An Unforgettable NYC Weekend: A Journey Through Nostalgia, Culture, and Culinary Delights
My recent weekend trip to New York City was a truly remarkable experience, marking my first visit since I was just eighteen years old. It felt absolutely wild to realize how much time had passed. Growing up in Mount Vernon, NY, and moving to Florida at the age of ten, I instantly found myself enveloped in a wave of profound nostalgia the moment our taxi hit the streets. The familiar sight of old brick buildings, the majestic bare oak trees lining the avenues, the iconic bridges stretching across the waterways, and the vibrant graffiti splashed across walls – all of it transported me back to my childhood. I hadn’t anticipated such a powerful emotional response; it had been so many years! Yet, everything felt incredibly familiar: the pulsating energy, the diverse scenery, the unmistakable “New York state of mind” that seemed utterly unchanged. Even though I wasn’t in the specific part of town where I grew up, that intrinsic spirit of New York was undeniably present, captivating my senses and drawing me into its unique rhythm.
The contrast between New York and Florida couldn’t be more striking. Living in the Sunshine State has evidently made me accustomed to a slower, more laid-back pace, a reality that truly hit me during this bustling weekend. I found myself missing my beloved flip-flops and the comforting feel of grass beneath my feet. One of the most surprising observations upon my return home last night was seeing the moon; it was clearly visible in the night sky. In the heart of NYC, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the constant urban glow, I don’t recall seeing the moon at all, perhaps due to the sheer height of the buildings or the urban traveler’s reluctance to simply stop in the middle of a busy street to gaze skyward. Life in the city is an exhilarating whirlwind – I adore the rich culture, the incredible food, and the freedom of endless walking instead of constant driving. However, there’s an undeniable comfort in returning to the familiar embrace of home, and for me, that’s undeniably Florida.
Our journey to the Big Apple was primarily for my husband’s company holiday party, as their main office is situated there. We had the distinct pleasure of traveling with his team, a group that happily comprises some of our closest friends. This made the entire experience even more enjoyable and filled with laughter. We ate, we drank, and we celebrated with unbridled enthusiasm – imagine a group of twenty friends, perhaps a little out of their element, trying to decipher the intricacies of the New York subway system! It was an adventure in itself, full of serious grown-up fun, memorable moments, and hilarious mishaps. And oh, the food! The culinary scene in New York City absolutely redefined my expectations and truly rocked my world with its diversity and exquisite flavors. Every meal felt like an event, an exploration of taste and texture that I won’t soon forget.
I suspect I was in a state of ‘city shock’ for the first two days of our trip, completely overwhelmed by the vibrant energy and countless attractions. It’s the only explanation for why I honestly forgot to capture a single photograph of the incredible food we encountered. It wasn’t until our very last meal, a truly exceptional one, that I finally remembered to pull out my phone camera and start snapping away. Fortunately, this particular meal turned out to be my absolute favorite of the entire trip, so in hindsight, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for documenting a true culinary highlight.
Our friend Gail, with her impeccable taste, highly recommended a brunch spot in Tribeca, conveniently located near our accommodation. So, on a bright Sunday morning, armed with our coffees, we strolled a few blocks to Locanda Verde. Despite the bustling atmosphere, we managed to secure a couple of coveted spots at the bar. Our order was swift: refreshing Bloodies and, of course, the famed ricotta plate that both online reviews and Gail had raved about incessantly. The anticipation was palpable.
And what a rave it was for good reason! Directly from the menu, the dish was described as “Sheep’s Milk Ricotta with truffle honey and burnt orange toast.” The combination was nothing short of heavenly. The creamy, ethereal sheep’s milk ricotta, delicately sweet with a hint of earthy truffle honey, paired exquisitely with the slightly bitter, perfectly toasted burnt orange bread. Goodness gracious, I am still dreaming about this exquisite combination and eagerly anticipate the day I can savor it once more. It was truly a masterpiece of flavor and texture, an unforgettable start to our Sunday.
