Froggy Goes To DC

Froggy wants to tell you about his trip to Washington DC.

He LOVED it there!!

He only spent a long weekend, and he jam-packed it with monuments, museums and mouth-watering good eats!

He felt great patriotic pride, and he was in awe of the history and splendor.

One of the first places he headed to was the International Spy Museum.

It was AWESOME.

He was duly impressed by the miniature weapons, cameras and other concealable spy devices – just the right size for a frog.

He ate at Ben’s Chili Bowl – YUM!

It was a little messy, but he managed to not drip a drop of chili on his clothes.

He tells me not to forget to mention The National Gallery of Art.

And – here’s a little quiz for you – who can guess where Froggy is in this picture??

Froggy had one heck of a time! In fact, he wants to go back real soon…

xoxo,

SAllan (and Froggy!)

Yesterday’s Santa Con 2011

There were two locations for the Santas to meet at the start of yesterday’s NYC Santa Con 2011 – one in lower Manhattan and one in The Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn.

It was such a lovely morning I decided to go to Brooklyn. (Grimaldi’s Pizza, anyone?)

When I got off the subway, I looked around, and decided it would be a safe bet to follow these couple of red-dressed individuals.

When I arrived at the waterfront, I noticed a few more.

*SMILE*

There’s no cheerier site than Santas under The Brooklyn Bridge!

Before I could say “HO HO HO”, there were many, many Santas.

Of course, Mr & Mrs Santa were there:

Here are 2 other Santas (or maybe Santa’s Helpers?):

I saw a mother and her young child hurry past – the mother was covering her child’s eyes with her hands. I couldn’t tell if the Santas were being somewhat too rowdy for the child to witness, or if the mother simply did not want to answer the inevitable questions about so many Santas.

This Santa had his Naughty List handy:

as well as his Nice List:

Here are three other Santas:

And The Bling Santas:

Some unique girl Santas:

and some unique boy Santas:

After I took a break from photographing Santas, and I rode Jane’s Carousel for only 2$

Ate pizza at Grimaldi’s (YUM!)

and walked across The Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan.

I stopped by City Hall, where there was a MASSIVE congregation of Santas.

There were even a couple of Santa Protesters.

As well as The Easter Bunny!

And The Gingersnap Man with The Cookie Monster.

Everyone was feeling the love!

I’d say it was a very successful Santa Con 2011.

I got home very happy, very full and very exhausted!

xoxo,

SAllan

 

Happy Day Of The Dead!

Wikipedia tells us:

“Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in many cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday.

The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them.”

I had read here that the Saint Marks Church-In-The-Bowery was recreating “a Mexican village churchyard and offers events to honor those who have passed. Workshops are for all ages and include altar-building, paper flower making, poetry writing and bread baking. Bring photographs, candles and flowers to adorn the altar in honor of your deceased loved ones, or just drop by and enjoy the experience of this five-day celebration, which also includes musical performances and a traditional dance procession.”

Delicious Mexican Food?? This is calling my name!

I headed down yesterday, and somehow on my way, I found myself at Rosa Mexicano at Union Square.

Never one to question destiny, I followed the calling and went in for a bite. It is, after all, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the city.

They had a lovely Day Of The Dead display right in their entrance way.

As well as a small altar.

After enjoying a scrumptious taco meal, I made my way east and south, towards the church.

I passed, at 17th Street and Irving Place, a home where author Washington Irving had once lived. (* see postscript below.)

I’ve been to his home at Sunnyside in Tarrytown, NY – had a photo shoot there.

But, I didn’t know that he had lived smack dab in the middle of the city here on Irving Place.

I guess that’s why it’s called Irving Place!

I wonder what it was called when he lived there – before it became Irving Place?

So, on to the church.

The church’s website says: “We are a church with a history as long and meandering as the history of European settlement in Manhattan. We are the oldest site of continuous worship in New York City and the burial site of Peter Stuyvesant and other prominent Dutch founding families of New Amsterdam.”

Wikipedia says: The property has been the site of continuous Christian worship for more than three and a half centuries; it is New York’s oldest site of continuous religious practice, and the church is the second-oldest church building in Manhattan.”

One time Hubby and I went to the Saint Marks Church for a friend’s memorial service, and Grandpa (aka Al Lewis) from TVs The Munsters was also there.

But yesterday, it was all about Day Of The Dead.

Here’s their altar:

You can see more about Day Of The Dead here.

Did you happen to notice that both the altar at Rosa Mexicana and the altar at the Saint Marks Church-In-The-Bowery had shrines to Steve Jobs?

“Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow.”

Happy Day Of The Dead, everyone.

xoxo,

SAllan

* P.S. In the “comments” section, Hubby brought it to my attention that the “Washington Irving house” on 17th Street and Irving Place here in NYC might not really be a past residence of Mr. Irving. See the link that Hubby posted.

Curiouser and curiouser!

I also just saw this article which says: “Great historic significance is often attached to the house at 49 Irving Place; it is claimed that the great American author Washington Irving once lived here. It is, however, unlikely that Washington Irving ever crossed the threshold of this house.”

Okay, any historians out there who can clear this up for us??? That’s a pretty ornate plaque on that house, if it’s a false claim!!

Soul Kitchen – Red Bank NJ

We’re stepping out of New York City for the day – heading to Red Bank, New Jersey.

Well, not literally, but figuratively.

