July 2 - Wednesday
James arrived late tonight. While waiting for him I went out with my roommates to B Bar for a drink. We met up with one of Joanna's friend's friends. (If that made sense) I really liked this bar. It is located in the East Village. It had such a great atmosphere. There were lights hanging in trees everywhere. Yes, trees!
Once James arrived, we met up in Bryant Park. I originally planned to take him to a rooftop bar, but once we got there it was closed. =( Instead we walked around Times Square and back to my apartment. I think his initial reaction was that the city was really dirty. I had to explain the trash was out because it was 1am and during the day it is much nicer!
After the trek back to my apartment, we stopped by one of the food vendor stands and bought kababs. I think it is a sketchy cooking business, but they are sooo good!
Once James arrived, we met up in Bryant Park. I originally planned to take him to a rooftop bar, but once we got there it was closed. =( Instead we walked around Times Square and back to my apartment. I think his initial reaction was that the city was really dirty. I had to explain the trash was out because it was 1am and during the day it is much nicer!
After the trek back to my apartment, we stopped by one of the food vendor stands and bought kababs. I think it is a sketchy cooking business, but they are sooo good!
July 3 - Thursday
Today was a short day at MSLO. Since it is a day before the holiday, we were let out at 2pm. Mindi, my manager, recommended James come by for a tour. He arrived around 1 and I took him around showing him all the highlights of the Martha Stewart offices. I'm not sure if he appreciated it much since he isn't a true fan. He didn't seem to excited when I showed him Martha's private bathroom or office. Do you know how many crazy people would pay to see it?!
After the tour we walked back to my apartment because James needed to change shoes. I told him to wear comfy shoes, but of course he didn't listen! He had blisters from walking to my office. He was in so much pain! He even went to Old Navy and bought two new pairs since they were 2 pairs for 5 dollars...thank goodness I live in the shopping district of the world!
We didn't do much in the afternoon, but had an exciting evening. Before meeting up with George and Robin for dinner, we went for a drink in Hell's Kitchen at VYNL. It was an interesting bar with great decorations, clientèle, and drinks. Pretty cheap too!
We enjoyed dinner at Plataforma Churrascaria with George and Robin. Plataforma is a Brazilian restaurant where they bring tons of meat to your table on a very long skewer and slice it table side. It was so good. James loves Brazilian restaurants since it is a carnivores dream!
After dinner we had a few drinks at The Mean Fiddler. It was definately a "college" bar because it had beer pong tables in it. We enjoyed the bar because it was showing the Cards/Mets game on TV.
Leaving the Midtown area and parting our ways with George and Robin, we traveled downtown to meet up with Andrew at a beer garden. We sat there for a beer and then went to B Bar. The beer garden was really nice, I just think Andrew was tired of being there for so long. Luckily, B Bar was near so we went there for awhile. I love this place. It has such a great vibe!
I think James had a better view of the city after today. He just doesn't appreciate all of the meanness.
Today was a short day at MSLO. Since it is a day before the holiday, we were let out at 2pm. Mindi, my manager, recommended James come by for a tour. He arrived around 1 and I took him around showing him all the highlights of the Martha Stewart offices. I'm not sure if he appreciated it much since he isn't a true fan. He didn't seem to excited when I showed him Martha's private bathroom or office. Do you know how many crazy people would pay to see it?!
After the tour we walked back to my apartment because James needed to change shoes. I told him to wear comfy shoes, but of course he didn't listen! He had blisters from walking to my office. He was in so much pain! He even went to Old Navy and bought two new pairs since they were 2 pairs for 5 dollars...thank goodness I live in the shopping district of the world!
We didn't do much in the afternoon, but had an exciting evening. Before meeting up with George and Robin for dinner, we went for a drink in Hell's Kitchen at VYNL. It was an interesting bar with great decorations, clientèle, and drinks. Pretty cheap too!
We enjoyed dinner at Plataforma Churrascaria with George and Robin. Plataforma is a Brazilian restaurant where they bring tons of meat to your table on a very long skewer and slice it table side. It was so good. James loves Brazilian restaurants since it is a carnivores dream!
