New York, NY - March 17-19, 2011
"Leave the gun. Take the frozen hot chocolate."
Part 2
Posted 4/21/2011
OK, where did I leave off?
Oh right, best day ever in New York City.
Silly me. (PS, If you want to start from the beginning, give a little scrolly scroll down a ways until you find Part 1)
So after gorging on some cheesy, garlicky NY style pizza, and after I finished my day o’ work, we headed to Central Park because:
A) It was an insanely gorgeous 70+ degree March day with sun galore
B) A trip to NYC is not complete without visiting this little city gem
C) People watching is the business. Really, I am sometimes just happy plopping down somewhere with a coffee for hours just watching folks go about their lives. Stalker, maybe. Fun, you betcha.
After strolling up and around the bedrock, we realized that we traversed 30 city blocks and that, if we go just a wee bit further, we can step inside the Guggenheim and relive that crazy fight scene from “The International”.
And, appreciate fine modern art. Of course. I mean, that first and then the crazy fight scene. I’m not uncultured.
Oh right, best day ever in New York City.
Silly me. (PS, If you want to start from the beginning, give a little scrolly scroll down a ways until you find Part 1)
So after gorging on some cheesy, garlicky NY style pizza, and after I finished my day o’ work, we headed to Central Park because:
A) It was an insanely gorgeous 70+ degree March day with sun galore
B) A trip to NYC is not complete without visiting this little city gem
C) People watching is the business. Really, I am sometimes just happy plopping down somewhere with a coffee for hours just watching folks go about their lives. Stalker, maybe. Fun, you betcha.
After strolling up and around the bedrock, we realized that we traversed 30 city blocks and that, if we go just a wee bit further, we can step inside the Guggenheim and relive that crazy fight scene from “The International”.
And, appreciate fine modern art. Of course. I mean, that first and then the crazy fight scene. I’m not uncultured.
(Photo courtesy of Alicia)
I’ve always wanted to go inside the Guggenheim and it is really a stunning work of architecture. Again, this part of the story is lacking in food BUT that’s because the food came right after we left there and Alicia decided it would be a great idea to walk down Park Ave a.k.a. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, while eating a slice of pizza left over from lunch. Yup, just walking down one of the most expensive streets in the world chowing down on pizza and looking fabulous.
I’ve always wanted to go inside the Guggenheim and it is really a stunning work of architecture. Again, this part of the story is lacking in food BUT that’s because the food came right after we left there and Alicia decided it would be a great idea to walk down Park Ave a.k.a. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, while eating a slice of pizza left over from lunch. Yup, just walking down one of the most expensive streets in the world chowing down on pizza and looking fabulous.
That’s how we do.
As we continued our stroll around shops with goods and merchandise that our grubby lower middle-class hands will never be able to touch, we realized it was Friday night and we better head over to the restaurant we wanted to have dinner at and put in for reservations.
This restaurant has been on my personal foodie list for as long as I ever had one. I first saw it in a movie and then watched food show after food show highlighting its absolute wonderment. The restaurant is Serendipity and there was no way I was leaving NYC without having a meal there. They would have to strap me to the front of the Megabus to get me to leave. Truly.
We were told the next available reservation was about an hour from now and were delighted to find out that the nearly equally famous Dylan’s Candy Bar was literally right around the corner.
As we continued our stroll around shops with goods and merchandise that our grubby lower middle-class hands will never be able to touch, we realized it was Friday night and we better head over to the restaurant we wanted to have dinner at and put in for reservations.
This restaurant has been on my personal foodie list for as long as I ever had one. I first saw it in a movie and then watched food show after food show highlighting its absolute wonderment. The restaurant is Serendipity and there was no way I was leaving NYC without having a meal there. They would have to strap me to the front of the Megabus to get me to leave. Truly.
We were told the next available reservation was about an hour from now and were delighted to find out that the nearly equally famous Dylan’s Candy Bar was literally right around the corner.
Let me tell you, there is nothing more inviting in the world than walking into an establishment and seeing, smelling and hearing a huge warm chocolate fountain.
