A little over two years ago, my best friend and I had wedding ceremony as a symbol of our friendship. Some of you may recall the recap I shared as a testament, We Are Gathered Here Today. This weekend she made an impromptu visit to see me, and it was her first time in New York City!
- It all started with a little temptation…
Next thing you know she drove through the night to get as much time as she could. Finding a great parking spot for the weekend only a couple blocks from my place was just the beginning of the lucky penny that shined over our next couple of days.
- Always beautiful, even when she barely gets rest.
She had her coffee black with sugar, and then off we went to explore the city’s west side.
- Awfully tall representatives
They were having a family street fair over in Tribeca, which was a part of the Tribeca Film Festival. There were lots of kids with painted faces walking around, getting into character. We walked through Greenwich village, perusing through chocolate shops, boutiques, stationary shops. Strolled through Washington Square and made our way through Union Square…
- On our way up we went to a book lover’s haven–Strand.
My friend was overwhelmed and in love all at the same time. I imagined having a weekly ritual, going there to pick up a “new” book. You can find books that are out of print, on any subject from psychology to banned titles, or even old fortune books. Eventually we headed over to Eataly–a great place to take vistors, and I wanted to check out their fresh fish selection.
- Here you can find refrigerated cases of fresh, handmade pastas.
While you’re browsing the pastas you can smell the aromas of sauces cooking, and look over and you’ll find someone enjoying a delicious platter at one of the many dining areas in this establishment. It’s a large cafeteria with a market and “restaurants”. Whether you’re in the mood for a morning cappuccino, a glass of wine, beautiful pastries, gelato, cured meats, chocolates, or vegetables… you will find something. Another neat thing is that you can try things based on various regions throughout Italy!
- The smell of cheese lingers through the air over in this section.
After we toured Eataly, we headed back up to my neighborhood for dinner. We had planned on going to Candle Cafe’s relatively new Upper West Side location (I feel spoiled only living a couple blocks away), but the wait was too long for our hunger to wait.
- I ended up taking my date to a nearby restaurant and jazz club
Cleopatra’s Needle by night always caught my eye when walking home. It seems like a place that’s been there for a long time. I’d look in through the paneled windows, to see tables of people leaning in over wine glasses, grooving to the live jazz music that goes on every night. I also often see patrons dining alone, simply enjoying their own company. Something about this place, with its dimly lit and old-fashioned setting, is so inviting.