NYC Fun
Julie and I drove to Jersey City to park our car (and briefly visit Matthew and Lauren) before taking the PATH into Manhattan to meet up with Greg and Matt.
A New York slice
This would be our second NYC / Keuka combo trip. Last time we stayed at an AirBnB way out in Queens near JFK. The neighborhood was great but it was a long haul into Manhattan. We opted for something closer this time - the new Voco Hotel (IHG) at Times Square. Glad we did.
Drenched after our dash to Ragtime
There was weather most days in the city - normal NY afternoon thunderstorm activity. All six of us met up at El Fish MarisquerĂa, a great Mexican seafood and fish spot near Lincoln Center. Because of Greg and Matt’s delayed flight into JFK we were scrambling to get our dinner seating done before our 8pm show so we didn’t get to sample the menu as much as we’d hoped. Everyone loved their dishes. Big storm hit at about 7:40pm as we gathered ourselves to make the leisurely 1-2 block walk to the show. Sideways rain turned it into a mad dash. Hard time finding the theater entrance.
Ragtime was very good - this was the night before they won several Tony awards and we were all impressed with the performances even if we didn’t love the show itself.
View from our Voco hotel
Our hotel gave us some drink vouchers on check-in so after the show Julie, Greg, Matt, and I had a nightcap at the rooftop bar. The winds were still gusting from the storm but it was worth the stop to enjoy the view straight down to Times Square.
Cold brew in IV bags
Sunday had us starting late with some cold brew coffee and a short wait at TKTS to get six tickets to Operation Mincemeat. Seats secured we strolled to mid-town to B&H Photo to wander a bit and for me to buy a replacement case for my new Canon. The store is more amazing than I remembered with a high level of operational excellence.
Outside Operation Mincemeat
Operation Mincemeat was excellent. A good sign for me is “would I see it again right away?” Strong yes from me, and I think all the others. Greg and Matt are looking at seeing it again on the upcoming tour. The show drew out a lot more emotional response than Ragtime - laughs out loud, tears (“Dear Bill”), jaws dropping with the quick costume and role changes from the 5 person cast. Wherever you are, try to see this show.
Dinner for the six of us at Mitr Thai (better than the night before because… more dish sharing and variety), a favorite for repeat patrons Lauren and Matthew.
I had some cocktail and whiskey ideas for Sunday night and we ventured to the upper west side to hit a whisky bar and… it was closed for a member event. This became a running joke for the next few days as we approached a new spot - the Caledonia whisky club members are probably here for a private event.
Monday, our final full day, started with an early lunch at the legendary Katz Diner. The pastrami delivered. I went plain - just bread and a half sandwich. Good way to break my meat fast.
Mixue!
Soft serve and bubble tea at Mixue, then back up town for a few hours at the Met art museum. The Raphael exhibit was there but we focused on 19tb and 20th century American and European art. Vast and confusing museum to navigate.
Because of poor route planning by yours truly we doubled back down to the West Village for dinner at Gjelina - maybe our best meal of the weekend. Not a tapas spot but felt like it - Italian and Mediterranean small plates with lots of sharing. Very good desserts.
Folks gathering for Knicks game near Washington Park
After dinner we roamed the village, visiting the boardgame cafe and a vintage vinyl shop. And of course Washington Square, where folks were lining up for watch parties for Knicks game 3 (Trump and the Knicks lost).
Cocktails
The night ended with a long awaited visit to Death & Co. where we were shut out three years ago because of a water main break. I’ve read both of their books and was excited to see their game in real life. The place is dark. The cocktails were excellent - there were five of us and all cocktails ordered were short and mostly old fashioned variants. Our server was extremely knowledgeable.
Our adventure ended with a nice twist - a walk to the mid-town Hudson ferry terminal with a stop at two first rate bagel shops (some for today, some to bring back to Keuka). For $10 it is is so worth it to cross back to New Jersey via ferry instead of the PATH subway.