After dinner we had a few drinks at The Mean Fiddler. It was definately a "college" bar because it had beer pong tables in it. We enjoyed the bar because it was showing the Cards/Mets game on TV.
Leaving the Midtown area and parting our ways with George and Robin, we traveled downtown to meet up with Andrew at a beer garden. We sat there for a beer and then went to B Bar. The beer garden was really nice, I just think Andrew was tired of being there for so long. Luckily, B Bar was near so we went there for awhile. I love this place. It has such a great vibe!
I think James had a better view of the city after today. He just doesn't appreciate all of the meanness.
July 4 - Friday
Before James arrived, I told him he was allowed minimal tourist activities if he wanted to experience New York. Harsh, I know, but I wanted to do the fun things I've found and knew he would enjoy. One of the touristy attractions he chose was the WTC and Financial District. I don't really think I consider this a touristy thing to do because it is interesting to see it all, but it is close. We could actually see in the hole thanks to Andrew's directions. When then walked to St. Paul's Chapel. This chapel once served as Ground Zero central. I went with my parents last summer and enjoyed it. There is so much to see there. They definately give you a minimal glimpse of what happened in the chapel during the harsh time.
After the Financial District, we walked around Battery Park and enjoyed the scenery. It has been so hazy here lately, so it was kind of hard to see the Statue of Liberty.
We planned to go to Brooklyn to watch the fireworks with Andrew, Jeff, and Nicole. Instead of taking the subway, we decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I love doing this. It is so nice and there is a great view of the city. I think the view is better going to Brooklyn to Manhattan, but it wouldn't have made sense for us to do that.
Arriving in Brooklyn we were really hungry, we wanted to go to Grimaldi's, but the line was down the street. Instead we found a random restaurant called Water Street. This was a great find! My Jambalaya was perfect. The atmosphere was not pretentious, just what James loves.
After dinner we went next door to Jacques Torres, a chocolate shop and got a frozen hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. The drink was extremely chocolatey, even James thought so and he loooooves chocolate! The cookie was phenomenal. I definately prefer Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate.
Eventually meeting up with Andrew, Jeff, and Nicole we staked out our viewing spot. It was hard to reserve a space without a blanket, but we managed. According to my 1001 book, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is the place to see two fireworks shows. The book was right again. The show and view were both spectacular! As always, I am mesmerized by city lights, so this was the perfect place to be.
If you ever go to Brooklyn to watch the Macy's Fireworks, I would recommend arriving around 6:30-7pm with a blanket, picnic, drinks, and games for the 9:20 show.
The subway was so hectic getting back to Manhattan. We really didn't know what we wanted to do, so it was hard to plan our route. Even though everyone else went back to the apartments I wanted to show James some more of the city. He really does not like my area since it is so hectic, so I wanted to show him some finer parts. Not knowing really where I was going, it was hard to pinpoint an exact bar. My book had a few recommendations, but we got lost. We ended up at Big Daddy's Diner. This was such a fun place. It was a retro modern version of PJ's or Cruisers. James was obsessed with the bacon while I was focused on my Mac and Cheese. We had a lot of fun just talking and playing Trivial Pursuit.
Marissa, from MSLO, and her boyfriend wanted us to meet up with them. We couldn't get a hold of each other until we were back at my apartment. Wanting to meet up with them, we decided to leave and go downtown. This was probably a bad idea and our travel arrangements proved it. We decided to take a taxi since it was already late. (Subways take forever at night) We got in and I told the cabbie the address. He had a hard time understanding me because we had to repeat 93 Pearl St numerous times. Some of the cabs have GPS systems, apparently this guy thought it was necessary to type it in even though he seemed to understand us after awhile. James must have known it was going to be bad when he couldn't even find New York City because he looked worried. We weren't even 50 feet away from my apartment when I looked up and saw us plow into the back of a minivan. Luckily I saw it last nanosecond and could brace myself, but James hit his head on the plastic divider. In a way I felt bad for the driver, but he shouldn't have been calibrating the system. The lady in the van was not happy, especially since she had three kids with her. We provided all of our information to her, but didn't know what else to do so we left in another cab. Don't worry, we took down all of his information!
