Inspired by last night’s extraordinary Gossip Girl return, Betty and Co. got all decked out and headed to Butter (the featured hot spot of the episode along with Socialista), and rumored to be especially fun on Monday nights when the lounge downstairs becomes stocked with stars like John Mayer, Madonaa, Olsens etc.

So on this one Monday that Betty decided to take part in the merriment - she could not have been more disapointed by the dismal, depressing, euro-trash scene. OMFG!

It is with deep regret that Betty must confirm Jenny Humphrey’s words are true, “Not going to Butter is so much better than going to Butter.” 

Guess you’d better stay home or pick a new nightspot girls.

When New York City life gets a little crazy and Betty feels like slowing things down, she heads to Hill Country (60 W. 26th St between Broadway and Sixth) for some of the best barbecue in New York.  The whole experience is like a mini-trip to Frontier Land at Disney, complete with mason jars for drinks and silverware, massive wooden tables and children running under-foot.

After ordering a cool beverage (Betty recommends the Hill Country Cooler - a combination of vodka, triple sec and Tang) you can sidle up to the pit masters for pork ribs, brisket and barbecue chicken by the pound.

Around 9pm each night, a band takes the stage downstairs.  Last week, Betty caught Yarn - a very listenable, totally swoon-worthy alternative country quintet.  They’ll be back this Wednesday, April 23rd.

For more info on Hill Country visit http://www.hillcountryny.com, and to listen to Yarn, head to: http://www.yarnmusic.net

1- The Basics. All gyms should give you a free pass to use their facilities for a week. In order to get this, you usually have to endure a very sales-pitchy tour. Don’t be pressured to accept the first offer, even if the sales associate offers a one-time only price. The deal will still be there after you’ve had time to use the gym for a week and think about it.

Make sure to check out the gym location you’ll most frequently use at the time you’ll normally use it, i.e. right before or after work, to get an idea of the locker room crowd level and equipment availability.
2- Financing. No gym will give you prices online or over the phone. This is because all gym members pay different prices, depending on their employee assistance plans, and ability to haggle. First - check out whether you’ll receive a discount for certain gyms through your employer or whether your health insurance offers gym reimbursement.

At all gyms, during certain times during (2 “durings”s- maybe say “of the year” )the year, initiation fees and rates are dropped, and you should always try to bargain your way out of them. Expect to pay more if you want a month-to-month commitment, and less if you sign up for a year or two years. If you do commit for the long term - know that the only way you’ll get out of it is with a doctors note or proof of a move at least 100 miles away.
3- Know your options.

New York Sports Club’s are scattered across the city on nearly every corner. These are the most prevalent and relatively inexpensive, starting at around $59 for initiation plus around $79- $99 a month for attendance with a one year commitment. This should include usage of any NYSC, any class at any time.

Equinox - A few cuts above, Equinox gyms offer spa like amenities, steam rooms and juice bars. Hip lighting and sleek decor with none of that typical locker room stench.

Golds Gym - Convenient to those who work in the financial district, where there’s a gigantic new location. This gym is cheaper, and has good classes, but has less frills and attracts more of a body builder crowd. There is also an older location in midtown west

New York Health and Racquet Club - Expensive and probably the most well-known to the New York Elite- you get a discount if you live in one of their buildings. An insider notes that this gym features “newer equipment, great amenities and intense instructors,” though the “price-tag and location” might keep you at bay.
4- Take advantage of NYC’s natural resources. Maybe you think you need to join a gym for the pre-bikini season crunch, but as the weather warms up, you may just need to get outside for a walk or run in Central park or along Hudson River Parkway.

By now you have probably seen at least one of the yellow floral bags that Macy’s has been handing out to its customers. They are all over Midtown and amidst a sea of black winter jackets, it’s like a beacon - you just can’t miss them. The truth is that Betty thought it was going to be like the Christmas windows during the holiday season: You stand in line and see some figure move up and down and around. Oos and Ahhs. Fun for about 5 seconds and then you just want your personal space back.

However, Betty was pleasantly surprised to discover that 34th Annual Macy’s Flower Show was truly a spectacle to be praised! It literally takes over the entire ground floor of the mega-store! Thousands of fresh cut flowers in gigantic arrangements flank the aisles and hover above you. If for nothing else, go for the abundant floral scents. It’s absolutely amazing! Betty has no clue as to how they pulled such a feat off, but it’s worth a visit; guaranteed!

The show is running now and lasts until March 30th so get over there ASAP!

http://www1.macys.com/campaign/flowershow/index.jsp

One sunny day last August, Betty found herself in Montreal, Canada. Minding her own business, she casually climbed the central mountain in the city, Mount Royal, to catch some good views of the metropolis when she began to see dozens of people wearing the same t-shirts, hurrying ahead of her. On her descent, she was able to read the words on the back of the shirts. In bold letters they read: The City Chase. Being her curious self, she investigated.This is what she found on their website and it looks like the experience of a lifetime:

“The City Chase is a unique urban adventure that requires participants to exhibit teamwork, resourcefulness, determination and the ability to make decisions on the fly as they search for ChasePoints scattered in unknown locations throughout the city. To conquer this urban event, two-person teams will run, walk and use public transit to navigate their way throughout the city, while calling family and friends for help, accessing the Internet and even employing assistance of total strangers. Each City Chase includes a variety of physical, intellectual and humorous challenges, designed to push comfort zones. The challenges are designed to test Mind, Body and Spirit.”

