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| NYC Skyline |
You hear so much about New York. After hauling out and spring cleaning WJ3, we were finally on our way. The Cap’n wasn't nervous. We knew at least one person there, and better still, Alan was also our host! We dropped our bags in his apartment admired panoramic vistas and then headed out to sample the nightlife of this bustling city. Cortina on 2nd Ave (Upper East) – I’m speaking like a local already – was a much needed dinner stop and then after, just a block away, a tiny, bustling bar. Given the rigours of previous weeks, its name escapes me.
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| A Reflective UN Building |
The next day, sea legs recovered, the Cap’n led us on a merry orientation walk all over downtown Manhattan. We passed by the Chrysler building, Grand Central Station, NY Library, Empire State Building (didn't go up – the cues were too long), Macy’s and the UN Building. Due to a meeting of the General Assembly, security around the area was tight. We dined at Smith & Wollensky on 3rd Ave in the evening. It’s something of an institution; steaks as big as Texas (almost)! We needed to walk off dinner but were waylaid by yet another bustling corner bar…. Starting to fit right in!
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| Lunch in Bryant Park |
To avoid doing the dishes we breakfasted at Cinema Café (70th St) on Saturday morning. Now there’s a place I could recommend – the French toast was to die for! Again, we walked Manhattan, taking in a more detailed inspection of Grand Central Station, Bloomingdale's and Times Square. After a coffee to revive ourselves at the Ark in Bryant Park (a skate park in winter), we bused down to Battery Park and walked some more along the waterside boardwalk.
The Statue of Liberty looked glum on this grey and chilly afternoon, while several smaller versions of the Lady roamed the park looking for cashed up tourists. We were starting to feel the New York chill after Deltaville’s scorching humidity, so opted for a hearty supper at Finnegan’s Wake, Alan’s local. Over lamb shanks and mash, and a warming red or two, we realised we were missing home.
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| Just too many Gorgeous Ladies |
By Sunday it was raining. Never let that get in the way of a vigorous walk in the Park. Yes Central Park. It was certainly a good way to avoid the crowds and walk off yet another foodie extravaganza. Our day began meeting friends over brunch in a cosy PJ Bernstein’s Deli on 3rd. The food was traditional European; lots of meats, breads and cheeses. Even chicken livers for breakfast! I’d have killed for some fruit and cereal.
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| Inside a bustling Grand Central |
After circumnavigating the Park (that’s what it felt like!), we joined kids getting lost in the expansive Natural History Museum and stayed to play among their many exhibits.
Somehow we stumbled into a supermarket on our way home. The end result was our first and only dinner cooked in the apartment! Sure hope Al wasn't hankering for some gourmet home cooking!