Getting half way there, my friend called us and told us to turn around because her boyfriend was tired. while it would have been fun, James and I were also relieved because we were so tired and rattled!
After the Financial District, we walked around Battery Park and enjoyed the scenery. It has been so hazy here lately, so it was kind of hard to see the Statue of Liberty.
We planned to go to Brooklyn to watch the fireworks with Andrew, Jeff, and Nicole. Instead of taking the subway, we decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I love doing this. It is so nice and there is a great view of the city. I think the view is better going to Brooklyn to Manhattan, but it wouldn't have made sense for us to do that.
Arriving in Brooklyn we were really hungry, we wanted to go to Grimaldi's, but the line was down the street. Instead we found a random restaurant called Water Street. This was a great find! My Jambalaya was perfect. The atmosphere was not pretentious, just what James loves.
After dinner we went next door to Jacques Torres, a chocolate shop and got a frozen hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. The drink was extremely chocolatey, even James thought so and he loooooves chocolate! The cookie was phenomenal. I definately prefer Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate.
Eventually meeting up with Andrew, Jeff, and Nicole we staked out our viewing spot. It was hard to reserve a space without a blanket, but we managed. According to my 1001 book, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is the place to see two fireworks shows. The book was right again. The show and view were both spectacular! As always, I am mesmerized by city lights, so this was the perfect place to be.
If you ever go to Brooklyn to watch the Macy's Fireworks, I would recommend arriving around 6:30-7pm with a blanket, picnic, drinks, and games for the 9:20 show.
The subway was so hectic getting back to Manhattan. We really didn't know what we wanted to do, so it was hard to plan our route. Even though everyone else went back to the apartments I wanted to show James some more of the city. He really does not like my area since it is so hectic, so I wanted to show him some finer parts. Not knowing really where I was going, it was hard to pinpoint an exact bar. My book had a few recommendations, but we got lost. We ended up at Big Daddy's Diner. This was such a fun place. It was a retro modern version of PJ's or Cruisers. James was obsessed with the bacon while I was focused on my Mac and Cheese. We had a lot of fun just talking and playing Trivial Pursuit.
Marissa, from MSLO, and her boyfriend wanted us to meet up with them. We couldn't get a hold of each other until we were back at my apartment. Wanting to meet up with them, we decided to leave and go downtown. This was probably a bad idea and our travel arrangements proved it. We decided to take a taxi since it was already late. (Subways take forever at night) We got in and I told the cabbie the address. He had a hard time understanding me because we had to repeat 93 Pearl St numerous times. Some of the cabs have GPS systems, apparently this guy thought it was necessary to type it in even though he seemed to understand us after awhile. James must have known it was going to be bad when he couldn't even find New York City because he looked worried. We weren't even 50 feet away from my apartment when I looked up and saw us plow into the back of a minivan. Luckily I saw it last nanosecond and could brace myself, but James hit his head on the plastic divider. In a way I felt bad for the driver, but he shouldn't have been calibrating the system. The lady in the van was not happy, especially since she had three kids with her. We provided all of our information to her, but didn't know what else to do so we left in another cab. Don't worry, we took down all of his information!
Getting half way there, my friend called us and told us to turn around because her boyfriend was tired. while it would have been fun, James and I were also relieved because we were so tired and rattled!
July 5 - Saturday
After our exhausting fourth of July, it took us awhile to get started this morning. Eventually we made it the Chinatown/Little Italy area for lunch. We started walking through Chinatown because I wanted to show James all the crazy purse people. I think he was overwhelmed once again.... I tried getting him into a room, but they kicked him out since it was too crowded. Boo!
We finally made it to Little Italy and ate at a local pizza place. I definately think this place was run by the mob. The owner was so intimidating - at least the pizza was good!
walking down the street, we browsed the stores and stopped for some gelato. After going to Europe together in high school, we both have an extreme passion for the tasty treat!
