Let's get this straight. This isn't a blog about booze specifically, it may come up but I thought I would explain that off the bat. This photo is of a delicious Stella I had yesterday at a bar the epitomizes what I love about NYC. I wandered into this place called Stand 4 which is a burger joint on 12th street between 5th and University to have a drink with my boyfriend, Dan. We had both had one of those days, maybe it's because New York has become Seattle or a rain cloud has set up residence for the past 10 days but all in all, it was tough. The last time I had been to this place about 5 years ago when it had first opened up and found it to be fine, nothing exceptional or terrible but fine. 

Yesterday, I had no expectation but was surprised by the pleasant atmosphere. They have lovely large windows which are under an awning allowing for them to be open even in less than sunny weather. It was like setting up shop in a sun room when a summer rain has just rolled through, that sort of cool, fresh breeze, fresh smell of rain and a lovely ice cold Stella to boot. I didn't indulge in any sort of food but I will say two beers, one well drink later our bill was $12.00 including tip. I am a big fan of any place that offers a pleasant surrounding at such a low overhead.

In short, New York never ceases to amaze me, a place I thought was nothing special, had the right balance of atmosphere, detail, service and provided a little respite from a tough day. That's what this blog is about, all the small details of life, the less than expected but always appreciated, the tried-but-true and things that make me happy, if only for a moment.