My husband, equally delighted, opted for a savory lamb sausage sandwich. This delectable creation featured rich peperonata, tender broccoli rabe, and a dollop of ricotta, all nestled within some of the softest, freshest bread I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Every bite was a symphony of Mediterranean flavors, robust and satisfying. Meanwhile, I chose a baked eggs dish, a comforting and flavorful option consisting of eggs baked with hearty corona beans, vibrant Tuscan kale, and melted mozzarella. This dish was absolutely divine, a true culinary revelation, and I am already determined to recreate its magic in my own kitchen very soon. I eagerly used some of the leftover crusty bread from the ricotta dish to scoop up the perfectly runny egg yolks and the savory beans and kale. Oh my heaven, it was pure bliss!
I swear, just looking at these pictures again makes my stomach rumble with hunger. Our culinary journey wasn’t limited to Locanda Verde; we savored meals at several other outstanding establishments, each offering its own unique charm and flavor.
Our other notable dining experiences included:
- Brunch at Market Table: Larry and I both indulged in the crispy skate sandwich, a dish that was truly out of this world. The menu was innovative, and the atmosphere was wonderfully casual and homey, bathed in natural light from its numerous windows. Tucked away on a charming side street, it felt like a delightful hidden gem.
- Dinner at Dos Caminos: Here, we feasted on incredible fish tacos, accompanied by awesome salsas and freshly made guacamole. The seasonal sangria was a particular highlight, refreshing and perfectly balanced. The downstairs bar, with its comfortable couches and lively music, offered an excellent spot for a few more drinks if the mood struck.
- Saturday Night Dinner at Trattoria Cinque: Two members of our group aptly described this place as “sexy,” and I understood why. We had a large group dinner here, and the restaurant was incredibly comfortable and accommodating. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet inviting, and the bar area was perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. The pear, gorgonzola, and truffle oil pizza was an absolute revelation, as was the rich, homemade pappardelle with oxtail – a truly memorable Italian feast.
We also stumbled upon what we affectionately dubbed a “disco diner” late one Friday night. It served the best egg sandwich and fries I’ve ever had, and I’m not exaggerating when I say there was a DJ spinning tunes right there in the dining room! Following that delicious late-night meal, and struggling to flag down a cab in the bustling city, we literally hopped into a stretch Hummer limo for a ride back to our hotel. Apparently, that’s just how we roll in NYC!
I told you, we had an incredible amount of fun. We even woke up one Saturday to the delightful chaos of random SantaCon participants outside our hotel and scattered all over the city. It was an amusing sight, though we weren’t prepared to join in the festive merriment. It certainly cracked us up!
While it might sound like our entire weekend revolved solely around eating and partying, I assure you, we also managed to take in some of the city’s iconic sights and even enjoyed a fantastic Broadway show.
The show we attended was absolutely fantastic! The performances were captivating, the storyline engaging, and the overall production quality was top-notch. To cap off the memorable evening, we even had the opportunity to meet some of the talented actors after the curtain call. We exchanged happy holiday greetings, snagged a few autographs, and posed for some pictures, adding an extra layer of excitement to our cultural experience in the city.
Among the actors we met were Dule Hill, known for his roles in “The West Wing” and, I believe, “Psych,” and Mekhi Pfifer, another recognizable face from film and television. It was a genuine thrill to connect with them and share a moment after their brilliant performance.
Dule Hill (formerly of West Wing and on a show called Psych I think)…
Mekhi Pfifer…
and this guy…
Oh wait…that’s my wonderful husband! My apologies, I couldn’t resist including him amongst the stars we met. He was certainly the star of my trip!
After such an exhilarating and indulgent weekend, I’m incredibly glad to be back home, nestled comfortably in my own kitchen. The memories of New York City will undoubtedly linger, from the vibrant streets to the exquisite meals and the shared laughter with friends. Now, it’s time to start working off the delightful effects of the weekend’s culinary adventures and, of course, to enthusiastically prepare for the upcoming holiday cooking and baking season!