Our Last Big Apple Evening... and its a long one
Greetings All,
When the blog left off, we were in resting, blogging and email catch up mode.
The full day of touring and weather had taken its toll. Suffice to say, winter on the East Coast is a little different than in Southern California.
We rallied though - and headed out. The theatre we were attending is just off Times Square. We tried hailing a cab, and they (were smart enough to) ask(ed) where we were going. We gave the address and the guy brushed us off and drove away.
Yes - let me type that again for you - The cabbie turned us down! Not that I blame him, actually. Having to drive down into Times Square, especially on a Saturday night, is the equivalent of a friend asking you to stop by and pick them up after you leave work - If, say, that commute would bring you on the 405 north, around 6pm, or having to drive to Hollywood and Highlands, when there's a movie premiere.
Anyway - we elected to stop bothering with a cab, and headed back to our old friend, Grand Central Station.
As an aside, I have to say, we got pretty good, in a short period of time, figuring out what worked and what didn't work for us, on the subway. We certainly weren't experts, but we did well enough.
Our walk from the subway to the theatre took us through Times Square where it was JUST getting to the point where it would snow. There were tiny flurries... another couple degrees, and you'd really see snow falling. Sadly - it didn't get there, at least not while we were out there.
So - the show. I took some grief about this on the Facebook post. It was Rock of Ages.
Its a slightly sappy rags to rock story, featuring 80's music - like Journey, Whitesnake, Winger, Poison, Styx, Quiet Riot, etc. And, the guitarist from Night Ranger leads the on-stage band...
So, if you're going to see a show, might as well be one that has billboards of Angelyne, the Chateau Marmont and the Roxy.
After the show, Jen and I pondered dinner. We had our big lunch... but we were a bit peckish. And, we have a long night and/or early morning ahead of us. We elected for some appetizers on the second story of the ESPN Zone. The crowd was lively, watching the end of the Texas/Nebraska game. I wouldn't be surprised if some folks had some SERIOUS complaints about the officiating in literally the last second of play, that changed the entire game outcome. But, the crowd was lively, and the view of Times Square was good.
We hopped on the very conveniently located subway station - and back to the hotel.
Ok - So its around midnight. We're packed, and basically now just waiting for time to expire. We have a 4:45am car scheduled to take us to the airport.
After a restless couple of hours spent watching random television, and alternatively laughing at the absurdity of staying up all night, and weeping at the idea of dragging ourselves out - around 4:00am we give up, get up, and start getting ready.
Oddly, this is fortunate for us, as the car service arrived early (no, I mean.. it was already early - but they arrived even earlier!)
Off to the airport. We made it through security, a quick cup of coffee - and now, we're cruising along at 38,000 feet, heading back to LA.
I suspect that after this adventure, it will be a quiet day around the Ranch, spent with pups and football!
Hopefully all of you are having days equally good.
Cheers,
Mitch
Evening Three Recap and Day Four
Greetings All,
Lots to cover, so let's jump right in, shall we?
When last we left our intrepid explorers, it was out to dinner in NYC.
We arrived in the area early for our dinner reservations - went walking around, and stopped for a quick cocktail in a local restaurant.
Upon the recommendation of Cousin Ruthie, we went for middle-eastern: Ilili, in part of what I believe is the Flatiron District.
Loud, busy place with low key decor. Light woods, lots of sheer drapery, and candlight. I could go through all the selections (which included kebab, stuffed grape leaves, shwarma, etc), but for this recap, I'll just say - way too much food. All of it delicious.
We crawled out of there, stuffed beyond even dessert and coffee - and were out for more adventures. A short hop in some subways, a little walking, and we headed towards Rockefeller Center. Let me tell you. This is a good and bad decision on our parts. Good: All the sights you expect. Rockefeller Center. The tree (which was huge). The skating rink (which was smaller than I expected from TV). It was lit up, bright and bustling. The bad - It was a tourist mecca. Tour buses letting off, crowds packed in. Guys dressed as Santa, Dora the Explorer or giant panda bears, all posing for tourist photos (Please - save the emails. I have no idea why a tourist would travel to New York, to pose for a photo with a guy dressed in a panda outfit. But, I do know we saw another one near Wall Street today, so its apparently one of the more popular options...)
We struggled through the crowds down past Radio City Music Hall. We considered going to the "Top of the Rock" - but with the crowds, being so full, and having already done the Empire State Building, we just kept moving.
