NYC Gourmet Food Trip

Happy Friday, everyone!  I feel like this post is long overdue, especially since we went on this trip over a week and a half ago.  Last Sunday, Fred and I boarded a city-bound bus {cooler on hand} with friends for a fun-filled day of shopping in NYC.  On the agenda were three stops purposefully planned for us to explore and shop various food markets in New York.  Included for the day was Zabars Gourmet Food Market, Little Italy, the Meatpacking District and Chelsea Market. 

First stop:  Zabar's Market which was located on the Upper West Side.  This two-floor emporium had so much to choose from including cheeses, fresh breads and pastries, coffee, meats and other items you would find in a typical market.  The second floor was full of cooking items and kitchen gadgets.  

Second stop:  Little Italy!  By 11:00am, we were famished so our first mission was to find a place for lunch.  We chose a place on Hester Street called Caffe Napoli.  We started with some fresh focaccia bread and the best parmesan/garlic/olive oil dipping sauce I ever had plus an antipasto salad.  For my meal, I ordered the special...chicken with mozzarella and spinach topped with a marsala sauce.  Double yum!

After walking around a bit, we hit Ferrara...the famous Italian bakery in Little Italy, for dessert.  Fred and I bought a few cannoli and biscotti to take home, plus a cup of decaf for the rest of our walk.     

Third stop:  Meatpacking District/Chelsea Market.  While in this area, we toured the High Line section, a newly renovated railroad bed/walking path/park.  If you are ever in the city, this district is worth checking out!  

From the park, the Freedom Tower was visible amongst the buildings... 

Some sites and sounds around the neighborhood: People from a mission playing the drums garbage cans for funds; a pretty entrance to a local boutique; the Diane von Furstenberg building complete with painted lips, and an ultra-modern hotel on a side street.

Because we had a few hours to spare, we stopped at this local pub to relax.  A good hour was spent there conversing with a nice couple who lived in the neighborhood.  

By 4:00, we made our way to the Chelsea Market for the last hour we had in the city, only to find out that it was closed due to a private party.  Apparently someone rented out the WHOLE building for an event later that evening.  We were trying to figure out who could possibly do that...Trump, maybe?  On the flip side, Fred promised me a return trip ASAP because we missed out on the market...the one part I was most looking forward to!  

Have you ever been to NYC on a food shopping excursion?  If so, where would you recommend?    

Running:  Lauretta and I met {bright and early} on Wednesday for a "before-school" run of 7.08 miles.  We ended up running at a nice pace and finished in ~52 minutes.  It felt great!  

Have a good Friday! 

NYC/The Katie Show

Good morning!  This past Thursday my mom, sister and I went to New York for a mother-daughter day trip.  You see, in an attempt to find the perfect Christmas gift for them {which was unsuccessful}, I decided a mini getaway was a great solution and I wrapped up a certificate that told them that they were going to NYC for the day to see The Katie Show.  A friend of mine {Mike} works for ABC and was able to get us tickets for the show and we couldn't have been more excited to spend the day together.  

Outside the ABC studio....

As we were making our way around the block to the audience entrance, a large, black SUV pulled over to the curb and out jumped Katie herself!  It was a surprise to us...

Our tickets were considered VIP, which meant that we had definite access into the show on that day.  Plus, we were seated first in the studio.  This was the holding room where everyone waited until being called to the set.  

So excited to see Katie!

My sister and I prior to the show...

Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any pictures during the show, so I don't have any photos of Katie.  But as for her guests, Vanna White was on set, as well as the Food Network's Sandra Lee.  A few giveaways were given including Vanna's yarn {which I loved since I crochet} and a copy of Sandra Lee's new cookbook.   

After the show, we had lunch at a restaurant right around the corner called The Smith.  It came highly recommended...especially the fried green beans with ranch.  For my entree, I decided to splurge a bit with the chicken pot pie.  It was absolutely delicious!
    

We had a great day...despite the cold and windy temperatures.  I'm glad I wore my puffy winter jacket complete with a hood to keep me warm.  

As for running, I had a few good days on the roads.  Friday was a nine mile day at 8:00/mile pace.  Saturday was an easy rest day of three miles and Sunday I covered six miles in 7:45 pace.  

Yesterday Fred and I visited a few more of the wineries on the wine trail...more about that tomorrow!  Enjoy your day!

A Day in NYC

A day off from school led us to a day spent in New York City.  My mom and I have been waiting for the right time to take my daughter to the city to see a show.  Since she recently turned eight, we thought that there was no time like the present. 

Prior to heading to Radio City for their Christmas Spectacular, we stopped for lunch at a popular restaurant called Ellen's Stardust Diner.  This place is so fun!  Their servers are talented actresses and singers that sing as people dine.  Located in the theater district, it was a great place to take a child.   

Their milkshakes aren't too shabby either!

Another not-so-healthy meal...appetizers to split!

Magnolia Bakery, known for their cupcakes, had these neat sketches of past Rockette costumes on their wall.  I thought the nostalgia was welcoming, especially since Radio City Music Hall was just around the corner. 

Although the lighting ceremony takes place tonight, the tree at Rockefeller Center was still magical.  Payton thought it was the biggest Christmas tree in the whole world!

Inside Radio City Music Hall, this amazing chandelier donned a banner citing the 85th year of the Rockettes. 

The show, including Santa, featured 2D and 3D computer animated graphics that looked especially real. 

I still don't know how they do this...

This background was all digitally projected on a screen!

After the show, we walked a little more around the city and made a stop for hot chocolate and a cupcake.  

Before heading to the bus, we stopped for a few more photo ops, like at this larger-than-life nutcracker. 

A beautiful night shot...

The view from the bus as we were exciting the city...

To me, New York City never gets old.  After this trip, I think my daughter will share that love, especially as she grows up.  Hopefully, there will be many more trips in our future because there are many memories to be made.