I think I will have one in my home one day. It will be wonderous.
We were in hog heaven at Dylan’s. Candy galore, of course, but then there were ridiculous cupcakes, candy paraphernalia like Hershey bar pillows and candy umbrellas.
We were in hog heaven at Dylan’s. Candy galore, of course, but then there were ridiculous cupcakes, candy paraphernalia like Hershey bar pillows and candy umbrellas.
(Photo courtesy of Alicia)
No, I didn’t buy it. I wanted to but I resisted. Please, I work in DC. I wouldn’t last a nanosecond carrying that thing around.
After purchasing a set of homemade peanut butter cups and some huge candy buttons, we thought we were good to go … until Alicia walked past the chocolate fountain again … and it was Game Over. I’m happy she decided to go for it and spend the big old dollar bill on a chocolate-covered pretzel stick.
No, I didn’t buy it. I wanted to but I resisted. Please, I work in DC. I wouldn’t last a nanosecond carrying that thing around.
After purchasing a set of homemade peanut butter cups and some huge candy buttons, we thought we were good to go … until Alicia walked past the chocolate fountain again … and it was Game Over. I’m happy she decided to go for it and spend the big old dollar bill on a chocolate-covered pretzel stick.
Look at the absolute glee on her face. Priceless! Look at the absolute staring happening with the stalker in the background. Scary!
We returned to Serendipity just in time for our reservation and were promptly escorted upstairs to our table and handed some of the largest menu’s I’ve ever seen.
We returned to Serendipity just in time for our reservation and were promptly escorted upstairs to our table and handed some of the largest menu’s I’ve ever seen.
Of course, I had to find it on there.
What is *it*?
Well, the Golden Opulence Sundae, of course. Never heard of it? Well, the Golden Opulence Sundae is Tahitian vanilla ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla beans and chunks of rare Chuao chocolate from Venezuela all covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf. It is then drizzled with one of the world's most expensive chocolates from Amedei Porcelana and then adorned with candied fruits, gold covered almonds, chocolate truffles and marzipan cherries. It’s finished with a dollop of sweet Grande Passion caviar served with a mother of pearl spoon and a gilded sugar flower. Finally, it’s floated over to your table by a hundred tiny golden angels who, when opening their mouths, breath out golden sugar dust and sing hallelujah in 12 languages.
That last part might be wrong.
But otherwise, pretty impressive, huh? Any idea what the Golden Opulence Sundae goes for these days?
What is *it*?
Well, the Golden Opulence Sundae, of course. Never heard of it? Well, the Golden Opulence Sundae is Tahitian vanilla ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla beans and chunks of rare Chuao chocolate from Venezuela all covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf. It is then drizzled with one of the world's most expensive chocolates from Amedei Porcelana and then adorned with candied fruits, gold covered almonds, chocolate truffles and marzipan cherries. It’s finished with a dollop of sweet Grande Passion caviar served with a mother of pearl spoon and a gilded sugar flower. Finally, it’s floated over to your table by a hundred tiny golden angels who, when opening their mouths, breath out golden sugar dust and sing hallelujah in 12 languages.
That last part might be wrong.
But otherwise, pretty impressive, huh? Any idea what the Golden Opulence Sundae goes for these days?
$1000 big ones! I decided that my work wouldn’t take too kindly to me charging that as a meal to the business credit card so I resisted.
Instead, I ordered the Ultimate BLT (I had to get the best of something!) on challah bread and do you want to know what I did to that BLT.
Instead, I ordered the Ultimate BLT (I had to get the best of something!) on challah bread and do you want to know what I did to that BLT.
I housed it. I mean, I tore into that thing like it was my job and to this day, Alicia and I jokingly say “Hey, remember that day in NYC when you housed that BLT on challah bread?” And like the selfish first born child I am, I was about to put the last bacon-y morsel in my mouth when I realized that it didn’t occur to me once to ask Alicia if she’d like to try it. I then offered her the mangled last bite smooshed between my forefinger and thumb to which she replied “Uh, no … thanks … it looks like you really enjoy it so you go on ahead.” Such a great friend.
