tea you very much

McNulty's has pretty much every variety of tea and coffee that you could imagine... an amazing selection and knowledgeable staff who can help you select something for your palate.  I highly suggest visiting this adorable, ancient shop in NYC's west village if you want to try something new.  The genmai-cha Japanese green tea is delicious.  It's a slightly smokey green tea with rice.

 

 

http://www.mcnultys.com/ 

just a hint of chocolate

I never go to tanning booths and I try to stay out of the sun these days because I use Retin-A on a daily basis.  But this time of year, when it gets a little warmer and the sun is shining, I pine for that sun glow.  Chocolate Mousse by Colorscience is a perfect skin perk that does just that.  Even if you are super pale, you can take a tiny amount of the mousse and blend it well over your forehead, nose, cheeks and neck to make your skin look a little warmer.  One color fits all!  And if you are going to be in the sun, it's a must.  It offers SPF coverage, antioxidants, and sooths sunburned skin.  And it's easy to get your hands on too, just go on line to www.skinchic.com or call the store to order.  Skin Chic is great about shipping things out quickly and the ladies who work there are lovely too!  I find that a bottle lasts me all through the summer because I use it sparingly.  $45-      



mani-pedi patience no more

I'm the kind of person who perpetually destroys a fresh manicure... because I'm too impatient to wait for it to dry!  I'm so bad that my regular manicurist will force me to stay until she's sure my nails are dry (yes, she's chased me down and made me sit an extra 10 minutes).  My friend Tara recently introduced me to this amazing instant nail polish drier called "Drop 'N Go" by Duri, and it truly works like magic.  In fact, I can effectively paint my own nails, and they look professional.  Right after you put on your top coat, you spray your nails with the instant drying drops and it bonds the polish layers together so that your nails are dry in less than a few minutes.  Bliss for the woman on the go at the price of $10.    

 

http://secure.cartsvr.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=3246950&showprevnext=1

ripe again

It's spring in New York, and I finally decided to emerge from my sleepy winter hiatus and start blogging again.  The fresh air and energy that is returning to both my life and the city inspired me to write about this adorable little wine bar that I was recently taken to: Lelabar.  It's tiny, cozy, secret, and the bartenders will help you select a delicious glass of wine from Italy, California, Argentina... they have a wide selection to cater to every taste.  I love that the bar is in the center of the room, creating a social and sexy atmosphere.  If you are looking for a place to take a new date, this is your spot.  It's sure to impress.

http://www.lelabar.com/

munch and museum

When I first moved to New York, I created a list of must-see places.  This week I checked two of them off the list with my darling friends Malle and Bhavishi with a lunch and museum afternoon.

Katz's Delicatessen

I promised Malle that I'd quote myself here, "This is the best pastrami I have ever had, and I eat A LOT of pastrami."  It's true!  Katz's reputation for making a fantastic pastrami sandwich isn't "beefed up" at all.  This bustling delicatessen may be a little chaotic and slightly expensive ($16 for a sandwich), but it's worth the visit and the sandwiches are big enough that you can share with a friend!  Next time I want to try their potato latkes.

Tip: bring cash.  

Whitney Museum of American Art 

Although I enjoy going to museums, I generally get restless after about one to two hours.  The Whitney is small and displays interactive exhibitions, making it a very enjoyable museum where you can see everything in that amount of time and not feel overwhelmed.

I particularly enjoyed the Yoyai Kusama exhibit.  I loved her multi-media art, composed of photos, sketches, and paint and her quirky self portraits.  Kusama uses a lot of vivid and bright colors, I could stare for hours.  Her art seemed relate-able and strongly based in the natural and scientific, and I left wanting to go home and make some collages on my own!

      

smooch

Every time I see someone wearing red lipstick, I want to wear red lipstick.  But no matter how many shades of red I try, I never seem satisfied.  Lucky for me, my roommate Ella has an eye for such things and she took me to Sephora to find a color that complimented my skin.  She quickly scanned the selection of NARS colors and handed me a shockingly pink tone called “funny faces.”  I looked at her skeptically and she gave me a look that said, “just trust me.”  And she was right.  The tone was still deep enough to give me that extreme lip, but it worked with my skin and eye color.  If you can’t pull off the red, try a rich deep coral or true pink to achieve a similar pout.  

not your mama's popcorn

As my friend Caroline and I were on our way to lunch this weekend, we were simultaneously derailed when a tiny storefront caught our eye.  Its simplicity, kitschy name and single product beckoned us in.  “Populence” opened its doors to West Village residents just this month.  The store offers organic, artisanal popcorn in a variety of flavors.  I devoured the salted caramel and Caroline had jalapeno cheddar.  You can purchase a small for immediate satisfaction or take a big bag home to share.  Yum.     

www.populencenyc.com 

No dairy, no eggs, Anna can eat it, oh my!