After a quick stop for some photos, we trucked over to Times Square (again, based on Jen's brilliant navigating).
Times Square - Well. Let me say. Its as if someone took The entire Las Vegas Strip, and crushed it all into a two block radius. Its bright, loud, crazy and impressive. It definitely matched up to what you see on TV. We grabbed a random table out on the Square and hung out to ring in my birthday in Times Square. Very cool! More subway transfers, and then home!
This brings us to Day Four.
Let me start with - Winter Arrived. No... really... Its a high of 40 or something... freezing rain, potential for snow.
So, needless to say, we are bundled up, and trying for subway transfers over walking. THOUGH, you have to fuel up - so, there's a stop at Crumbs for cinnamon rolls and coffee. Gotta have something on the subway, no?
We start with a trip down to City Hall. I always say that you can tell when you're near a city government center (any city government center), when you see lots of folks in suits, and a higher than usual concentration of crazy people. New York did not disappoint in that regard.
The City government area is lots of buildings with columns and plazas. Lots of places familiar to viewers of Law and Order, of course (like the Criminal Courts Building, etc). Some photos were taken, and a quick walk...
We headed into Chinatown! Its exactly what you'd imagine - People selling knockoff handbags, ducks hanging in restaurant windows, tour busses, banners strung across the street advertising some negighborhood festival, clanging, crashing, bumping and yelling.
We cut down some sidestreets that took us into the Tribeca area. Also pretty much what you'd expect. A chat with a friendly doorman, while we took refuge out of the rain to get situated... and we were off again, down Broadway, towards the financial district.
This walk took us into shopping areas, commercial zones, etc. We stoppped at place recommended by Cousin Cindy - Century 21. Its not the realtors... Its kind of like a cross between...between... between a Lohmann's, a May Company, and ... an industrial blender... on high... Crowds, tourists, locals doing their holiday shopping. All one could do is hide. Though, Jen got some nice earmuffs for the cold...
Along their side entrance, we exited out onto the path down to the site of the Trade Center. Its an impressive sight, even when what you mostly see is scaffolds and cranes and digging.
Further down, we came across Trinity Church, also famous from that particular stage in history.
Finally, we made it to Wall Street. The New York Stock Exchange is pretty impressive. Its a giant roman temple to money. Marble, several stories high, imposing at the end of Wall Street. Its pretty cool. The surrounding buildings are as well. One of the buildings facing one side of The NYSE is Federal Hall (where Washington was sworn in as the first President, meetings of the continental congress, etc). Very cool building. A quick stop at the top of the steps to Federal Hall for phone calls, and list checking, and we're off again. On Broadway, and a couple of subway transfers to - Katz's Deli.
You get off the subway at Essex and Delancy. A great place to stop if we were getting pizza.. but we march on.
We find Katz's (and unfortunately for us, there's a tour bus outside). It is PACKED. Its a long counter, with dozens of people running behind it. Imagine a deli, and a lottery giveaway and a bullfight combined. With cold cuts.
We searched for a table. FINALLY found one. Right next to the spot from When Harry Met Sally.. the moaning scene.. Yeah, that. Anyway, this incredible charming sever then tells us - YOU! Tables for two are in the back... and walks away. Since that was supposed to be our waitress, we take the subtle hint that she's not going to help us.
So, we head back, get in the self serve line, fight our way to the front and get our sandwiches. Two pastrami sandwiches. Piled high on rye. Mustard. Plate of pickles on the side.
Move on.
We grab some drinks and a slice of cheesecake - just to check. And begin prowling for a table again. After much searching, we finally locate a place, sit down and dig in.
Its great to be sitting...dry...warm... and having pastrami... The pickles rocked. And the cheesecake was delicious. It was painful to have to pack up and go...
After a trek down to the subway station, we had a little negotiation. Sightseeing and shopping would have to wait. Time for a little rest and recharge. Checking of mail, blogging... and recovery.
We'll see what the evening holds. We have show tickets for "Rock of Ages" tonight.
We elected to not have dinner reservations, to see what we feel like. Though, the Irish pub next door to the hotel has Harp Battered Fish and Chips that sounds pretty good!
Of course, there's the dillema - We have our car service set for tommorow (sunday). It comes at 4:45am! Yes - many of you back on the West Coast will just be going to bed when we are getting to the airport (Jason). So, to sleep or not to sleep, that is the question...
