PIZZA...GIRL TALK and a NO NONSENSE NYC Walk...

A few weekends ago...I decided around 3ish in the afternoon that on a Saturday night for once...I would go to the gym...then simply relax and catch up with my DVR. I RARELY do that and was so excited!!! I was starting to feel lost...not knowing what all the well known housewives were up to and Snooki too of course!

On the way to my shoe maker my night of relaxation suddenly seemed to be the exact opposite of what I was in the mood for by around 4 pm. I was up for another random ADVENTURE!!! I instantly decided that I would walk for exercise instead of going to the gym. Sounds healthy right??? Not so much...this is Spunky Schmoozer we're talking about! I decided I would walk to two pizza places that I had never been to before and taste a slice at each establishment starting a new search for my favorite NYC pizza slice.

I called a friend on the way to the bank to deposit some change and before I knew it...my simple idea became a little more complicated. One of my favorite gals and I decided we would do a pizza crawl that would start on the UWS. We would taste different slices until we ended up downtown! We would walk PLENTY along the way to burn the pizza calories off....well...at least most of them we hoped!

I wondered when I was at TD how much pizza I could buy from this random change and started to get giddy. I guess I should buy a new container that says PIZZA CRAVINGS!

SO...How much do you think was in there???

STILL THINKING???

Ok...Walter handed me $31.89 to be exact. Change really adds up and yes I get excited about little things in life. I didn't need that MUCH pizza money for that night! I told Walter what I was up to for the evening (have no idea why I felt the need to tell him but I did) and he got very excited actually. I almost invited him but I didn't want him to get in the way of our girl talk. Look what a HAM he was for my blackberry camera when I asked him to pose. He's probably moonlighting and doing something VERY different than banking...

I couldn't wait to catch up with my good friend over pizza all night since we had plenty to chat about. We were only going to places where we both hadn't tried the PLAIN cheese slices. Who needs Sex and the City when you can create your own Pizza and the City right?

La Grolla on the UWS (79th and Amsterdam) was our first pizza taste for the night. We met at 6:30. Ok...the service was fabulous...but the pizza...NOT so much!

Our new friend was getting into the posing and so was the pizza...

We SO wanted to LOVE that plain slice and their specialty slice (above the plain one) because they were extra sweet there. In fact, all of the pizza joints got into the act of our pizza crawl and cut a slice in 2 for us and then posed. We have to keep our figures in tact... hence the 1/2 slices. As you all know though...I say it like it is...NOT worth the calories at this joint!

We took the subway by the Museum of Natural History and that subway man was SO MEAN! My friend was very sweet as always as she asked him questions (that he kept REFUSING to answer) but he was so nasty that I was not getting on that train without taking this shot. I feel the need to give you a warning. I wonder if we brought him back a cold slice from our adventure if he would have even smiled. I DOUBT it! In fact...I'm going to go visit him another day and make him my friend! Just what I need...another challenge in my life right?

Rosario Pizza on 173 Orchard Street was our next stop. I always forget how many fun places are on the Lower East Side. Food options alone...SO many! Well...this is NYC! LOVE this hood and will be heading there much more often in the near future...but DEF not to visit Rosario. STAY TUNED! I've heard so much about that place so I was always curious. The service was ok...but the pizza....NAH!

I have to give them props on their Pizza ART though...that's a pretty pie...don't you think?

Plain slice in two...for a change...

At this point I was thinking...thank G-d we were wearing comfortable shoes as we started walking to our next destination Artichoke Pizza (www.artichokepizza.com). They're located on 328 E. 14th Street.

I've been hearing about their amazing pizza since the day they opened and for some reason I never made it there until my mini pizza crawl. I'm shocked about that actually! I always thought though...it can't be that good! I am a picky eater and I'm proud of it! OMG...that pizza is RIDICULOUSLY good. I RARELY wait on lines but I waited over half an hour to get a feel for the Artichoke East Village experience and quite frankly...was SO CURIOUS to see if their pizza was really THAT good. I really was noshy at that point! See what walking does?

The waiting is kind of part of the charm in a strange way I quickly realized....the anticipation of that artichoke slice taste!!!!! Their plain is great but their slice with actual artichokes on it is even better. SO UNIQUE! It's so rich that you can be content after a few bites...but next time (YES...I will be there VERY soon I must admit) I'm not halfing a slice. I WANT MY OWN! Forget about walking...I'll RUN there!!!

