Just like we pictured it…..well, not for Malvy for Lower East Side, her first view of the Big Apple. The gleaming, towering sky-scrapers were what she expected, not the boho chic former New York punk playground. A spot of sushi with her beloved Alex & Lesley most definitely helped.
So many things to see, do, eat, drink and just enjoy and so little time. Gotta shop and explore and we did, topping it off with an exceptional meal at Momofuku (we did all of “Spring”, quantities of pork rolls that will shock medical-minded friends, finished with a delicious dessert of sake kasu).
So far and soooo good. Great trip out to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty and New York in all its glory – skyscrapers galore. Interesting to see the place where many Americans of today can trace their families’ arrival – we counted 3 Manousousi, 1 Ergen, no Maskreys and loads of Simpsons. A rare gem afterwards with the Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park and a most lovely evening catching up with the Van Berlos.
Next day, the reason for the trip, Alex’s big birthday with Alex’s choices of what to do, where to go and what he wanted to eat. After killer bagels (see below), the walk on the Highline was fabulous….a real treat mixing innovative architecture and horticulture that aims to take the architecture out of the structure and just use what is already there to make a beautiful and unusual raised public park. Loved it. Lobster rolls for lunch – what can I say (except that they put the ones in Grand Central Station’s Oyster Bar to shame). More fun at the American Museum of Natural History with a spectacular and mind-blowing planetarium show and the butterfly house. Dinner was great but perhaps not for all the right reasons – we had fun though!
I could eat Russ & Daughters bagels everyday (and we made a pretty good effort to do so) but went for the potato latkes, of course with smoked salmon. Kutty, Malvy and I went “solo” for the day going to the Guggenheim, Central Park and downtown. Beautiful weather and got to see the “classy” part of town as Malvy called it! More food adventures at Oiji.
Last day spent chilling and just enjoying hanging out together. Always a wonderful time to be had with Alex & Lesley and we were so very happy to celebrate with him. Roll on next time!
Lisette
It looks like you had a great time! It was wonderful to see you in Rye and we’re looking forward to meeting again this summer!
Colette Bramley
Looks like you guys packed in a lot on your visit but what a great trip!See you soon I hope, Colette xx
Leley
Beautifully written, Lou, and lovely pics! We had such a great time with you all (as usual). Thanks so much for coming to celebrate Alex’s birthday with us. Having you there made the transition almost painless for Alex (and lots of fun). Looking forward to the Blue House and your birthday at the end of June now. Yippee!!