No one can leave Serendipity without dessert and if they did, they are a punk, simple as that. Although we were stuffed to the brim, we knew we couldn’t leave without trying Serendipity’s signature Frozen Hot Chocolate. Intrigued? I know! When we asked our incredibly friendly waiter to describe it us he said, “Well, it’s like a hot chocolate, but frozen and well, you gotta be ready for new experiences in life ... that's what life is about!”
Sold.
No one can leave Serendipity without dessert and if they did, they are a punk, simple as that. Although we were stuffed to the brim, we knew we couldn’t leave without trying Serendipity’s signature Frozen Hot Chocolate. Intrigued? I know! When we asked our incredibly friendly waiter to describe it us he said, “Well, it’s like a hot chocolate, but frozen and well, you gotta be ready for new experiences in life ... that's what life is about!”
Sold.
Boo-yah.
This was such a fun, interesting and new taste and we had just the best time sharing this insane dessert. For one thing, it was enormous. It also tasted exactly like a hot chocolate, just cold! The whip cream was barely sweetened, if at all, which was perfect because the frozen chocolate goodness was quite sweet and the two were a perfect compliment. Overall, the fun and eclecticism of their menu (the Summer Bries and One-Eyed Jack sandwiches to name a few) matched the motley interior (easily a misplaced set for Alice in Wonderland) and leaves you with not only a fun food experience but also a deep-seated memory. I cannot wait to go back.
As is typical for friends that travel with me, we start talking about lunch on the way back to the hotel room after eating dinner that is still in the beginning stages of digestion in our stomachs. We agree that we have to have a taste of street food before we leave and I mention the halal street cart outside our hotel that is apparently a bit famous.
Famous is an understatement. It was 11pm at night when we returned to the hotel and there was a line for this halal cart 2 blocks down the street. I was immediately excited for lunch the next day.
After working in the morning, it was time to head out for lunch before returning to finish out the event. Alicia and I walked to up one of two carts and the smell was just intoxicating. Plumes of smoke erupted from behind the cart and carried the scent of seriously delicious grilled kebab across the street and the world.
This was such a fun, interesting and new taste and we had just the best time sharing this insane dessert. For one thing, it was enormous. It also tasted exactly like a hot chocolate, just cold! The whip cream was barely sweetened, if at all, which was perfect because the frozen chocolate goodness was quite sweet and the two were a perfect compliment. Overall, the fun and eclecticism of their menu (the Summer Bries and One-Eyed Jack sandwiches to name a few) matched the motley interior (easily a misplaced set for Alice in Wonderland) and leaves you with not only a fun food experience but also a deep-seated memory. I cannot wait to go back.
As is typical for friends that travel with me, we start talking about lunch on the way back to the hotel room after eating dinner that is still in the beginning stages of digestion in our stomachs. We agree that we have to have a taste of street food before we leave and I mention the halal street cart outside our hotel that is apparently a bit famous.
Famous is an understatement. It was 11pm at night when we returned to the hotel and there was a line for this halal cart 2 blocks down the street. I was immediately excited for lunch the next day.
After working in the morning, it was time to head out for lunch before returning to finish out the event. Alicia and I walked to up one of two carts and the smell was just intoxicating. Plumes of smoke erupted from behind the cart and carried the scent of seriously delicious grilled kebab across the street and the world.
Halal is a Middle Eastern food platter with either chicken, lamb or both atop fluffy yellow rice with a heap of crunchy lettuce all topped with creamy buttery white sauce and a hunk of chewy pita. I am literally salivating just writing about it right now.
As is customary to me, I have to ask the locals what to get. I terrifies me to think that I might order the wrong thing or order it the wrong way and if it’s my last day in NYC and my only chance to eat street cart halal, g damnit, I better have it the right way!
Sorry, I get a little intense about food.
I asked my new found friend in line what to order and he said, “Well, I just put in 6 orders for the office and every one of them is the combination platter. I think that’s your choice.” Thanks my friend. That’s what I’ll have. I only mildly heed his warning about the fiery red sauce from hell and to only use it sparingly.
