Catch It: Aforieke Women’s Resort Wear

Posted on May 11, 2023 by W.D. Moore

Last Sunday afternoon, my friends and I were enjoying the Sheep Meadow in Central Park, which feels like a lush hamlet and draws New Yorkers for picnics, a vacation from the traffic, and views of the serene sky underneath the evergreen trees. And when the conversation turned to upcoming holidays and shopping, I shared a lovely conversation I had not long ago with a dynamic young and up-and-coming fashion designer entrepreneur. Her name is Ms. Jade Nwachukwu, and her women’s resort wear brand called Aforieke launches this month.

What is your design style?

Aforieke is a sustainable West African-Caribbean-inspired women’s resort wear brand. My garments are known for vibrant colors as rich as each culture’s history. The fabrics, with distinctive prints, are so soft that even when fully clothed, you will feel naked. My design vision is creating timeless staples that can be paired with unique pieces for any woman to have in her luggage for her next adventure.

Did you attend a fashion school in the United States?

I studied fashion design and business at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Who was instrumental in your desire to have a career in the fashion industry?

When I was six years old, I watched my mom sew my clothes, then I would try to hand-stitch clothes for my dolls. From there, I styled my friends’ outfits and did some modeling myself, which led me to design.

My parents initially were not the most accepting of my starting a career in fashion. However, they became most instrumental in guiding me in this direction once they noticed my commitment to fashion.

As a working Mom and an entrepreneur, what challenges you have encountered?

Balance is my biggest challenge, ensuring I dedicate the time to my two B’s—my baby girl and my business. I try my best daily to ensure quality time with my daughter, but I also give 100% of my effort toward my business as an emerging designer. There are days when I am sewing, and my daughter is behind me in her playpen, throwing toys at me until she gets my attention. That’s a regular occurrence. Even if I don’t stop immediately, I stop, when possible, to spend time with my daughter. Then when she’s preoccupied or sleeping, I return to work.

Do you have any dinner tips for working Moms?

My main tip is to plan and prep early!

What are your favorite meals?

I love eating everything, but my favorite meals are traditional West African food. I love kpekple with palm nut soup from Ghana and pepper soup from Nigeria. Both are special meals I do not get the chance to have often, so I savor every bite when I do. 

What is your vision for your company?

My vision for Aforieke is to eventually branch out to other styles outside of women’s clothing and strive to accommodate all kinds of people. Everyone could use a vacation.

What is Next for Your Resort Wear Brand?

My Aforieke Brand Launch and Presentation is on May 11 at 3:00 PM at 494 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Attendees can RSVP at https://aforiekelaunchandpres.rsvpify.com. They can also follow us at Instagram@aforiekeresortwear. Inspired by Ms. Jade Nwachukwu’s determination to be a great entrepreneur and a great mom, I wish Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere.

Posted in Events, Mother's Day, Sheep Meadow | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Jack’s Wife Freda in Chelsea

Posted on August 30, 2021 by W.D. Moore

It feels good being in New York City. The spirit of a community coming back together like the friendly smiles you receive entering the all-day bistro Jack’s Wife Freda, in Chelsea located at 116 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, on the West Side of Manhattan.

Last week, I strolled into my favorite Chelsea eatery, where a kindly waiter greeted me and asked if I prefer to dine inside. I said, “inside,” and I was seated at a quaint table after showing proof of my vaccination card.

The wide-billowy windows flowed in the fresh, sunny breeze. I started reminiscing about holidays in Cape May, New Jersey, where I usually went for a long run on the beach, and later, my friends and I would have lunch on the boardwalk, eating fresh crab cakes and drinking a bottle of Coca-Cola. A timeless experience, like my tasty Mediterranean breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda.

Catch it at http://www.jackswifefreda.com

Posted in American Comfort Food, Cape May, Chelsea, Diners, Eighth Avenue, Mediterranean, Restaurants | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Lido and BIXI Restaurant & Bar

Posted on July 23, 2021 by W.D. Moore

Why not steal away into the Italian restaurant Lido on Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 117th Street. My friend Tashna and I met for lunch last Friday, where we enjoyed each moment of conversing about our families, our careers, and our new beginnings. 

