IT'S TIME FOR THE ST. PATTY'S DAY PARADE!! I've never been in this city before on St. Patrick's Day - never seen anything like it. The party got started before some of the last night's hangovers ended. By 10am Penn Station was virtually overflowing with party seekers pouring out of the trains that had already primed the pumps...if you know what I mean. It was easy enough to find the parade site. All we had to do was follow the wave. At some point I thing we actually became part of the wave and with little effort ended splashed up on to 48th and 6th. That's where it got crazy.
The goal was to move east on 48th one block to 5th Avenue which seemed easy enough until we got about 20 feet away from our intended parade watching spot. At that point, even if we want to stop we couldn't have. Enthusiastic, shamrock-clad, half-crazed parade watchers intent on getting a front row view pushed their way along and so pushed us along too. I figured we were either gonna die or get a great view of the parade. When the pushing finally slowed sure enough we were alive and 1 row away from the street barriers. Unbelievable...
For about 2 hours we pushed back on the balls of our feet to stay in place and watched NYC cops, firefighters, baton throwers, boy scouts, girl scouts, marching bands and every kind of Irish and Irish want-to-be-today enthusiast march up 5th Avenue past St Patrick's Cathedral. We would have stayed for the whole thing (or probably not - it went on for 5 hours!) but our calves had a weeks worth of working out by that point and the call of cold draft began to waft our way. So as soon as the wall of people behind us gave way for a few seconds we dashed to our next St Patty's stop - The Tempest on 8th Ave. It was a great place to celebrate the great Irish holiday since its a great Irish pub. And since it is a great Irish pub we didn't have suffer through Irish want-to-be stuff like green beer. Ain't noth'n like the real thing. And the owner Joe is the real thing. Armed with an undeniable Irish accent and leprechaun charm, Joe bounced around the bar making sure everyone was having a great time without getting too green around the gills :-)
After that, it's a blur. We hopped around to a few fun spots in Chelsea and the West Village sharing shots, beer, and a lingering kiss of Irish cheer.
Good thing there's plenty of taxis in Manhattan! Thanks D. That was a blast.
A Hell's Kitchen classic on Day 55
FREE MANGO ICE CREAM! I only said it once and my good friend Donovan was out of bed and ready to roll with me to Pinkberry.
I caught it on Twitter. They're testing out a new desert tonight and its FREE. It was raining and a little cold but it was so delicious we walked to a second location and got another one. Mmmm.
Since it seemed to be a great night for free stuff Donovan suggested we check out Rudy's on 9th Ave. It's a dingy little pub in the heart of Hell's Kitchen that was a know hot spot for the Irish American mob in the day and now it's known for $7 pitchers of draft ($5 before 8pm!) and all you can eat free hot dogs (no veggie though - but you can BYOF). I liked the place right away. The worn red leather booths were full of happy, new yorkers and a few tourists enjoying a true Manhattan classic. It's a great place to just hang out and talk which is exactly what we did. No high tech distractions, the TVs were turned off for the night and the air was electric with the great vibes of laughter. And Donovan took full advantage of the free hot dogs - 3 in one sitting. And not a piece of broccoli in sight. Oh my veggie heart!!!
I caught it on Twitter. They're testing out a new desert tonight and its FREE. It was raining and a little cold but it was so delicious we walked to a second location and got another one. Mmmm.
Since it seemed to be a great night for free stuff Donovan suggested we check out Rudy's on 9th Ave. It's a dingy little pub in the heart of Hell's Kitchen that was a know hot spot for the Irish American mob in the day and now it's known for $7 pitchers of draft ($5 before 8pm!) and all you can eat free hot dogs (no veggie though - but you can BYOF). I liked the place right away. The worn red leather booths were full of happy, new yorkers and a few tourists enjoying a true Manhattan classic. It's a great place to just hang out and talk which is exactly what we did. No high tech distractions, the TVs were turned off for the night and the air was electric with the great vibes of laughter. And Donovan took full advantage of the free hot dogs - 3 in one sitting. And not a piece of broccoli in sight. Oh my veggie heart!!!
Day 53 - What are 2 things that can stop you dead in your tracks in Manhattan?
Well there are waaaaay more than 2 but how about a celebrity trailer surrounded by screaming fans and a whole city block lined with spring time flowers. If you never experienced one or the other before, then you're missing a genuine NYC experience.
I was walking on 32nd street between Madison and 5th when I spotted what looked like a construction trailer. What made this different from the ones I've seen in my home town was the lack of mud spattering, 2 handsome body guards in leather jackets and dark glasses standing guard, and the presence of a jumping, excited, quasi mob surrounding it. Not a hard hat in sight either. The intrigue stopped me dead in my tracks. It didn't take too long even for this tourist-in-transition to realize it was actually a celebrity trailer. "Who's in there", I asked a near breathless teenager. I could have sworn she said Liam Neeson! "Really? Hmm. I'll hang out a while to see him", I thought. Not just because he's handsome - he's one of my favorite actors. So I made myself as small as possible by squeezing up against the wall and waited to see if Liam would really emerge. After a few minutes the door opened, shrieks of "OH MY GOD" and "aaaaaaaaaaaaa" erupted everywhere and then, "Ohhhhhhhh...". It was an assistant coming out to run an errand. More minutes passed and I was wondering how much longer a reasonable person would spend just to get a glimpse of another person when the door swung open again.....more screaming...more shrieking! And this time the star emerged. It was Lieghton Meester...not Liam Neeson. No wonder there were so many teenaged girls waiting around. I wondered how Liam had developed such a young group of followers. Joke's on me LOL. Oh well. It was kind of fun anyway just to see how the presence of one actor can cause so much excitement in the hearts of a NYC fan.
On the way home I turned down 31st street at 6th Ave headed toward 7th. I've walked this way before but never noticed that the entire block is almost exclusively lined with florists and silk flower wholesalers. Today, every florist had shrubs, topiaries and all around gorgeous, fragrant, fresh spring flowers lining the sidewalk in front of their stores. I noticed the aroma before I even saw the displays and literally slowed from women-on-a-mission pace to near crawl in a single step. You see flowers outside of small produce stores and florist shops all around Manhattan everyday but this was different. It was as if the concrete had given way to the earth and an entire garden had miraculously sprung up lining my path most of the way to 7th avenue. Very nice.
I have a feeling I'm going to love spring time in NYC.
I was walking on 32nd street between Madison and 5th when I spotted what looked like a construction trailer. What made this different from the ones I've seen in my home town was the lack of mud spattering, 2 handsome body guards in leather jackets and dark glasses standing guard, and the presence of a jumping, excited, quasi mob surrounding it. Not a hard hat in sight either. The intrigue stopped me dead in my tracks. It didn't take too long even for this tourist-in-transition to realize it was actually a celebrity trailer. "Who's in there", I asked a near breathless teenager. I could have sworn she said Liam Neeson! "Really? Hmm. I'll hang out a while to see him", I thought. Not just because he's handsome - he's one of my favorite actors. So I made myself as small as possible by squeezing up against the wall and waited to see if Liam would really emerge. After a few minutes the door opened, shrieks of "OH MY GOD" and "aaaaaaaaaaaaa" erupted everywhere and then, "Ohhhhhhhh...". It was an assistant coming out to run an errand. More minutes passed and I was wondering how much longer a reasonable person would spend just to get a glimpse of another person when the door swung open again.....more screaming...more shrieking! And this time the star emerged. It was Lieghton Meester...not Liam Neeson. No wonder there were so many teenaged girls waiting around. I wondered how Liam had developed such a young group of followers. Joke's on me LOL. Oh well. It was kind of fun anyway just to see how the presence of one actor can cause so much excitement in the hearts of a NYC fan.
On the way home I turned down 31st street at 6th Ave headed toward 7th. I've walked this way before but never noticed that the entire block is almost exclusively lined with florists and silk flower wholesalers. Today, every florist had shrubs, topiaries and all around gorgeous, fragrant, fresh spring flowers lining the sidewalk in front of their stores. I noticed the aroma before I even saw the displays and literally slowed from women-on-a-mission pace to near crawl in a single step. You see flowers outside of small produce stores and florist shops all around Manhattan everyday but this was different. It was as if the concrete had given way to the earth and an entire garden had miraculously sprung up lining my path most of the way to 7th avenue. Very nice.
I have a feeling I'm going to love spring time in NYC.
Day 50! There's a number that looms large
Wow! 50 days and counting. Makes me think of another Big 50. Yikes!