As is customary to me, I have to ask the locals what to get. I terrifies me to think that I might order the wrong thing or order it the wrong way and if it’s my last day in NYC and my only chance to eat street cart halal, g damnit, I better have it the right way!
Sorry, I get a little intense about food.
I asked my new found friend in line what to order and he said, “Well, I just put in 6 orders for the office and every one of them is the combination platter. I think that’s your choice.” Thanks my friend. That’s what I’ll have. I only mildly heed his warning about the fiery red sauce from hell and to only use it sparingly.
I put my order in and get my large silver plateful of food and I am beyond joyful. It’s heavy in my hands which makes me happy, it smells insane which makes me more happy, and it was all mine which makes me REALLY happy.
I dig right in to chunks of spiced chicken, charred lamb and savory rice. I can tell a little heat will put this over the top and dump half of the container of “red” sauce I was given into one section of it and take a giant heaping mouthful.
Rule #24: Take the advice of the locals. Always.
I was on fire. My mouth was red, red hot (which is, I think, why they call it “red” sauce) and I was only able to speak again after downing two bottles of water. OK, ok, lesson learned.
There was so much food that I barely made it through half of the platter before I had to throw in the towel. Ugh, it was just so good and I am really wishing I could have some right now. I’m happy to report that there are over 1600 positive reviews for this little cart on yelp so next time you find yourself in NYC, get yourself to the Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th. Trust me, you will NOT regret it … unless you don’t heed Rule #24.
And so ends the New York City adventure. I can seriously still taste all the delicious food I ate and I really only explored a small, small section of the island. Every time I visit New York, I have a completely different experience from all the others and is part of why I love the city so so much. It’s quite possibly my favorite city in the world and I would gladly burn the crap out of my mouth again today if it meant I can go back and enjoy halal tomorrow.
Gladly.
Rule #24: Take the advice of the locals. Always.
I was on fire. My mouth was red, red hot (which is, I think, why they call it “red” sauce) and I was only able to speak again after downing two bottles of water. OK, ok, lesson learned.
There was so much food that I barely made it through half of the platter before I had to throw in the towel. Ugh, it was just so good and I am really wishing I could have some right now. I’m happy to report that there are over 1600 positive reviews for this little cart on yelp so next time you find yourself in NYC, get yourself to the Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th. Trust me, you will NOT regret it … unless you don’t heed Rule #24.
And so ends the New York City adventure. I can seriously still taste all the delicious food I ate and I really only explored a small, small section of the island. Every time I visit New York, I have a completely different experience from all the others and is part of why I love the city so so much. It’s quite possibly my favorite city in the world and I would gladly burn the crap out of my mouth again today if it meant I can go back and enjoy halal tomorrow.
Gladly.
On 7/7/2011, Emily wrote:
"So, now I want to go to Serendipity, not necessarily for the $1000 sundae but the menu sure looked good! Maybe in the fall, when I'm an "empty nester!!""
On 4/23/2011, Alicia wrote:
"If Steve can register for a dip warmer, then you DEFINITELY have the right to have a chocolate fountain in your home someday. Thanks for helping me relive one of the best days I've ever had!"
"So, now I want to go to Serendipity, not necessarily for the $1000 sundae but the menu sure looked good! Maybe in the fall, when I'm an "empty nester!!""
On 4/23/2011, Alicia wrote:
"If Steve can register for a dip warmer, then you DEFINITELY have the right to have a chocolate fountain in your home someday. Thanks for helping me relive one of the best days I've ever had!"
"Leave the
gun. Take the frozen hot chocolate."
Part 1
Posted 4/12/2011
"Everyone needs their
quintessential New York City experience", is what I told my traveling
compatriot, Alicia, after just arriving in NYC, literally tossing her in a cab while
yelling to the driver, "Take her to the Hilton New York, pronto,
amigo!"
It may or may not have been Alicia's first real trip to downtown NYC. I may or may not have felt like a bad friend after throwing her into said cab, bags and all, and see her drive off while watching me through the back window, a look of near abject horror on her face.