At Lido, there is a casual elegance throughout the restaurant. Between appetizers of a delicious arugula pear salad and later, tasty dishes of spaghetti and roasted veal meatballs, and tender steak panini, we spoke to Susannah Koteen, the lovely proprietor. We complimented her on our delicious cuisine and the fantastic service. Ms. Koteen mentioned they also have another restaurant and bar next door. 

After our meal, she and her husband Mark escorted us to BIXI, a Pan-Asian restaurant and bar at 116th Street, and Susannah introduced us to her partner Kwame at BIXI. Kwame was behind the bar and greeted us with the same quiet grace and elegant charm you feel when you enter BIXI and Lido. 

Tashna and I sat at the bar, drinking cocktails, chatting with the owners about their treasured businesses in Upper Manhattan, and the mixture of the sweet sound of sophistication in the Harlem Hamlet, with an easy-breezy flow of summertime groove.

Catch it at http://www.LidoHarlem.com and http://www.BIXIHarlem.com

Posted in Bars, Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Harlem, Italian Cuisine, Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, Restaurants, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Birch Coffee

Posted on June 24, 2021 by W.D. Moore

As always happens when walking in Manhattan, my spirit reminds me why having drip brew from Birch Coffee makes me smile. It’s a fun vibe there. I entered their location in the West Village on 7th Avenue, indulging in the Cool Jazz music, the relaxed ambiance, and the friendly baristas. I ordered a croissant to go with my delicious coffee. I left with an easy step drinking my coffee while gazing at the sunny blue sky.

Catch it at http://birchcoffee.com

Posted in Coffee & Tea, Drip Brew, West Village | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch it: Susan Lee’s Food Journey in Lower Manhattan

Posted on May 9, 2021 by W.D. Moore

My joy of walking always brings an unexpected adventure where I am learning something new, meeting another on their journey of changing a course, taking a chance, like deciding to be a Candidate for City Council in Lower Manhattan’s First District. That would be Susan Lee.

Several weeks ago, I met Ms. Lee. At the same time, she passed out campaign flyers, speaking with neighbors, bystanders in her community of big and small businesses, and generations of families who still reside in Lower Manhattan. As we were chatting, I was curious about her take on the thriving restaurants in the neighborhood, and here is our conversation.

WDM: What do you like about living in Lower Manhattan?

SUSAN LEE: It is a unique district where each neighborhood has its own distinct characteristics. It’s a mini melting pot! I can walk around the district and feel the immersion of culture and heritage without having to leave the country. I love Lower Manhattan!  

And the food! We have some really great restaurants in the district, such as a delicious babka from Moishe’s Bakery, and Spanish food from El Castillo de Madison in the Lower East Side, yummy brunch from Citizens of Bleecker at Washington Square, Wonton Noodle from Noodletown in Chinatown, Italian from Attraversa, and Sushi from Sushi of Gari in Tribeca, and a French bistro called Le Parisienne in FiDi.  

WDM: What was your go-to restaurant with friends before COVID-19?

LEE: My go-to restaurant before COVID-19 is Pings on Mott Street in Chinatown. My family celebrates every holiday and birthday there. It’s our go-to spot because the food is amazing, the staff is very friendly, and they are always willing to accommodate my last-minute reservations.

I came to the United States when I was six years old. My family came from Hong Kong, and Pings cooking is following that tradition. Whenever I go there, it brings back fond memories of my travels to Hong Kong. I especially love their live seafood tanks at the front of the restaurant. You can go up to the tanks and examine the freshness of the seafood. After you decide what you would like to eat from the tanks, the staff brings it to you for approval before taking it to the kitchen for preparation. Fresh seafood is a must at Ping’s. My other go-to dish there is their salted baked whole chicken which you need to reserve in advance. It is so yummy!  

