Travel Bites - New York City

As previously mentioned, Nikki and I spent an extended weekend traipsing around New York City. We ate, we drank, we laughed loudly and inconsiderately in numerous public places. It was fabulous.

Our trip started with a bit of shopping, then an afternoon snack at Fig & Olive. We sampled a variety of crostini that paired unique tastes of the Mediterranean: mushroom, artichoke, scallion, and parmesan; manchego, fig, and marcona almond; prosciutto, ricotta, fig, olive, and walnut; and shrimp, avocado, cilantro, and tomato. The meal was topped off with an absolutely amazing chocolate pot de crème. It was rich, silky perfection, really.

That evening, we took in a show and another tasty meal. Nice Work If You Can Get It with the one and only Ferris Bueller followed by margaritas and Mexican specialties at Toloache. I highly recommend the guacamole tradicional, langosta tacos (spicy lobster), and cactus fries.

Day 2: call us cheesy tourists, I don't care. But Nikki and I hit up the Dean & Deluca near our hotel and took our slightly pretentious picnic to Central Park. After fueling up with petit basque, salami, french bread, and lemon orzo salad, we spent the rest of the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We frolicked amongst the Pollocks, the Monets, the Warhols, the Rothkos, the Picassos, the Mirós, the Hoppers, the Titians, the Van Goghs, the Renoirs, and so on and so on. Got lost and turned around a few times, of course. But mostly just enjoyed our day with the masters.

Tomás Saraceno on the Roof: Cloud City

Our afternoon of art appreciation made us work up quite an appetite. So, off we went to Flex Mussels. This delightful little joint offer mussels, mussels, and more mussels. They cook up just about any and every flavor combination that you can imagine. And for those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE fan of mussels and was in savory seafood heaven. 

Nikki and I cracked open a lovely bottle of wine (or two) and feasted on the South Pacific (mussels with kaffir lime, cilantro, white wine, lemongrass) and the French Onion (caramelized onions, gruyere, croutons). For a well-balanced meal, add the truffle fries. You won't regret it.

Amanda and Nikki

The next morning, we woke up hungover and reaching for the Alka-Seltzer . . . coffee . . . aspirin . . . and water. But, after a bit of a slow start, Nikki and I made our way down to NoLita to meet an old friend for brunch at Café Habana. We somehow managed to dodge the usually long line of "hungry hipsters" and squeezed into this small, funky joint for a great meal. 

Now, the three of us split some real, substantial dishes - the cuban sandwich and the chilaquiles verdes con pollo - which were tasty in their own right. But the main attraction at this popular spot is the Mexican-style grilled corn. Sounds pretty innocuous, right? NO. This stuff is addictive: fresh, crisp, smoky, and coated in chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese. It's downright delicious! And should not be passed up.

We spent the rest of the afternoon poking around shops in Soho, then wandered to the Urbanspace Meatpacking Market and the High Line - an elevated 1930s railroad track that has been transformed into a public park. After another wonderful day in the city, we managed to score last-minute tickets to The Book of Mormon: a perfectly irreverent and inappropriate send off for our weekend of sister bonding and joint birthday celebrations.

The next morning, we packed up and parted ways. Farewell until next time, New York. It was lovely.