Oh how we love the big city life!!! Scot and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in the Big Apple. Five days of just the two of us…….bittersweet, we were nervous and sad leaving our lil’ guy, as we had never been separated this long before. Landon was in the best hands with my mom, his Ga-a, and they had a hefty, chock full of fun itinerary planned.
The instant we stepped into the airport we were so excited. A double Bloody Mary and Mimosa by 6:45 am and vacation had begun!! Manhattan here we come! Toting the camera everywhere, but photos were few. Our third time there, we had no desire to grab the touristy pictures of well known sites, just anything new. Scot and I had the ultimate blast, eating and drinking our way through NYC, walking miles upon miles exploring new and old areas to us into all hours of the night, we splashed through puddles on the empty streets during a heavy down pour as people pointed and smiled at us acting as kids, got a visit from my brother, sister in law, and niece, and overall had not a care in the world!!! We stayed at The Manhattan Club in the Theatre District, a perfect location, across from Carnegie Hall, a five minute walk to Central Park or Time Square. The weather fluctuated between hot and humid to chilly and rainy…..sunshine or not, nothing would keep us inside.
After stepping off the plane, we were starving. Not even changing our clothes or unpacking after checking in, we left our room to explore our area. Settling on French food, we made reservations at Cognac, quickly changed and started our food excursion and self tour of NYC.
Eataly (www.eatalyny.com), the most incredible find and was our favorite stop as soon as we entered. Their manifesto, “We sell what we cook, and cook what we sell”. Eataly, a substantial market of decadent foods, that beyond surpasses an AJ’s with several restaurants. Scot and I roamed each aisle appreciating the delicious sells, then ate and sipped wine at the standing tables. This was by far, my favorite place in NYC……a foodie’s paradise, which we are.
Eataly has several partners, one of which is Mario Batali, Scot’s favorite Food Network chef.
Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club was an accidental and amazing find on Pier 17, as we stumbled upon the fake stretch of beach overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. With chilled cocktails in hand and sand between the toes, the hustle and bustle of the city streets is easily forgotten.
Celebrating our anniversary, reservations made over a month ago at Mesa Grill, a restaurant by my favorite chef, Bobby Flay. Cocktails at the bar, then dined on Bobby’s savory Southwestern cuisine. The flavors in our dishes were remarkable and Mesa Grill became another fast favorite!
Craving Eataly again, we had to go back for more wine and prosciutto.
Roaming “The Village”, we landed at Favela Cubane, a local Cuban cuisine hotspot spot, with live Cuban music, and of course, delectable foods and drinks.
Scot enjoyed a Jalapeño infused Tequila cocktail and I, a classic mojito, as we snacked on fried plantains and chatted with our server on life in “The Village”.
Melissa, Vince, and Chloe paid us a visit from Connecticut. We took Chloe to play at Central Park, FAO Schwartz, then enjoyed some down time catching up.
Scot and I enjoyed every minute of each day, not skipping a beat for how we used to travel! We brought home so many memories, inside jokes, and recommendations for NY dining, and considered even moving back east.
Landon had a great time with Ga-a, with only one day when he was sad talking on the phone to us. Ga-a and he made their own memories with their special time together. She catalogued their days and fun stories for us. Thank you Mom, for all you did!! We love you!
Happy Anniversary to us, 10 years and counting!!
