Portfolio

February 3rd, 2025, marked a huge milestone for me and my girlfriend, Ashley—our 6-year anniversary! While the date fell on a Monday, which meant Ashley had class, we were lucky enough to celebrate that Saturday with a fun-filled day in New York City. I wanted to plan something memorable for her, and after getting Ashley’s input we set out on an adventure that combined good food, creativity, and a lot of fun.

Our first stop was brunch, and after some searching, I found the perfect spot—the Glass Ceiling Rooftop in Chelsea. It had great reviews and was known for its incredible view and vibe, so I thought it would be a perfect way to start the day. We hopped on the train, and in about 45 minutes, we were in the City. The walk to the restaurant was only 10 minutes, and the weather was a little cold but nothing like a typical February day, perfect for a stroll.

When we arrived, there was a slight hiccup: the restaurant didn’t have our reservation. I was a little nervous, but the place was practically empty, so we were quickly seated. Phew! We decided to go with their bottomless brunch (why not, right?), enjoying endless mimosas and sangria as we relaxed and chatted. For food, I went with S’more pancakes (they were heavenly), and Ashley ordered a croissant with chips and bacon—she’s a fan of simple yet tasty comfort food.

The rooftop space was beautiful. It made for the perfect brunch setting with open windows letting in the city breeze and stunning décor. I’d highly recommend this spot to anyone in the area—it’s a great blend of vibe, food, and views!

After filling up on food and drinks, we walked over to our next stop: a pasta-making class. It was only a 10-minute walk, so we made our way to a hotel in Chelsea where the class was held on the Terrace level. We were greeted by the instructor, who had already set up aprons at our seats. There were a few other people in the class, and we quickly bonded with two girls who sat next to us. They were super sweet, and we chatted through the entire class.

The class was all about making pasta from scratch. It started with flour, water, salt, and a lot of hands-on work. The process was relaxing and creative, but I’ll spare all the details. The sauce was also made during the class, though the instructor opted for a canned sauce base and added some meats and seasonings. While it may not have been the most gourmet sauce ever, it tasted amazing with the fresh pasta we made.

By the end of the day, I felt so grateful. Not only did we enjoy amazing food and learn something new, but we also got to spend quality time together. Every part of the day was so special—from the moment we stepped into the rooftop restaurant to the laughter we shared in the pasta-making class. It was the perfect way to celebrate six wonderful years together.