After our culinary excursion, we went to Central Park. At first we were lost (because of James, not me!) but found our way. Our first stop was the historical Tavern on the Green. It was so pretty and ornately decorated. We only had a drink since our intern budgets can't really afford places like that. My 1001 book did mention you dont go there for the food, so I guess didn't matter. I will definately take pizza over finger sandwiches any day!
Unfortunately James brought the Seattle weather with him to NY, so it wasn't the most ideal walking conditions. Don't worry though, we made do. James said the rain was nothing, so I could use the umbrella all by myself! =) I guess he is a true Seattler now after two summers! ;)
After Tavern on the Green, we continued our walk (with minimal confusion) to the fountains, pond, and Strawberry Fields. Even though I'm not an avid Beattle's fan, I enjoy Strawberry Fields the most in Central Park. I'm not sure what it is, but it is so relaxing. Imagine that!
We got back to my apartment at a weird time, so we decided to order Chinese take-out. Supposedly this is the thing to do in NY, but I hadn't experienced it yet. So it was a new experience for both of us! Mindi told me about a delivery website called seamlessweb.com so we decided to try it. You just type in your address and they tell you all of the places that delivery to your apartment for free. It was so fast and easy. They quoted us 30-40 minutes, but it seriously took 15. It was amazing! Although it didn't compare to Chinese Noodle in St. Louis, it was extremely tasty. James is very loyal to Peggy and her special cooking for the Leland tenants.
We met up with George and Robin for dessert. My 1001 book suggested Chickalicious, a dessert bar in East Village. Upon our arrival there was a line outside the door so we knew it was going to be tasty! There was very limited seating, I'd say about 20 people could eat at a time. Once we were seated we enjoyed a 3 course Prixe Fix dessert meal. The menu changes every night, I can't wait to go back again. The dessert was very light, so it was not overwhelming. The wine pairings were enjoyable as well. If you go, be certain to sit at the bar and watch Chicka herself prepare your meal!
While at the dessert bar, we saw Hung Huynh, last season's winner of Top Chef. I wonder what it is like to prepare food for a "celebrity" chef.
After dessert, we headed to Pipa, my favorite NYC bar. This is the place with all of the NBC Home Chandeliers. Before I had the sangria. This time i tried one of the specialty martini's. I can't remember what it was called, but it had a raspberries in it. YUMMMM!
James and I tried to go the night before, but they closed as soon as we walked up. If you go, make sure to go earlier since they do not have that late of hours. They also serve spanish/mexican tapas, but I haven't tried them. I usually go to close to the closing time.
This Pipa experience was a little bit different for me this time. I am currently doing lighting compartitive analysis as MS, so I found myself mentally comparing the ABC lighting to MS. :\
After Pipa, James and I had a drink at Coffee House in Union Square. Some other interns said they were there, so we went looking for them. James is trying to find his new mixed drink, so he was trying out new possibilities. He wants a non-beer drink he can order and still enjoy. Feel free to make comments. We know gin and tonic is a no-go.
Making our way back to my apartment, we stopped by Me Bar. I wanted him to experience a rooftop bar. Although it isn't the best, it is still fun. I just wish it the Empire State Building lights were still on, it would have been a better view.
We finally made it to Little Italy and ate at a local pizza place. I definately think this place was run by the mob. The owner was so intimidating - at least the pizza was good!
walking down the street, we browsed the stores and stopped for some gelato. After going to Europe together in high school, we both have an extreme passion for the tasty treat!
After our culinary excursion, we went to Central Park. At first we were lost (because of James, not me!) but found our way. Our first stop was the historical Tavern on the Green. It was so pretty and ornately decorated. We only had a drink since our intern budgets can't really afford places like that. My 1001 book did mention you dont go there for the food, so I guess didn't matter. I will definately take pizza over finger sandwiches any day!
Unfortunately James brought the Seattle weather with him to NY, so it wasn't the most ideal walking conditions. Don't worry though, we made do. James said the rain was nothing, so I could use the umbrella all by myself! =) I guess he is a true Seattler now after two summers! ;)
After Tavern on the Green, we continued our walk (with minimal confusion) to the fountains, pond, and Strawberry Fields. Even though I'm not an avid Beattle's fan, I enjoy Strawberry Fields the most in Central Park. I'm not sure what it is, but it is so relaxing. Imagine that!