There's a reason why there's a wait here...

I'm trying to give you the whole Artichoke experience here as now I'm a true fan! You grab a slice...eat and run (no seats) and you don't even care it's JUST SO GOOD!!!

This may seem a lot for a slice but they're VERY filling...TRUST ME! Worth it!

Mariella Pizza (180 3rd Avenue) was our next taste and I have to say I was rather disappointed (especially after Artichoke). A friend went crazy over their pizza (how it's the best in NYC) so I was expecting to want to eat my OWN slice even when I was full. I have to say...they were very nice...but their pizza was nothing special. Oh and their bathroom stunk...I mean really STUNK! Sorry D...maybe it was just an off night for them but I say it like it is!

Our last stop was Off Broadway Deli & Pizza (726 8th Avenue) where they advertised 99 cents per slice outside. I was acting like a sassy pizza snob (still sweet though) at this point and at 2ish in the morning I kind of had no interest in trying their pizza to be honest. In fact, I would normally never eat pizza from a place like this to be very frank.

Then I suddenly wanted to see what the hype was all about as my friend was telling people she tasted pizza for a living. It was SO hard for me to keep a straight face (she's a hell of an actress) and yes it was quite busy there. This one woman (non New Yorker) was completely fascinated by my friend's job (being a professional pizza taster and all) and kept asking pizza questions. I wish I had that conversation on tape! I'm still laughing about it!

We were both SO overtired at this point...surprised huh? I mean this was our fifth pizza place and we started this adventure at 6ish and it was now the next morning slightly before 3 am. I have to admit...the pizza wasn't so bad...and yes...I was sober. They were selling a lot of pizza early in the morning and their price is perfect for our current economy too. Since everyone is on a budget...ESPECIALLY now a days...not a horrible pizza option around the clock especially if you're starving. Their pizza wasn't any worse than any other slice we tasted that night...except for Artichoke! Artichoke is in another PIZZA LEAGUE from all the other slices we sampled on Saturday and Sunday!

Off Broadway is open 24 hours and of course they deliver too since this is NYC!!! We walked all the way from the Lower East Side to the West Side 50's until we got in a cab to drop us both off at our apartments. WOW...you don't even realize how much you're walking when you're having such a fabulous time! We would have walked ALL the way back to the UWS... if it wasn't so late!

I know this photo is totally NOT PIZZA related...but this place in the East Village had such a long line which impressed me. Who's eaten there??? I'm so curious now! Tell Spunky Schmoozer please...

This blog entry seems like it's ALL about the pizza I know! Well...my friend and I were on a pizza crawl as you know. I have to admit though...this was such a FUN spontaneous night with a lot of real meaning. It was truly about catching up all over NYC with a close friend! We met new friends along the way, exercised, noshed...and most importantly LAUGHED for over eight hours straight.

Thanks to all the current bachelors, former bachelors and VERY soon to be bachelors once again (you'll never know if we schmoozed about you) who provided us with tons of amusing and priceless material to smile about throughout our adventure (you just can't MAKE this stuff up). Not that we JUST discussed men and relationships...but all of OUR experiences in general...really do remind us...of what's TRULY important while we learn invaluable lessons along the way!

Follow my random adventures on Twitter @SpunkySchmoozer and say hello. Don't be shy! I promise to NEVER be boring as I don't know what boring is!!!!! Oh and where's YOUR favorite pizza place in NYC?

Banter over Frozen Yogurt, Soda and Meat?

I have some of the most fascinating conversations at the most random places and times. It's amazing how these chats can get your thinking and what you can learn from a stranger!

Most people walk into a Pinkberry to grab a fast frozen yogurt. Usually not with me! So surprised huh? It all started this summer when Pinkberry rolled out their happy hour special. Usually I go straight for vodka during happy hours...but half off of the Watermelon flavor for a few hours during most summer afternoons...got me much more excited than alcoholic beverages. I now have Pinkberry pals all over the city.

