While we enjoyed being Lower East Side-ers during our recent trip, it was also a great launching point for wandering the rest of Manhattan too. Some of our favorites from this trip included:
A stroll through Union Square’s Farmer’s Market, the oldest and flagship Greenmarket of NYC, to pick up a few picnic items, including cheeses and perfectly dry and effervescent cider from Eve’s Cidery. And then over to Chelsea Market (above, middle) for a lobster roll from The Lobster Place (above, left) a simple but perfect grilled cheese with fig from Lucy’s Whey, and an fun elderflower soda. With that, we headed to one of the highlights of our trip…
the High Line! We hadn’t been to New York since the ‘aerial greenway’ park (above) was finished, and the architects in us were excited to see it. It did not disappoint! Some great design moves, and an incredible public space along a mile-long stretch of re-purposed elevated railway. Great spot for a stroll, with a unique perspective of the west side of the city, and a few different spots for picnicking and people watching.
After the High Line, we spent the afternoon at MOMA (courtyard above, middle) perusing the Cindy Sherman exhibit – wonderful and creepy all at once – as well as featured pieces of Diego Rivera, Elsworth Kelly and a printmaking show. Foreclosed: Rehousing the American Dream – was an unexpected thought-provoking exhibit as well.
Also in the art realm, we spent an evening at the Whitney Biennial – honestly, a lot of the visual art left us a little underwhelmed, however getting to see Alexander Caulder’s Circus was a highlight of the trip for me – I had always loved the little movie he made with this menagerie. And the time spent listening to Esperanza Spaulding along with her standup base was a lovely and captivating surprise too.
A late night snack was in order after all of that, and we had heard great things about Danny Meyer’s fresh, quality, food-for-the-masses endeavor, Shake Shack. There happened to be one a few blocks from the Whitney, where we ordered several things to try (in the spirit of reporting, of course). The burger was the highlight (even for this predominantly veggie person) – and the shake was close on its heels (above, left).
As a displaced-southerner, my interest is always piqued when a southern-style spot is getting a lot of attention. I had come across mention of Tipsy Parson in Chelsea several times with high accolades. It was a perfect afternoon reprieve spot to sit a spell with snacks and libations (above, right) that gave me a touch of home, right there in the big ol’ city. On a hot day, don’t miss the frozen mint juleps!
Another favorite afternoon respite was found at Bouchon Bakery and Cafe, the Thomas Keller bakery at the Time Warner Center. Most people come to Bouchon for the baked goods, but I say sit down for a spell for a late lunch too. Shawn had the perfect quiche, and my salmon rillettes (above, left) with its delicate smokiness, and my arugula potato salad made me very happy too. Of course we had to get some sweets to take away too – macarons of course, but also some Keller takes on classics like: peanut butter cups, peppermint patties, and Shawn’s fave, ho-hos.
Our last night in the city, we went to Spice Market, the Jean-Georges Asian food-cart inspired restaurant in the Meat Packing District. With the tasting menu you get a 9-course sampling SE Asian inspired dishes, and with the wine pairings all flavor highlights are hit within the meal (samplings, above, middle). All the dishes were good, but I was most impressed by the simplest of dishes – the ginger-fried rice. The space definitely sets the scene as well (above, right).
A great night was spent at the Comedy Cellar (above, left) – a veteran comedy club in Greenwich Village where on any given night you can see the famous and the up-and-comers honing their sets, up close and personal. We happened to see Colin Quinn, David Norto and our favorite that night, Ryan Hamilton.
As our last morning was a bit rainy and Seattle-like, it seemed fitting to find Ace Hotel, check out the Seattle-based company’s hip-designed Manhattan space, and drink some Stumptown Coffee to mentally prepare for our trek to the airport and home.
Next up – our time in Brooklyn…
bray hayden 