Crazy Good–All Things New York!
Aside from the crazy good frenzy of last weekend’s New York City marathon, these are a few of the other things I love about New York City:
- I love the epicurean delights served up in New York City! Although I’m pretty mainstream, I can honestly say I have not had a bad meal in New York City! (Granted, it helps that my daughter and son-in-law live in New York and aptly guide my foodie cravings in the right direction!) The eclectic energy of this amazing city has a way of opening up your mind–and taste buds–to being a little more daring when it comes to making cuisine choices! New York style pizza always seems to be the perfect combination of soft, chewy crust, fresh toppings and delicious blended cheeses! Italian restaurants are my favorite, and the ones I’ve been to in New York City have expertly honed the talent of adding just the right amount of spices to any sauce and take personal pride in their homemade noodles! When it comes to breakfast or brunch, the options are endless! This time of year, it is highly likely that fresh pumpkin will be added to your pancakes or waffles, raising the delectable quotient of your meal up a notch or two!
“Public” restaurant has become one of our favorites in New York City–it was once a public library, thus it’s name! The menus are like library cards!
Since space is at a premium, dining tables are set close together in New York City Restaurants! Often you become acquainted with those you’re sitting by and can ogle the menu items they’ve ordered!
My daughter, Mandi and I savored their pumpkin waffles with cranberry compote! Presentation, as well as taste are given thoughtful consideration!
Equally delicious were my husband’s Salmon Eggs Benedict!
Mandi’s husband, Cole, is the most adventurous when it comes to trying out unusual menu selections–although I didn’t get a picture of them, he ordered Turkish poached eggs–kinda crazy, but he assured us they were very good!
Leave it to New York City to come up with a unique restaurant called “S’ Mack” that serves up indulgent macaroni and cheese! Crazy Good!
- I love the vast and varied urban culture and the parks and secret gardens of New York City! There will always be the usual popular draw to the various museums and Broadway plays in New York City, but I have recently been enlightened as to what’s available when you take a detour off the “touristy beaten path”, so to speak!
My parents always tried to plan their many travels to include a few days in New York City to take in a Broadway play or two! “Matilda” is my new favorite–right up there with “Fiddler On The Roof” and “Lion King”!
The iconic Empire State Building! (This is for you “Sleepless in Seattle” fans!)
If you want to really broaden your cultural experience in New York City, just get off the Queen’s Street subway exit and the flamboyant art of 5 Pointz Graffiti Park will greet you!
Obviously someone’s interpretation of their super hero!
My daughter and her husband unknowingly came perfectly color coordinated for pictures at 5 Pointz!
Amazing stippled art! So crazy good!
My husband is not a fan of graffiti that defames other’s property, but loved that this place exists for talented artists to express themselves!
5 Pointz is a popular spot to film music videos!
My husband lovingly told me that this was a perfect rendition of my face on any given Monday morning as I’m racing out the door for work! (Funny guy, my husband!)
Although New York City is known as the “concrete jungle”–there are so many beautiful parks and secret gardens intermittently tucked away inside busy city blocks! Note the garden plots that neighbors often work on together–reminds me of one of my favorite books, “Seedfolks”!
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I love shopping small shops in the big city of New York! Upon entering a small, quaint shop along any side street of this grand city, you quickly become aware that your shopping habits are about to take on a new, more personalized nuance! (You’ll find many big chain stores in New York City and of course, there’s the larger than life eye candy of 5th Avenue too!) At these self-owned shops, more often than not, the owner will greet you warmly, then with kind, considerate care go out of their way to help you find exactly what you are looking for. My husband has noted, however, that one of the downfalls of browsing the merchandise in these one-of-a-kind, specialty shops, is all the things you find that you never knew you needed! Ha! All I know is that shopping becomes an event to be cherished whether you buy anything or not!
Embracing the New York City retail experience while waiting for my daughter to model some great clothes finds! Store clerks in New York City always seem make a fun addition to a good shopping excursion! (The gal who waited on us at this store was from Australia and was such a doll!)
My husband is a succor for small neighborhood book stores–and New York City has many! You do lose track of time upon entering them!
Stopping at one of the many cute bake shops in New York City makes for a perfect ending to any shopping trip!
- I love the outerwear style and fashion of New York City! So many in the “Big Apple” rely on the public transportation systems to get them where they need to go, and since cold fall and winter weather conditions often have to be braved when additional blocks must be walked to reach intended destinations, outerwear in New York City serves the dual purpose of being functional as well as stylish. While observing the random, yet clever pairing of various coats, scarfs and boots on the subway or any other place in New York, you soon realize that it’s hard to feel quite as free to pull off the same look for yourself upon returning home!
Floral patterns can be mixed and matched and animal ears on your stocking caps are trending! Is this not the epitome of crazy good! Mind you, many of these pictures were taken at a very fast pace, which is also another crazy good aspect of New York City!
Although this picture doesn’t do it much justice, the wool texture and darling yoke of this cute coat caught my eye! I actually asked this gal where she got it, but alas, we never had time to find the store–maybe next trip!!!!
My braver alter-ego wears a pink fur vest and high-top converse sneakers! The lady wearing this did appear to be somewhere near my age bracket!?!
My granddaughter, Marli, pulls the look off without a hitch! Clothing boutiques for children in New York City are worthy of a post all their own–for any grandma out there, they are sooo crazy good!
Outerwear just begins to describe the diverse style of people in New York! Anyone willing and able to walk the city streets in 4 inch heels, certainly has the strongest caliber of New York City grit–doing that just seems crazy!?!
- Mostly, I love that people live so passionately in New York City and have such a deep love for America and display it proudly–doing that is just so good!
I know I got a little carried away with this post–thanks for bearing with me! Now it’s back to reality!? My oldest daughter reminded me that at least my reality is pretty darn good, even if it is a bit crazy at times! Thanks again to Mandi and Cole for being such great hosts!
If you’ve never been to New York City, I hope you can arrange to go someday soon! If you have been there before–let’s start planning our next trip!!!!
What do you love most about New York City or anywhere else you’ve visited recently?
–Mary