Say hi to smiling Gabriel (Columbus Circle) and tell him I sent you...I bet you'll get a few extra carob chips. I was in a giddy mood the other day as I was eating my chocolate cone (ask for oreo cookies and carob chips on the bottom) with my friend Liz and asked Gabriel to pose for me. Liz was much more surprised by my request than Gabriel was. He then informed me very candidly that people take his picture all the time. See what happens when you're extra generous with toppings...you become a nosh celebrity! He'll probably be on TMZ next week as he's eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream all over Manhattan.

I've been in the mood more than usual for club soda (as you can tell from the pic) and bonded with my new friend by 3 Columbus Circle. He shows me who wins any sort of Lotto money (even with newspaper clips)...as a sales technique I assume. He's more of a sales guy than most sales execs I know as his pitch is well delivered over several seconds! I bought quite a few tickets from him over the last few months. I realized that I needed a break from that area when I was wanting my Win for Life tickets to turn into weekly cash much more than I ever had before. Visit him...he's very sweet...but don't expect any freebies except for a straw!

It was pouring a few evenings ago on a VERY humid night. I was walking for quite a while and was tempted to stop by the Shake Shack for a snack...since I only ate a small salad all day. EXCUSES I know!!! Yes... I'm on a health kick...I know I know...but I got hungry as I was passing by...that darn smell! Someone was telling me to grab a healthier nosh since the heavy rain only started when I was so close to my spontaneous destination. I hailed down this cab and all I had to say to the driver was "Thanks for saving me some calories by picking me up!" That led to one of the funniest conversations I've ever had about MEAT! How random! He said "A meal is NOT a meal without MEAT!" and oh was he passionate about his meat! He stopped the meter in front of my apartment and then wouldn't stop schmoozing. He kept saying you are so funny as I was thinking you so don't want to make money because you could have been done with another cab ride by now. The funniest part was that as we were speaking... one of my doormen was giving me a look like...are you ever going to get out of that cab? I finally had to say I had to run to get ready for a date. It was none of his business to know that my date was with a treadmill.

What a spunky driver...but if you're in a rush...and you see him...my advice is RUN for another cab!

If I wasn't in a rush when I noticed this hard working delivery guy yesterday afternoon...I would have told him all he needed was a palm tree and a pina colada for him to be all set. He looked more comfortable than I was and I thought of trying out that seat. I have to pick my times to schmooze during my spare time...or else I would get nothing accomplished as you can see.

If you're like me and are always up for a conversational adventure...stop texting every once in a while and say hi to someone random. It's amazing what a simple smile and sarcastic comment can lead to!

New York Fashion Week Sunday FUN...glitz...glamour and gift bags...

I admired this Cynthia Steffe dress moments before I schmoozed with the adorable spunky singer Shontelle...


Shontelle and I bonded regarding perfume right after the Cynthia Steffe show. She loved the Sephora sugar scent that I was wearing as much as I do!!! Too bad I couldn't hear her sing her awesome song Impossible in person after our chat.


I LOVE that green shade...


Cynthia Steffe LEATHER anyone?


I've been to many Fashion Week parties and have always enjoyed runway shows in general. To be very frank...until this recent Fashion Week...I always thought some of these events were overrated. So many people get SO caught up in the scene that they forget about the actual fashion part of it which I never understood. Thanks to a close friend in the fashion industry who invited me to the Spring 2011 Lela Rose and Cynthia Steffe shows...I quickly fell in love with the true meaning and excitement of Fashion Week. I'm NOW addicted!

Lela Rose's collection was inspired by the city of Lima, Peru with amazing printed silk, tulle, sequins and bold sophisticated tweeds (fabulous metallic). I was very impressed with the girlie yet sophisticated looks and Rose's latest collection for Payless caught my eye as well. Normal sassy gals like me can actually wear many of these designs which impressed me the most!!!

You can tell from the following photos that I'll never make a living based on being a fashion photographer right?


I can turn runway models into actors who can audition for horror movies according to these photos...


I wonder if all those cameras produced better shots than mine...
My pictures do get better from the Cynthia Steffe show I promise...being in the FRONT row totally makes a difference!


That gal didn't know she was going to have a close up on SpunkySchmoozer I bet...