WDM: What is your favorite restaurant now?

LEE: This question is a tough one; it’s like asking a mom which child is her favorite. To be fair, I am a creature of habit. I like routines and having go-to spots in my neighborhood is such a blessing. For Japanese, I love Takahachi. For Italian, I love Max. For Mexican, I go to Tanjin. We love to go to 1803 for drinks. For breakfast, it’s Bubby’s. For Hong Kong Style Breakfast, we love going to Kong Shik Tong. And for Japanese pastries, Takahachi Bakery. I probably go to one of these at least once a week.   

WDM: What makes Tribeca vibe great for dining?

LEE: My husband and I love outdoor dining. It affords us the opportunity to people watch. One time, we saw this celebrity couple walking with their kid and dog like everyone else. People from all walks of life are coming and going, doing their thing.  

Now that I am campaign full-time, I don’t really have much time to cook. I am so lucky because we have all these amazing restaurants in our neighborhood. But it’s also sad to see some of our neighborhood gems closed due to the pandemic. With an increase in vaccination, I hope more residents will begin to feel comfortable dining out and enjoying this wonderful neighborhood.  

WDM: What are two comfort foods do you keep in your kitchen?

LEE: Cookies and tea. I was probably a cookie monster in my former life. I have a stash of Girl Scout cookies in my pantry. I’ll have some Thin Mints with a cup of Earl Grey. Although my husband just corrected me and said neither qualifies as food!  

WDM: It takes courage to run for New York City Council. How do you plan to celebrate your accomplishment after the Primary Election on June 22, 2021?

LEE: I am going to take my team out to dinner! They worked so hard on this campaign, and I am nothing without their love and support. I would love to take them to Hop Lee Restaurant on Mott Street. After that, I would sleep for a couple of days! I haven’t had a day off since I launched my campaign in December!

Thank you, Candidate, Ms. Susan Lee, and catch more about her plan of “Common Sense Leadership,” at http://www.susanleenyc.com.

Leave a comment

Catch It: Ole & Steen

Posted on August 29, 2019 by W.D. Moore

The mystery of love is like being in love with Cinnamon swirl at Ole & Steen.

Yesterday, I stopped in their Bryant Park location and purchased a sumptuous Cinnamon swirl and coffee. I sat in a comfortable chair, looking onto the contemporary lighting, and delectable pastries such as Rhubard crescent, Chocolate rye, and Carrot bun.

Ole & Steen has the flair of effortless elegance from the busy Manhattan streets and gifts of the sun on my Cinnamon bun.

Catch it if you can at https://oleandsteen.us 

Posted in Bakeries, Bryant Park, Cafes, Chocolate, Midtown | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: BennieGirl

Posted on July 29, 2019 by W.D. Moore

I started running when I was a teenager with my Mom in Atlanta, Georgia. She was my inspiration to exercise for fun, and running became that for me. Years later, walking in Central Park is my workout routine. But sometimes when I’m not motivated, I exercise at home, and that’s why I like BennieGirl.

Ms. Benita Perkins created a positive way to stay on track for a healthy and wellness lifestyle. I admire Ms. Perkins’ entrepreneurial spirit and determination for remaining rooted in all things healthy, happy, and wise.

For my interview below, you will gain knowledge about her tools to stay on track, keep in motion, and have fun at the same time.

What do you advise for new beginners to stick to a plan to exercise?

Do activities that you can measure improvement. Improvements will indicate that your workouts count and will motivate you to continue. For example, if you’ve committed to start an exercise program, (first Yea!):

  • Start with a 1/2 – 1-mile walk. You can start with a block if you need to.
  • Time yourself.
  • Maintain that pace for one week.
  • Week 2 walk faster and try to take 45 seconds – one minute, off your fastest time in the prior week. Follow the same goal in weeks three and four.
  • Increase distance after a few weeks of sustained faster time and start the process again.

Is there one routine that you abide by every day for beauty and strength?