Have you heard about the restaurant there that musician Jon Bon Jovi and his wife opened?

It’s called Soul Kitchen – and by all reports it is pretty special.

From a CBS news story:

“Jon Bon Jovi is trying to get rid of the negative stigma of getting a charitable free meal with his experimental new restaurant, The Soul Kitchen.

 The rocker makes it clear that his wife and his new establishment is not a soup kitchen, but a place for people who need a meal to volunteer in lieu of payment. Customers who can afford to donate a few dollars can leave a donation for their meal.

The Red Bank, N.J.-based restaurant served crusted catfish with red beans and rice, grilled chicken breast with homemade basil mayo and rice pilaf, and grilled salmon with soul seasonings, sweet potato mash and sauteed greens during the Oct. 19 opening. “This is not a soup kitchen,” he said. “You can come here with the dignity of linens and silver, and you’re served a healthy, nutritious meal. This is not burgers and fries.”

For those who can’t afford to pay for a meal, The Soul Kitchen asks that you volunteer at the restaurant washing dishes, busing tables or working in the kitchen.

Envelopes are placed on the table for those who can afford to pay. Patrons are encouraged to leave what they can afford and feel is appropriate for the meal.”

The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday & Saturday
from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Reservations should be made in advance by calling 732-842-0900.

The location is:

207 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ

 New Jersey Transit trains travel from New York City’s Penn Station to New Jersey’s Red Bank station – takes maybe 1-1/2 hours each way (anybody? Is this correct?).

Sounds like a fun outing – great food, great cause, a new (for me) town to explore.

Plus, the restaurant has cute tee shirts for sale (and other merchandise as well, through the JBJ Soul Foundation).

From the restaurant’s website, here’s what they say about their volunteer opportunities:

“Our volunteer opportunities fall into two categories: 1) those that need to volunteer in order to provide a meal for themselves and/or their families; and 2) those that volunteer to help staff the kitchen to assist in providing the meals to those in need. So, if you are local or have the ability to visit the Kitchen, the best way you can help would be to patronize the kitchen as a paying customer or to spread the word of our community kitchen to your neighbors. By doing so you support the financial balance of this model, where our greatest need is for a large percentage of paying customers whose payment offsets the costs of the client population who need to volunteer in order to provide their family with a healthy, nutritious meal. By dining at Soul Kitchen, you are also providing fellowship and aiding us in bringing communities together. We understand that there are many who, in addition to paying, also want to provide some service and we encourage all to get involved in their communities. Please continue to visit our website for updates and information on specific volunteer opportunities or events.”

Kudos to Mr. & Mrs. Bongiovi!

xoxo,

SAllan

The San Gennaro Festival – Italian Food, Wine, Church, & Bocce (With A Hint Of Mobster History Thrown In) – Through 9/25/11

The annual San Gennaro Festival is currently taking place in Little Italy; the last day this year is Sunday 9/25. I checked it out a couple of days ago.

LOVE.

Hubby is Italian – so, I’m part Italian by marriage, right?

Turns out I love just about all things Italian.

The San Gennaro Festival is a religious event – well, their website says it best:

“The 85th Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s longest-running, biggest and most revered religious outdoor festival in the United States, will be held Thursday, September 15, through Sunday, September 25, 2011, on the streets of historic Little Italy, the lower Manhattan neighborhood which served as the first home in America for hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants who came here seeking to improve their lives beginning in the early part of the 20th century.”

Religious yes, but honestly, I think a lot of people attend for the food.

Ah, the food…

I saw a woman in the crowd with a stuffed artichoke, and I died on the spot. I asked her where she got it, and after she told me I high-tailed it to my first food vendor

and then happily walked down the street with my very own stuffed artichoke.

I settled in momentarily at one of the little Beer/Wine Gardens to enjoy my delicious lunch.

No, those empty bottles are NOT discards from my lunch – they are part of the “decor”.     🙂

Then, for dessert – ONLY so I could experience it to share with the blog – I *forced* myself to devour a baby-sized cannoli.

It was pure torture.

What did I NOT eat, you ask?

Let me show you…

Italian sausage – the aroma of onions and peppers and garlic wafting throughout the Festival was simply mouth-watering!

Seafood salad, fried calamari and shrimp:

Pastas of all sorts, lasagna and meatballs:

and mountains of the Italian candy called Torrone, which is made from honey, sugar, and egg whites, with toasted almonds or other nuts.

Please remind me, why didn’t I sample the Torrone?

I’ve officially just made myself hungry! I am going to have to visit the festival again before it ends!

Now, it’s not ALL ABOUT the food. There are other vendors and events, as well.

There are a few vendors who hand-roll cigars for sale.

There are sand pits set up for Bocce tournaments:

I was intrigued by this vendor demonstrating and selling grater plates.

I ended up buying one, and I used it last night. It’s marvelous!

You can grate garlic, nutmeg, hard cheese, chocolate, ginger, horseradish… with no waste the way you get with presses and even microplanes.

(If you are interested, here’s their website.)

I visited a couple of the churches in Little Italy. They are amazing!

Here is Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral:

And here is the Most Precious Blood Church:

Both have just stunning architecture and history.

The other thing that I really wanted to view while in Little Italy was the original site of Umberto’s Clam House.

Hubby had recommended this book called “I Heard You Paint Houses“, and I had just finished reading it.