Not only did I instantly want Lela Rose to dress me personally after watching her show one day...I was totally impressed with the surprise gift bag. Stila, Commando, Korres, Arcona and Ted Gibson stuff for starters...some of my favorite brands were represented in that bag! I even bonded with a random gal as we were both examining our bags on the way out.

I met another new sassy friend. Yes...she's already on my Facebook too!


I can strut my stuff like no one's business...


After watching all those extremely skinny models all day...I suddenly felt like a nosh (of course) so I attempted to grab one of my favorite healthy snacks of all time. I love Popchips and apparently everyone at Fashion Week did too! Hook up a fan please Popchips...I'll send you my address! ;)


Cynthia Steffe was such a fabulous show! After I saw the first few models in gorgeous fitted clothes...I very briefly thought of hiring an incredible trainer daily for about 6 months...eating very little to be able to actually wear those EXTRA tiny shorts out in public. Then the truth set in...I started pondering about what I was going to order at my dinner minutes later with close friends who were in from SF that evening.


Cynthia Steffe's Spring 2011 collection showcased such charismatic and girlie designs. The bright color and bold prints along with such sassy feminine silk A-line dresses and separates...screamed FUN!!!


Most of this collection looked so comfortable to wear...like you honestly didn't try to hard...but you would def be NOTICED which I adored! The color combos were what really caught my attention along with the feminine ruffles and the use of leather. Not that you would ever catch me walking in public with those TINY leather shorts on (I dream of specific meals while running on the treadmill at times)...but on the right gal they'll look extremely sexy. I admire these women simply for being able to walk with such class in such ridiculously high heels! As much as I adore my heels...I'm usually a flip flops and converse kind of gal!


Cynthia Steffe...if you are reading... my birthday is coming up soon (10/24 to be exact) and I'm in love with that design...and many others of course. I simply ADORE your Spring 2011 collection and am a huge fan of yours!


Sorry your eyes are closed...but that dress you're wearing caught my eye...


Those colors would totally work with my coloring...don't you think?


Thanks for all the frizz control Avon...I'll totally need it with this crazy NYC weather we're getting lately! There's nothing like watching fashion come to life right in front of your eyes...but when fabulous products are handed to you in gift bags as well...it just gets EVEN BETTER!!! I always loved fashion in general but after this Fashion Week...I can hardly wait to attend runway shows next season! There's so MUCH MORE to Fashion Week than just the parties!

Royal Drama meets the MANZO gals...

Fashion's Night Out 2010 Part Deux in Bloomies...

My sister and I stopped quickly in our tracks (right before getting on the escalator) to notice this man walking around with his dog like they both owned the store. The funny thing was that with all the excitement and crowds from Fashion's Night Out...this guy was taking a leisurely stroll and decided to put his dog on one of the platforms where models were standing moments before. Only in NYC...

We're on the escalator heading downstairs to meet a close friend at Lord & Taylor doing our own photo shoot.

We were so involved playing Nigel Barker with our camera that we had no idea how many YELLING and very EXCITED fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey were at the edge of our escalator trying to meet the singing Manzo gals. I happen to love this reality show!

Who knew karaoke could cause such a scene???

All of a sudden I decided that this SISTER duo had to personally deliver Royal Drama (www.royaldrama.com) surprises to the SPUNKY Manzo sisters. I was not leaving Bloomies until our new MISSION was accomplished!!!

Caroline was holding her new Royal Drama hoodie as she posed for many fan pics which was fabulous.

Not only were Caroline and Dina so sweet to chat with in person...they were also extremely GLAMOUROUS. They were so adorable when I handed them their hoodies and looked so much more stunning than they do on TV. Dina has great hair! We had such a great time schmoozing with them!!!

Lauren said she needs to wear her Royal Drama tee while filming when her Mom pisses her off. She was only kidding Caroline...but Lauren...I would LOVE to see you modeling Royal Drama on your show! ;)

How cute is my fabulous Royal Drama model?

Royal Drama is all about NEVER being afraid to say what's on your mind! If these reality stars aren't perfect Royal Drama models...I don't know who is!!!!!

Far from BORING Bloomies...

2010 Fashion's Night Out was FABULOUS...9/10

Part One...

Fashion's Night Out wasn't just SO much fun...it was also just plain FUNNY as well!!!!! My sister and I laughed the entire night and are STILL laughing from this past Friday night.

