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Saturday, May 29, 2010

A Date to New York City














What a memorable first trip this was. Mike promised me, when we were first getting to know each other that he would take me on a date to one of my favorite cities in the world—New York. Although we only had time and money to spend a weekend there, we were able to see some of New York’s highlights, and indulge in a few of the million amazing restaurants.

I wanted to thank Mike for taking me on one of the most surreal, most incredible dates of my life, and so I surprised him with a romantic sunset cruise. This is, in my opinion, the best way to see New York City for the first time. Viewing the city all lit up in its entirety is absolutely breathtaking. In the colder months it is wise to bring something warm, and if you are sharing it with someone special bring some hot coco and a blanket to share ☺. One of our favorite parts was going under the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing the Statue of Liberty so close.

Rates vary: $16-$34, and last any where from 1-3 hours.

There are many cruises NYC offers so feel free to check them out. This is a description of one of them offered by Circle Line.

Harbor Lights Cruise

“Take an early-evening New York City Harbor Lights cruise and bask in the glow of the setting sun and glistening harbor lights. While listening to an entertaining and informative tour commentary, sip your favorite drink and watch the sun set, the moon rise and New York City light up for the night.

You'll enjoy dazzling skyline views of Manhattan on the two-hour Harbor Lights cruise – it's one of the best ways to see this fabulous city! From the Statue of Liberty to the famous Brooklyn Bridge, New York's landmarks are especially memorable when lit up at night. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available for purchase on board.”

*Posted under NYC link list in the right column is circle line and the rest of the places described below.


There is nothing like seeing NY by foot. You really can’t experience it in any better way, in my opinion. Some of our favorite little towns to stroll through:

Greenwich Village











Soho















NoLita
One of the best little French-Moroccan inspired restaurants in NoLita on Mott Street is
Cafe Gitane:
242 Mott St., New York, NY 10012 
at Prince St
212-334-9552
Takeout Available | Delivery Available
Delivery Payment: $10 minimum | Cash Only
Delivery Hours: Daily, 5:30pm-11:30pm
Delivery Area: Grand St. to 4th St., First Ave. to West Broadway



We indulged in the:
The Roasted Organic Chicken, Chipotle Mayonnaise, Roasted Tomatoes, Parmesan On Toasted Baguette
& the

Moroccan Couscous with red peppers, raisins, toasted pinenuts, hummus and eggplant



To drink: Citron Presse 3.50.













Breakfast: Popover Cafe


Although Popover Café serves many wonderful lunch/dinner items their breakfast is so incredible. If you are a lover of popovers you will love this restaurant. Some of my favorite menu items:

BASKET OF THREE POPOVERS
Served with strawberry butter or on request strawberry preserve or unsalted butter or unsweetened apple butter| 7.25
CRAB, SAUTEED MUSHROOM, ASPARAGUS, CHIVE, HOLLANDAISE | 13.25

EGGS BENEDICT ARNOLD | 13.25 
A split-open popover filled with ham & lemon hollandaise


One of the most modern, sophisticated hotels in NY— a tad pricey but a wonderful luxury on the upper west side.
Hotel Empire

44 West 63rd Street New York, NY 10023 | 212.265.7400



Empire State Building

Whether you are planning a romantic surprise (such as proposing to your girlfriend) or just wanting to see one of the worlds famous landmarks, The Empire State Building is just the place. If you are not afraid of heights or an elevator ride that ascends 80 floors, the views of NY harbor and Manhattan are exquisite from the top of the building. Up that high it is always windy so bring something warm, especially if you plan a night excursion.


Dessert: Serendipity 3



A most wonderful "fortunate accident indeed!" Although the wait is pretty outrageous at times the experience is well worth it. I love the intricate, quirky design of this restaurant. Although the food is pricey and highly over-rated, the desserts/drinks are not! Stop in at Serendipity 3 for a Frozen Hot Chocolate (one of their specialties)






Serendipity 3 is located at:

Store hours are:
Sun-Thur 11:30am to midnight 
Friday 11:30am to 1:00am 
Saturday 11:30am to 2:00am



There are just classic things one must do while they are in NY:

#1 Buy some roasted nuts


#2 Buy a hot dog from a street vendor—marvelous!



#3 Take the subway, anywhere and everywhere



#4 Time Square at night is a remarkable site to take in—visit Virgin Records and the Hershey’s Candy Factory. And don’t forget to stroll down Broadway and see all of the running shows (Les Mis is still my favorite)!



#5 Any girl loves perusing shops even if they are too expensive to shop in—what better place than 5th avenue!! Stop in at Tiffany’s and take in all the sparkle, or have fun with all the toys at FAO Swartz! Don’t forget to stroll through The Plaza before heading into Central Park.



Another one of my favorite places is Grand Central Station. I love the architecture and the history of this building. Notice the Greek mythology on the ceilings. A great place to eat, pick up a magazine to read on the subway, shop for your favorite perfume, or buy some fresh fruit at the market.





NY Public Library: Beautiful architecture






Central Park:



This has to be my favorite place in New York. Whether you are there to hit up all of the famous spots that have been featured in many classic movies, or there to visit the zoo, to ice skate in the winter, take a relaxing boat ride on one of the small lakes, take a carriage ride, watch a baseball game, tour Belvederes Castle, stroll through the Shakesperean gardens, eat at one of the most expensive restaurants—Tavern on the Green—, see a concert, play, or watch local talent perform street magic, this is the place. Pretty unbelievable that it stretches 2.5 miles long, covering an area of 843 acres. The hussle and bussle of the city completely melts away.









Lunch at Café Lalo

201 West 83rd St.
(btw. Amsterdam and Broadway)
New York, NY 10024





Tasty Menu Items:

Moroccan Delight
Eggs, fresh tomatoes, tricolor bell peppers,
garlic, jalapeno, extra virgin olive oil and
fresh mixed herbs. Served with Whole
Wheat or White Pita bread.


Italian Breakfast
Steamed eggs with goat cheese,
tomato, oregano & fresh basil.
Your choice of Olive or
Rosemary twist bread.


World Trade Center Memorial—pay tribute to the beautiful memorial erected for those who lost their lives on 9/11




Stroll through Bryant Park and visit all the local vendors. Mike got this leather bracelet he loves for $10!


Rockefeller Center—make sure to stop in one of my favorite stores: Dean and Deluca




Epices du Traiteur
103 W. 70th St., New York, NY 10023 
nr. Columbus Ave. 
212-579-5904
Cuisine: African/Moroccan, Mediterranean

Tasty Menu Items:

B'stilla a moroccan layered pie with filo, chicken, almonds, vegetables and aromatic spices


Risotto



One of my all time favorite places: Dylan’s Candy Bar. It is basically the Willy Wonka Factory of NY—all the candy you could ever want! Get the Wonka bar! YUM




And of course one of the most beautiful seasons to visit NY: the fall!






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