Recent weekend in NYC (June 17/18)

Recently I went to NYC for a friend's bday---David (during his bday month). I took the Chinatown shuttle down ($30 RT--a great deal--your choice of Lucky Star or Fung Wah.) you sure cannot beat that and you can take the bus from South Station bus stop. I remember just a few years ago, the way to find where to board always changed every time I took it to NYC. Now it is good they are more legit and in one place instead of the "cloak and dagger" approach to find where to board the bus.

I took the 7am bus on Saturday morning. For the first time, I got to NYC Chinatown in record time of 3.5 hours! I chatted with the person sitting with me. She was going to NYC to see her older sister and it was good to have a conversation. We even grabbed a pastry together and then parted ways. I had a big agenda of things I wanted to accomplish while in the CITY.

I was expecting to be in NYC by noon, but the extra time was well spent by me! I got the one day fun pass $7 (since it is $2 each time you board the subway or bus) I got it but it lasts til 3am (not 24 hours as in EUROPE which I find a GREAT DEAL!). I make my way to the MET and spend a great 2.5 hours there. I LOVE the MET! I have seen many a great exhibit here!

I love the Costume Institute and the most recent exhibit did not fail either. AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion Through September 4, 2006 which had great pieces and I loved the gowns, hunting outfits and the punk outfits too. John Galliano , Vivienne Westwood, Burberry are only a few names of the designers works on display.

I enjoyed Hatshepsut: From Queen to PharaohMarch 28, 2006–July 9, 2006 and another special exhibit Girodet: Romantic Rebel May 24, 2006–August 27, 2006.

Explaination about Hatshepsut exhibit--from MET website:

"Hatshepsut, the great female pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, ruled for two decades—first as regent for, then as co-ruler with, her nephew Thutmose III (ca. 1479–1458 B.C.). During her reign, at the beginning of the New Kingdom, trade relations were being reestablished with western Asia to the east and were extended to the land of Punt far to the south as well as to the Aegean Islands in the north. The prosperity of this time was reflected in the art, which is marked by innovations in sculpture, decorative arts, and such architectural marvels as Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. In this exhibition, the Metropolitan’s own extensive holdings of objects excavated by the Museum’s Egyptian Expedition in the 1920s and 1930s are supplemented by loans from other American and European museums, as well as by select loans from Cairo."

Afterwards, on this gloomy day I head to have afternoon tea. This habit I got from my time at Smith and I love it! I enjoyed having tea time in the UK when I was there during my fall trip to Europe. I did some research to check out some places to have tea in NYC. I wanted to go to the St. Regis Hotel but I was afraid I could not get in due to no reservation.

I take the subway to 59th street to window shop at ZARA (I love their clothes but sadly they are not for me right now--we NEED one in BOSTON) and H & M as well as BR (though the item I wanted was not there). I escaped without buying anything. I loved walking down 57th Street, it has been a long time. I saw many new businesses.

En route to Takashimaya (to try their East West Tea you do not need a rsvp) I saw the St Regis Hotel (The St. Regis Hotel, New York -Two East 55th Street,New York, NY 10022 Tel: 212.753.4500 Fax: 212.787.3447 www.STREGIS.COM/NEWYORK) around the corner. I decide to try my luck to see if I could get in (it was almost 3pm). I lucked out, I got a table. I had a great conversation with the tea sommelier Elizaeth Knight (she is very knowledge and fun to chat with as I relayed my afternoon tea experiences abroad in Japan, China and Europe) there. She also later allowed me to check out her new book on Afternoon TEA in the City. I made sure to take copious notes.

I was told that the day before, the Astor Court was filled. But today, the tea service time was not as full. I was able to have a nice corner table. A great view of the Astor Court and I enjoyed listening to the live guitar music. The service was excellent and the food great with wonderful ambience. Everything is fresh and made---from the devonshire cream, lemon curd, blue berry jam and orange jam to the still warm scones! I enjoyed my creme brulee, mini petit fours, great finger sandwiches with generous portions. My water was frequently replenished, I got another plate of finger sandwiches (which was lovely) with cucumber, shrimp salad, curry chicken salad as well as smoked salmon. The tea set me back $43 before tax and tip but it was well worth it! My big splurge of the day was at the St. Regis and well worth it. A purely decadent lap of luxury experience dining on exquisite Tiffany Limoge plates and very nice silveware. The service was superior and I relaxed for 2 hours enjoying every moment there.

From there I had to go to UPPER WEST SIDE to the Boat Basin Club to hang out with David and Elizabeth (BDAY people honored) for drinks overlooking the Hudson and views of New Jersey. It is my first time there and the gloomy skies have made way to have a lovely sunset to look at. After a few aggravating switches on the subway (due to construction) I make it there. We have a relaxing time of a few drinks and I get a bratwurst (I cannot manage anymore food after the great afternoon tea). The service was not great and people do not come to this place for the service. We felt pressure to finish our food quickly (so they could have others take our table) also we could not be seated til our full party got there.

I did have a good time meeting David and his friends though. Before I knew it, it was almost 7:35 and I needed to get to Forest Hills. After taking the express "E" train to 71st and Metropolitan, I get there by 8:45pm. I met up with a good friend and her lovely family I had not seen in a long time.

I finally met her beautiful new daughter Meaghan (now 7 months old) and the eldest Caitlyn (now almost 3) the last time I saw her she could not talk to me. I got to catch up with her and her husband who is someone I consider my "big brother" . He has been a good friend and I always appreciated his help and advice whilst in college. Though now at different paths in life, I feel the bonds of friendships you make in your life are important.

Sunday arrives and Father Day, I have a nice light snack with my Smithie friend, mom and her girls. I am sent off and head to meet up with David. We nosh at Tartine (253 W. 11th St., New York, NY 10014 at 4th St. 212-229-2611 ) a cute small corner spot cafe in the Village for brunch. They have a prefix brunch set price $14 and it is a deal. You get Coffee/tea, OJ and a choice of a few breakfast items. I get the omelette with everything. It hit the spot!

David then takes me to the Pier nearby (a first) and many people are out on Father's day sunning themselves. We take a shaded area and chitchat until I have to take the train to catch the bus back to Boston. (I learn I can take the "D" to get off right near the departure points for Fung Wah and Lucky Star by getting off at "GRAND STREET").

I spend a nice weekend in the CITY . I love the fact Boston is not too far from NYC.