New York State of Mind Friday 20/2/26

 Friday 20/2/26 

Today is our last full day in New York.  It is raining.  This is really the first time we have had rain on any of our holidays. 

Anyway due to my limitations, we have decided not to do too much. Macy's seems like a good idea. But first breakfast across the road at a health food shop. I am so excited but there are limited gluten free options and really not that great.  I had such hope but...

Anyway a little side note about service in New York. It is bad.  For a country where workers rely on tips, I am amazed at how unhelpful they are. If they speak English.  We have had a couple of really helpful people but generally rude and dismissive.  Tipping is compulsory/automatic and sometimes you can choose on level depending on the service so I don't understand why it is so bad. Enough.

Macy's is only 10 blocks down to 34th street along 6th Avenue. Actually was soooo $%^& simple this time.

On the way we went past the Statue of Liberty again.

And found this pretty park, Bryant Park with a skating rink, food stalls and seating. Nice.

a fountain, finally

skating rink

snow, i love it

big pile of snow which is now very dirty. Still love snow

And finally Macys

Macy's, see the clock

Revolving doors at the entrance

This piano works

this is a video that does not work

Me with our SMALL drinks at McDonalds in Macy's

Side note re revolving bloody doors. I hate them. They are often too heavy or too fast and you should never share your bit of the door with anyone.  They are definitely a feature of New York and every building has them.  Not my favourite thing.

We found our way back to the hotel, thank you Paul.

After much packing, we walked to the nice bakery around the corner that actually had gluten bloody free cake.  Real home made gluten free cake. OMG. I buy every gluten free thing they have,  for breakfast in the morning before our flight to Chicago.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

And then back to the hotel for a drink in the bar. Apparently a very New York thing to do. 

This is silly but we both picked the same cocktail without any discussion. Weird and perhaps a sad indictment on our marriage.  Or not?   Anyway, I can barely walk back to the room after the 45 Spritzer cocktail. 

Bar tender took a selfie as we could not.

After our drink, we had a wonderful catch up with Lewie, and Ben and Izzy.  Lewie is so cute with the cutest fat cheeks. If mum, dad and my nonna were here, they would be pinching those cheeks and be so happy.  But I am very happy with my beautiful new grandson, a truly wonderful addition to our family. 

And then to Sardi's for dinner.  Sardi's is a Broadway institution where famous actors and theatre types go for dinner after or before shows. Their pictures are all over the walls.  Apart from this, the food and service were exceptional.

Rodgers and Hammerstein were behind us

Entree to share

My GF pasta with chicken bolognese sauce and basil ricotta cheese.  So good.

Paul's Sardi's signature Cannelloni au Gratin which has been made the same way for over 40 years and is one of the most popular dishes. Apparently very good.

My dessert: Espresso chocolate mouse with raspberry coulis/ Paul's dessert: Grannys Apple crumb.  Both superb. (My third dessert but not counting)

Back To the hotel to watch some television. No, but we cannot help but notice the adds on TV.

Drug adds, the kind you need prescriptions for. Serious illnesses. Unbelievable.  Once they go through the benefits, they then I suppose have to go through the side-effects and who shouldn't take them.  These issues are serious and some of the side-effects include near death and really intimate type details.  Very very strange and scary. At the end of the adds, they suggest you ask your doctor about them.  I can't imagine anyone being game to try some of these as they sound really dangerous. Kind of defeats the purpose of doing the adds. (America!)

Side note re the weather: Cold but not ridiculous. mostly over about 2 degrees Celsius,  which is much warmer than it was last week before we arrived. Apparently the weather is set to worsen and more snow is expected from Sunday.  Unfortunately we leave on Saturday.  We won't get to see the snow which is a bit disappointing but probably makes our travelling easier. So suck it up.

Apparently the airport will close when the weather comes so we are probably lucky to be getting out while we can.   Tomorrow to Chicago!