It was gorgeous in Manhattan today. I traded in my winter coat for a long cardigan and set out for a few hour to go nowhere in particular. I ended up just trolling around what's become "my neighborhood". Got some groceries, picked up some tofu cheesecake to go and stopped to say hello to some of the now familiar neighborhood characters. As I headed down 7th Ave I ran into Tommy Guiry.
Tommy is best known for his role in Mystic River and he's been in several episodes of Law and Order (which is why his face was so familiar to me when we first met - L&O is one of my favs). I stopped into a local pub a couple of weeks ago to see what they had for entertainment and the bartender Tracy convinced me to stay for a glass of mid-afternoon wine. That's where I met Tommy. You really never know who's going to be sitting next to you at dinner or at the bar around here. He was just coming from an audition then and that's what he had been doing again today. Good luck Tommy!
By now I know that when I get a tofu cheesecake craving I head to the Chelsea Market. On my way west I caught a glimpse of the sun shining on the Hudson River. I haven't been to the river yet since it's been so cold. Today was the perfect day to check it out. I was walking down the north side of the market when I came across a guy sitting on the ledge outside the fish store talking on his cell phone. He actually stopped talking, waved to me (from all of 3 feet away) and said hello. That's just the kind of sun-shiny day it was here today. Everyone was happy. Not only did the stores and restaurants have their doors open wide, everyone on the street was opening up for spring too.
I did a quick walk along the river (still pretty cold in the wind so I made it fast) and then back to the market.
It was so alive today in a very peaceful kind of way. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite hang out spots.
There was a 3 piece jazz band gently wafting out sweet sounds as the crowd casually moved through the building from store to store. Some listened while they enjoyed a laid-back brunch at one of the small, coolish cafe's there. It was a nice change of pace compared to the usual hustle of the busy weekday rush.
NOTE: Don't go to the CM on a sunny Sunday afternoon if you are in a hurry. Come back on Monday so you don't spoil the mood. LOL
It was gorgeous in Manhattan today. I traded in my winter coat for a long cardigan and set out for a few hour to go nowhere in particular. I ended up just trolling around what's become "my neighborhood". Got some groceries, picked up some tofu cheesecake to go and stopped to say hello to some of the now familiar neighborhood characters. As I headed down 7th Ave I ran into Tommy Guiry.
Tommy is best known for his role in Mystic River and he's been in several episodes of Law and Order (which is why his face was so familiar to me when we first met - L&O is one of my favs). I stopped into a local pub a couple of weeks ago to see what they had for entertainment and the bartender Tracy convinced me to stay for a glass of mid-afternoon wine. That's where I met Tommy. You really never know who's going to be sitting next to you at dinner or at the bar around here. He was just coming from an audition then and that's what he had been doing again today. Good luck Tommy!
By now I know that when I get a tofu cheesecake craving I head to the Chelsea Market. On my way west I caught a glimpse of the sun shining on the Hudson River. I haven't been to the river yet since it's been so cold. Today was the perfect day to check it out. I was walking down the north side of the market when I came across a guy sitting on the ledge outside the fish store talking on his cell phone. He actually stopped talking, waved to me (from all of 3 feet away) and said hello. That's just the kind of sun-shiny day it was here today. Everyone was happy. Not only did the stores and restaurants have their doors open wide, everyone on the street was opening up for spring too.
It was so alive today in a very peaceful kind of way. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite hang out spots.
There was a 3 piece jazz band gently wafting out sweet sounds as the crowd casually moved through the building from store to store. Some listened while they enjoyed a laid-back brunch at one of the small, coolish cafe's there. It was a nice change of pace compared to the usual hustle of the busy weekday rush.
NOTE: Don't go to the CM on a sunny Sunday afternoon if you are in a hurry. Come back on Monday so you don't spoil the mood. LOL
Day 49 - The Art and Soul of Chelsea
Sometimes the most amazing treasure is buried in your own back yard. Well, not even buried...actually sitting right out there and overlooked because it's just too easy to find. My backyard in Chelsea is literally full of treasure.
I've been hearing about the art galleries in the area since I got here - some only 4 blocks away - but somehow I always seem to head out in the other direction. Today I finally went west. The very first gallery I found was the Walter Randel Gallery on 10th Avenue.
Walter was actually personally in the gallery today and spent some time with me explaining the history of some of the art pieces and bios of their artists. Not only was he very sweet he was extremely knowledgeable. He's been involved in the arts since he was a teenager - began as a sculptor, lived all over the world, gathered art collections from the most remote corners and brought all of his experience and stories right back to Chelsea. I had such a nice time talking to him and learning more about the art on exhibit and the area.
Before I left he gave me a brochure about the Chelsea art scene and discovered there are well over 200 galleries between 10th and 11th avenue from 30th street down to 14th. I spent the next 3 hours just wondering in and out of galleries and discovered some amazing art and artists. And keep in mind, this is available to everyone for FREE. Of course the galleries are there to sell the work of many talented artist to collectors that are looking to buy. But anyone can drop in and enjoy the exhibits.
Before I headed home I got an invite from Timothy at the Axelle Fine Arts gallery for my first exhibit opening. Very cool!
I've been hearing about the art galleries in the area since I got here - some only 4 blocks away - but somehow I always seem to head out in the other direction. Today I finally went west. The very first gallery I found was the Walter Randel Gallery on 10th Avenue.
Walter was actually personally in the gallery today and spent some time with me explaining the history of some of the art pieces and bios of their artists. Not only was he very sweet he was extremely knowledgeable. He's been involved in the arts since he was a teenager - began as a sculptor, lived all over the world, gathered art collections from the most remote corners and brought all of his experience and stories right back to Chelsea. I had such a nice time talking to him and learning more about the art on exhibit and the area.
Before I left he gave me a brochure about the Chelsea art scene and discovered there are well over 200 galleries between 10th and 11th avenue from 30th street down to 14th. I spent the next 3 hours just wondering in and out of galleries and discovered some amazing art and artists. And keep in mind, this is available to everyone for FREE. Of course the galleries are there to sell the work of many talented artist to collectors that are looking to buy. But anyone can drop in and enjoy the exhibits.
Before I headed home I got an invite from Timothy at the Axelle Fine Arts gallery for my first exhibit opening. Very cool!
Friends From France - Day 47
I'm fortunate to be staying at a great place that constantly welcomes new international visitors. New York City attracts people from all over the world. Almost 50 million people last year alone! I think that is one of the many incredible characteristics of the city that I love best.
This is Celine and Kevin from France. Their friend Jerome is behind the camera. They were here for 2 weeks and found fun and adventure every day - and every night!! - even though we had a ton of snow while they were here. Brrrr. They're tougher than I am.New York City has great architecture, entertainment, music, art, fashion and adventure....everything. But by far, the best thing about NYC is the people. The ones that live here AND the ones that come and go. So don't let anyone tell you that it's not a friendly city. For every person that acts New York Nasty, there are 10 that are Big Apple Awesome. Smile...you get what you give.
Coming out of the blog on Day 45
It's been 15 days since I wrote last. If you've been following along you might notice a whole new layout. Now there's an index, easier to follow format and better comment system. It took some time to convert everything over but I thing it was worth it.
The last 2 weeks has been work, work, work (and snow, snow, snow) so I'm definitely behind on my adventure seeking. Time to get back out there before the dish gets cold.
Back soon!
The last 2 weeks has been work, work, work (and snow, snow, snow) so I'm definitely behind on my adventure seeking. Time to get back out there before the dish gets cold.
Back soon!
Fashion treasures in the Fashion District...fact or fiction???
30 days of dishing on New York done already! Wow where does a month go.
People keep asking me, “Do you still like New York?” and saying things like, “You just hold on to that pretty smile for as long as you can dear.” Are they trying to scare me. Am I missing something. I guess that just means they don’t see what I see. Endless possibility. And today I discovered endless shopping possibility New York style.
It’s called wholesale stores. Really! There’s an area of town that virtually everyone has heard of but relatively few people go to called the FASHION DISTRICT. It’s between 5th and 8th Avenue bordered roughly by 20th street to the south and 34th street to the north. Every block is filled with jewelry, clothing, accessories, furs and of course…shoes. Many famous clothing houses have showrooms in the area so naturally models, stylists and fashion-conscious treasure hunters can be seen roaming the area 7 days a week. Seriously savvy New York City women take advantage of the great buys here on a regular basis but (from my recent experience) aren’t to keen about dishing about it. A great magician never gives away their secrets.