We'll see what happens!
Once again - thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes!
And, again, thank you to Jen for this birthday adventure!
Cheers.
The Big Apple, Day Three
Buon Giorno!
Ok, today's going to be a busy day! Strap in and hold on!
Let me say that today, (like many days) is dedicated to Jen's fine sense of direction and map orientation. She's been a mini tour guide, figuring out the fastest ways to places. Today puts her to the test! (and she passes with flying colors).
The day starts at Grand Central Station. There's a dining level - basically a food court.
We grab some breakfast and coffee for the road, and head out for the Whitehall line - to head to the Staten Island Ferry.
We got a little taste of morning rush hour on the subway system. Its pretty much what everyone who has seen a subway on TV would expect - Lots of people, jostling, pushing. People reading the paper, balancing their packages, book bags, or briefcases. Folks jumping off and on the trains.
At the Ferry stop- you walk up out of the subway station right at the Ferry Station. Very convenient.
We waited a few minutes for the next ferry, and when it arrived, off we went. Its not particularly glamourous, but its efficient, its free, and it takes you right past the Statue of Liberty.
Along the way, photos were taken, sights seen, and then a quick landing at Port St. George, on Staten Island. I'd be lying if I told you that we spent more than 10 minutes on Staten Island. Its just not on this visit's itinerary! Basically hopped off one ferry and onto the one coming back.
Upon landing, we hit another subway stop, a few transfers, and off to Brooklyn!
I'll say Brooklyn's a whole different vibe than the city. Calmer, a little slower, a little more spread out. Still a city, but not quite as hectic.
In Brooklyn we walk around, check out Brookly Heights. Make our way past the Supreme Court of New York (for non-lawyers, actually the Supreme Court in New York is the lowest court. I don't know why. Its a random thing. Its like going to your local city or county courthouse). We also went past the City Center, and the Federal Courts building. Ok - law geek moment, over.
We made our way to Giribaldis - famous for pizza. Here's the thing though - its too famous. The freakin' line was a block long. Sorry. Its Brooklyn. Its not like we're going to get BAD pizza down here! So, we went to the corner and got a great table at a busy little place called Pizza Iganzia. We got the traditional pie. For those who saw the Facebook mobile upload - you saw. It was delicious. Fresh, crispy crust. Basil and cheese and tomato. ummm...we destroyed that pizza... nothing left but crumbs.
After lunch, we walked down through DUMBO - Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass (or something). Its a gentrifying area right between the end points (on the Brooklyn side) of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.
We made a quick stop at a known chocolate place here: Jacques Torres. Freakin delicious.
While there, we picked up the hot cocoa with chili - it was a rich, chocolate-y, slightly spiced, sort of southwestern style cocoa. It did not suck.
We had these in hand, for our next big adventure - walking back into Manhattan, across the Brooklyn Bridge. We certainly weren't the only ones thinking this - the pedestrian walkway is packed. People biking, tourists, commuters, all walking on the elevated pedestrian path, above the car lanes. Again, let me emphasize that Mitch is not a huge fan of heights! Yet, we braved heights, winds, and sore legs, to make the scenic trek.
On the Manhattan side, you leave off right at the City Hall area. Lovely buildings, roman columns, etc. Amusingly enough, there was a large set of television production trucks nearby. We speculated as to whether it was Law and Order...
Back to the hotel, for more email, blogging and resting up.
Tonight is Illili (sorry for the probably mispelling). Its a mediteranean place that's well reviewed. We're considering a little visit to Times Square and/or Rockefeller Center. We'll see.
Also, tommorow should be interesting, as its the day they speculate it could snow.
We hope that everyone is doing well there.
Cheers.
The Big Apple, Recap of Evening Two
Greetings All,
I know you're all curious about the latest from the East Coast. Certainly about the latest meals!
An apology - Facebook has not been accepting the photo uploads, so more of those will follow as we're able.
Here's the quick recap from the evening of Day Two -
When we last left ur story, it was the afternoon blogging and email break. We rested up, and prepared for the evening's adventures.
First, out and about, to the Empire State Building.