Ok, maybe it wasn't that dramatic but this working girl had to catch the LIRR to Stony Brook and I had 15 minutes to get to Penn Station.
"Bye Alicia! Have a nice life!"
Just so you know, I received a text from her not 10 minutes later saying she was fine and dandy in her hotel room. See, I'm not that bad of a friend. Right, Alicia? Right? Hello?
So why am I telling you this story that doesn't have one calorie of food tale in it? Well, because what I told Alicia was the foundation for our most awesome trip to the Big Apple and in almost every way possible, foodie included, we had the quintessential New York City experience.
This, of course, included green water bagels.
It may or may not have been Alicia's first real trip to downtown NYC. I may or may not have felt like a bad friend after throwing her into said cab, bags and all, and see her drive off while watching me through the back window, a look of near abject horror on her face.
Ok, maybe it wasn't that dramatic but this working girl had to catch the LIRR to Stony Brook and I had 15 minutes to get to Penn Station.
"Bye Alicia! Have a nice life!"
Just so you know, I received a text from her not 10 minutes later saying she was fine and dandy in her hotel room. See, I'm not that bad of a friend. Right, Alicia? Right? Hello?
So why am I telling you this story that doesn't have one calorie of food tale in it? Well, because what I told Alicia was the foundation for our most awesome trip to the Big Apple and in almost every way possible, foodie included, we had the quintessential New York City experience.
This, of course, included green water bagels.
Are green water bagels not
at the top of your list of NYC eats? Did I mention it was also St. Patrick's
Day and the streets were littered with green people with green shirts and green
pants and green hats and very green faces. Especially when they realized that
drinking 19 carbombs at 7am maybe wasn't such a great idea.
Very green faces.
I saw these little beauties on the way to the train. I wish I could say I bought one and annihilated it but I didn't. I just eyed them longingly until I heard the announcement that the LIRR was departing in one minute. Awesome.
I did get to Stony Brook and back to our hotel safe and sound where Alicia very stoically starved herself for 8 hours because I told her of this NYC wonderland with sandwiches as big as your head and matzo ball soup facials that are both good for both your tummy and your complexion.
Of course I'm talking about the Carnegie Deli and of course I got this.
Very green faces.
I saw these little beauties on the way to the train. I wish I could say I bought one and annihilated it but I didn't. I just eyed them longingly until I heard the announcement that the LIRR was departing in one minute. Awesome.
I did get to Stony Brook and back to our hotel safe and sound where Alicia very stoically starved herself for 8 hours because I told her of this NYC wonderland with sandwiches as big as your head and matzo ball soup facials that are both good for both your tummy and your complexion.
Of course I'm talking about the Carnegie Deli and of course I got this.
Not.
I wanted to. I actually should have. For the first time visiting the Carnegie, I got the bratwurst. It was not my favorite meal there and I likely won't order it again. I will get that huge pastrami sandwich next time when I bring an army of carnivores with me. Wouldn’t that be the best blog post? “Army of Carnivores Take Manhattan”. It was the best of times… it was the meatiest of times ...
All in all, it was a great first day but if someone told me that the following day would be one of the most memorable days of my life, I would have punched them in the ear for getting my hopes up too high. Remember, I'm all about lowered expectations. But, in all reality, the next day was one of my favorite days in all of my travels.
I did have to work during the day but, since the event I was at didn't offer lunch, I had to find something to eat which means I had to find some good ole NYC pizza. Alicia, along with being a most valuable copilot on road trips is also a certified "Good Eats" researcher. It's true, it's on her resume.
She informs me that we are having lunch at a reformed church, born-again pizzeria called John’s Pizzeria on 44th. It's not far off the heavily beaten path in Times Square but far enough that you don't feel like you’re near one of the world epicenters of tourism. The inside was strikingly lovely with arched ceilings and stain glass windows but the pizza ...
I wanted to. I actually should have. For the first time visiting the Carnegie, I got the bratwurst. It was not my favorite meal there and I likely won't order it again. I will get that huge pastrami sandwich next time when I bring an army of carnivores with me. Wouldn’t that be the best blog post? “Army of Carnivores Take Manhattan”. It was the best of times… it was the meatiest of times ...