There is so much to choose from the faint-of-fashion-heart can get a little unraveled threading in and out of the jacquard weave of side streets and dazzling merchant displays with “wholesalers only” signs spiked unwelcomingly in the windows. Many of the shops do open their doors to simple retail buyers and offer amazing bargain prices, it just takes a little time to sort out the good quality from the junk and figure out who’s retail friendly and who’s New York nasty.
A little perseverance pays off. I found earnings for 2 and 3 bucks that most people are paying $20 or $30 for at their favorite dress shop because guess what…that savvy dress shop owners shops here too. Bags…oh the bags! And I don’t mean cheap knock-offs, I mean gorgeous, nice quality bags at prices so low even my limbo-champion friend Kim would be knocked over. I found beautiful necklaces, sunglasses, scarfs….and I’m just getting started. Over the next 10 days I plan to tear through The Fashion District with a fine rat-tail comb. And when I do find all the best deals in town I WON’T TELL ANYONE exactly where they are nor will I feel like a heal ‘cause that’s what a real savvy New York woman would do (or not do)! Heeheehee
People keep asking me, “Do you still like New York?” and saying things like, “You just hold on to that pretty smile for as long as you can dear.” Are they trying to scare me. Am I missing something. I guess that just means they don’t see what I see. Endless possibility. And today I discovered endless shopping possibility New York style.
It’s called wholesale stores. Really! There’s an area of town that virtually everyone has heard of but relatively few people go to called the FASHION DISTRICT. It’s between 5th and 8th Avenue bordered roughly by 20th street to the south and 34th street to the north. Every block is filled with jewelry, clothing, accessories, furs and of course…shoes. Many famous clothing houses have showrooms in the area so naturally models, stylists and fashion-conscious treasure hunters can be seen roaming the area 7 days a week. Seriously savvy New York City women take advantage of the great buys here on a regular basis but (from my recent experience) aren’t to keen about dishing about it. A great magician never gives away their secrets.
There is so much to choose from the faint-of-fashion-heart can get a little unraveled threading in and out of the jacquard weave of side streets and dazzling merchant displays with “wholesalers only” signs spiked unwelcomingly in the windows. Many of the shops do open their doors to simple retail buyers and offer amazing bargain prices, it just takes a little time to sort out the good quality from the junk and figure out who’s retail friendly and who’s New York nasty.
A little perseverance pays off. I found earnings for 2 and 3 bucks that most people are paying $20 or $30 for at their favorite dress shop because guess what…that savvy dress shop owners shops here too. Bags…oh the bags! And I don’t mean cheap knock-offs, I mean gorgeous, nice quality bags at prices so low even my limbo-champion friend Kim would be knocked over. I found beautiful necklaces, sunglasses, scarfs….and I’m just getting started. Over the next 10 days I plan to tear through The Fashion District with a fine rat-tail comb. And when I do find all the best deals in town I WON’T TELL ANYONE exactly where they are nor will I feel like a heal ‘cause that’s what a real savvy New York woman would do (or not do)! Heeheehee
Love is in the Time Square air...
It's the eve of Valentines' Day. Some lucky guy was just seen proposing at the ice heart in times square. Sooo sweet. @TimesSquareNYC
Careful where you plunk down your buck for a late night slice in Manhattan
Ahhrrgg…spent day 26 AND 27 laid up all over a bad slice of $1 pizza. Two Brothers is good. All others…BEWARE!!!
“Don’t text me. Don’t I.M. Don’t Facebook - just BACKOFF!”
I overheard a New York teenager relaying a conversation to his friend while I walked through Central Park on day 25. I had to laugh out loud. I remember when we would say, “don’t call me or come to my house”.
They must think I’M a dino!
They must think I’M a dino!
Day 23 and a Night at the Museum
Well it wasn’t really night time but I like the way that sounds. New York City is home to the American Museum of Natural History. The first time I had a chance to see it was in the movie Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller. Sure enough, the giant dinosaur skeleton made famous in the movie stands in the entrance hall to great the visitors. I’m not really sure but I think he winked at me when I walked in!
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This museum has a very cool admission policy that allow everyone to visit without worry about the cost. For adults, general admission is $16 but with their “pay what you wish” program anyone can enter for a s little as $1. Considering the enormity of the exhibit and the obvious expense to maintaining the building and artifacts, that’s pretty remarkable. $1, $16 or somewhere in between, the price of admission is well worth it.
.
There are over 20 huge history filled exhibit halls to choose from in the museum! I started with was the “Asian Animals” hall. The plaque on the wall at the entrance said this exhibit was debuted in 1930. As I walked around, I tried to take myself back to a time when there was no television or internet…when the average person would only be able to see a small handful of creatures like this in a zoo. There are hundreds of species on display (safely behind glass unlike the movie), from cute, tiny birds to intimidatingly large animals like the Asian Tiger or the Guar Ox. The Guar stands taller than I am in heals and a few pounds heavier - like 2,000 or so. Each animal is displayed in a setting similar to what their natural habitat would look like with detail about where they are from and how they lived. Even with all of the information and images we have access to now, the displays were still interesting enough to draw me in to read and study each one as I walked through the room. In 1930 this must have been a thrill to the imagination and a truly mind expanding experience.
.
The next hall in my path was the “Asian People” exhibit. It’s impossible to write about everything I learned here. It’s a virtual time capsule of thousands of years of history. Here’s one interesting fact I’ll share. Apparently as far back as 7,000 B.C. people in Mongolia would travel to Lake Tsagan Nor to seasonal homes along the dunes to hang out by the water and enjoy the warm weather. WHAT A CONCEPT! I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. LOL
.
Seriously though, by the time I had finished the second hall two hours had passed and I thought my brain was going to explode. It would be easy enough just to quickly stroll through the museum, take a look at everything as you whiz by and feel like you’ve polished off another New York gem in a couple of hours but so much would be missed. So I left while I still had enough fresh brain cells left to guide me home. I’ll come back and do another room or two next week. I’m lucky I’ve got the time to take advantage of all this wonderful place has to offer. Maybe next time I’ll stay after dark and see if dino want to play - fresh guy!
.
This museum has a very cool admission policy that allow everyone to visit without worry about the cost. For adults, general admission is $16 but with their “pay what you wish” program anyone can enter for a s little as $1. Considering the enormity of the exhibit and the obvious expense to maintaining the building and artifacts, that’s pretty remarkable. $1, $16 or somewhere in between, the price of admission is well worth it.
.
There are over 20 huge history filled exhibit halls to choose from in the museum! I started with was the “Asian Animals” hall. The plaque on the wall at the entrance said this exhibit was debuted in 1930. As I walked around, I tried to take myself back to a time when there was no television or internet…when the average person would only be able to see a small handful of creatures like this in a zoo. There are hundreds of species on display (safely behind glass unlike the movie), from cute, tiny birds to intimidatingly large animals like the Asian Tiger or the Guar Ox. The Guar stands taller than I am in heals and a few pounds heavier - like 2,000 or so. Each animal is displayed in a setting similar to what their natural habitat would look like with detail about where they are from and how they lived. Even with all of the information and images we have access to now, the displays were still interesting enough to draw me in to read and study each one as I walked through the room. In 1930 this must have been a thrill to the imagination and a truly mind expanding experience.
.
The next hall in my path was the “Asian People” exhibit. It’s impossible to write about everything I learned here. It’s a virtual time capsule of thousands of years of history. Here’s one interesting fact I’ll share. Apparently as far back as 7,000 B.C. people in Mongolia would travel to Lake Tsagan Nor to seasonal homes along the dunes to hang out by the water and enjoy the warm weather. WHAT A CONCEPT! I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. LOL
.
Seriously though, by the time I had finished the second hall two hours had passed and I thought my brain was going to explode. It would be easy enough just to quickly stroll through the museum, take a look at everything as you whiz by and feel like you’ve polished off another New York gem in a couple of hours but so much would be missed. So I left while I still had enough fresh brain cells left to guide me home. I’ll come back and do another room or two next week. I’m lucky I’ve got the time to take advantage of all this wonderful place has to offer. Maybe next time I’ll stay after dark and see if dino want to play - fresh guy!