“I heard you paint houses” are the first words Jimmy Hoffa ever spoke to Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran. To paint a house is to kill a man. The paint is the blood that splatters on the wall and floors.

This is a fascinating book, and very well-written. It’s basically the death-bed confessions of a mob gangster named Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, who “whacked” many people (25+) during his career. He claims to have shot his good friend Jimmy Hoffa on mob orders, and claims to have been involved in supplying the rifles for the mob-organized assassination of  John Kennedy.

He also claims to have been the single shooter in the 1972 mob-related assassination of “Crazy” Joe Gallo – which took place inside of Umberto’s Clam House in Little Italy.

Umberto’s has since changed locations. I believe that this is the spot where “Crazy” Joe Gallo was gunned down while in-between his seafood courses:

129 Mulberry Street. It’s pretty creepy to stand here and envision the action that took place that took place just inside that doorway to the right.

The inside of many of these bars and restaurants look just the same as they did a century ago, when they were first built.

I loved every moment during my visit. Little Italy is an amazing area to wander around, despite the throngs of tourists and locals. The history is mind-blowing, and the energy during the San Gennaro Festival is infectious.

If you are in the area, be sure to check it out!

I’m going back for some of that Torrone as soon as possible!

xoxo,

SAllan

A Few Things I Love About Coney Island

First of all, on a cool, fall weekday, it’s not too crowded.

For instance, here’s my subway car:

Once there, I gazed upon The Cyclone roller coaster with admiration and awe.

Built in 1927, it’s still one of the greatest wooden roller coasters around.

Here’s a story from Wikipedia:

“One of its many stories is from 1948, when a coal miner with aphonia visited Coney Island. According to legend, he had not spoken in years but screamed while going down the Cyclone’s first drop, saying “I feel sick” as his train returned to the station. He prompty fainted after realizing he had just spoken.”

I took Hubby on The Cyclone once, and I honestly don’t think that he ever recovered.

Hubby’s not exactly a roller coaster kind of guy.

Then, there’s The Parachute Jump, which was built for the 1939 World’s Fair. It was relocated to Coney Island in 1941.

Here’s a great photo from Wikipedia, showing The Parachute Jump in operation in about 1939:

Wikipedia also tells us:

“During World War II, when much of the city adhered to a blackout, the ride stayed lit to serve as a navigational beacon.”

And, there’s the pier.

Local men gather and fish here, spending probably most days doing this.

I think it’s their life – out on this pier.

Of course, I love Ruby’s Bar & Grill, and The Clam Bar.

And little girls who think they can catch seagulls – if they can JUST run a little bit faster…

I love the painted signs!

and the oh-so interesting people.

And I love Coney Island when the day begins to turn into night.

These are just a few things I love about Coney Island.

And, oh yeah. It’s FREE.

xoxo,

SAllan

Fun Things To Do In NYC This Weekend (And FREE!)

WOW – there’re lots of fun and FREE things to do here this weekend, and glorious weather here in NYC to boot!

Here are just a few suggestions:

There’s the Little Red Lighthouse Festival

From their website:

Little Red Lighthouse Festival

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 17, 2011

Fort Washington Park

Join us as we shine a light on music and the arts at our annual Little Red Lighthouse Festival.

Festival highlights include:
• Lighthouse tours with the Urban Park Rangers
• Live music including a special musical performance of “Thanks to the Lighthouse”
• Guest readings of the classic children’s book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.
• Fishing clinics
• Arts and Crafts
• Festival food

Directions:
Take the A train to 181st St. and enter the park from the 181st St. footbridge.
Or take the 1 train to 157th St. and enter the park at W. 158th St. and Henry Hudson Parkway.
Follow the signs and pathway to the festival site.

Free shuttles available at W. 157th St. & Broadway as well as W. 181st St. & Riverside Drive.

**********

Also on Saturday, there’s the Fall Equinox Festival going on at Pier 84

From the website:

Fall Equinox Festival

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 17, 2011

Join us for this annual festival celebrating the changing of the seasons on beautiful Pier 84 (44th Street and West Street, Manhattan).

• Live Jazz by the Piers Lawrence Quartet
• Live Bluegrass from the NYCity Slickers
• FREE Arts & crafts, fishing, face painting
• Local produce cart and much more!

**********

And on Sunday, don’t forget the kite flying:

Midtown West Kite Flight

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 18, 2011

Rooftop parking lot of the Port Authority Bus Terminal South Wing, 40th Street and Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor
FREE
Last year, upon arrival, guests received free kites and tickets that could be redeemed for snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, smoothies and Popsicles. In addition to two areas of kite flying—one for pros, the other for amateurs—there were jugglers and stilt walkers, live music, arts and crafts, and face painting teams.

**********

The annual San Gennaro Festival is going on in Little Italy from September 15, through Sunday, September 25, 2011.

From their website:

Indoor and outdoor dining at 35 of Little Italy’s most famous Italian restaurants. More than 300 licensed street vendors selling international foods, official Feast of San Gennaro, New York City and Little Italy souvenirs.

“One of New York City’s major cultural attractions!”
“Fun for the entire family!”
“New York City’s biggest and most famous street party!”
“A celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples!”