  • I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
  • I have the good fortune of living on the 3rd floor of a walk-up apartment building and working on the 3rd floor for my current contract. Walking those steps several times a day has made me stronger, and I see the results in firmer buttocks!

What obstacles do some women give regarding why they don’t exercise?

  • The most popular obstacles are time and motivation. With a demanding job and or kids, time can be difficult. Try to sneak in RAF, random acts of fitness. That includes taking stairs, walking the dog, chasing or playing tag with kids, walking to places to run errands, parking at the back of parking lot to walk further, etc.
  • Motivation is more challenging to tackle. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Your international brand is educating women the tools of a healthy lifestyle from high-risk communities, to women who are looked down upon for being overweight, and women who are deemed as fit, and are passionate about maintaining it. How do you stay focus as an entrepreneur, a Mom, and a motivator?

  • My biggest motivation is improving the quality of life for those whose plates might have been burden with the products of inequality. I strongly believe in ‘talk the talk, walk the walk.’ I try to express and exemplify the importance of exercise and time for self-care with my own family as well as women I meet.

Are your Zumba classes the secret to your healthy glow?

  • My healthy glow is from enjoying the opportunity to exercise and sharing that joy with others. It truly is a medicine that cures a lot of ailments.

 

Catch it if you can at www.healthyheritagelifestyle.com, and https://benniegirl.wordpress.com,

Posted in Educating Women, Fitness, Walking | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Castell Rooftop Lounge

Posted on June 4, 2019 by W.D. Moore

Out of the blue, my friend Jeannie telephoned me to meet with her friends at Castell Rooftop Lounge for cocktails at 260 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. It was a beautiful Friday, a lovely evening with a dear friend who introduced me to her friends Monica and Miguel. We celebrated Jeannie’s success by being honored for an upcoming award on June 14th.

What fun relaxing and connecting over refreshing drinks and appetizers in a comfortable space of cascading charm at the Midtown Manhattan Castell Rooftop Lounge.

Catch it if you can at https://www.castellnyc.com and https://www.scipleaders.org

 

Posted in Bars, Lounge, Midtown, Rooftop Lounge, Small Plates | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Poetry by Maggie Smith

Posted on May 10, 2019 by W.D. Moore

With Sunday approaching for Mother’s Day, a lovely poem by Maggie Smith.

A TRUTH THAT TELLS YOU

I wish for you a small, portable truth you can take
anywhere-no foreign adaptors needed,
no translation required and nothing lost in it.

Once, looking at a map, my daughter said,
A river is a line the world drew for us. I wish for you
a truth that stays true across any line drawn

by the world or its people, a truth that tells you
wherever you arrive, you are welcome.

Maggie Smith

Posted in Books, Mother's Day, Poetry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Michel Cluizel a French-Style Café

Posted on April 23, 2019 by W.D. Moore

At daybreak this past Monday, I received a telephone call from my friend Liz in Stockholm, Sweden. She was with friends in her quaint home and mentioned her parents were visiting New York City in May. “Could you meet up with them for lunch or hot chocolate?” she asked.

“Of course,” I replied and looked at the time. “Is this your parents’ first trip to New York?”

“Yes,” Liz said, “And I’m sorry to call you so early.”

“I was thinking of walking this morning anyway, so I’m glad you telephoned.” I said, “And I have the perfect place to take your parents.”

We chatted for a couple more minutes and scheduled to talk later during the week.

I walked four miles in Central Park. Upon returning home, I made breakfast and worked on my manuscript. 

By eleven o’clock that morning, I was at the Science, Industry and Business Library on Madison Avenue and 34th Street. Then around two o’clock in the afternoon, I decided to take a break from research and writing and headed to Michel Cluizel at 199 Madison Avenue (Corner of 35th Street, New York, NY 10036) for a lovely cup of hot chocolate.

Catch it if you can at www.cluizel.us

Posted in Authentic French, Bakeries, Cafes, Chocolate Bar, Hot Chocolate, Madison Avenue | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment