On Saturday my husband and I took a long weekend trip to NYC, just as we'd done last year. What can I say- I am a sucker for that Rockefeller tree, and my husband was craving Chinese food.
It was more a tour of eating, which I am ok with. As soon as we dropped the bags off at the hotel, we headed down to Chinatown to Xi'an Famous Foods.
He ordered stewed oxtail while I ordered hot oil noodles. Mine was the best entree we ate all weekend- the noodles were so fresh and had just the right amount of spice.
Then it was next door to the market to see what weird things we could find. Didn't take long. The smell of dried fish bladders is...potent.
Dried sea cucumbers.
Tilt your head please and view bins upon bins of dried seahorses!
Next door to the market was a cute bakery. It had typical sugar cookies and cakes, but then I noticed this:
You know how many times I've eaten cake and thought to myself "well this is good, but it could really use some red beans?" Never. This was not good.
But I ate it anyway so as to not offend. Mmmm...legume cake.
After Chinatown we walked down to Battery Park so that my husband could see the Statue of Liberty (last year we only saw it at night). Then it was up to Koreatown for another adventurous meal. We both ordered bibimbap, which is essentially Korean hotdish: warm rice topped with cooked vegetables, spices, and an egg yolk. You stir it together before eating.
After our entrees we were both brought little dishes of warm tea. This stuff was delicious- it was like sweet cinnamon syrup.
The next morning we walked over to Columbus Circle, where there's a standing holiday market with crafters and food vendors. We sampled some homemade charcuterie, macarons, and gluhwein.
Then it was off to Brooklyn to see the sights. First stop was the NYC transit museum (you know, 'cause when people ask "So what shows did you see? What did you do?" and all you answer with is "eat," it sounds kind of lame). We are just soooo cultured. But it was actually pretty neat learning about the history of how the subway system was created, and they had subway cars from each decade available to tour. All had the original ads posted, including this WWII era poster. "We observe meatless days, wheatless days, porkless days." I of course already knew all about that, having read the American Girl: Molly series. Victory Gardens! Ha.
Grimaldi's pizza is historically considered the best pizza in Brooklyn, but thanks to a tip from my Brooklynite friend Erin, we went next door to Juliana's pizza, which is the true Grimaldi family restaurant. I can hardly look at this picture the pizza was so good. Fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and sauce, on the perfect crispy/chewy crust.
So as to walk off the entire pizza we finished off, we took the train up to Harlem just to see what's what. It was kind of weird to see that there's a Gap right across from the Apollo Theater.
For dinner we went to Ben's Deli and split an authentic kosher meal, complete with pickles, slaw, knishes, and pastrami.
Ever heard of Dylan's Candy Bar? If not, you've definitely heard of Dylan's dad- Ralph Lauren. She made her own 3-story candy shop in the Upper East Side and I wanted to check it out. You know, 'cause I'm *that* dietitian who happens to enjoy candy. They definitely had quite the assortment. Have you ever heard of fruity farts? Of the edible sort, that is.
Anthony, the store employee who exuberantly sang a candy-themed version of "Twelve Days of Christmas" would clearly rather be performing on Broadway and not in front of a giant plastic chocolate bunny.
The. Tree.
Our last morning was spent going on the NBC Studio tour, where I saw this shirt for sale. That sketch has to be one of my all-time favorites because who can't relate to "THESE FRIES ARE DELICIOUS!"
Warmed up with a cup of tea at the NY Public library main branch before heading home. I had to see where Carrie and Big's wedding *didn't* happen.
Another great trip filled with lots of sightseeing, eating, and CULTURE. Of course it's always nice to return home and eat normal food : )
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