Italian Folk Songs
Fun for the Entire Family!
Arcade Games    Kiddie rides
Variety of Food vendors
Outdoor dining at 35 Italian restaurants and cafes
Cannoli Eating Competition & Pasta and Pizza Eating Competitions

Saturday, September 17

2 – 4 PM: 85th Birthday Party for Little Italy’s Feast of San Gennaro

Little Italy’s Feast of San Gennaro will celebrate its 85th birthday with a gala birthday celebration that will take place between 2 and 4 PM on Grand Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets. Highlights of the party will include a performance of traditional Italian music and folk songs plus the unveiling of a large 6′ birthday cake on a 3′ base, weighing 2,000 pounds designed and created by Little Italy’s world famous Ferrara’s Bakery. 100,000 slices of the cake will be distributed to members of the public on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday afternoon during the party.

**********

And, this weekend (today, actually) Jane’s Carousel finally opens in DUMBO. (Disclaimer – NOT Free.)

Hubby and I ran across it a few years ago, while it was still being restored.

From the website:

“Jane’s Carousel is a completely restored historic Carousel made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC #61) in 1922. It is a classic 3-row machine with 48 exquisitely carved horses, and 2 superb chariots. The wood carvings, often attributed to John Zalar and Frank Carretta, are among the finest of their kind. In addition, the scenery panels, rounding boards, crests, center pole and platform are all original to the Carousel. It was the first Carousel to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jane’s Carousel will be opening to the public on Friday September 16th in Brooklyn Bridge Park, in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, where it is magically set on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is housed in a spectacular Pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Jane’s Carousel will delight children, as well as visitors from around the world, for many generations to come.

The Carousel and the Nouvel commissioned Pavilion are a gift from the Walentas family to the people of the City of New York.”

SUMMER – FALL, 2011
Open 6 days
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
(closed Tuesdays)

FALL – WINTER, 2011 – 2012
November 6 – April 5
Thursday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 6:00PM

TICKETS
Tickets are $2.00. Children age 3 and younger and those under 42” tall may ride free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Special Introductory Discount: 12 Tickets – $20.00.
Special Group rates are available.

LOCATION
The Carousel is located in the DUMBO section of The Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The Carousel is easily accessed from Park entrances at Dock Street or Main Street.

**********

If you’re at Jane’s Carousel, there’s no reason not to just head up a little ways from the water to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.

(Of course, if you go in to eat, NOT Free.)

Get there early, or plan to wait in line to get in.

WORTH IT.

19 Old Fulton Street, under the Brooklyn Bridge.

**********

And of course, be sure to visit Coney Island before the end of September, when it will SADLY be forever changed, drastically.

Go have a cold one at Ruby’s, while you still can.

All in all, it promises to be a terrific weekend here in New York City. Get out and enjoy it!

xoxo,

SAllan

Ruby’s At Coney Island – Since 1934 – And Being Bulldozed This Fall

Like Times Square, Coney Island is now being “cleaned up”.

From the bar’s website:

“The company that Bloomberg has handed this city treasure over to has a vision to make the place “refined, cleaner…with sit-down restaurants and sports bars.” And so everything on the boardwalk, except Nathan’s and Lola Star, will be bulldozed. They want to turn it into a place where you can “sit in nice comfortable chairs and have a nice cappuccino or ice coffee.”

Boo Hiss!!

This saddens me SO MUCH.

I LOVE Ruby’s.

It’s not as if I am a Regular or anything… But I get to Coney Island a couple of times each season, and one of the places that I love the most is Ruby’s.

They have already gotten rid of Shoot The Freak.

And this old Beer Bar is gone.

Ruby’s Bar & Grill has been a Coney Island institution since 1934.

I love the pictures on the walls.

Here’s a closer look:

And they have a great jukebox, always playing Sinatra and other classics.

Tourists and local characters flock to the place.

I don’t WANT a sit-down, spanky-new place with nice comfortable chairs and I don’t WANT a nice cappuccino or ice coffee! (Well, I DO like iced coffee, BUT NOT AT CONEY ISLAND!)

I want Ruby’s to stay the same old dive bar, with the restroom that’s ALWAYS closed for repairs, with Sinatra crooning to the Coney Island characters – so when I visit Coney Island once or twice a year I can go into Ruby’s and feel a warm glow in my heart that it’s been this way since 1934 and it will be this way next year…

I’m going to have to go one last time soon – I heard that they lose their lease at the end of this month.

SOB!

I found this vintage photo on Ruby’s website:

Am I going to have to actually start to boycott Coney Island after this year??

Sometimes, change for the better is NOT change for the better.

xoxo,

SAllan

Brooklyn Farmacy’s History, Its Egg Creams, & A Recipe, Too!

I recently read about this old-time soda fountain store in Carroll Gardens called Brooklyn Farmacy.

Here is a very interesting 2008 article from The New York Times, which gives the history of the store, and the 2 immediate photos below.

The building has been there since at least 1884, when it was Mrs. Phillips’s boarding house.

More than 80 years later, it was the Longo Prescription Pharmacy. The pharmacist’s son was arrested in 1968, accused of “selling guns across the counter like bottles of aspirin.”

Then, in the 1980s, was called Mark’s Pharmacy; it was an attempt to revive the full-service pharmacies of the 1930s and 40s.

Finally, the store became The Vermont Market & Pharmacy. Then, mysteriously, the doors were shut and the store remained frozen in time for a dozen years.

Inside the Vermont Market & Pharmacy, before it was renovated:

In 2010, thanks in great part to Discovery Channel’s reality show “Construction Intervention“, the store was renovated and reopened as Brooklyn Farmacy.

