NY Part 2 & Missing Halloween

Dining in Manhattan...
is a vacation by itself. I will not bore you with the many places we ventured. However I will highlight the places I think you should try. Gemma was our hotel's restaurant. This is not the typical hotel restaurant (it is at the Bowery Hotel which should explain things) - this is a very "it" restaurant at the moment. Serving "new Italian" & it is very tasty. Jonathan enjoyed a spicy sausage pizza & I had diver's scallops with polenta & black truffles - great wine list & cool surroundings! This is a spot for people watching or if you are staying at the Bowery - otherwise there are others you should definitely visit instead! We did this trip with no reservations so the night we arrived we were exhausted and the staff at the Bowery fit us right into Gemma (otherwise there was no way). No complaints!
Artisanal - We have become obsessed with French food since we visited Boston late November / Early December 2007. Jonathan had been to Artisanal many times many times before & it was on my must list for this trip. It did not disappoint! I enjoyed a wonderful organic mozzarella appetizer followed by pumpkin & wild mushroom risotto! Jonathan enjoyed Steak Frites and the most amazing cheesecake he said was only topped by the one made by my mother (hence she has promised to make one this year for Christmas)!
PO -

Rustic Northern Italian that Mrs. Zagat say is a must and I agree! I enjoyed a wonderful lamb panini and Jonathan enjoyed the house spaghetti - both were the best (tired of the word amazing). Is a wonderful place for a late lunch on the weekend. To get in on the evenings will most definitely require reservations way ahead of time but worth the planning!

Le Gigot - amazing French food not far from Po, still on Cornelia Street in the West Village. I enjoyed awesome oysters from Long Island and great lobster over shrimp risotto. Jonathan enjoyed a wonderful roasted poulet. It was our favorite meal by far (he even went back 3 days later - so jealous)! The staff at Le Gigot was so friendly - making the dinner even better.

Bar B & Grill - Wonderful place for brunch in the East Village. Cool atmosphere and great food! We enjoyed very much and honestly wish we had come upon this place several days before we did. Perfect stop in place for drinks, appetizers and dinner. I must also recommend Tapeo 29 - rustic Spanish tapas and a great brunch!
Wonderful trip - as always!!!


OK enough NY talk - I totally missed Halloween and I am honestly upset by it. I missed out on Jack O Lantern carving, passing out tricks or treats & the party my friends John & Ridge were hosting. I knew I had been lucky lately & feeling great so the headache / aches I started feeling at noon Saturday only got worse. Hence I went to sleep early & if any one wants candy - I have a ton!!! I had a cute setup for the kids - next year...

NY Part 1

It is amazing how one place can change your spirit, totally rejuvenate your soul - NYC is that place for me. I had the luck to spend several days there during the end of October. Even with a little rain my husband and I had the best vacation. We have been enough times to miss our favorite spots & look forward to new places. I could go on for hours & hours, but the following were our favorite (old & new) from October 2009.

The Bowery Hotel was terrific, wonderful & our new favorite of all time! The hotel, the staff, the food & drinks were the best. It is located in the East Village which is best for us. We have always gravitated towards the Village in general and getting to stay in that area was a tremendous plus. I highly recommend The Bowery Hotel.

Central Park you have to experience it!!! The walks, the people, the saxophone players, & the beauty. It is an amazing way to spend a morning, afternoon, or day. Here are a couple more pictures...