As my close friends know, I am both a lactard and allergic to eggs.... this makes ice cream and fro yo depressing.  Yes, apparently that is possible.  While wandering around Union Square the other day, I came across this cute little place filled with happy looking customers mowing down on what looked like yet another unfriendly-to-Anna establishment, but then I saw the sign: "The Soft Serve Fruit Co.: cholesterol free, fat free, dairy free, gluten free." UM.... heaven?

The Soft Serve Fruit Co. makes three flavors of soft serve fresh fruit (chocolate, banana and strawberry) and offers a delectable range of toppings.  Even my ice cream loving companions will accompany me here.

I tried strawberry and chocolate with a peanut butter and pretzel topping for a salty-sweet treat. 

 http://www.softservefruitco.com/

Hot child in the city

Let’s face it, not all of us are glamorous enough to jet away to Fire Island, the Hamptons or Montauk on the weekends.  So, I’ve created a short list of places to stay cool in the HOT city:

SOHO Grand, The Yard (SOHO)

I loved the SOHO Grand bar before… with the elegant décor, luxurious sheer white curtains, Alice in Wonderland-like furniture and too-chic-to-let-me-in crowd, but it got even better with the recent opening of an outdoor bar and lounge area called “The Yard.”  Twinkle lights, garden showers, and lounge chairs make this the sexiest summer happy hour and evening spot in town. 

Be sure to tell the manager Aron hello and compliment him on his ability to look cool and strapping while sporting a three-piece suit in humid, ninety degree weather.  Yeah, we’re impressed.

http://www.sohogrand.com/dining-nightlife/the-yard/

Smith & Mills (TriBeCa)

If you can locate it, and squish inside, you may find yourself stuffed into a two-top next to the likes of a celebrity… or five while sipping a delish and kitschy cocktail of the season.  This small, and I mean tiny, bar manages to serve fantastic little bites too.  Personally, I like oysters and prosecco.  You’ll fall in love and make this place a regular.    

http://www.smithandmills.com/

Apothéke (Chinatown)

I’ve always had an obsession with European apothecaries, so when I went to Apothéke, I felt like all my ailments were cured.  This tiny old-world bar is tucked down a quiet alley in Chinatown and is sure to have a line of patrons waiting for a “prescription,” as they label their cocktails.  The bartenders all wear pharmacist frocks and pour delicious concoctions from antique glass pharmacy bottles.  Best part, the prescriptions are created with fresh fruits and herbs grown on the rooftop!      

http://www.apothekenyc.com/

Little Branch (West Village)

The first time I paid Little Branch a visit I thought that they must have closed their doors or relocated.  Found on the corner in the basement of an abandoned looking building, you would never know that a bustling speakeasy hides below.  I highly suggest that you let the bartenders recommend a drink for your palette.  I tried a twist on the traditional gimlet.  I love the metal stirrer straws and the evenings when Little Branch hosts live jazz bands.  Guaranteed to satisfy!  But be sure to bring cash.

http://littlebranch.net/

would you like some tea with your honey?

My best friend Charles and I love our tea.  I have lots of wonderful memories sipping tea with him, whether we just lounged around the kitchen with a cup of rosemint or chatted for hours over a pot of Earl Grey at Butterfly Herbs in Missoula, Montana.  Last spring he took me on a lovely afternoon tea date at Bergdorf Goodman.  We noshed on crumpets with raspberry preserves and cucumber sandwiches in the spa like tea room, melting into pure bliss.  On this pleasant afternoon I discovered Marriage Frères, a truly decadent tea company.  I ended up buying a few boxes of Casablanca - a blend of green, Moroccan mint and bergamot flavored teas- for myself and for gifts.  If you really want to spoil someone, take them to Bergdorf's (and be sure to make reservations in advance), or bring the tea room to them with a cup of Casablanca at home.

