If you could live in any big city in the world, where would it be? For me, it would be New York or San Francisco. Or possibly Dublin or Florence or London…hard to say since I have only been to those places once. Today, I have pretty much convinced myself it would have to be New York. What an amazing twenty-four hours it has been!
We left the 4Runner in Providence, Rhode Island yesterday and took the train in to Penn Station. I began reading one of Em’s Christmas gifts en route; The Big House by George Howe Colt. It is a true story about “a century in the life of an American summer home” and takes place in and around Cape Cod…loving it so far.
We are staying in an apartment minutes away from Central Park (Strawberry Fields section), the Museum of Natural History, and Magnolia Bakery : ) I am pretty much in Heaven.
Got here in time for a walk around the neighborhood and a subway ride to Greenwich Village, where we had what could quite possibly be the perfect meal at The Place, which reminded me of my adolescent cave fantasies (definitely a blog for another day). Think just the right lighting (dim) in a cozy underground space sans windows. And curved archways. And Sweet Potato Ravioli, Malbec, then Moussaka for the main course. So impressive that Paul cannot stop reminiscing over the ravioli.
We then walked it off, stopping in shops like Bleecker St. Records which just happened to be playing Social Distortion and happened to have a John Lennon CD (Acetates & Alternate Mixes) to add to our collection. Life is sweet.
But wait, it gets sweeter. Back in the Upper West Side, we hit Magnolia Bakery for one blueberry crisp and one banana pudding (Valynne), and one apple crisp and one lemon bar (Paul). And coffee in honor of the City that never sleeps. Oh, and midnight snacks including garlic knots from Columbus Gourmet Food.
OK, that was just last night. I guess if I go over every little detail of our trip I will lose you. How about some pics from today, then?
There were too many people around Strawberry Fields this morning to get a decent pic of “Imagine”, so I will try again tomorrow. We are staying around the corner from the Dakota Building; pretty amazing digs. I fell in love with this gazebo – does anyone know anything about it? Do people get married here?
It was bloody cold today, hence the layers, funky hair and frozen expression. I pretty much had to have a “You’re Fired” Bloody Mary in the Trump Bar, which I have to say was the best Bloody I have had since returning to the East Coast. Good thing, $18 later. As we were leaving the building we were bombarded by protestors. I didn’t quite catch what they were protesting but I instinctively felt they had good reason then felt a bit ashamed for having gone there…wonder what Trump did this time.
I love how most of the skaters at Rockefeller Center are wobbly like me…how many people skate there just to say they have, do you think? The flags really struck me – don’t remember them being there before. Have I mentioned how much I love New York City? Just making sure.
Paul doesn’t like posing for pics. It has taken me a long time to (somewhat) accept this fact. Hence the side profile, taken in Times Square. I really like the curls that ensue when he has gone longer than he would like between cuts…and that is why I posted this. Below is the one billboard that I felt was photo worthy.
If and when we decide to settle down in one place, I believe this will be the table I choose to settle down with (hope you like it too, Paul!?!). The remainder of today’s New York pics were taken at Chelsea Market. Neither of us had been there – we were not disappointed.
I don’t need any more glass items. But I love glass, and I can’t resist photographing it. Bowery Kitchen is a restaurant supply that has been in business since 1975. I don’t cook much but can spend hours in shops like this – and it is a great place to buy tools of the trade for Paul, who is an amazing cook.
This young woman made the best looking (and tasting) latte I have ever experienced. She was sweet in letting me take her picture with said latte – thank you, beautiful barista!
I backed away from the candy aisle at Manhattan Fruit Exchange – but only long enough to take this photo : ) How deliciously colorful – just look at those jumbo jawbreakers! Gummy Cola Bottles, anyone?
Not being a real foodie (or much of a druggie unless you count chocolate, wine, and the occasional caffeine rush); I know little about this fungi, aside from the fact that, much like the candies above, just the sight of them brought me joy, deeming them worthy of a mention.
The red and white paper packaging so pleased me that I hardly cared what was inside. buon Italia (lower case b intentional) had all of this really amazing food. One thing I find so very cool about New York City is the discovery factor. This place had butter made from Parmigiano Reggiano. We decided to come back for that as the line was a bit long. Then we forgot. I will most likely nip back out tomorrow for it while Paul is working.