YES FNO was a pure scene...YES there were so many beautiful people strolling NYC all dolled up and making appearances from store to store. Celebrities (also common people wanting to be famous with way too much makeup on) were out in full force...so many people were flocking to stalk them and few were out to actually shop like crazy. My sis and I were just out to have an amazing random adventure with no set agenda...well not a major one when the night began at least! Oh...did we have an adventure!!!

Are you SHOCKED? Didn't think so!

We were very pensive as we headed to Bloomies in our first cab ride of the night. Decisions...decisions...how would we visit all of our desired destinations and meet up with so many friends in one evening? We were not mapping it out like most...we were just going to wing it!

On the UWS...we spotted our first favorite sassy random gal of the night...Rainbow Brite's cousin...

I have such respect for true individuals who are not afraid to be unique like Rainbow gal. One characteristic that I'm not a fan of EVER is rudeness. The gentleman below wins the prize of being the meanest security guard of the evening so make sure you smile at him like CRAZY if you should bump into him one day. Actually...I would smile from far away since he's a little scary to be frank!

Michael Kors is one of my favorite designers...but who had time to wait on a LONG line to take an official pic with him. Isn't this candid shot more fun?

My partner in crime (my fave and only sister) decided that the Lancome staff was so excited to pose for one another...that we should take part in their bonding experience.

No other stranger was interested in this shot...so we figured we would show them some FNO love! They were too busy posing to even realize that we started taking pictures of them. That was really hysterical to see!

I took a little break from people watching to buy a little surprise for my Mom so she didn't feel left out from all the fun.

As I was signing for my purchase...I got distracted by this sassy mature lady (her hat was so big she could barely see) who simply had no time to schmooze. She came prepared with her own shopping cart to do some serious damage!!! She was on a mission walking just as quickly as some old school women do...pushing right through the aisles of Fairway just to buy an onion.

As we were rushing to see what Gabriel Aubry looked like in person (we were meeting a close friend at Lord & Taylor but got extra CURIOUS) I ran across my Bobbi Brown experts and friends. That's where I get my brows done so I'm a regular at that counter. Don't tell too many gals my secret please...I need my appointments! They are FABULOUS though! All of a sudden we put ourselves on a scavenger hunt and we picked up quite an impressive pace. We were practically running through the store like we were contestants on Supermarket Sweep.

For a sexy model...he doesn't look half as photogenic as Rainbow Brite in these shots...

A little wink action...

Hmmm...wonder what he was thinking at that moment. That gal sure seems happy though. You think the name Halle Berry crossed her mind? Nah...

This was the uneventful part of Bloomies that night...

Burgers, Onion Rings and Spiked Shakes...OH MY!!!!!

HUNGRY YET?????

Run a few extra hours on the treadmill and then RUN to mel's burger bar...

When I was a baby I would sit for hours and watch Julia Child on tv. Yes...it's true...ask my parents! I guess I was fascinated by her voice. Who knew years later I would be thoroughly excited to get behind the scene tours of kitchens...

I enjoyed eating way too much at mel's burger bar before their official opening last week and was very impressed. I wasn't shy (what a shocker rt?) and asked (very sweetly of course) for my table to taste practically every choice on the menu. What can a gal say...I just couldn't decide!

The burgers were great but the coleslaw, ribs, fried zucchini and onion rings really hit the spot. Then after dinner since we weren't STUFFED enough we had to order dessert. The whoopie pie cream cheese frosting is a must try but their spiked shakes are INCREDIBLE. Actually, they're just plain ridiculous...they're THAT good! I woke up dreaming of a shake the next morning after dining at mel's...I'm so NOT kidding!!!

Feeling like a nosh now???

How great does that cream cheese filling look??? For beer drinkers they'll be filling up growlers with their taps as well. I'll take a spiked shake any day over a beer...but I know not all of you would agree! For those of you who truly know me...you know I'm working out in a few minutes most likely thinking about my next meal.

Go to mel's burger bar at 2850 Broadway between 110th and 111th Street and let me know what you think...

This is a picture before the restaurant officially opened so that's why it's empty! These servers looked much more enthusiastic when customers arrived I promise. Seriously...the staff is great!