I simply had to check it out.

Indoors, it is amazing!

Penny tile floors, tin ceilings, floor-to-ceiling wood cabinets, soda fountain counter – fabulous!

Rows and rows of locally-produced preserves, wooden toys, canned goods…

I love the colored seltzer bottles on the top shelf.

And the bottles of Fox’s u-bet chocolate syrup on this top shelf.

The shelves are also filled with remnants from older days – so fun and nostalgic!

But now, for the Main Event…

Being the selfless blogger that I try to be – just for you – I sat down at that counter.

I ordered me an egg cream.

Vanilla, please.

And I drank that baby – yum, yum good!

I know that most people might order a chocolate egg cream, but I was feeling just a bit rebellious.

Plus, I like vanilla!

Let me just say – it was well worth the trip.

As if the visual feast in the store wasn’t enough!

Here’s the official egg cream recipe from Fox, who makes the famous chocolate syrup u-bet:

The Original Brooklyn Egg-Cream

• Take a tall, chilled, straight-sided, 8oz. glass

• Spoon 1 inch of U-bet Chocolate syrup into glass

• Add 1 inch whole milk

• Tilt the glass and spray seltzer (from a pressurized cylinder only) off a spoon, to make a big chocolate head

• Stir, Drink, Enjoy
  

I really enjoyed visiting Brooklyn Farmacy. If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check it out!

xoxo,

SAllan

 

 

Oyster Bar At Grand Central Station

I am reading Julia Child’s cookbook “From Julia Child’s Kitchen”.

It’s a fun book. Not only for her great recipes; it’s a very personal book with lots of mini-stories.

On page 171, she has a story about, and a recipe for Oyster Stew.

She wrote:

“One of the in-group places to go for a supper or a snack in the New York of the 1930’s was Grand Central Station’s Oyster Bar. You sat up on a stool and peered over the counter into a series of steam bowls, where they made their famous oyster stew. It was so good I took notes on how the old chefs made it, and this is my version.”

I had never actually eaten at Oyster Bar. Why not? No good reason, at all!

I said to myself: “Self – in the interest of the blog, I must not be selfish. I must go check it out, just so I can share the experience with my loyal readers – New Yorkers and non New Yorkers alike – who want to know about Grand Central Station’s Oyster Bar.”

So, I went.

Any opportunity I have to go in this glorious building I will gladly take.

Did you know that the Terminal was restored recently, in particular the ceiling – to remove decades of grime (it turned out to be tar and nicotine buildup from tobacco smoke over almost 100 years!)  They left a tiny section covered with the gunk, just because:

See it there, in the upper left? It’s in the Northwest corner of the ceiling.

Before the restoration, the entire ceiling looked like that one section!

I also wanted to see what the progress was on the future Apple Store site. This is all that’s there right now:

So now, on to the main event!

Oyster Bar!

This restaurant first opened in 1913.

I made my way to the bar, where Julia had sat in 1937, and where she watched the stew making.

I sat, and just as Julia did, and so many others since 1913 (!), I watched the stew making.

The soup chef has his soup-making station. That’s what he does – he makes each bowl to order! I watched him add the cream, the oysters, the bread, the shrimp, whatever his ingredients are for that particular bowl. In the picture above, he is pouring the soup from the small cooking pot into the bowl to serve.

And, here is my bowl of oyster stew:

and here is one of the six plump, fresh oysters in my bowl of stew:

It was absolutely divine.

The lady sitting next to me enjoyed a platter of freshly shucked oysters.

They have signs up telling what is fresh and available that day.

If you’re in the area, stop in – sit at the bar – and enjoy a bowl of oyster stew that was made just for you!

And, here is Julia’s recipe. If you like it, please buy the book, available at Amazon.com, and most likely at your favorite book seller.

Julia Child’s Grand Central Oyster Stew, Vintage 1937

3 or more Tb butter

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp celery salt

6 to 8 large oysters, drained, and the juices reserved

1 1/2 cups light cream (or half milk and half heavy cream)

Salt and white pepper

Paprika

Oyster crackers

 Melt 3 tablespoons of butter to bubbling in a saucepan, add the Worcestershire and celery salt, then the oysters.  Cook, swirling pan, for 2 minutes, or until the oysters’ edges begin to curl. Add the oyster juices and cream, and bring to just the simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and turn into a soup bowl. Float a spoonful of butter on top, sprinkle over it a good dash of paprika, and serve at once, accompanied by the crackers. 

xoxo,

SAllan

The Cloisters – Another One Of My Very Favorite NYC Destinations! (Part 1)

It’s been rather warm here in New York City this July, but the other day was a bit more temperate, and I longed to get away outdoors.

One of my very favorite “Get Away Outdoors” places is The Cloisters.

The Cloisters is part of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art – it is a separate branch that is strictly focused on medieval art, architecture and gardens.

I don’t get there nearly often enough – every time I go I fall in love with the place all over again.

From our home in Midtown, The Cloisters is about a 20-minute subway ride on the A train. Get off at 190th Street and take the elevator up to the street level.

Then you walk about 10 lovely minutes north (to your right) on the road in front there – which is Margaret Corbin Drive. It goes through Fort Tryon Park.

Hubby would have loved this – the grass was newly-mown, and the aroma was heavenly!

I did not know until very recently, that Fort Tryon Park was built by the son of the architect of Central Park. That’s some family!