http://www.mariagefreres.com/boutique/UK/welcome.html 
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/info/restaurantContent.jhtml?rest=100001&displayId=1100001

If you like to sweeten your tea with honey, I highly recommend Bee Raw 100% Raw Real Varietal Honey.  You can find this brand at most grocery stores and it comes in many varietals-- my favorites are Colorado (with a creamy cinnamon flavor) and California (orange blossom infused).  I also like to drizzle it over fruit plates.  Simply delicious!   

 
 http://beeraw.com/raw-honey-collection.html (12 to 14- per jar)

paris in new york

Recent Golden Globe winning film "The Artist" staring French actor Jean Dujardin left me speechless.... pun intended.  This black and white silent film set in 1920s Hollywood exceeded its reputation and left my spirits tap dancing all the way home.  It's a must-see no matter where you are, but if you happen to be in New York then you should view it at the Paris Theater just below Central Park.  My friend Serdar, and Carrie Bradsaw, frequent this fantastic theater.  Movie watching has never been so chic.   

 http://www.theparistheatre.com/

shine on

I was already in love with argan oil when I discovered Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora, but Organix Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair is a fantastic and economic alternative to the higher-priced Sephora brand.

Josie Maran Argan Oil is perfect for break out prone, dry, and sensitive skin.  I use the oil as a lotion substitute in the summer when I want something light because it does not leave your skin oily or greasy and it wears well in humidity.  It's also fantastic for dry cuticles and you can add a few drops to your hair before you blow dry.  This versatile, all-purpose oil is perfect if you need one hydrating product for traveling, and it comes in a travel size if you want to give it a try before making a big investment.  (.5oz 14-, 1.7oz 48-).

If you love argan oil for your hair but want a cheaper and equally effective product, I suggest Organix Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair.  With the winter dryness, I have had dry and staticy hair.  A few drops of this oil in damp hair before you style leaves your hair silky smooth, incredibly shiny, static-free, hydrated and protected from heat styling.  I can't get enough! (I love it so much I keep making my friends feel my hair... they're not complaining.)  And you can find it at any drug store for 8-.

holiday mixology

When it's chilly outside, my tummy yearns for comfort food and warm drinks.  (Yes, it has a mind of its own).  Naturally I sought to cure its cravings by securing an "alpine," a popular and delicious West Coast drink made simply by combining hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, with some girlfriends.  However, on my mission to find an alpine, I discovered that you can't get EVERYTHING in New York.... at least, not without some serious searching.  Determined to share this wonderful holiday drink with my friends, I scoured the city for a bar that could make an alpine and ended up enjoying other holiday drinks and creating some of my own.

• The Alpine 

 Simply delicious.  To make, add peppermint schnapps to your hot chocolate.  To find in NYC, go to French Roast on 6th Ave. and 11th St.

• Raspberry Hot Chocolate 

 If you prefer something fruitier, try adding raspberry infused vodka to your hot chocolate!

• Hot Buttered Yum

I do not like rum, but the Harry Potter-esque name of this drink required a tasting.  Joseph Leonard in the West Village makes a fantastic Hot Buttered Rum based on the recipe of one of their frequent patrons.  Definitely worth the visit.

• Sugar Pear Fairy

A dear friend of mine knows how much I love making new concoctions, and she gifted me an array of special flavored vodkas so I could work my creative magic.  The Sugar Pear Fairy was created as a result, and it's a must-try.

To make: Combine Honey Vodka, 1/3 part pear nectar, 2/3 part club soda and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

If you like this one, there will be more to come! 

stocking stuffer guide

Yesterday I realized that it was December and I had not yet purchased one gift!  I dislike last minute Christmas shopping, and usually buy little things throughout the year, because I find holiday shopping to be a bit stressful even without the rush.  I am also really picky about buying things that have meaning or feel really special, (you will receive no gift cards from me!) and that is difficult to do in a crunch.  So, I decided to meander through one of my favorite stores in the West Village - C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries - to see if I could find any sweet little presents for my grandma, mom, and sister.  I was in luck!

I could spend hours in C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries because I love searching for new bath products.  The shop carries many amazing brands - including popular lines like Nars, Clarins, Bumble and Bumble, Fresh, and Tocca, and smaller, more obscure European lines like Mistral, Blanc Lila and Spuma de Sciampagna.  After marveling at the shelves and shelves of aromatic treats, I settled on a few well priced stocking stuffers.

