to eat*…unless you are looking for an excuse to remove bacon from your diet…
6) Don’t overreact. I’m suffering from full-on allergy attack this morning, and I’m laying the blame on global warming.

*Info from health.msn.com

Restaurant Roundup: Cercle Rouge

What: A brasserie tucked away in Tribeca, Cercle Rouge is the most recent addition in an eclectic resume of restaurants by the GF Group, joining one of my favorite downtown spots, Café Noir.

Where: 241 West Broadway

Why it Rocks: The brunch prix fixe, priced at a reasonable $19.95, will get you coffee, one of many delectable meals off the brunch menu, and your choice of mimosa, bloody Mary, or Bellini. The food featured a delicious mix of fresh ingredients from eggs (build your own omelette! Gruyere and fresh herbs? I’m all over it) to crepes (shrimp and asparagus, yum!) to waffles (with bananas and chocolate!). A word to the wise: Don’t skip out on the ‘hash browns’, which are actually the most deliciously roasted potato wedges you could ever hope for.

I’m all about atmosphere and a restaurant’s ability to transport me to another place via food, mood, and scenery. Cercle Rouge undoubtedly achieved as I felt as though I was sitting in a café of the Parisian persuasion, from the black and cream wicker chairs to the teeny 2 person round tables. All it lacked was the Seine River and the soundtrack from Amelie, which, admittedly, I kept waiting for.

Gripes: Construction on the opposite street corner left much to be aesthetically desired when dining outdoors.

Bonus: A man wearing a top hat performing table side magic tricks.

Bottom Line: Delicious food, courteous staff who didn’t rush us out (we were 4 ladies, after all), and great atmosphere – really the only way to do brunch.

Spring Date Series

We have your guide to fun, informal, and best of all inexpensive dates around the city! Our Date of the Week (DOW) is the hippest, most high class fast food joint in town: Shake Shack.

Yes, it IS worth the hype. Perhaps not the most glamorous date, what says 'I'm silly and fun' like old-fashioned burgers and fries. Go all out with the famous, made-to-order Shack Burger ($4.75) and the most delicious cheesy fries ($3.75) to share. Note to all: I skipped the shake on my first go-round...do not make this mistake! The to-die-for custardy shakes, while a bit pricey at $5.25, are worth every penny and every sip. Lines can be long, so we recommend off-peak hours. Go original at Madison Square Park or skip for the newer, table-inclusive UWS locale. Before you go, check the monthly Custard Calendar, where each day of the week features a specialty flavor...my April pick is Pineapple Upside Down Custard, yum!
Bonus: Serves beer and wine.
Estimated Date Cost: Under $30