Last stop at the Market – Amy’s bread. We haven’t tried it yet, but judging by the smell and the overall vibe of the place, we will not be disappointed. There was even a room behind glass full of bakers and equipment and bread (duh)…we love Chelsea Market!!!
One quick trip back to the Village for a pint at The White Horse Tavern – the very same tavern that Dylan Thomas frequented a little too frequently; the same tavern frequented by the likes of Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Jack Kerouac (who was bounced from the establishment more than once), and Hunter S. Thompson.
Then to the newstand for a Sunday Times (New York and London) and back on the subway “home”. There you have it…bliss, defined.
My brother is a many year resident of NYC and I am remembering several visits there and how I marvel at the city…. just as you are! Hope you have ablast!
Where does your brother live, Denise? I will pick up a momento to add to your prize package while I am here : )
It took me YEARS to get over moving from NYC….I referred to Boston as “that provincial outpost” for the first three years I lived there after leaving NYC !!! And I spent many a day at the White Horse Tavern………..oh, I miss it there; not sure I’d want to live and work there again though. I enjoyed my morning here…..with the coyote sitting at the top of the drive, the elk herd blocking traffic on 74 and the buffalo herd all gathered eating breakfast !
I certainly miss the wildlife and the view of Mt Evans; at least it has been replaced with a view of Buttermilk Bay and other good stuff. Am definitely more of a country girl but have to say I am enjoying this little adventure immensely! We will be back “home” on Wed so I’ve got lots of ground to cover between now and then…
I’ve never been to NY but after reading your blog I want to some day and follow your foot steps through NY City. All the places you visited sound and look amazing.
Laurie
Tell the girls it is time for another field trip…and you have just the place!
Great idea but you will have to join us.
Oh, could you just imagine the fun we would have??? Tee Hee!
Sounds fantastic Valynne. Thanks for all the pictures-love them! Have fun-lisa
I am going to have to look you up on fb and see what you are up to these days…xox
ah, thanks for letting me live it through your eyes. i’ve never been to NYC but it looks like i would visit the very same places. thanks so much for sharing. stay warm!
Love your pics! It sounds like you are having a blast in NYC – as you should. Love your words too – makes me feel as though I am right there in NYC with you & Paul. :0)
Oh, Michele! I have been getting the word out about your upcoming events! Wish I could be there for “Nurturing the New Year” and especially for “The Art and Heart of the Handwritten Letter”…
I know I will hear all about it via phone and maybe even handwritten letter (hinting) which provides me some consolation…
*Michele has a beautiful shop full of earth friendly treasures located in downtown Kittredge, CO! Go to http://www.LiveBellaVita.com for more info…you really have to see how sweet this place is for yourself*
You’re the best & I so appreciate your support & excitement about BV!!!! Wish you could be here for the events too…will celebrate you in spirit and written letter! :0)
I hope you were able to sample some NY pizza. I was going to recommend Lombardi’s on Spring Street, but i was incommunicado in Antigua!
I just stumbled across your blog and saw your name,same as mine. There are not many of us. I wonder how you pronounce your name. I was born on Valentine’s Day. That is how I got my name. My dad was a doctor and delivered me and named me. He pronounced in “Val-in”. I was his real Valentine. My maden name was Spendlove. What fun being born on Valentine’s Day and being a Spendlove!
I’ve never been to NYC but did so enjoy your vivid review. I’m in a small town in Utah on the Colorado line with lots of snow–beautiful.
ANOTHER Valynne?? I would have sworn she was one-of-a-kind!
HeeHee Sean – kinda scary, eh? Try not to judge the poor girl by her name! XOX
This is the first time I have ever seen “Valynne” in my inbox : ) My name is pronounced “Vuh-lynne”.
I love that you were born on Valentine’s Day and that your maiden name was Spendlove!
Thank you so much for writing…this is a nice surprise. Do you have a website/blog? If so, please share!
I found a photo of a Miss Valynne Spendlove, of Vernal, Utah, riding a giant rocket in a parade back in 1959. Could that be our new Valynne? Unfortunately, I don’t know how (If I can) post photos to your blog.
Oh how fun! Hmm…I don’t know if you can post photos either, Sean…Valynne, is that you in the rocket shot? If we can figure out how to post said shot, would you be game?