All in all, it was a great first day but if someone told me that the following day would be one of the most memorable days of my life, I would have punched them in the ear for getting my hopes up too high. Remember, I'm all about lowered expectations. But, in all reality, the next day was one of my favorite days in all of my travels.
I did have to work during the day but, since the event I was at didn't offer lunch, I had to find something to eat which means I had to find some good ole NYC pizza. Alicia, along with being a most valuable copilot on road trips is also a certified "Good Eats" researcher. It's true, it's on her resume.
She informs me that we are having lunch at a reformed church, born-again pizzeria called John’s Pizzeria on 44th. It's not far off the heavily beaten path in Times Square but far enough that you don't feel like you’re near one of the world epicenters of tourism. The inside was strikingly lovely with arched ceilings and stain glass windows but the pizza ...
was just what the doctor
ordered, heavy on the garlic, generous cheese, thin, doughy yet charred crust.
Yes, this is one of those moments I was talking about. We inhaled slice after
slice of pizza. Well, I inhaled. My companion had the smarts to actually eat
breakfast that morning so a fat slice was all she needed. Not so for this
growing girl. Three cholesterol-infused slices later and I was satiated. For
now.
Before leaving, we noticed the wood-burning oven with chefs making the pizzas right out in the open. I really wanted a picture for BFB but felt like an idiot whipping out the trusty Blackberry and trying to catch a sneaky paparazzi-style shot of the glorious oven. Instead, I decided to pull the whole, "I am a big, important food blog writer. I have 4 readers. I'll thank you for a picture of your oven, please."
"Sure, lady. We'll even open it up for you."
Before leaving, we noticed the wood-burning oven with chefs making the pizzas right out in the open. I really wanted a picture for BFB but felt like an idiot whipping out the trusty Blackberry and trying to catch a sneaky paparazzi-style shot of the glorious oven. Instead, I decided to pull the whole, "I am a big, important food blog writer. I have 4 readers. I'll thank you for a picture of your oven, please."
"Sure, lady. We'll even open it up for you."
"Thanks."
"Do you really have 4 followers?"
"Yeah. Don't jealousize."
"Oh, I'm jealousizing."
And that is the point when we left.
And this is the point when I realize that there is still a humungo long story to tell including chocolate fountains, $1000 ice cream sundaes and street cart food that gave me a 2nd degree burn in my mouth.
So until then, I leave you with the following quote I read on the train and must share with the world:
"A nickel will get you on the subway but garlic will get you a seat."
The end. For now.
"Do you really have 4 followers?"
"Yeah. Don't jealousize."
"Oh, I'm jealousizing."
And that is the point when we left.
And this is the point when I realize that there is still a humungo long story to tell including chocolate fountains, $1000 ice cream sundaes and street cart food that gave me a 2nd degree burn in my mouth.
So until then, I leave you with the following quote I read on the train and must share with the world:
"A nickel will get you on the subway but garlic will get you a seat."
The end. For now.
On 4/12/2011, Kristin wrote:
"I want..... that pizza....now"
On 4/12/2011, Lindsay wrote:
"I could eat that entire sandwich AND the pizza right now...I'm just sayin..."
On 4/13/2011, Alicia wrote:
"Wow, it's true...I definitely did starve myself in the hotel room alone on that first day. I was too scared of the green people and that loud horn noise to leave. Oh, hindsight...after ALSO having one of the best days of my life the next day, I wish I had ventured out to explore some more...looking forward to part 2!!"
"I want..... that pizza....now"
On 4/12/2011, Lindsay wrote:
"I could eat that entire sandwich AND the pizza right now...I'm just sayin..."
On 4/13/2011, Alicia wrote:
"Wow, it's true...I definitely did starve myself in the hotel room alone on that first day. I was too scared of the green people and that loud horn noise to leave. Oh, hindsight...after ALSO having one of the best days of my life the next day, I wish I had ventured out to explore some more...looking forward to part 2!!"
