Monday, February 12, 2007

New York City: Day Two


My second day in NYC began at Ess-A-Bagel with the biggest bagel I've ever seen. They just don't make them that big down in the South. It was yummy--pumpernickel raisin with chocolate chip cream cheese. I decided to forego the subway and walk toward Soho and Greenwich Village. Along the way I stopped at Grand Central Station (or is it terminal?), which was beautiful and oddly quiet. I also ran across Las Halles, which e.b. had recommended, so I opted for an early lunch/brunch. It was lovely and quiet and gave me a chance to figure out my map a little better (thankfully NYC is incredibly easy to navigate). A sugar crepe and french toast was a bit much after the bagel, but I managed:)

After brunch I stopped by Union Square Park and checked out the market, did some shopping, and took a stroll through Washington Square Park. I ended up in the West Village and had a delicious Hummingbird cupcake at Magnolia Bakery (thanks to the heads up from Ella and Brookem). On my long walk back, I did some more shopping and had my first visit to H&M, where I managed to find three things--all that cost $20 or less. I also saw the magnificent public library and contemplated trying to climb up on to the lions but figured there was some law against it or something (plus there was a cop watching). I had the pleasure of observing a protest of sorts too--for the "legalization of dance in NYC." I had no idea it was outlawed; hmm....I found a spa near the hotel and treated myself to a manicure and quick massage and headed back to the room to get ready for dinner.

Oz arrived around 5:00, and we met up with his very cool friend Lindsay and headed for Old Town Bar & Grill for bison burgers and drinks. We met Oz's step-brother there, and I got to learn a little more about the stockmarket and all of that kind of stuff. After dinner we found a bakery so I could get my dessert fix. Then we hit a few bars, and a definite highlight was the hottest bartender I've ever seen at a bar called Still. Absolutely gorgeous--and I almost never say that. Lindsay tried to get a photo of him (for you guys of course:), but she struck out. Oh, he was friendly too and only charged me $7 for my apple martini. After Still we went to Proof where an incredibly drunk Irishman bought me a drink, which I ended up passing on to Oz. I headed home since I was sort of restless, couldn't stomach any more drinks, and wanted to get up relatively early the next morning. Oz showed up about four hours later and reported a good time had by all.

15 comments:

ReadItDaddy said...

Oh my gawd that bagel looks awesome!

Peej
x

Aaron said...

AM I the ONLY person that thinks chocolate on a bagel is a bit much? Is nothing about breakfast sacred any more? :D

GreenLineBoy said...

That sounds like an awesome trip. Bravo for getting there early and exploring things by yourself. NYC is a great city for just wandering around all day.

Clearlykels said...

Now, that is perfect travel etiquette. You must eat your way through new places. That is what makes it so fun. Good on you!

Ally said...

Peej: It was!

Aaron: Hmm. I'm betting you're knocking something you've never tried.

GLB: Absolutely. Funny how I'd forgotten how much I love wondering around alone.

Clearlykels: I'm definitely good at eating my way through places; that's a good way to put it.

Allen Madding said...

ah yes, blogging with food pics. Now you're talking!

Douglas said...

That bagel looks like a rock from outer space. Richard W. this foul mouthed hard core NYC Jewish guy I used to work with in Austin would rave about the bagels in "the city" and how the best bagel in Texas wasn't as good as the worst bagel in "the city". I prefer donuts to bagels or real breakfast, but I'm glad you ate the meteor bagel anyway.

I am also glad you excercise, or you'd weigh 400 lbs. It's impressive that you eat so much. I like that.

And although this sounds a bee gee, I would have liked to have seen that bartender. For as much talk about preferences in men that goes on at this blog, it would be nice to see what is considered the hottest bartender ever. Oh well.

anne said...

MMMMMMM thanks for all the food talk. NY bagels are the best. No question about it. Especially because they are the size of your head and loaded with cream cheese.

DCVita said...

Wow that bagel sounds delicious! NYC has the HOTTEST bartenders period!! You make me want to go back ASAP!!

ella said...

It's sad that a $7 apple martini is considered a deal these days!

I am so glad you made it to Magnolia. Isn't it just delish?

Ally said...

Ella: Yeah, the last martini I bought in Atlanta was $11. Gosh, I wish I liked beer! And yes, the cupcake was yummy.

DCVita: The rest of my bartenders were sadly women, but I guess that super hot one made up for it:)

e.b.: Agreed. Thanks again for the recommendation.

Billy: Unfortunately I can't get good bagels where I live, so I relish a good one when I get a chance. And I wish I had a photo too--although I figure there's a good chance this guy was gay.

Allen: Photos and food--two of my favorite things.

Douglas said...

You don't like beer? I can't comment here anymore.

Ally said...

Billy: Well I do like Two Dawgs Orange Brew and Smirnoff Twisted Apple....do those count?

megabrooke said...

So glad you got to go to Magnolia! You were right near Carrie's apartment on the show, and Sarah Jessica Parker's real life apartment. Yes, I'm obsessed.

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful. I'm just now catching up on blogs after a long week. Did the hot bartender not fancy a sweet southern girl like yourself? He missed OUT!