Erin and Her Cello, originally uploaded by Anya Garrett.

Fresh off their sold out show at Joe’s Pub, Erin and Her Cello are doing a special show with a full band on July 26th at Ars Nova. Drawing on the everyday joys and indignations of life in New York City, Erin and Her Cello offers up an evening of quirky and vivacious songs that are undeniably unique and funny as hell! Erin, a cute and kooky songstress, and her stringed soul mate will unspool a night of original storytelling tunes that skillfully melds jazz, pop, comedy and blues.

You can buy her CD on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.

Also listen to her songs on ReverbNation.

4th of july hat-nichelle, originally uploaded by nichellest.

I survived three 4th of July parties with only a few bruises from the plastic chair debacle.

Saturday was hangover brunch followed by a nap and then one 5th of July party where I learned a lot about allergies from a doctor who golfs and takes lots of cabs.

Today, I made a small batch of strawberry chicken salad.  This afternoon, I may go see The Wackness. I hope it is not wack.

tech karaoke, originally uploaded by nichellest.

Kicked off the holiday with a Tweetup to Shake Shack and Tech Karaoke.

Tomorrow there will be hot dogs, parties and fireworks.

Afro Punk is this weekend as well as the African Arts Festival.

Yesterday, I attended the Top Berry Luncheon hosted by the California Strawberry Commission. Lunch as prepared by Top Chef’s CJ and it was delicious. First we had a strawberry sensory tasting which involved eating strawberries with savory items like balsamic vinegar, radicchio and jalepenos. Then we watched as CJ prepared braised lamb chop with a strawberry gastrique.

For dessert, there was a goat cheese tart with strawberry and walnut.

I met/ran into two fellow FoodBuzz publishers, Feisty Foodie and No Recipes. Thanks to Foodbuzz for inviting me!