On the walk, we passed the New York Public Library. Its a massive building, roman columns, and stone lions guarding the gift of the Astor Family to the city (ok, not entirely paid for by the Astors, but lots of cash from them). After a quick meet and greet with the stone lions out front, up the stairs into the lobby - Massive, two story marble atrium. Hallways leading in all directions with special collections, etc. Up the stairs we go, to check out the reading rooms. The ceilings are coffered, and have various painted scenes not unlike the design of a chapel. In the reading rooms - its a library straight out of central casting. Big oak tables, heavy shelving, and those massive coffered ceilings. We took a few photos, tried to stay quiet, and went along our way.
Empire State Building - if you aren;t looking up - at street level, you'll miss it. It just looks like another office building (which, aside from the 86th and 102nd floor, it is). Long story short - its 20.00 to go up an elevator in a very tall building. But, because we were there on a brisk thursday evening, there were no lines, and we wanted to check out the view. Let me make it VERY clear - NO WAY would I wait the 2 hours they say that normally you have to. Its as if Universal Studios ran an office building. Video screens offering to sell you video tapes of your experience, photos with green screen background, etc.
We sped past all this, because not too many people were there at the hour we were going.
Up the first elevator - Ok. This is creepy. That number just keeps going up and up and up. Its an express elevator going up 80 floors. That's just ...well... high. Really high. And, to tell the truth, I am scared of heights! You get off on a floor with a gift shop, etc - then are routed to another elevator, that goes up 6 more floors.
On the 86th floor, you can either go up to the 102nd floor, or out on to the observation deck. Out we go ...
wow...wow... its quiet a view. It was a clear night, and you could literally look over the whole city - out the harbor to the Statue of Liberty, uptown, across a sea of lights filling the night sky.
But, let me say again - its cold... windy... and very very high up...But, we did it!
Out of there, and then on to other adventures. A cab ride to Scarpetta. (this cab ride was much safer than previous rides).
Scarpetta - What can I say? Most interestingly, was Jen saying, as we were waiting at the bar, that the place had a very "LA" vibe. It had a wooden beamed ceiling with skylights. Candle lit in spots, with dark woods elsewhere, setting a quiet, elegant mood.
We were seated in a corner, and quickly surveyed the menu. This place is constantly written up about its house-made pastas, which made selections easy.
We had a burrata and salad appetizer, and a fresh yellowtail app as well. Both were absolutely delicious. Jen had started with a glass of prosecca at the bar, and I had a glass of red wine.
At the table we had a carafe of Brunello di Montalcino to go with the meal. Bread was served with an absolutely ridiculous eggplant caponata.
The pasta did not disappoint. Absurdly simple and delicious. Jen had the tomato basil spagetti. It was fresh, al dente, and flavorful beyond description. I had the agnolotti with shortrib filling, with a horseradish butter sauce. I'd tell you more about how tasty this was, but you'd cry.
Dessert was a banana budino - kind of a banana honey bread with a gelato and brulee'd bananas.
We left full and happy.
A quick walk down to the waterline, and a couple of grappas at Craftsteak, while watching the end of the football game.
We caught the subway back to Grand Central Station. While walking back, we were going to stop in a drug store for some supplies. Let me tell you - if you have the chance to stop in at a Duane Reede -dont. They are all apparently run by madmen. Computers going out, employees with no idea what was happening. Lines growing surly. It was like shopping in an asylum. We abandoned our purchases, and fled back to the hotel.
Got to rest up for another day's adventure!
The Big Apple, Day Two
Greetings Gentle Readers,
Its day two in the Big Apple. I'm writing this during our rest break - so, first, let's recap.
Yesterday's blog covered through the flight - which was great. Especially with in-flight wi-fi. Makes the time pass absurdly fast. Its really something, when you're videoconferencing with someone, as you fly over several states. Very high tech. Or... surfing for Lakers news. Whatever.
So, we land - Baggage claim was quick. Out to the taxi stand. Surprisingly, the weather wasn't too bad. Brisk, but only in sweaters, we were fine.
A taxi ride into the city. First - a taxi aside. Not all taxis are scary....but... enough of them are, so that they deserve that stereotype. Our driver, unfortunately, proves the rule. He didnt run anyone off the road, but the constant gunning of the gas, then slamming on the brakes - gave us the sensation of being on a boat. And not in a good way.
We arrived at the hotel, thankful to be alive, and seasick.
What else did I learn? Generally - when you have the opportunity to drive in New York - Pass on it. Its a zoo. The lines, lights, dividers, barriers, etc - All mere suggestions, nothing binding.