About half way between the subway station and The Cloisters, there is a restaurant on the left called The New Leaf Restaurant. I always stop there to have lunch.

Its website tells us that:

“In 2001, the New Leaf – formerly a New York City Department of Parks & Recreation concession – was re-imagined by Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to reclaiming and restoring New York City’s parks, community gardens and open space.”

Very, very COOL!

And, the food is yummy.

I enjoyed a wonderful Cobb Salad at the bar

but you can also sit in one of the indoor dining rooms, or outdoors on the patio.

Thusly fortified, I continued on to The Cloisters.

The Cloisters opened in 1938. Before that, the core of the collection was owned by one man, who sold it to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who in turn, GAVE that collection and his own midieval tapestries and art to The Metropolitan Museum, along with the land (some 65 acres) for The Cloisters to be built upon, PLUS hundreds of acres of land on the Jersey side of The Hudson River, so the view from the museum will always be this:

instead of this:

This was taking place in the early 1930’s. Rockerfeller Jr. also set up a trust so that the museum could continue to grow and operate – and the museum draws from that trust even as we speak. (I went on an hour-long Cloisters tour, so I know these things!)

But, I DO NOT know the names of these rooms and gardens, So I will now just show you what I saw.

I took so many photos that I will today post just architecture and garden views. Part 2 will be some of the art itself.

Ready? Here goes…

The tour guide said that this round room was an actual church from (I think) Spain, that was purchased and rebuilt here within The Cloisters.

I think that he said there are 5 different actual midieval structures within the museum, and the rest of the building is simulated. But all of the stained glass, art, sculptures, etc. are authentic and of the period from  the 12th through the 15th centuries.

Now, outdoors to the gardens.

If  – I mean WHEN – you go visit The Cloisters, keep in mind a couple of things. Because it’s part of The Metropolitan Museum, you can visit both The Cloisters and The Met on the same day by paying only once.

If you feel very ambitious!

And, the fee is a “suggested donation” – but you can pay what you want. If you want to pay the entire amount of the suggested cost, great! But, they are happy to allow you to pay what you want or can afford. Lots of people do not know this.

Also, there is a small cafe at The Cloisters, if you want to grab a bite there.

Tomorrow, I will post some pictures of the glorious art, including some of the fabulous Unicorn Tapestries.

I hope that you enjoy this half as much as I do!!

xoxo,

SAllan

Pier 84 – My Favorite Little Spot In Manhattan

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; there is NOTHING like hanging out at Pier 84 on the west side of Manhattan.

Hubby and I are lucky to live just a couple of blocks away. No matter how often I go, I am always surprised at how much I love it there.

If you have kids (or not!), be sure to check it out!

There is a fountain that kids absolutely love to run through.

It splashes high and it splashes low. It splashes soft and it splashes furious.

Is this kid having fun, or what?

Even this little one couldn’t wait to get some of the action.

The pier offers free fishing – they supply the rods and reels, and they will even bait your hook for you with their supply.

The kids were really enjoying this!

You can rent bikes on the pier – and enjoy the wonderful bike path heading either north or south along the Hudson River.

You can get snacks on the run,

you can relax in at the restaurant area,

or, if you are kid-less, why not settle in at the bar area?

And, what’s a pier without boats?

This is one spot where you can catch the Water Taxi

or the Circle Line

or, if you’re lucky – you can see a big cruise ship depart from its nearby pier. I was lucky enough the other day to be there when the Queen Mary 2 departed and headed out to the open ocean:

Ah, Pier 84, Pier 84. Where a cool breeze blows on even the warmest day.

xoxo,

SAllan

Union Square Greenmarket

Isn’t it basil season yet? I want me some pesto in the worst way!

I headed down to the Union Square Greenmarket to find out.

Took the subway to Union Square – Broadway and 17th Street

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays this fabulous Greenmarket takes place here – it has since 1976 and is a much cherished institution.

Local and semi-local farmers and vendors set up booths and sell their goods.

You can purchase plants for your rooftop or fire escape garden

Get your homemade, organic breads here

Green onions and strawberries

There is something to me so poetic about that – “Green Onions And Strawberries” – a children’s book, or a song title perhaps?

Jams and jellies and honeys

Yum – Wild Blueberry Ginger, or how about Garlic Raspberry jelly?

Lavender pillows, or just a free sprig

Or, something that I previously had not really given much thought – ostrich meat and ostrich eggs

Union Square Greenmarket is well-known as the early-morning-must-go-to destination for neighborhood chefs, who buy what is fresh that morning and serves it that day in their restaurants.

Here’s a chef now, in his chef whites, coming around to check out the Jersey Beefsteak Tomatos

This is one of the reasons that the area is home to some of New York Cities top restaurants, including  The Union Square Cafe

The Blue Water Grill

and abckitchen

which just last month won the 2011 James Beard Award for the Best New Restaurant in the country!

While you are in the area, be sure to check out the new Andy Warhol statue

and note Warhol’s significance to the neighborhood, as explained by The Huffington Post:

“It’s easy to pass by the Decker Building at 33 Union Square West or the building at 860 Broadway, now housing a Petco, without knowing their historical significance in the world of Pop Art. There’s no sign explaining that Andy Warhol had his “Factory” here, first in the Decker building, in 1968, before moving a block away in the 1970s to Broadway and 17th Street to make his silkscreens, print his magazines and do his screen tests.