PJ Clark's (3rd and 53rd)...Next classic bar on "The List" to check out
East Side, West Side, riding through the parks
We started swinging at Jilly’s then we split to P.J.Clark’s
On to Chuck’s Composite, then a drink at The Stork
We won’t get home until morning
‘cause we’re going to take a walk
On the sidewalks of New York
… written by James W. Blake and Charles E. Lawlor
Dennis D
Look UP!!
It doesn’t matter where you are. SoHo or NoHo, Upper East Side or West Side, Chelsea, Midtown, Downtown or just around town. Look up and you’re bound to see some fascinating architecture. A virtual open air exhibition and it’s FREE day and night. One of my favorite overhead sites is the Empire State Building. At night its lit with color and you can see it for blocks if you’re out for a walk. During the day there isn’t a block in Manhattan that doesn’t have something interesting to see if you’ll JUST LOOK UP.
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And it’s impossible to feel unhappy when you look up. Have you ever noticed that? All the locals will know you’re a tourist but you’ll probably see things some have them have never looked up to see AND you’re bound to be smiling. Hope I never take it for granted.
.
Yep. In New York, things are…looking up.
Now I know why they say, "It's like Grand Central in here!"
It’s day 20 and I spent most of the day hunkered down inside, avoiding the snow storm that still hasn’t hit. While I was sending some emails and cleaning out files I found some photos taken last week at Grand Central Terminal.
I’ve actually been there a couple times in the past few weeks. The first time was during the day. I expected a big, madly busy, slightly grungy train station with hundreds of commuters hurrying frantically to make their connection. Instead, the first thing I saw when I walked in was a bakery with fresh, hot bread spilling over wire baskets and delicious looking deserts filling glass display cases.
The bright, not-grungy, cavernous rooms are connected by impressively huge corridors that lead to trains as well as retail stores, food courts, bars and restaurants. It was a mad frenzy of activity but not just with rushing commuters. Many were there to grab lunch, meet a friend, or see the sites. Connections of all kinds were being made at Grand Central. In the food court there were knishes and lox, pita and kabobs, steaming soups and fresh salad bars, chocolate pots and coffee spots. And the waiting area was crammed with folks that just needed a rest. Some of the chairs in the lounge area were so comfy their occupants had fallen asleep. An amazing accomplishment amidst this swirl of activity. Must have been some late nights (smile).
The second time I visited Grand Central it was to meet a friend for dinner. We were starting out at the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar and then checking out a nearby Mediterranean restaurant. “Meet me at the main concourse information booth”, he said. Hmmm…”what’s the main concourse”….ugh what a tourist. So I suggested we meet at the oyster bar. That I knew I could find :-) Turns out that information booth is the traditional (and sometimes romantic) meeting spot that movies are made of. Well I missed that one. Sorry Dennis.
We met at the doors of the restaurant, went straight to the bar and both ordered a Kettle One martini…dirty. Great start. The restaurant has been in operation since the opening of the new terminal in 1913 and holds over 450 patrons. I remember peeking inside the afternoon I first visited the terminal and it looked like every seat was taken and then some. Tonight the bar overflowed with after-work energy and conversation bounced off the incredibly high ceilings.
Over the course of a quick hour, Dennis and I sipped on our drinks, shared a dozen delicious oysters, some lively conversation and then dashed off to our 8pm reservation.
On our way out we walked past the famous main concourse information booth. Ahhh…right in the middle of the main floor of the terminal. Yep…pretty tough to find.
Avra was our next stop for the night. We had to wait a while but it was worth it. This spot was recommended by Dennis’ friend - the same one that recommended Piadina. Great friend and another great pick! The grilled calamari stuffed with feta was my favorite…and can anything really wind up a perfect night better than chocolate molten cake and 2 spoons?
Day 19 - from Hell's Kitchen to West Side Story on Broadway
The events of the day really started on Tuesday. A good part of the afternoon was spent walking through the Hell’s Kitchen area just getting to know the neighborhood. I passed that $1 pizza place again which, by the way, is called 2 Brothers Pizza. This time the people were overflowing through the open patio doors, huddled around their tiny stand up tables on this balmy 35 degree day and keeping just the tips of their fingers warm with their hot slices. You’ve got to wonder what they’re putting on that pizza??
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Later that evening I was visiting one of my new favorite local pubs, The Molly Wee and met a new friend named Joel. I was sipping one of Molly Wee’s famous $5 martinis (yum) and waiting to speak to Alyssa (the manager) while Aaron was relaxing with a draft right beside me. When the usual conversation between 2 single strangers started I found out that Aaron is a Broadway actor (with 2 Tony nominations no less) and Aaron found out I had never seen a Broadway play! (oh the shame)
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Well guess what…Wednesday Aaron called me and changed all that. He had just gotten 2 tickets for West Side Story and asked me to join him. Ya huh! 8pm…be there or be square! West Side Story plays at the Palace Theater in Time Square. Walking into the Time Square area at 7:30pm is an experience in itself. As you get closer, the crowd grows around you and starts moving faster gradually turning into a wave of people that just seems to carry you to your destination. If you look up and take in all of the famous lights and flash as you walk it feels a little like a neon roller coaster. That was fun on a cold Wednesday night! Imagine what it will be like on the weekend in the spring time!!!
Arriving in front of the Palace, I carefully jumped out of the wave to meet my date. Aaron was waiting for me with tickets in hand just like you see in the movies. Nice. We had great seats right up front and as an added surprise, Joel’s friend Michael and his girlfriend were sitting with us. All 3 of them were actors so it made the whole theater experience even more interesting. Just after the musical started I realized that the setting for the story is actually Hell’s Kitchen. Isn’t that an interesting coincidence! Two days ago I had never been to Hell’s Kitchen or a Broadway play and now I’m at a Broadway play about the gangs of the 1950’s in Hell’s Kitchen. Cool.
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At intermission there was talk amongst my new actor friends about some of the old vs new choreography and staging and of course a critique of the actors. I couldn’t tell you how the new compares to the old but I can say I truly enjoyed the production. Not only was I completely entertained with the incredible talent of the actors, dancers and musicians but once again I was truly moved by the story itself. Senseless hatred leading to even more senseless tragedy. A good reminder of the need to constantly strive to create room for change and acceptance.
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We ended up the night at a great place right around the corner from the theater called Havana Central. Juan Carlos served up refreshing mojitos, milk cake and flan (all highly recommended) and the 4 of us each served up our own critique of the play. For an encore, Joel and Michael entertained us with impersonations of Jerry Lewis and other favorites and we all had a great time getting to know each other a little better. Thanks Joel. Couldn’t have planned that better.
Day 17 - Buck a slice pizza at 1am in Hell's Kitchen!
Last night I had a new New York experience. Around 12:30am a couple of my friends announced they were taking a walk to 40th street and 9th for pizza. $1 pizza. I thought they were making it up - pizza for a buck in Manhattan??? So, I decided to tag along. It wasn’t far…just a 15 minute walk. It’s amazing how you can walk a few block in New York and find yourself in a completely different neighborhood with a completely different social flavor. This short walk took us to Hell’s Kitchen. A couple of decades ago you wouldn’t have dared take a walk up 9th ave to 40th unless you were well “protected”. But times have changed and so has the neighborhood. Definitely not the fanciest area of town but with my two friends I felt completely safe. Turns out a new generation of actors and celeb types have started moving into the area because of the proximity to Broadway. It’s also pretty close to Time Square, Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden.
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And guess what. You really can get a big slice of pizza for a buck in Manhattan! And it was pretty good too. Just cheese of course…very little cheese (it is only a buck). There was no place to sit. I guess the idea is if you stand to eat you can get out quickly if you need to…LOL. There were plenty of people coming in and out…many of them reaching across our tiny stand up table to grab the few shakers of hot peppers, garlic powder and dried oregano that were perched there. Cozy :-)
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It was fun. Felt like a real New York native experience. I found out today that “Americas most famous urban outdoor flee market”, called The Annex, is in Hell’s Kitchen just a block from where we were. I’m going to head back there Saturday morning and see if I can spot one of those celebrity shoppers looking for vintage items they talk about on the web site - smile.
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And guess what. You really can get a big slice of pizza for a buck in Manhattan! And it was pretty good too. Just cheese of course…very little cheese (it is only a buck). There was no place to sit. I guess the idea is if you stand to eat you can get out quickly if you need to…LOL. There were plenty of people coming in and out…many of them reaching across our tiny stand up table to grab the few shakers of hot peppers, garlic powder and dried oregano that were perched there. Cozy :-)
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It was fun. Felt like a real New York native experience. I found out today that “Americas most famous urban outdoor flee market”, called The Annex, is in Hell’s Kitchen just a block from where we were. I’m going to head back there Saturday morning and see if I can spot one of those celebrity shoppers looking for vintage items they talk about on the web site - smile.