We got back to my apartment at a weird time, so we decided to order Chinese take-out. Supposedly this is the thing to do in NY, but I hadn't experienced it yet. So it was a new experience for both of us! Mindi told me about a delivery website called seamlessweb.com so we decided to try it. You just type in your address and they tell you all of the places that delivery to your apartment for free. It was so fast and easy. They quoted us 30-40 minutes, but it seriously took 15. It was amazing! Although it didn't compare to Chinese Noodle in St. Louis, it was extremely tasty. James is very loyal to Peggy and her special cooking for the Leland tenants.
We met up with George and Robin for dessert. My 1001 book suggested Chickalicious, a dessert bar in East Village. Upon our arrival there was a line outside the door so we knew it was going to be tasty! There was very limited seating, I'd say about 20 people could eat at a time. Once we were seated we enjoyed a 3 course Prixe Fix dessert meal. The menu changes every night, I can't wait to go back again. The dessert was very light, so it was not overwhelming. The wine pairings were enjoyable as well. If you go, be certain to sit at the bar and watch Chicka herself prepare your meal!
While at the dessert bar, we saw Hung Huynh, last season's winner of Top Chef. I wonder what it is like to prepare food for a "celebrity" chef.
After dessert, we headed to Pipa, my favorite NYC bar. This is the place with all of the NBC Home Chandeliers. Before I had the sangria. This time i tried one of the specialty martini's. I can't remember what it was called, but it had a raspberries in it. YUMMMM!
James and I tried to go the night before, but they closed as soon as we walked up. If you go, make sure to go earlier since they do not have that late of hours. They also serve spanish/mexican tapas, but I haven't tried them. I usually go to close to the closing time.
This Pipa experience was a little bit different for me this time. I am currently doing lighting compartitive analysis as MS, so I found myself mentally comparing the ABC lighting to MS. :\
After Pipa, James and I had a drink at Coffee House in Union Square. Some other interns said they were there, so we went looking for them. James is trying to find his new mixed drink, so he was trying out new possibilities. He wants a non-beer drink he can order and still enjoy. Feel free to make comments. We know gin and tonic is a no-go.
Making our way back to my apartment, we stopped by Me Bar. I wanted him to experience a rooftop bar. Although it isn't the best, it is still fun. I just wish it the Empire State Building lights were still on, it would have been a better view.
July 6 - Sunday
Today Bobby and Amy had a BBQ in Staten Island. James and I took about four different subways to the Staten Island Ferry. On the weekends the MTA enjoys shutting down lines and we didn't realize it until it was too late.
We eventually made it to the ferry and had a great ride with George and Robin. I think the ferry is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty. It is free and gets really close!
While at the Gay's we enjoyed an amazing home cooked meal. Something I know James and I haven't experienced in a month or so. Bobby also taught me how to play poker. Out of six people I came in fourth place, not bad!
Getting back to Manhattan we picked up my apartment since my roommates were coming back and then grabbed dinner at O'Reily's. I ordered fish and chips, but they were really soggy, so not the best I've ever had. It is sad when Fitz's has better fish and chips than an authentic Irish pub...
Not really having any plans, I decided to take James to the Top of the Rock as our final excursion. Top of the Rock is the observatory deck in Rockafeller Center. It was the first thing my family did last summer when we arrived in NY. It was definately when I fell in love with the city and knew I had to come back. I wish I would have taken James here earlier, but oh well.
Once again the view was hazy and muggy, but we still enjoyed it. We arrived about two hours before closing. After the interesting tour and journey up the building, we just sat on one of the benches and enjoyed the view. A perfect way to spend our last night in the big apple together.
We eventually made it to the ferry and had a great ride with George and Robin. I think the ferry is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty. It is free and gets really close!
While at the Gay's we enjoyed an amazing home cooked meal. Something I know James and I haven't experienced in a month or so. Bobby also taught me how to play poker. Out of six people I came in fourth place, not bad!
