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.

Another point of interest in the main concourse is the ceiling.  You’ve got to look up…waaaaaay up.  I would have missed it on my own.  The huge domed ceiling is painted with all of the the zodiac constellations.  Of course I stood in my usual tourist position checking it out. And guess what?  They’re all backwards!  What does this mean??  I’ll have to do some more research.

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?