Day 15 - Cold Enough To Freeze A Thought In Mid Air!
Have you ever been so cold that you experience a creative “brain freeze”. O…M…G! I guess I spent too much time in sunny Florida over the last 2 years. I’ve been getting out and seeing the sites, finding great places to eat and generally having a blast in New York. I’ve just been too cold by the time I get home to write about it. So today I’ve hunkered down inside, layered with sweaters, blankets, an extra electric heater and hot determination to start writing. I think I can feel icicles melting off my brain as I write this now. Ahhhh…
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A few days ago I headed out to China town and Little Italy. Both areas nestle together near the lower east side of Manhattan…more to come.
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A few days ago I headed out to China town and Little Italy. Both areas nestle together near the lower east side of Manhattan…more to come.
Day 10 - SoHo and the Fire House Museum
I took a walk today in the area south of Houston Street (SoHo). It’s a great area with a movie-set feel filled with cobblestone streets and 19th century architecture. It’s well known for it’s cast iron buildings, artist community, and world class shopping. Development in this area started for the most part after 1775 with the extension of Broadway to the north of today’s Canal street. By the early 1800’s the area became home to many wealthy families and soon after the middle class followed. Rapid development attracted many businesses, hotels, theaters and elegant stores. The section of Broadway between Canal and Broome St. was the Fifth Avenue of the day. Dozens of movies…some of my favorites… have been filmed in this area - Hitch and Ghost just to name a couple.
While I was strolling down Greene street to check out some of the cast iron structures this area is famous for (above) I stumbled across a great little gallery called the Pomegranate. It’s one of many great galleries in the area to pop into..
It’s a great area for shopping. With the buildings so tightly nestled together, the next great designer is only a few steps away. Many lower budget boutiques have moved into the area too making SoHo a great area for all kinds of fashion shoppers. All of the cafes, restaurants and bars created a kind of sensory overload. Plenty to choose from. I need to keep moving today so I’ll come back with a friend soon to enjoy one of the wine bars I passed.
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One of the sites I want to see today is the New York City Fire Museum so I turned down Spring Street from Greene Street and headed west. I just happened to stop for a red light (you can tell I’m still a tourist) when out of the corner of my eye I noticed the street sign - Thompson Street. Now I have no idea why but the name seemed familiar so I took a quick peek south and I saw it…KEE’S CHOCOLATES! Surely that needs to be investigated! The Zagat article in the window said, “owned and run by ‘master of flavors’ Kee Ling Tong, whose ‘exotic’ fillings, many reflecting an Asian influence, are deemed ‘unforgettable”. Good enough for me. I watched some of the chocolate being made before going in and then when I just couldn’t take it anymore I bounced through the door.
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The choices were all so enticing it was a near impossible decision but after about 5 minutes I finally decided on 2 dark chocolate pieces…”Black Rose” and “Blood Orange”. Neither one made it all of the way back to Spring Street (1/2 a block). Every time I put another small piece of richness in my mouth I was stopped in my tracks. I’m sure passersby were curious about why I would be standing statue-like with my eyes closed in the middle of the side walk but the flavor in each piece was so amazing it demanded my full attention. Thanks Kee. I’ll be back.
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The New York City Fire Museum was just another 5 minute walk. It’s housed in a cool old firehouse built in 1904. Of course there was the obligatory handsome firefighter at the front door to greet the visitors (and it was his birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!) so that was a nice perk. They gave me (and every other visitor) a great brochure about the museum that includes a map of lower Manhattan with lots of street level detail and suggested things to see. I’ll be able to use this to plan out 4 or 5 more excursions to the area. Thanks!
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Even though the firehouse is relatively small, it took me well over an hour to walk through the exhibit. Every photo was full of interesting faces, buildings and history. The artifacts from the late 18th century to present on display all called out for attention. There were hand-painted leather fire buckets and pre-Civil war hand pumped fire engines. The room dedicated to the events of September 11th was both educational and extremely emotional. I never expected to be moved to tears when I walked in but there it was.
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The museum is FREE. There is a “recommended” donation for each age group. This exhibit is well worth supporting so I’m happy to contribute. I think its nice that travelers on a small budget can enjoy it too and take some time to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters of past and present.
The Chelsea Hotel's very own Faye Lane will be performing "Beauty Shop Stories" this Sun, Jan 31st 6pm @ Cornelia Street Cafe!
The Glittered Up Memories of a Green Bean Queen, told through hilarious stories and songs.
"She had them gobbling form the palm of her hand. They were howling, crying, falling in love with her." New York Magazine
"She had them gobbling form the palm of her hand. They were howling, crying, falling in love with her." New York Magazine
Day 8 of 350 - See what a difference a week makes!
Already, in just a week, I’ve learned a lot about New York and to my surprise have been able to give a few travelers some great tips and even…directions! What a difference a WEEK makes. Who do you know that’s thinking of visiting or moving to New York? Why not tell them about the blog. We can get to know New York City together.
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Last night I barely slept - my mind was a buzz with the people I’ve met in the past 7 days, the sounds of the city through my window and the endless adventures tomorrow could bring. I think I finally fell asleep around 6am-ish. I had set an alarm for 7:30…ugh. It will be worth it. I’ve got plans after 4pm so daylight’s a burn’n. Today I’m planning to see the Sony Wonder Lab and walk through part of Central Park.
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Sarah Jessica Parker has a great quote about New York. “They say life`s what happens when you`re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you`re waiting for a table.” Well today life is what happened waiting for a train! Weekend construction on just one subway line can be confusing. I could have walked to Sony in about an hour - it was a gorgeous day - but instead I decided to forgo my morning exercise and save some time. But with cancellations, re-routes and delays the train took an hour and a half :-0 Funny stuff…really. So I promised myself I would ignore all distractions, walk straight to Sony and make up lost time somewhere between there and Central Park.
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Bull!!
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There’s a bull. And a giant frog about to eat a bee!
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Walking down 56th St. toward Madison, I was only 2 blocks away from my goal when it happened. Beaten off my path I veered left to a breezeway turned mini gallery that housed 4 large bronzed sculptures from Marlborough Gallery. I stopped at each to study their unique style. The Frog and the Bee were my favorite but calling me all the way to the other end was the Bull carrying a Maiden. Each had a small plaque fasten low on the wall behind it. When I bent over to read the plaque behind the Bull I suddenly realized my position (a little like the the character Vance Munsen in the movie “Hitch” as he bent over behind the Wall Street Bull :-) and got myself out from behind. LOL
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When I “emerged” I found myself on 57th between the 40 building and Nobu. Just a few more steps ahead I couldn’t help but stop in front of the exclusive gallery for Ana Tzarev. I was taken immediately with the beautiful works of art in the window. OK. Give up. Go in.
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I had never heard of her before today. When I read her quote written on the reception wall I immediately wanted to know more…see more.
“I have visited many wondrous places in the world but it is the people I remember, their kindness and joy in sharing the history of the land and the story of their lives.” - Ana Tzarev
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I spent over an hour wandering through the gallery. Her work is brilliant with texture and vibrant color. The images as well as the spiritual vibes of her subject seem to pop off the canvas and fill the room. From a distance some of the portraits seemed to beam with light and bring the subjects to life. Justin, the very handsome and knowledgeable gallery manager shared with me that many of her original paintings on display would sell for $100,000 to $1,000,000. Wow! I’m glad I stopped in. Yes please…put me on your mailing list for special events.
I thought about including a picture of her work here but it just wouldn’t do it justice. You’ve just got to stop in and see it to appreciate her work fully.
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I finally arrived at Sony just before noon and lucked out with tickets (which are FREE by the way) for the next tour at noon. Yay! It was a fun exhibit with lots of high tech gadgets to play with for kids of all ages. I actually did heart surgery while I was there (ok it was “simulated”). That was pretty cool. There was video editing demonstrations, a hands-on television studio lab and plenty of other high tech fun that’s just hard to describe. I liked the mini-museum too. The had pictures and artifacts of technology history lining the walk ways. Did you know the first car phone was invented in 1910! All you had to do was pull your car up to a telephone pole and plug in the cable - giggle. It was also interesting to read about some of the future technologies that their working on like batteries that run on …. sugar! I guess sugar really is the new oil.
