Big lights, Big city: Weekend Recap

Every single time I visit New York City, I am amazed by how incredible a place it is.  There is so much to take in, the views, the smells, the sounds, at times it can be too much but mostly it's just awesome. Normally, I am visiting friends and avoid all things touristy, but this time we did all things crowded.

While waiting for Jamie, my brother and sister-in-law to arrive, I walked around Ground Zero, Bryant Park, Central Park and Bloomingdales before meeting everyone for dinner and drinks in the West Village.   Despite our hotel's elevators being out and having to climb 30 flights (instant butt workout) at midnight we had a great day.

Great window display of vintage sewing machines in the All Saints display.

Beautiful Bryant Park flowers 

The Promenade

Saturday, my brother and fellow early riser, grabbed two coffees and walked Midtown in search of bagels.   We spent the rest of the day walking around the Empire State Building, NY Public Library and Central Park.  With all that walking, we needed more sustenance.  Fortunately, the Carnegie Deli was on our way to the park.  We split corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, pickles and a black and white cookie. YUMM-O.  After more walking, we met friends Royela and Patrick for a meal that is beyond words at the newly renovated Le Bernardin.  I will never forget it, it was that special. I have no pictures, because its not a place you shove a camera in your food but I assure you it was amazing.  Great friends, food and wine (and gifted champagne - thanks Angela and Mike!).

Lion at the New York Public Library

The Empire State Building

True sign at the Carnegie Deli

Sunday was a lazy day since both Jamie and I woke up with colds (NY subway, I'm looking at you!) so we walked around Times Square, grabbed a slice of pizza and waited for the 2pm performance of the Book of Mormon, which was incredible!  Such a gut-busting, button-pushing, raunchy, over-the-top show.  It really blew every other musical I've seen out of the water.  The music was both clever and diverse, the dancing amusing and high-energy and the sets simple and transitioned seamlessly.  We've already bought the soundtrack and are talking about going back for an encore performance.

Getting my Chocolate Fix! 

Musicals I've loved, and Musicals I'd love to see

A very true quote at the Book of Mormon

Phew! It was jam-packed-with-fun weekend, and precisely what we wanted out of our birthday weekend.  Tell me, do you love NYC and if so, what do you love to visit when there? Do you go super touristy like we did, or avoid all of it?