Getting back to Manhattan we picked up my apartment since my roommates were coming back and then grabbed dinner at O'Reily's. I ordered fish and chips, but they were really soggy, so not the best I've ever had. It is sad when Fitz's has better fish and chips than an authentic Irish pub...
Not really having any plans, I decided to take James to the Top of the Rock as our final excursion. Top of the Rock is the observatory deck in Rockafeller Center. It was the first thing my family did last summer when we arrived in NY. It was definately when I fell in love with the city and knew I had to come back. I wish I would have taken James here earlier, but oh well.
Once again the view was hazy and muggy, but we still enjoyed it. We arrived about two hours before closing. After the interesting tour and journey up the building, we just sat on one of the benches and enjoyed the view. A perfect way to spend our last night in the big apple together.
July 7 - Monday
Today is a sad day in 22C1, it is James's last day. Since I had to work, we got up early and went to breakfast with George and Robin. I let James pick out the eatery. Somehow he found the Tick Tock Diner on 34th. It was, well-diner food. Not bad, but not the best. I had oatmeal pancakes. I think that is where I went wrong. Even though the food was mediocre, I enjoyed the company.
It was sad saying goodbye, but I know it is something we both have to do. It is amazing how we both have such great opportunities. We would have been crazy to pass them up! I'm so glad he was able to come here and experience the big city with me. I know I wasn't the best tour guide, but I think we still had fun. A long-weekend just isn't enough time!
After parting, James went to Staten Island with his parents. Amy was so kind to take them to the airport. Their flights didn't leave until later in the afternoon, so they enjoyed the morning in S.I.
I feel bad James had to travel so far. It is such a long flight. He left around 2 pm or so and just got in a few minutes ago. I think I was worth it! =) =) =) I just wish I had time to go to Seattle. I'm not fortunate to have vacation time like he did.
I didn't do much after work. I stopped by Border's to look at a quotations book. I am trying to find an appropriate quote for my networking/business card. I want it to give the receiver an impression of who i am personally and professionally. Let me know if you have any suggestions. None of my finds have made it past my roommates' approval.
Well, off to bed. This post took me about two hours to write. I'm sorry it was so delayed. It was just hard to find time to write it every night once we got back....we were exhausted after all of our adventures. Thanks for understanding! I tried getting James to make a few comments, but it didn't seem as if it would be making it towards the top of his to-do list any time soon. I'll keep trying, keep an eye out!
Have a great week!
-Sam
It was sad saying goodbye, but I know it is something we both have to do. It is amazing how we both have such great opportunities. We would have been crazy to pass them up! I'm so glad he was able to come here and experience the big city with me. I know I wasn't the best tour guide, but I think we still had fun. A long-weekend just isn't enough time!
After parting, James went to Staten Island with his parents. Amy was so kind to take them to the airport. Their flights didn't leave until later in the afternoon, so they enjoyed the morning in S.I.
I feel bad James had to travel so far. It is such a long flight. He left around 2 pm or so and just got in a few minutes ago. I think I was worth it! =) =) =) I just wish I had time to go to Seattle. I'm not fortunate to have vacation time like he did.
I didn't do much after work. I stopped by Border's to look at a quotations book. I am trying to find an appropriate quote for my networking/business card. I want it to give the receiver an impression of who i am personally and professionally. Let me know if you have any suggestions. None of my finds have made it past my roommates' approval.
Well, off to bed. This post took me about two hours to write. I'm sorry it was so delayed. It was just hard to find time to write it every night once we got back....we were exhausted after all of our adventures. Thanks for understanding! I tried getting James to make a few comments, but it didn't seem as if it would be making it towards the top of his to-do list any time soon. I'll keep trying, keep an eye out!
Have a great week!
-Sam
Hi Sam! I just saw my cousin who lives in NY and I told your mom that he works at a restaurant. He said it is not a chain and is called La Focaccia in the west village. My cousin's name is Dan. He said the restaurant is pretty good. You may want to give it a try. Later....
ReplyDeleteAmy Krebs