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After Sony it was getting a little too late to go to Central Park and do it justice so I decided to do it another day. On the way back to the subway I walked right past Trump Tower. Sounds good. Let’s look inside. I’ve heard so much about it. May be I’ll spot the Donald - LOL There’s a nice marble entrance and a waterfall coming from the 3rd level up. That’s nice. The Trump bar offers a “special” with a draft, some chips and salsa and a burger for $20.09. I wonder if an apprentice came up with that? Some of the tourist seem to be buying into it. Starbucks had a nice view of the foyer from the balcony…I was bored and ready to get back to my view of the much more interesting NY sidewalks.
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I also popped into a few nearby hotels just to take a look. The Waldorf, the Peninsula and the W. All very nice and worth a peak while I was in the neighborhood. In the first two, the old architecture, bountiful flowers and sophisticated decor easily had me imagining the elegant visitors and events here in years gone by. The W was a great example of new New York contemporary style.
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On the way home, the subway station back at 34th and 6th had a completely different appeal. Street performers can often be found here and today didn’t disappoint.
3 guys danced, tumbled, twirled and rapped to the delight of dozens of commuters. One of them jumped so high I was trying to see where the springs were hiding! The performance is of course FREE but they definitely deserved some cash in the hat. Thanks guys.
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Last night I barely slept - my mind was a buzz with the people I’ve met in the past 7 days, the sounds of the city through my window and the endless adventures tomorrow could bring. I think I finally fell asleep around 6am-ish. I had set an alarm for 7:30…ugh. It will be worth it. I’ve got plans after 4pm so daylight’s a burn’n. Today I’m planning to see the Sony Wonder Lab and walk through part of Central Park.
.
Sarah Jessica Parker has a great quote about New York. “They say life`s what happens when you`re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you`re waiting for a table.” Well today life is what happened waiting for a train! Weekend construction on just one subway line can be confusing. I could have walked to Sony in about an hour - it was a gorgeous day - but instead I decided to forgo my morning exercise and save some time. But with cancellations, re-routes and delays the train took an hour and a half :-0 Funny stuff…really. So I promised myself I would ignore all distractions, walk straight to Sony and make up lost time somewhere between there and Central Park.
.
Bull!!
.
There’s a bull. And a giant frog about to eat a bee!
.
Walking down 56th St. toward Madison, I was only 2 blocks away from my goal when it happened. Beaten off my path I veered left to a breezeway turned mini gallery that housed 4 large bronzed sculptures from Marlborough Gallery. I stopped at each to study their unique style. The Frog and the Bee were my favorite but calling me all the way to the other end was the Bull carrying a Maiden. Each had a small plaque fasten low on the wall behind it. When I bent over to read the plaque behind the Bull I suddenly realized my position (a little like the the character Vance Munsen in the movie “Hitch” as he bent over behind the Wall Street Bull :-) and got myself out from behind. LOL
.
When I “emerged” I found myself on 57th between the 40 building and Nobu. Just a few more steps ahead I couldn’t help but stop in front of the exclusive gallery for Ana Tzarev. I was taken immediately with the beautiful works of art in the window. OK. Give up. Go in.
.
I had never heard of her before today. When I read her quote written on the reception wall I immediately wanted to know more…see more.
“I have visited many wondrous places in the world but it is the people I remember, their kindness and joy in sharing the history of the land and the story of their lives.” - Ana Tzarev
.
I spent over an hour wandering through the gallery. Her work is brilliant with texture and vibrant color. The images as well as the spiritual vibes of her subject seem to pop off the canvas and fill the room. From a distance some of the portraits seemed to beam with light and bring the subjects to life. Justin, the very handsome and knowledgeable gallery manager shared with me that many of her original paintings on display would sell for $100,000 to $1,000,000. Wow! I’m glad I stopped in. Yes please…put me on your mailing list for special events.
I thought about including a picture of her work here but it just wouldn’t do it justice. You’ve just got to stop in and see it to appreciate her work fully.
.
I finally arrived at Sony just before noon and lucked out with tickets (which are FREE by the way) for the next tour at noon. Yay! It was a fun exhibit with lots of high tech gadgets to play with for kids of all ages. I actually did heart surgery while I was there (ok it was “simulated”). That was pretty cool. There was video editing demonstrations, a hands-on television studio lab and plenty of other high tech fun that’s just hard to describe. I liked the mini-museum too. The had pictures and artifacts of technology history lining the walk ways. Did you know the first car phone was invented in 1910! All you had to do was pull your car up to a telephone pole and plug in the cable - giggle. It was also interesting to read about some of the future technologies that their working on like batteries that run on …. sugar! I guess sugar really is the new oil.
.
After Sony it was getting a little too late to go to Central Park and do it justice so I decided to do it another day. On the way back to the subway I walked right past Trump Tower. Sounds good. Let’s look inside. I’ve heard so much about it. May be I’ll spot the Donald - LOL There’s a nice marble entrance and a waterfall coming from the 3rd level up. That’s nice. The Trump bar offers a “special” with a draft, some chips and salsa and a burger for $20.09. I wonder if an apprentice came up with that? Some of the tourist seem to be buying into it. Starbucks had a nice view of the foyer from the balcony…I was bored and ready to get back to my view of the much more interesting NY sidewalks.
.
I also popped into a few nearby hotels just to take a look. The Waldorf, the Peninsula and the W. All very nice and worth a peak while I was in the neighborhood. In the first two, the old architecture, bountiful flowers and sophisticated decor easily had me imagining the elegant visitors and events here in years gone by. The W was a great example of new New York contemporary style.
.
On the way home, the subway station back at 34th and 6th had a completely different appeal. Street performers can often be found here and today didn’t disappoint.
3 guys danced, tumbled, twirled and rapped to the delight of dozens of commuters. One of them jumped so high I was trying to see where the springs were hiding! The performance is of course FREE but they definitely deserved some cash in the hat. Thanks guys.
Day 6 - Free Wine and Caviar in Chelsea!
Have you ever had one of those nights where your brain finally starts firing on all cylinders and the idea begin to flow and next thing you know it 3:30 in the morning??? That’s what I did last night. It was awesome but it also meant I slept until 11am this morning! To bad. It was a gorgeous day today. By the time I got ready for the day, checked email, returned phone calls and worked on a couple of projects it was 4pm - almost sunset! Soooo…I decided to do an evening tour of the neighborhood and check out the Cheslea Market.
Almost without fail, when I ask locals what I should do next they include the Chelsea Market in their short list of recommendations. It’s a short walk to 9th Ave and 16th St but it took me close to an hour to get there! No I didn’t get lost…not really…just happily distracted. As I walked along 9th Ave between 30th and 16th I found restaurant after restaurant that could hardly wait to try. There was the Viet Grill, Chelsea Cottage and Zemi just to name a few that stood out. The Tipsy Parson - isn’t that a great name? And everyone seemed to be having a great time inside. At the corner of 23rd two diners competed across the corners from each other for the 24hour clientele. And Daniel Anger, the 2008 winner of Iron Chef America has opened a nice little place on 9th called Klee Brasserie. Then…my dream come true…Wine and Chocolate…just like that. The name says it all. That will be an easy one to remember to go back to for an evening. Who wants to come with me?
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The Chelsea Market was so unimpressive on the outside, I almost walked past it even though I was looking for it. But inside it was a cozy old building with lots of exposed brick, hard wood floors and unique little shops.
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One of my favorites was the Chelsea Wine Vault. By far the best selection of wines I’ve seen in New York so far. And like all good wine stores they had FREE samples to sip on while you shop. I started with the Pinot then sipped my way over to the Chardonnay. As I slowly made the rounds I was happily surprised to find a huge selection of great wines for under $10. In fact there was even a 2008 Montepulciano for 6bucks! Very cool! Of course they had a great selection of every type of wine at every price point. The higher end bottles were locked behind a very impressive wrought iron gate…just out of reach so to speak :-) The 2002 Del Forno Amarone was “on sale” for $439. I had a chance to speak to Liz. She was very warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all they have to offer. I’m definitely going to come back not only to buy wine but also to try out some of their wine tasting classes. They were just setting up for one when I left.
