So, yeah, we went to New York for the weekend. We’ve talked about doing it for years and I’ve always been the one who was reluctant. Something about watching too many TV shows that showed how gritty the city was…did anyone else watch Fame in the mid-80s? That’s the picture I had in my head. Obviously, I knew things had changed, but TV rots your brain.
The better-half had been before with a girlfriend back in his wild and crazy single days. They stayed close to Times Square and traveled by train to the city, I think. I know they went to the Algonquin for drinks or maybe they stayed there. I’m sure the circle wasn’t so vicious, but that’s his story to tell.
We flew into LaGuardia and for the hour plane ride a woman ripped up her mail. Let me tell you the sound of ripping paper gets old rather quickly. I suppose she could have been ripping her mail while breastfeeding a squalling infant so I shrugged it off. Also, LaGuardia might as well be in the Arctic Circle. We had to sit in the airport for a weather delay on the way back and I sat with my coat on, hood pulled over my head and with the better-half’s coat across my lap. Others were seen wearing gloves, hats, scarves and winter coats.
We stayed in Chelsea at the Hotel Chelsea. It has a storied past and lots of art in the hallways. It was also in a great spot for what we wanted to see while we were in the city. It’s also not far from Chelsea Ristorante-a great Italian place that you should try if you are ever in the city. I know we’ll go back because they really care about the food and about making sure you enjoy yourself. Nice people and tasty food make me very happy.
We ate lunch on Friday at Katz’s Deli. I didn’t realize that it was where When Harry Met Sally was filmed until we were scrambling for a seat and I saw the sign. The sandwiches were huge, the pickles delightful and the fries were nearly perfect. Spending $40 for lunch was shocking. We didn’t have that problem again. And, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable our meals were and how delicious they were. I also don’t understand how the Olive Garden, Outback and Applebees can show their faces in NYC. Why would anyone pick a chain when nearly every corner holds a restaurant or deli?
In no particular order, the things/places we visited:
The lions at the main public library
The observatory at the Empire State building
Strand books
Heidelberg Restaurant (like being in Germany)
Central Park (still green and lush)
Grand Central Station (the green market was cool)
Times Square (meh)
Ray’s pizza (sausage, pepperoni)
Waldy’s wood-fired pizza (classic Margherita)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
We watched Zombieland and were entertained
I spotted one of these (had read about them years ago)
I’m sure there were other things we saw, but didn’t specifically stop to gawk. The weather was cold, windy and rainy and sometimes all three at once. We didn’t take many pictures because we’re pretty bad about that but pulling out the camera in the rain wasn’t convenient.
We did use the Google Maps apps on our phones to get around. GPS and route indicators are awesome tools. Thank the maker for technology.