• Dream Time Amethyst Sachets: When I was little, my mother would occasionally give me little rose scented sachets or bundles of lavender to place in my drawers.  I remember loving the way it would lightly fragrance my clothes and how special it made me feel.  I decided to return the love by sending her some of these little lavender and ylang-ylang scented sachets.  At 5- a packet, they're a wonderful little indulgence.
• Tocca Baci Lip Gloss: As a die hard Tocca lover, I immediately fell in love with this lip gloss.  It's basically the adult version of the thick, roll-on Strawberry flavored Smackers Gloss that I used in grade school, but filled with hydrating ingredients that your lips will love (including aloe, shea butter, vitamin e, and olive oil).  The gloss wears for a long time and has a gentle vanilla flavor.  It's so lovely I had to buy two!  One for myself...  (14-)
• Mistral Mer de Sud Bath Salts: Another little luxury my mother always encouraged was a nice hot bath infused with sea salts.  This little mineral-rich sachet is certain to please.  (5-).
• Blanc Lila Petite White Lilac Soap Set:  Lilacs remind me of my Grandma's house in the summer.  As a child, I would pluck a bunch off the bush and suck the pollen out of each little blossom.  As an "adult," I bury my nose in a bunch every chance I get.  I love the scent and thought, why not enjoy the lovely fragrance in the winter too?! (12-)

For more fun options, I would also suggest:

• Tocca mini-candles: My favorite scents areYma (guava, red-current) and Cleopatra (grapefruit, cucumber) (16-) 
• Tocca Laundry Delicate: Stella (blood orange) and Touch (pomegranite, tiare flower) will leave your underthings smelling seductively delightful.  I like to use the delicate when washing bedding as well.  (15-)
• C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: Amazing for cuticles, lips, and chapped skin. (5.50-)
• Marvis Jasmine Mint Toothpaste: A specialty Italian toothpaste that freshens your breath and tastes like tea!  Delicious. (6-)

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/

bring out the bubbly!

Last week I turned 26.  This birthday was truly wonderful and memorable.  I met a lovely group of friends at the Bubble Lounge in TriBeCa to start the night with champagne (my favorite!).

As one can assume, the Bubble Lounge is a champagne bar.  The lounge has an incredibly long list of unique champagnes by the glass and champagne cocktails.  They also offer strawberry and chocolate dessert plates.  If you like the bubbly, you must check this place out.

I highly suggest trying "Paris Blossom," Champagne N. Feuillatte Brut with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Delicious!


http://www.bubblelounge.com/new-york/

sugar lips

My dear friend Jen recently came to visit me in NYC.  The week after she left I received a wonderful little present in the mail.  She knows how much I love Fresh, so she sent me Brown Sugar Lip Polish!  This sugar scrub gently exfoliates your lips with real sugar crystals and hydrates them with shea butter and essential oils.  I use the scrub before bed with Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment, and my lips have never felt softer.     

Get your pout ready for mistletoe and New Year's Eve with Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish (22-) and Sugar Lip Treatment (22-), use it to hedge your cravings for holiday desserts, or consider the duo as a Christmas present (to yourself...).  Yum!

PS:  Jen, please come back soon?! 

wrap this around your head

Since I was a little girl, I have always hated hats.  Although, I'd like to think that it's more like hats hated me. Growing up in Montana, my dad would make me bundle up in a hat, scarf, gloves, huge winter coat and boots to go wait for the school bus in the winter.  I imagine I looked like a walking pile of laundry I had so many layers on.  Every morning he'd watch me walk to the bus stop through through the window to make sure I wore my hat, and every morning I'd take off my hat as soon as I thought I was out of eyesight.  (He laughingly informed me last winter that he he could, in fact, see me walk all of the way to the bus stop and knew that I would shove it in my backpack as soon as I could).  Hats looked silly on me, made my hair flat, and never fit my head quite right.  This remains true today. 