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Another great find at the market was the T Salon. The air was infused with subtly fragrant tea that lead me easily by the nose straight to the pastry case. Imagine my absolute glee when I discovered they were all vegan! Cheesecakes made with tofu, non-dairy chocolate chip cookies and even creamy frosted pumpkin and carrot cakes. All that yummmm without the guilt but alas no free samples. I’ve got to try the Pumpkin Creamy Cheesish cake next time I come back…I’m still wearing off the Creme Carmilata. Julia was behind the counter and she told me that the T Salon is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible…bamboo floors, recycled building materials, soy based inks and recycled paper among many other simple touches were found throughout the store. Nice. I’ll be back soon Julia....NOTE: I did go back the next week and I've got to say the tofu cheesecake is soooo delicious. No kidding you tofu skeptics. You've just got to taste it to believe it.
The Chelsea Hotel was my next stop. No point going straight home. It’s just over at 23rd St and 7th. Then I can loop around to Whole Foods on the way home and pick up some dinner. The Chelsea Hotel was built in 1883 and until 1899 it was the tallest building in New York. It’s now a Nationally Registered Historic Site partly because of its age and architecture and partly because of the famous people that have lived there including Arthur Miller, James Schuyler and Thomas Wolfe just to name a few. There’s a plaque on the outside of the building that honors Dylan Thomas that read, “…who lived and labored last here at the Chelsea Hotel and from here sailed out to die.” Inside the bohemian qualities that have made it famous have been preserved along with works of art created by many of the artists that have stayed there. Definitely worth a few minutes to stop by and take a look..
Final stop…Whole Foods. I had my own natural foods store in the 90’s so I really appreciate a great natural market. Whole Foods has always been one of my favorite stores (Garden of Eden on 23rd gets an honorable mention too). I was delighted to find out that there’s one right in my neighborhood. Actually no matter where you are in NYC you’re not to far away from a WF with 6 more dotted throughout Manhattan alone. I just stopped in to get some whole wheat pasta and fresh arugula and lucked into FREE samples of caviar - salmon and trout - both served on mini buckwheat blini with creme fraiche. Now you’ve got to admit…my WF is pretty classy eh? So with the appetizer part of my dinner done, I happily trotted home to finish it off with a nice whole wheat pasta topped with fresh tomato basil sauce (and an inappropriate amount of garlic :-) and a mound of fresh arugula on the side tossed with aged balsamic and buttery olive oil. Ahhh…now I wish I had picked up that Montepulciano for 6 bucks but I was too lazy to carry it around with me. Well Liz…you know I’ll be back.
Day 5...and the birthday celebration continues
I’m blessed with friends, new and old…not to be confused with young and old…none of them are (really) old - LOL. My 2 new friends at the Chelsea spot took me out for a memorable dinner on my birthday to Regional Thai on 7th Ave in Chelsea. The appetizer plate was so pretty we took a picture.
We’re all just getting to know each other so we had a great time in the rooms easy atmosphere talking and laughing. We didn’t linger long because we had to be at the movie by 10:15pm. I had a great time. Thanks guys!
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Then Monday night another good friend treated me to Tao…an amazing restaurant in Midtown. Our menu featured yellow fin jalapeno sushimi, uni, an assortment of maki rolls, bamboo steamed vegetable dumplings, pad Thai, and Chilean sea bass. A virtual sea of visually stunning fare that still has my mouth thinking we were in heaven. Actually Tao is in a reclaimed building that once housed a stable (according to our waiter Adrianno). Now it boasts a 30 foot Buddha and some very famous clientele…at least that’s what their web site says.
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Tonight an old friend from Detroit invited me to join him for dinner at a great little spot in Greenwich Village called Piadina. You would have to know its there to find it hidden away down a couple of well camouflaged steps.So unlike the flash and high profile address of Tao, this modest little gem requires a little searching out. And it’s worth it. The hard wood floors buckle slightly under your feet when you enter giving you a true old city, home spun feel that’s matched by the simple decor and only slightly friendly staff. We talked for almost an hour before we even looked at a menu - it’s just that kind of place. Then we settled on grilled calamari with mixed greens (bellisimo), carpacio with arugula (now you know that was for Dennis - I haven’t taken to eating meat here), homemade spinach gnocchi with tomato basil sauce (O…M…G!), risotto with mussels and forks flying all over the table…good friends share.
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For dessert we shared creme carmillata. I thought I wanted the whole thing to myself but promised to share just one bite. Thankfully, Dennis uncharacteristically followed with a second, third,…tenth bite of dessert and then (in his words) unchivalrously took the last bite. I didn’t object. If I did I would have stabbed him with a fork. :-D It was too delicious and rich to eat alone. And of course…friends share.
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Now you’re probably thinking…great but this stuff isn’t FREE!! Your right. Here comes the free stuff. After dinner we went on a night-time walking tour of the East Village winding through the maze of small streets and alleys in the area.One alley actually had a locked rod iron gate which turned it into a private lane and made the apartments worth an even bigger fortune than the rest in the area. Only in New York.
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We made our way purposefully to Washington Square Park at the foot of 5th Ave. The park is famous for the arch at the entrance that is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the expansive fountain in the center making it an magnetic drawing place for the entire neighborhood.Interestingly, it’s built over a burial ground that was originally a potters field and was then expanded to bury the remain of 20,000 yellow fever victims in the 1800’s (hmmmm). I’m told that in the summer time the park is a buzz with frisbee throwers, baby strollers, skate boarders and anyone in the area looking to connect with their community. And its often been the gathering spot for folk singers, political rallies or even a protest or two. Tonight it was relatively quiet - peaceful really - a nice resting place for 2 friends out for a walk. I’ll have to come back in a few months and check it out for myself.
Day 4 - Wow...that's not just a library.
OK. I have to admit. Checking out the local libraries might not seem very interesting or exciting but maybe you haven’t seen the New York City Public Library Stephan A Schwatzman Building….or maybe you have. It’s exterior has been featured in countless photos, movies and television shows. The one that stands out to me the most is the Sex in the City movie. It’s the grand venue that Carrie Bradshaw (lead character) planed to celebrate her elaborate NY wedding.
As I walked up the same steps she walked up in that scene with blissful anticipation I was moved by the massive structure of the columns and the archways. Considering this building is over 100 years old (opened in 1911 after taking 16 years to build), I was in awe of what it must have taken to erect such a beautiful structure. I looked up some info. The marble facing on the front of the building is over 12” thick. Just the cornerstone (which contains a time capsule of photos and papers) weighs 7.5 tons! Imagine the manpower it took to put in place. In all it cost $29million to build which is about $500million today. Whew!
Inside the first thing I saw was the landing that Carrie stood on when she got the news that she was being no-showed. That’s got to be bad karma…didn’t linger there long. But it was a beautiful spot leading to the wide marble stairs that countless knowledge seekers have walked over the past century. At the top of those stairs was ANOTHER flight of stairs…a pretty common thing in NYC…lots of stairs (I actually live at the top of a 4th floor walk up - a good friend of mine is getting ready to sign a lease for a 5th floor walk-up ;-0). But just in between there’s a beautiful balcony overlooking the grand entrance that is lined with pictures and bits of historical facts about the library. Definitely worth a read.
Up the next flight of stairs on the third floor I finally found the main reading room. The ceilings alone are worth a days tour. The artwork and the architecture give the space an art gallery feel. I was the only one in there constantly looking up so I’m sure I was silently screaming “TOURIST…TOURIST!”. No problem. I hope I never start taking this dazzling room for granted. I checked out some more fact. The reading room is as long as 2 city blocks…really, 2 city block! Amazing.
All of the furniture and light fixtures look exactly like the original photographs displayed in the balcony gallery so it felt a little like walking back in time. But of course time has marched on so half of the room is now full of computers and docking stations. In fact, the NYPL (there are actually over 40 branches just in Manhattan) is a great place to go if you want a beautiful, quiet place to work for an hour or a day (WiFi is free). Today I got a guest pass for a library computer - that gave me 45 minutes to do my thing and move along.Once my 45 minutes ran out I did run along to another branch for one more 45 minute fix and as luck would have it met a new friend named Omar. When we’d exhausted our internet-link-to-the-world-quota we grabbed a quick coffee and Omar helped me expand the list of great free things to do in Manhattan. Who says New York isn’t a friendly town? Thanks Omar. Good luck with your project.
