albertine loves NY

We decided to celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year the best way we know how: by stuffing ourselves with delicious food in Chinatown!  We settled in at our go-to spot, Big Wong King on Mott St, and ordered all our lucky favorites: sam bo fan (three treasure rice), choy sum, and wonton noodle soup.  This week we’ll keep ourselves festive with the colors red and gold while keeping in mind that the 2012 dragon is meant to symbolize empowerment.  Many Chinese people believe that this is the luckiest week of the year.  Gung hay fat choy!

From Goto Horoscopes: The year 2012 of the Black Water Dragon promises to be a very interesting time that will provide plenty of opportunities for all members of the zodiacal circle. This period has many enigmatic, mysterious, unexpected and memorable moments that one can use for one’s own benefit. The new year 2012 by the eastern calendar does not begin on 1st of January, but on 23rd of January. Its stormy start will not cause the slightest doubt among any of the representative of the zodiacal circle – it’s time for change and one should be ready for that.

visit astrology.com to learn about your sign in the Year of the Black Water Dragon.

(thanks Derek Nguyen for Goto Horoscopes)

As it gets lighter earlier and the morning’s briskness hurries us out the front door, one of our favorite rituals is to meet at Abraço on 7th St. in the East Village. The darling café, owned by Elizabeth Quijada and Jamie McCormick, easily makes one of the best cappuccinos in the city. Standing in the cozy space with a warm cup clasped in our hands makes us feel like we’re somewhere far off like Milan before dashing off to start our day.

We here at Albertine are huge fans of lockets as gifts.  The right locket can come to represent all the feelings that one wants to convey to a beloved.  We often hear about a locket becoming a treasured piece for clients, one that they love to wear everyday.  We’ve compiled a selection for Mother’s Day that we feel hits all the right notes and can become a piece that mom will keep for many years to come.

left to right: Delphine Crescent Moon locket from the 1920′s ($175), Cave Canem Paste Cabochon locket early 1900′s ($245), Small gold filled locket from 1920′s on 14k gold chain ($285), Madam Fortuna locket ($345), Early 1900′s intricately engraved locket on 14k chain ($425).

Dreaming of the sun in the south of France, Le Fanion (W 4th and Bank) is one of Kyung’s favorite stores. They offer French Country antique and handmade pottery and earthenware, perfect for dinner parties or gatherings with friends while sharing some nice cheese and wine.