Added to that, is the fact that apparently, something in the water makes pedestrians invincible. Crossing anywhere, often actually having full conversations in the middle of busy streets.
The hotel is nice. Upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite. Good sized kitchen - pots and pans, a dishwasher, full sized fridge, etc. Comfy, lots of storage.
But, we're already out on the town. We layer on some jackets, and head out - Walking down to Grand Central Station. Its immense. Amazing, Full of hustle and bustle. People coming and going. Shops, signs, trains, panhandlers, musicians, police, and pets. Its just slightly controlled chaos.
We are on a quest - Criff Dogs. We exit the appropriate station into...well.. into a monsoon. We are SOAKED...but we trudge down to Criff Dogs and slink in. We order the Chiuahua and the Garden State. One is a deep fried, bacon wrapped dog with avocado. One is deep fried, with sliced ham, pepperoncinis and cheese. Good lord, this MIGHT not kill us, so we get the large tater tots. The tots are so good, we work out a potato exchange program with the three guys in suits next to us, enjoying some PBR with their dogs, and some waffle cut fries, covered in cheese... Help me... I might lose consciousness...
We start walking, thinking a cocktail or bar might be in our future - but honestly, we're drenched. We grab a cab and high tail it back to the hotel, to finish unpacking and plan for Day Two.
Catching up - Day Two.
Beautiful day. Rain has stopped (for now). Sunny, and around 60. We walk down the block to Ess-A-Bagel. Jen makes friends with the counterman, who decides that she should let me go back to LA, and she should stay here.
She is inclined to agree.
Coffee and bagels accomplished, we start down 5th Avenue. Tree lined medians, exquisite shops, hustle and bustle of people. Its exactly what you'd expect. Stands selling costume jewlery and fake purses share the corners with the Sabrett's hot dog carts and halal food stands.
We check out Trump Tower (lots of travertine); FAO Shwartz (honestly, not as snappy as I was led to believe); the monolith of Apple (giant glass cube with giant Apple logo inside - yep, pretty cool); etc.
We make our way to Central Park. Its amazing, how very quickly, once inside its borders, much the city fades away to skyline.
Ducks in various ponds, enough squirrels to form a gang and take over the city, and plenty of little nooks and crannies which you might recognize from various CSI or Law and Order Episodes.
We pass through many of the landmarks within the Park - a skating rink, The Pond, The Lawn, Belevdere Castle (sadly, it is NOT where they make the vodka. I was sorely disappointed) ; and others. We walk up, past the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but decide to take advantage of being outside while we still can. Perhaps Museums on Saturday, when its supposed to snow.
Some walking and subway rides later, we're back around the hotel. We head back over to the Amish Market (no, not actual Amish people. I don't know WHY its called that, but they have good stuff). Two crazy sandwiches and snacks later - its time for blog updating, photo uploading and checking of mail. And, honestly, resting up from all the hiking around the city!
After the break - could be Empire State Building. Definitely looking forward to Scarpetta for some italian food tonight!
We hope everyone is doing well! More later.
Some nice photos - Miles of walking. Whew!
The Big Apple Chronicles
Well,
Its a new chapter in Oak Street Ranch - This time, the Ranch is mobile: New York City!
As part of Jennifer's birthday present to me, we're headed off for a few days in the hustle and bustle of the East Coast.
Day One begins in Los Angeles, like any other day. That means - Pugs.
After some dog walking and heart felt goodbyes to our furry friends, its off to LAX. Kellie was kind enough to drive us, and we arrived at LAX in a timely fashion. After sending her off, kicking and screaming (to work), we checked the bags with the skycap, and its off through security, to get magazines and snacks for the flight (because of course, in this day and age, you can't bring anything with you). Before I move on, let me AGAIN say how much safer I feel because I have to, for some inane reason, take off my shoes. What a pain.
Flight to NYC - United Airlines:
Business class is nice.
That's all you need to know.
"Free Wi-Fi" is the surest way to a traveller's heart. Thank you United, as I am writing this blog, somewhere over the top of Texas...
Business class, with its extra leg room, never-empty beverages, menu selections, portable media player, etc.... As excited as we are to go to New York, if the flight just circles a bit, we'll be fine.
We'll be getting in a little earlier than expected, so more coffee is in order! There's things to do, places to go.