Day 3 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Well wouldn’t you know it. I no sooner started this project and my computer quit on me. It just decided to stop booting up! Bummer. So I thought today would be a good day to investigate a few more of New York’s great libraries (spent a morning at the Humanities building last week) and use the computers there. But of course…there was a big “Closed on January 18th” sign on the door. Should have thought of that. It is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
But since it’s such a beautiful day out, all is not lost. It’s almost 50 degrees and sunny today. Great day for another walk. Right around the corner I found Bryant Park - it was on my list for later this week but there’s no time like the present.
It took me a few seconds but I realized as soon as I saw the park that I had been here before. It think it was my very first trip to NYC. I sat with a friend near the statue of the namesake for this park and had a cool drink on a warm day. The place was hop’n with spring time hope then. Today it was packed with people taking advantage of the FREE skating rink and great (kids) carousel. There’s a heated tented area to put on your skates, get a snack, hang out and just enjoy friends and family that everyone can use for - you got it - FREE. I took a walk through and soaked in the happy energy - the area was full of families enjoying the holiday together.
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On the other side of the rink there is this very cool 2 story structure that looks like a restaurant…because…it’s a restaurant (Celcius - see in photo above). But here’s what’s really interesting. On January 25th they tear the whole thing down! I only know this because when I sat down on one of the leather couches nestled under these great cozy heat lamps, a hostess came over to take my drink order not knowing she was about to get grilled ;-D. She was a fountain of information. I also found out that in the summer time you can see movies on a big screen that goes up where the skating rink is now. How cool is that?
I sat in my toasty warm spot for a while, sipped on my hot cider and felt warmed by the great energy swirling around the park. Then feeling like I had accomplished my goal for the day, I started to walk home. As soon as I stepped out on the sidewalk I realized the energy had suddenly spilled out around the entire area (at least that’s how it seemed). There were people, cabs, cars and even bicycles absolutely swarming everywhere. Lines of people were queued up at virtually every intersection to board tour buses. At one point I had to literally JUMP out of the way of a man on a bike that was coming straight at me. The funny part was he said, “thank you” as he zipped past me and I thought, “Really!! Was there another option.” I don’t think either of us would have liked plan B which would have included me in some awkward position on his handle bars - LOL.
Luckily on my way home I found another little respite called Herald Square Park. It’s really a section of road that has been closed off the car traffic, greened up and turned into a great little mini oasis. Right across the street there’s another smaller park called Greenly Square. They meet up like a bow tie (because they’re both actually triangle shaped) and create a place where you can get some peace in the middle of what today seems like out of control mayhem. Actually, I found out that this cool little spot is often used as the quintessentially “New York” back drop for films, photo shoots and promotional events. So maybe you’ve already seen it too!
I parked there for a while watching the shoppers pour in and out of Macy’s and dozens of other stores and restaurants in the 34th Street District while listening to the surprising number of birds doing their thing…and the parade of cars and buses cruise by…the birds…the cars…no the birds…the sounds were a confused jigsaw of nature and big city noise. Strangely soothing actually.
There are so many great parks - big and small - dotted all around New York City. Much more green space than than I ever imagined (even outside of Central Park).
A star is born
I want to send you my very best wishes and hopes as you begin your 350 day journey! You have a real gift for communication!
Charlie F
Day 2 - What can I do in NYC for FREE??
So here I am in the center of one of the most exciting cities in the world wondering where to start. Last night after I posted my first…post…I started compiling a list of some of the fun things to see and do. Around 3am I just had to stop and get some sleep. It’s endless! Some things require a whole day to really do justice to the experience and some are just minutes away and really just need a peek. Some things have a price tag attached and others are free. So…I’m starting with some free stuff. For the next 10 days I’ll find something interesting to do in New York City…that’s right…for FREE.
And just as I decided to seek out the cheap, a friend I’ve met here in NY told me about a great exhibit going on at the Fashion Institute of Technology which is, as luck would have it, just a few blocks from here and FREE. Yay! And since NYC is among the fashion capitals of the world it’s got to be a great place to start. So off I go.
The Museum at FIT houses a constantly changing exhibit. This time it was “Day & Night” which “explores the evolution of the RULES that have governed fashion over the past 250 years”. RULES??? Ah. That’s my problem. Didn’t know about these rules…just kidding.
They had some pretty cool stuff like a dress from the 1980’s that was made entirely of metal rings and small leather strips and put together with plyers. There were dresses, shoes, purses, fabrics and sketches on display from as far back as the late 1700’s. Somethings were exactly what I would have expected and others were definitely a surprise…like Puma sneakers from this decade. It made me giggle to think they made a big enough impact on the fashion world to warrant a mention. Goes to to show you what I know! So I spent about an hour reading all of the plaques and taking a good look at all of the layers of stuff from time gone by that I’m glad no one expects ME to wear and then headed out for a walk down Fashion Avenue.
Fashion Ave is actually another name for 7th Ave which is a main road running N/S through Manhattan. It got it’s name because of the many fashion designers and industry leaders that have established their business there. Another cool thing to see when you leave FIT is the Fashion Ave Walk Of Fame. Just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame for movie stars, NYC has it’s own Walk of Fame of fashion industry stars like Geoffrey Beane, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and many others. The walk starts around 34th Street and ends around 40th Street. Each granite plaque tells a brief story about each person. There was a big grand openning for H&R Block going on with baloons, a stage and the works when I was walking by. A big sign covered Bill Blass and promised “Free Stuff”. Sadly it was for something H&R Block was giving away (??? what could that be???) and not Bill Blass. I’d have been all over that!
“New York has been the undisputed center of American fashion since the mid 19th Century when the development of mass production led to the growth of the apparel trades. The birth of the Fashion District, also known as the Garment Center, occurred in the 1920s, when a large group of garment manufacturers relocated to Seventh Ave. New loft space was developed especially to accommodate “modern” manufacturing and to satisfy labor’s demands for safer working conditions. By 1931, this District had the largest concentration of apparel manufacturers in American design. A project of the Fashion Center”
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And there’s plenty more to explore on Fashion Ave like shopping! So if your in the mood for a nice walk down a busy street with fashion sense head out to 7thh Ave and 34th!
How did I get here??
No…really…how did I get here? giggle
I have a habit of falling in love with every place I visit. I went to Italy and thought…”I could live here”. After a few days in the Turks and Caicos I thought…”I could definitely live here”. It happens all the time. I’m sure along with my French, German, British, North American Indian background I must have a little Gypsy mixed in too. I love to travel and explore…like a child of the world.
After a weekend at the spa in Carlsbad, California I thought…”I could live here”. And a few years later, when my 3 daughters all left home for school, I did head south for a winter. Got a place right on the ocean and just hung out and enjoyed watching the dolphins and surfers do there thing right from my backyard. Walked the beach and lost myself in the comfy, hippie throw-back atmosphere of Encinitas, California.
I visited Austin, Texas and thought…”I could live here”. Barcelona, Spain…oh ya…”I could live here”. Then a little fishing town on the Atlantic coast of Florida…Sebastian. I stopped by to visit a few friends and fell in love with a little spot right on the Inter-coastal and thought…”I could live here”. So I did. It was like waking up on vacation everyday. From my bed I woke up watching incredible sunrises over the water and all kinds of wildlife I never knew existed. In the mornings I could set off in my friends kayak, glide over the water, watch for dolphin and manatee and explore small islands teaming with even more wildlife. At night, the sunsets from the dock and the star filled skies calmed my soul.
And all along the way, in between the rest of the adventures and places that made me say…”I could live here”, there were visits for a day here, 3 or 4 days there to New York City, New York. I fell in love the very first day I set foot in Central Park just about 5 years ago. This city pulses with electrifying energy attracting traveler and new residents from all over the world. I remember standing in one of the many gathering spots in Central Park and slowly turning 360 degrees. With each turn I saw and heard a new group of people - young families, an excited group of tourists and their guide, half a dozen teenagers on skateboards…a virtual sea of people of every race and background all passionately involved in their own activities that collectively lent an electrifying energy to the park and the city. It felt like a movie scene and I was the lead character with a frenzy of activity swirling around and around…a multi-cultural high that I got hooked on with one deep breath.
Then last month, while I was in the city for a short business trip, it hit me…I don’t know why it took so long…”I could actually LIVE here!” I could just decide to call NYC home…so I DID. At least temporarily :-D
As the days progress, I’ll learn to add fun things to the blog like picture, captions, links, videos and all that good stuff. If you have any comments or suggestions, let me know. Your feedback will make it even more exciting and fun for me to find new things to write about and bring to you.
So please look in on me for a few minutes when you can and let’s have fun exploring New York City together!
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