Despite the fact that I still refuse to wear a hat unless I'm skiing, I have grown wiser in my years and realize how important it is to keep your ears warm.  Solution found!  This weekend I shopped around SOHO with my best friend and came upon these lovely, soft rabbit fur earmuffs from BCBG.  For all of you fellow hat-haters or stylish ladies, eat your heart out!  They feel like heaven, come in black and white, and won't ruin your gorgeous locks.  ($38-). 

skin quench

Next week is Thanksgiving.  Leaves are swirling in the crisp air, people are bundling up in warm clothes, and filling their schedules with holiday parties.  This time of the year, women battle looking their best and fighting dry winter dehydration.  This means a new winter skin care regimen.  If you battle sensitive, break out prone, combination skin like I do, I highly suggest trying Clarins' Multi-Active Day Cream.  (I don't like having too many beauty products at any given point in time so I use it at night too!). 

This light weight, soft-scented lotion does wonders for my skin.  By the end of a long work and school filled day, my skin is often flustered and in need of some serious TLC.  I wake up with glowing and hydrated skin after washing my face and hydrating with this cream before bedtime.  The cream contains numerous antioxidants and vitamins to re-nourish your skin.  My favorite thing about this lotion is that it's moisturizing enough but doesn't clog my pores or cause break out.  The perfect balance for winter!    

You can order directly from Clarins and receive 3 samples with your order... a huge bonus if you love travel sized items as much as I do!

http://www.clarinsusa.com/Multi-Active-Day-Early-Wrinkle-Correction-Cream/C010407010,en_US,pd.html&cgid=220&start=14

pom-erine lemonade

I really enjoy looking through old pictures on my phone because usually they are of silly little things that I found amusing or wanted to remember.  One day my wonderful friend Emily came over for some cocktails and we ended up randomly creating an amazing drink.  I took a picture of the ingredients so I wouldn't forget!  It's sweet, refreshing, tingly, and perfect for that last taste of summer.   

Ingredients for "pom-erine lemonade":

• pink lemonade (1/2 parts)
• sparkling pomegranite juice  (1/4 parts)
• hansen's tangerine soda  (1/4 parts)
• vodka
• garnish with lemon 

MoMA

New York is expensive and once in a while it's nice to do something for free.  Fortunately, the MoMA is open on Fridays from 4 - 8 p.m. sans admission.  Personally, I could stare at Henri Rousseau's painting "The Dream" for hours.  www.moma.org

soapology

My friend Britt came to visit this weekend from Denver, Colorado.  It was her first time in NYC and, needless to say, we did a lot of shopping.  While strolling through the Meat Packing District, we came upon a wonderful little store that I discovered a year ago and completely forgot about: Soapology.  This bath shop is by far one of my favorites.  Their products are all natural, customizable, reasonably priced (a large bottle of shower gel is $20-), and leave your skin feeling fantastically smooth.  The employees are very friendly and will take you to the back of the store to try their array of products on your hands in a four legged antique bathtub (très chic).  Best of all, they're kind enough to let you smell every scent before making a pick and they recommend unique combinations.  You can pick a scrub, shower gel, or lotion and infuse it with your favorite essential oil.  I recommend smelling Caribbean Coconut, Rose, and Mint.  This store is wonderful for gifts or for a self-treat, and if you bring back old bottles you receive 10% off your next purchase! www.soapologynyc.com

high line

I'm still new to New York, so on the weekends I like to take walks with my friend Malle and do some exploring.  This weekend, we went to the High Line.

The High Line is a concrete pathway that was originally constructed to safely raise freight trains off of Manhattan streets.  It has been converted into a cafe and greenery-lined park where you can traverse from the Meat Packing District all the way up through Chelsea to Hell's Kitchen.  On an Indian summer day, it's packed with locals and tourists alike.  We were fortunate enough to visit on a day when there was a public art project and the entrance was adorned with a path of rose petals.     

It's so fantastic that Bond No. 9, one of my favorite perfumeries, named a scent after it (think refreshing bergamot and rhubarb).  I suggest you treat your olfactory and visual senses by checking out both at the same time!  Start your walk by vising the Bond No. 9 store on Bleecker and West 11th St., then make your way through the West Village over to the the High Line entrance on 14th St..

http://www.thehighline.org & http://www.bondno9.com/shop/eau-de-parfum/downtown/view/bond-no-9-high-line

caroline

Caroline is one of those lovely Southern ladies that you can't help but adore.  She's a perfect mix of sweet and sassy.  She can also pull off wearing smokey eyes and plush red lips at the same time because she has this incredibly glamorous classic American movie star look about her (I know, I'm jealous too).  We met this Saturday afternoon to get her ready for a night out.  I call this look the "not so sweet Caroline".... and I  hope that you now have Neil Diamond stuck in your head too.