The shiny chrome statue towers over the pedestrian plaza at 17th Street, across from the park and near the spot where he was shot by Valerie Solanas in 1968.

The pop art icon, who worked in the Union Square area until 1984 and passed away in 1987, is returning to the area in the guise of a ghostly silver 10-foot-tall sculpture by Rob Pruitt.

The artist made the stature as he imagined Warhol in 1977 dressed in Levi’s 501s, a Brooks Brothers blazer, wearing a Polaroid camera around his neck and carrying a Medium Brown Bag from Bloomingdale’s.”

And, who can resist wandering a few blocks north, in order to gaze upon this masterpiece, The Flatiron Building (at 5th Avenue & 23rd Street)?

Here’s a bit of trivia for you: when The Flatiron Building was completed in 1902, it was one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, and the ONLY skyscraper north of 14th Street. It drew very strong gusts of wind because of its height and positioning. Men began to loiter around it, as the wind would cause women’s dresses to be blown up above their ankles. Policemen would shout “23 skidoo” to get the men to keep walking.

xoxo,

SAllan

 

 

 

The Great Gray Bridge (And The Little Red Lighthouse)

I have ridden over The George Washington Bridge countless times

I have walked over it a time or two – luckily, for fun and not out of necessity!

But yesterday was the first time Hubby and I walked under The Great Gray Bridge.

The first time, but definitely not the last.

It was a warm day, but we got started early.

First, we took the subway – the A train – to 181st Street.

Then, following internet directions, and the friendly advice of a nearby up-town New Yorker, we headed west until we saw the lovely span of gleaming metal crossing the mighty Hudson River.

We crossed the footbridge (no photos – why? I’m a doofus, that’s why.)

Then, through the arch.

across the railroad tracks

along a nicely maintained bike/walking path, until we found ourselves under the bridge

and we found ourselves at Our Destination – The Little Red Lighthouse.

This very sweet little lighthouse was reconstructed here in 1921 as part of a project to improve Hudson River navigational aids, and was in operation until 1947.

It was made famous by a 1942 children’s book called “The Little Red Lighthouse And The Great Gray Bridge” by Hildegarde Swift and Lynd Ward.

A book about a Small, Important Hero, made to feel Small and Unimportant by the Next, Big Thing – but, in the Dramatic Moment, our Hero Saves The Day, and is again Proud and Happy.

Sounds familiar?

My favorite book when I was a child was “Little Black, A Pony” by Walter Farley, from about 1961.

The names have been changed, but the story is the same. A very compelling story.

Note to self, if I ever want to write a children’s book.

This is a very compelling story to children.

It’s what saved the Little Red Lighthouse from destruction.

According to Wikepedia,

“The proposed dismantling of the lighthouse in 1951 resulted in a public outcry, largely from fans of Swift’s book, leading to the preservation of the lighthouse by the City of New York/Parks & Recreation. The lighthouse is now a New York City Landmark.”

After admiring the views, Hubby and I continued walking south.

Would you guess that we were in Manhattan? What a lovely, perfect walk!

And, as if by destiny, we wandered up to the Hudson River Cafe – right at lunch time!

We have never been there before, but we shall definitely go again! After a nice long stroll, this was the perfect place to relax, enjoy a nice brunch – including limitless sangria – for $21.00/pp.

YUM.

Then, we walked further south

until we got to 125th Street. We had walked enough.

Over to the subway

and home.

Then, we watched Marathon Man, the 1976 thriller starring Dustin Hoffman, Roy Scheider and Laurence Olivier.

It was, as Lou Reed would say, A Perfect Day.

A Perfect, New York City kind of Day.

xoxo,

SAllan

Variety Of Fun Things In New York

It was a very nice mid-week kind of day. Thanks to my gal-pal Ellen.

We had planned to meet for lunch.

But first, I went by the library to see if they had newspapers on microfilm from the 1920s-30s from Chanute, Kansas – for more Grandfather research.

They did not.

But, there were free fencing lessons going on out front of the museum.

I did not partake, but good to know!

I then headed west to Times Square, where I saw The Naked Cowgirl.

Then Ellen came, and we went to The Swatch Store to buy a new band.

It was so great to see her! It’s been a long time!

Then we headed to John’s Pizza – which used to be a church.

Here’s part of the ceiling:

and here’s one of the murals on the wall:

And then we headed home so Ellen and Sammy could meet.

Sammy thought she  was swell.

Ellen liked Sammy, too.

She took this great photo of him saying hello to her:

What a nice day – thanks Ellen!! Let’s do it again soon.

xoxo,

SAllan

Another Sunday In New York (Or, Fun Things To Do In NYC)

Hubby and I had another fun Sunday In New York. It is ALMOST Spring – even if it is still a bit windy and chilly.

We wanted to get outdoors.

And we didn’t want to spend a lot of money.

Hubby suggested walking south along the Hudson River. And then along the High Line. And then he’d treat us to lunch at my Very Favorite Restaurant.

I was all over that idea!

The city has been making the River Walk along the Hudson River into a destination, with lanes for cyclers and lanes for walkers.

This link will tell you a bit about the piers along the river – it’s a little outdated, but still very interesting!

Off we went!

We had walked north before, but it’s been a long time since we headed south. We saw some great and new (to us) things.

Look at this fantastic paddle wheel:

While admiring this, I pointed over there, “What’s that?”

Hubby said, “I don’t know – let’s go see.”

