My tummy is excited

At least two Potbellys (-ies?) are set to open in Manhattan in the coming months. Or "soon-ish" as the window of the soon-to-be Rockefeller Center concourse location boasts. The other location I've spotted is on Maiden Lane in the 2 Gold building retail strip, making it perfect for me to have one Potbelly by my office and one by my home. Clearly Potbelly's corporate offices have no consideration for my own growing potbelly.

Admittedly I've never actually had a Potbelly sandwich, but my friends in Washington D.C. and Chicago rave about them so much that I can almost vicariously taste the deliciousness through their descriptions. And I cannot wait to have another option for yummy carb-filled comfort lunches.

Carry on, Sad Panda

I felt it due time that I checked in with news about my good friend, Sad Panda. Since I last wrote about SP, I've had the pleasure of finally seeing him in person! It was a truly great moment in my life. It seems that Sad Panda has taken up a regular Sunday morning post at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street. He's usually seated in a corner by the stock exchange gate and looking quite forlorn. I've encountered him several times now on my way to mass but unfortunately haven't been able to stop and chat because it's early on a Sunday morning so obvi I am running late and hungover.

A change that must be noted about SP's choice in accessories is that the Duane Reade bag is no more, and lately Sad Panda has been seen carrying a small floral patterned purse (seen pictured, from Gothamist). This makes me wonder: perhaps we always wrongly assumed that Sad Panda is a "he"? I'm fine with murses, but no self-respecting male panda would carry a floral bag. Or maybe...Sad Panda is actually a tranny? On SP's Facebook page, he/she chooses not to identify as either gender or state a sexual preference. I like the mystery, but hmmmmm...

But I don't judge. I've come to quite enjoy seeing Sad Panda on a lonely Sunday. As I pass, I've taken to giving a little nod or a slight smile and wave as if to say, "I salute you, Sad Panda, for all that you bring to our fair city. Keep doing what you do."

You know it's almost summer when the sangria comes out, part deux

SouthWest NY
Financial District
225 Liberty Street (in Two World Financial Center)
New York, NY 10281
212-945-0528
www.southwestny.com

Financiers and Mid-Town types alike flock to SouthWest's outdoor patio for after work drinks and stay through nightfall, and for good reason. SouthWest provides the best of a lively happy hour vibe with the right touch of class. Though in the heart of depressing investment banker-land, this bar/restaurant draws a younger and less stuffy crowd than one may expect. SouthWest boasts an impressive selection of margaritas, but I'm most impressed with their white wine sangria which is the perfect refreshing summer drink and cheap at only $6 per glass! Grab one and relax river-side at a table, or join the crowd at the outdoor mini-bar. The food menu is also quite comprehensive (and actually not at all southwestern...whatever made you think it was?) with everything from apps to fresh fish. While my friends munched on SouthWest's creative salads, I opted to look like a fat-ass in front of the cute waiter and order a burger. But that's okay because it was delicious, the wind was blowing in my hair, and it's summer so I can do whatever I want! And you know what, even in the winter the indoor component of SouthWest is still pretty damn cool.
Rating: 4 stars

Let me tell you 'bout my best friend...

People have been buzzing about the coolest new resident of New York, Sad Panda. He's been spotted a lot recently on the downtown streets and subways carrying his Duane Reade bag and being pretty much the coolest guy ever! He even won Dlisted's Hot Slut of the Day! I totes wanna be BFFs with Sad Panda. He already hangs out in my hood in the FiDi and just seems like an all around stand up guy. He rides the subway so you know he isn't stuck up like those Polar Bitches. I think we'd have many enjoyable afternoons walking around Battery Park, haggling for fake Coach bags, maybe hit up Century 21. *Harry Nilsson singing in the background* Then we can go back to my apartment, listen to a lil Dashboard Confessional, paint each other's nails black, drink some Andre, and then if our emotions can still handle it pop in my Garden State DVD. But c'mon, he's Sad Panda, of course his emotions can handle it! So, SP, if you're reading this and looking for a friend, txt me.