How to accomplish this super smouldering look:

1. For super smokey eyes, it's important to provide a good base for the color.  Start by blotting concealer over the lids and blend up to the brows to even out the skin and provide a good canvas for the color.  We chose a dark purple shadow.  You can start to apply the smokey color by dusting the shadow in a "u" shape in the crescent of the lid.  I continue to add color until I reach the desired depth.  For Carloline, I also took a fine angle brush and dusted the deep purple shadow under her lower lash line.  Then I added a medium toned purple to enhance the deep amethyst shadow, and finished by highlighting with a very nude pink shadow towards the center of the lids.  Apply black pencil liner in a "cat eye" style and double coat mascara. 
2. For lips: line with a pencil and then fill in the lips by blotting on lipstick.  Try to select a color that enhances the tone of eyes if doing both smokey eyes and deep red lips.  You want to make sure that the colors compliment each other, so select more of a blue-red when pairing with purple shadow.  

Naturally, not everyone call pull off both smokey eyes and red lips.  Pick one step or the other and you will still be ready to put on your heels and steal some glances.

mia

Today I met with the lovely Mia at her beautiful flat in NOHO for a little fall makeover.  Mia is such a natural beauty and she prefers to wear little to no makeup, so we did a very neutral fall look for her.

To achieve this look:

1. Blend a light tinted moisturizer over the skin.  For Mia, we chose YSL's Teint Parfait. 
2. Sweep an illuminator over the skin before applying foundation to give the skin an "underglow."  I highly recommend Coloresicence's Illuminating Pearl Powder or String of Pearls. 
3. Conceal underneath the eyes with a peach based concealer.  I used Clarins' Instant Light Brush on Perfector.  
4. Spot conceal with mineral compact.  Then, lightly dust loose mineral foundation with a large brush over forehead, nose and cheeks.  Colorescience's All Even mineral makeup suited Mia's complexion perfectly. 
5. Lightly frame the face and enhance the cheekbones with bronzer and blush.  I like to sweep bronzer underneath the cheekbones and lightly at the top of the forehead.  I sweep blush on the apples of the cheeks toward the temples.  Blend well!  We used Colorescience's It's Only Natural bronzer and Blushing Bride blush.   
6. For a soft, yet sultry eye, simply take a light base shadow and sweep on the eye lid and up to the brow bone.  Then, take a contour color and dust in a "u" shape in the crescent of the eye.  Highlight by adding some of the light base shade in the center of the lid.  Add more definition if you so choose by lining the upper lash line with a dark brown powder liner or pencil liner, and finish with two coats of mascara!  Today we used Colorecience's Star White, Star Bright and Betrayal eye shadows, and Dior Blackout Mascara.
7. Use a light gloss to hydrate the lips.  Mia is wearing Nars' Turkish Delight.

La Carta de Oaxaca

I moved to New York about a month and a half ago.  So far, I absolutely love the city and I have met some incredible people.  There's something inexplicably appealing about New York - a certain je ne sais quoi.  The city is inspiring and it seems to be filled with endless treasures around each corner.  Not to mention, an endless array of mouth watering restaurants.  Nonetheless, I find myself missing Seattle and my regular stations.  One place in particular is La Carta de Oaxaca.  As my Seattle friends know, I rave about this place. 

Oaxaca is tucked away in Ballard, one of Seattle's artsy and hip neighborhoods.  It's a casual, warm, hole-in-the-wall, authentic Mexican eatery.  Be prepared to wait for a bit if you visit for dinner. But trust me, like all good things, it's worth it.  While you wait - and battle the tummy growls that ensue the second you enter the front door - you can sip a margarita in the back bar.  Before you know it, one of the amazingly friendly staff members will seat you at a very snug table.  The ambiance is pleasant and social, and you may leave with a new friend or two. 

As to the menu, the home-made tortilla chips and fresh guacamole is a must.  I love everything on the menu, but highly recommend the tacos al pastor, tostadas, and tamales de mole'negro.  One of the best features is the very reasonably priced dishes.  Entrées range from $8 - 15.      

Be warned: after the first visit, you may experience the Pavlovian reflex of drooling each time you think of Oaxaca.  http://www.lacartadeoaxaca.com/