One pier south, it looked like a giant, cast iron skillet.

Hubby seldom misses an opportunity to pose for me. Isn’t he a good hubby?

Turns out, this Pier 66 at 26th Street is home to a Lightship called The Frying Pan. Click the link to read all about it. It’s like a Light House, but it’s a Ship – hence, “Lightship”. Who knew??

There is also a large bar/restaurant area – which is not open yet, but will be soon, when the weather gets a *little* warmer. But, the whole pier is open to the public, even the restaurant area, and we took advantage of that opportunity to explore.

I said, “I smell wood burning!” So, we investigated a little bit more, and then we met the chef – who was there in preparation of the opening. He was burning some charcoal in his grill. He said they’d be opening on May 1st, and they are a HOT SPOT at night with the younger crowd! He said something to imply that I’d be happier coming earlier in the day. Hmph!

But, he was very nice despite that comment. (And, he’s likely correct in that assessment.)

So, I look forward to going on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, sitting there watching the paddle wheel go around with a glass of wine in hand. Can’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon!

But for now, it was time to continue our journey.

We debated – love it or hate it? – about Frank Gehry’s IAC Building:

What do you think? Hubby does not like it, and he thinks that it’s disrespectful to the neighborhood. I do like it – it’s whimsical to me, and now looking at it, I think it looks like a sailing ship.

Back on the river side of the walkway, here’s an ex-pier:

All too soon, we were at 14th Street, and time to head a bit East to The High Line.

My camera battery was low, and I wanted to save it so I could show you my Very Favorite Restaurant, so these couple of pictures are from another High Line walk I took a couple of months ago:

It was actually very crowded when we were there on Sunday, unlike these earlier pictures.

I did have to turn on my camera, to capture a shot of this Spaceman who was there on Sunday:

Just your every day High Line walker!

When we got to the end of the High Line, we climbed down the stairs and headed to 23rd Street and 8th Avenue – the location of my Very Favorite Restaurant. I want to live there.

It’s called The Trailer Park Lounge & Grill. It has been voted by The Food Network as “one of the 6 kitschiest restaurants in America”.

Like I say, I could move right in.

Every inch of space is taken up with memorabilia – signs, lights, books, toys, paintings, records, vintage furniture, a bowling alley (!)

They play groovy music

Hubby thinks it’s somewhat of a sacrilege what they did to the black-velvet portrait of Marilyn, but I find it hysterical! Click on the photo to enlarge it.

And, their burgers aren’t too shabby, either.

Guess who gets the veggie burger with sweet potato fries?

And guess who gets the turkey burger with Tater Tots?

Oh My. Tater Tots. TATER TOTS.

(I had to just let that out.)

When you are at the Trailer Park Lounge & Grill, you can even Test your Love Sizzle.

Oh well, I guess it’s time to leave… (sob.)

As my camera battery was by now almost completely dead, no pictures were taken on the walk home, with the exception of this one:

Once home, we were wiped out by all that walking. We probably walked about 4+ miles. We had no choice but to settle in and watch about 3 episodes from the season 4 of Mad Men.

What a nice day. Thanks, Hubby!

xoxo,

SAllan

57th Fighter Group Restaurant

This morning, while eating my tasty cinnamon toast, for some reason I started thinking about the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant.

My friends and I used to have Sunday Brunch there quite often.

All of the sudden, my cinnamon toast didn’t seem quite as tasty.

I don’t know if it’s still as wonderful as it was then (it’s been years since I moved to NYC and haven’t been back to the restaurant in (sadly) ages), but Sunday Brunch there at the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant used to be an hours-long affair, with All-You-Can-Drink champagne and All-You-Can-Eat buffets.

There were long tables of hot stations, cold stations, carving stations, salad stations.

There were long tables filled with different desserts.

There was a Made-To-Order omelet station.

All-You-Can-Eat crab legs.

ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAB LEGS!

And, did I mention All-You-Can-Drink champagne?

Needless to say, we’d be in heaven, and there for several hours.

All of this is located on a runway at the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia. You could put on headphones at the table and listen to Air Traffic Control/Pilot communication, while watching the planes land and take off.

The exterior and entry way were decked out to look like a fighter squadron camp unit from World War II.

Inside they’d play period music like “In The Mood” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo“, and there was an outdoor patio where you could brunch in nice weather.

You could go up in a small plane

Sometimes they’d have air shows, and vintage and/or famous planes

Here’s their Sunday Brunch menu, copied from their website:

Grand Sunday Champagne Brunch

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

CARVED STEAMSHIP ROUND

OMELETS MADE TO ORDER

BELGIAN WAFFLES MADE TO ORDER

SAUSAGE AND SMOKED BACON

EGGS BENEDICT

PEEL & EAT SHRIMP

SMOKED SALMON

CHEF’S CHOICE CHICKEN ENTREE

FRESH SEAFOOD ENTREE

CHEF’S CHOICE BEEF ENTREE

BEER CHEESE SOUP

GARDEN GREEN AND PASTA SALADS

FRESH VEGETABLES

FRESH FRUIT

BREAKFAST BREADS AND BAGELS

IMPORTED & DOMESTIC CHEESES

CAPPUCCINO

COFFEE AND JUICES

BANNANAS FOSTER

CAKES, PIES, COOKIES AND BROWNIES

 

Did I just say “YUM”?

xoxo,

SAllan