Capsule Countdown of 8 Neat Diversions from a Fun Weekend in NYC

where the blueboots go

12 years ago

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I’ve been a bit go-go-go for since this trip two weekends ago with more traveling and some visitors, which explains the delay. But, I hope that the wait is worth it.

In New York City, there are always interesting things to see, even without plans. It seems there’s a story to tell, a conversation starter, or gleaming inspiration for creative ventures waiting to be had every other minute!

I went with only two things I wanted to accomplish this trip: try the Momofuku Milk Bar desserts which were recommended to me and wander around the neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. I didn’t look at a map to plan routes or anything, but I’m happy to report that a weekend of complete wandering and meandering landed us in those two places without much effort :)!

Here’s a countdown from 8 that is studded with elements from our weekend adventures in NYC this trip.

8 hours traveling in the car between NYC-Boston

7 different groups spotted while speaking French all throughout the weekend

That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? I kept finding myself surprised as I came across yet another group of Francophones.

6 tea sandwiches at Bergdorf Goodman Afternoon tea

1. cucumber; 2. egg salad; 3. salmon and caper; 4. chicken salad; 5. prosciutto and pesto; 6. turkey; 7. tuna salad. My favorites were the cucumber and prosciutto and pesto. It was the first time I took my husband out to experience afternoon tea, so it was a fun activity to do together as well as a rest from our early rise and walk about the city.

Also included on the tower of treats:

coffee macaron
strawberry macaron
almond and blackberry cake
strawberry pound cake
lemon pound cake
cherry almond scones with apricot, strawberry preserves and devonshire cream

View from my seat at tea @Bergdorf Goodman

Our tea selection:

Hers–Nuit a Versailles: green sencha basis, bergamot essential oil, kiwi, yellow peach, orange blossom, violet blossom
HIS–Jardin Bleu: blend of teas from India and China, flavored with rhubarb, wild strawberry, and cornflower petals

5 different ways to wear a jean jacket – surprisingly versatile.

my senses were heightened to jean jackets, since I’d just re-acquired a jean jacket for my wardrobe the day before the trip in a care package from a friend.

1. to dress down a nice dress; 2. with a blouse and skinny pants; 3. with a simple cotton tee and shorts; 4. with a maxi dress; 5. with denim jeans of a different wash.

4 blushing brides and their wedding parties in Central Park

3 band members in a rocking trio called #CityoftheSun live from Central Park. They were really entertaining! (link to some of their sounds).

2 voids that can’t be filled at the twin fountains of the 9-11 Memorial except with prayers, memories, and new hopes

It was intensely moving to be there just after the opening of the 9-11 Museum. The museum was only open to families of the victims, so we were unable to visit, but I found myself overcome with many emotions standing there and listening to the fountain and watching the water descend into the base of the foundations of the former twin towers. I read names of a handful of people, immortalized in granite stone, and saw those of people from all different backgrounds. There were families with the same surname, even the names of unborn children carved in stone. Canadian flags propped in the name carvings waved brightly, with a pennant describing a bit about the person. It is a finite reminder of how quickly life can pass. There is nothing like standing there in person.

9-11 Memorial Fountain

1 gondola floating through Central Park

For the foodies…Other great places we ate at:

Near the 9-11 memorial, we tried a random place, Blue Planet Grill, which served a really delicious slice of margherita pizza.

Back to Domenique Ansel Bakery for the Strawberry Pavlova with Guava filling. And, of course, fresh and hot madeleines. Mmmm!

Dinner at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side, my favorite Italian food at the moment. Sausage, broccoli and vodka sauce.

Dessert at Momofuku Milk Bar, Cereal Milk Soft Serve and Crack Pie

Cubana Social, Williamsburg.Weorderedhuevossandwichwithsofritoyuccaandfontina & rumsoakedfrenchtoastwithberriesandchourico empanadas (great!).
Coffee Bar and neat decor inside

Bagels & Co.

Jamaica Estates at the corner of 188th St and Union St. I prefer NY bagels to Montreal Bagels, any day. There was a longggggg line in this deli on a Sunday morning. A real kosher bakery/deli with excellent picks and good regular coffee too (I don’t trust people to sweeten or milkify my coffee, but they did it for me satisfactorily – not too sweet and I can still taste the coffee).