If you win, you could end up going to the National Championships in October and the World Championship in November!

The best part: The City Chase is coming to NYC June 28th! Check it out and sign up today.

http://www.citychaseusa.com/

The Window: TWC gives you a 4-5 hour time frame for installations, pickups, and customer service appointments. BUT they often come before or after this window as well. So if you’re rushing home to meet the cable guy after work, leave a little early.

The Store: When you Google, “Time Warner Cable New York,” the highlighted address is their corporate office. The actual store address is: 46A E. 23rd St. between Park and Madison. Try to arrive before they open! There is a line formed before 8 AM. But if you’re one of the first people, you won’t have to wait and the staff is more attentive and patient.

Sunday: A customer service representative told Betty to bring her box to the store on Sunday. Hungover and aching, she got to the store and it was CLOSED- very frustrating (fyi: the box is heavier then you think). They DO NOT work on Sunday- they want to make this challenging for you.

Agent: When you call Time Warner, they make you speak to a recording that cannot decipher a single word. So just say “AGENT” and keep repeating until you are actually talking to a real person. You can also continue to press the number 0.

Deep breathing: When you think you’re going to explode, try some deep breaths and remember that these people are bringing you Real Housewives of New York…

(Know your Options: Many NYC Betties also use Comcast, RCN, and Direct TV. And in dire times of TWC failure, you can watch some of your favorites online.)

Summon your inner Giada DiLaurentis and whip up your own homemade spaghetti sauce. It’s a must have basic for your arsenal, so much better than jarred sauce and it can easily be transformed for multiple dishes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 clove of Garlic
1 Can San Marzano Tomatoes
Salt & Pepper
Basil

Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large pan. Saute chopped garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add can of tomatoes, fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low for 25-30 minutes, stirring as needed.

Variation One: Add blanched broccoli rabe and browned spicy italian sausage for a hearty dinner

Variation Two: Increase the garlic to 2-3 cloves and add a 1/2 cup of heavy cream for makeshift penne a la vodka

Do Cheat: Yes, they have worked hard and you feel guilty. But despite what they tell you, they DON’T all have the same listings and you MUST search the market for the best place. Which brings us to…

Don’t Become Friends: Betty started gossiping over coffee with her broker Julie. But when Julie couldn’t deliver an apartment, Betty faced a moral dilemma and betrayed a friend. Finding an apartment is NOT sorority time.

Do Voice Your Opinion: Let your broker know exactly what you want and stay FIRM. If they are showing you six floor walk-ups and you want an elevator, you’re wasting your time. You can get what you want.

Don’t Have Sex: You are spending hours together, commenting on lighting and bed placement… it’s all very romantic. Yet sleeping with your broker might put you in a compromising position. HOWEVER…

Do Flirt: Betty once got $1000 off her broker’s fee by accepting a date. Completely harmless and totally brilliant.

It’s fun to get to know the city that you live in from a totally different perspective. The locations in the following books may be familiar, but these New York characters live far more complicated, interesting and glamorous lives than Betty…

Bergdorf Blondes - In this New York Times Bestseller, Vogue contributor Plum Sykes takes you into the world of a fictitious socialite Julie Bergdorf and her brunette best friend who goes only by “moi.” This romp is filled with lattes at Pastis, invitations to Chanel sample sales and emergency overnight stays at The Mercer.

Nanny Diaries - A peek into the crazy world of Upper East Side trophy wives, from the eyes of Nanny, a young “fish out of water” type who starts nannying for extra cash. This book is a reminder to choose waiting tables instead.

The Devil Wears Prada - This could not be left off the list for obvious reasons. The book depicts the wonders and horrors of Andrea’s existance at Vogue in far greater detail than Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep could ever create on screen.

Valley of the Dolls - A drug and sex filled classic far ahead of its time. Unlike today’s “chic-lit” this is tough and un-sugar coated. The pretty pink and black cover design will also look great on your bookshelf.

Lipstick Jungle - So the show might kind of suck, but the book is at the very least a Candace Bushnell original (unlike the basis of Cashmere Mafia - a complete fabrication of a script). Follow the three lead characters on their quest for cliche career domination, as magazine editor, movie exec and fashion designer.

Check out Betty’s favorite super easy appetizers (these come in very handy for spur of the moment soirées and can be created the night before for ultimate ease). Serve with a chilled bottle (or two!) of Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc.

Goat Cheese Grapes

Ingredients:
25-30 Red Grapes
8 oz Fresh Goat Cheese
1 cup Chopped Pistachios

Directions:
Coat each grape with fresh goat cheese (works best to roll between your palms to get an even coating). Roll grape in chopped pistachios. Slice each grape in half.

Salmon Roll Ups

Ingredients:
Spinach Tortilla Wraps
Cream Cheese
Smoked Salmon

Directions:
Spread a layer of cream cheese over the entire wrap. Place a layer of smoked salmon on top of cream cheese. Tightly roll wrap and cut into one inch sections. Optional: add tomatoes or red onions for a greater punch.

Check back for more of Betty’s favorite appetizers. Cheers!!