NYC :: Food Edition

Warning: this post might make you hungry.

We were in New York for probably less than three hours before I spotted this.

Oh yes, we were going in.

So many delicious choices. How do you choose??

Can you guess which one we went for?

Peanut Butter Cup wins!

While we were getting ready for the evening's festivities, the doorbell to our room rang and we were given some champagne for our anniversary. Well done, Waldorf, well done.

Next up on the food list: dinner at Scalini Fedeli.  This place was quite the complimentary restaurant, and I don't mean complimentary as in they told me how pretty I was and that they liked my dress. No, I mean complimentary as in the truffle stuffed raviolis that came out before our appetizers, and the two sorbet desserts that came out before the desserts we ordered, followed by sparkling moscato with dessert and then strawberries and cream to finish it all off. All complimentary.

Here are the desserts that we actually ordered, complete with Happy Anniversary written in chocolate.

Deeee-licious!

I have always admired the cute little fun-shaped glasses at places like Williams Sonoma, but also wondered "who actually uses those things?" Well, now I know. Scalini Fedeli does.

We woke up Saturday morning to rain so we just walked to the deli down the street for breakfast. Bagel and cream cheese for me.

And sausage, egg, and cheese muffin for Doc.

We also shared a peach and banana smoothie which, I have to say, was probably the best tasting smoothie in the world. So good, in fact, that we went back for two more the next day. They didn't use any ice cream or milk in it so it didn't taste thick or heavy like a shake, and the ice was blended so finely that it had no crunch at all. And did I mention that the flavor was peach and banana? It was slap-your-pappy good.

I mentioned in my last post that I thought the Meatpacking District was my favorite area. That decision was made mostly because of this:

Mild, medium, and hot salsas from Dos Caminos. Of course, I didn't try the hot because I'm a weenie, but I could've easily eaten the medium straight with a spoon. Gosh, it was good! We went through two baskets of chips and two refills of salsa before our entrees arrived.

Oh, and did I mention that even though we sat down at this place at almost 2:00 on Saturday, it was still brunch, and at Dos Caminos, one drink each comes with your meal during brunch. You don't have to tell us twice. Sold!

Margarita for an excited Doc:

And a Prickly Pear for me:

Then came the food. I had enchiladas with two different sauces. It was very pretty.

Doc had the chicken tacos.

We just randomly ended up at this place because the first two places we went to had long waits, and it ended up being a great meal. Did I mention the salsa?!?

Because we had such a late lunch, we didn't eat dinner before going to see Wicked. By the time the show ended at 10:30 we were starving! We hit up Times Square for a slice of pizza, or should I say, some pie.

It was a chilly night and that greasy, cheesy pizza hit the spot!

If I ever get to go to New York City again, I think I will definitely have to hit some of these awesome spots again. If you're headed that way, be sure to look them up!

New York City

We arrived in New York City around 12:30 on Friday and hopped in line for a taxi.

Doc was able to cash in some of his hotel points so we could stay at the Waldorf. It was pretty fancy, but also kinda old.

By the time we finally made it through the front desk line (yes, there was a very long line) and got checked in, we were starving! We headed out on a walk to find something to eat. Luckily, we weren't far from Rockefeller Center and were able to find a nice restaurant there.

Right after we got our drinks and had made our food selections, the lady at the table next to us leaned over and informed us Times Square was being evacuated. As you may or may not know (I didn't until then), Times Square is only about 3 blocks from Rockefeller Center. Lovely.

It was just a false alarm, thank goodness. After the failed terrorist plot, I guess everyone is being overly cautious there. Which is totally fine by me. I'm just glad we didn't get blown up.

After lunch we headed out to do some sight-seeing.

I didn't realize how much time I'd spend watching these signs.

We strolled through Central Park for a little while.

And do you know, even in the land of concrete, I was able to find me some pretty, happy flowers!

As we walked, I was amazed at how many bikes we saw chained to bike stands. I don't think we saw a single bike stand that wasn't full of them. And if someone couldn't find room on the stand, then they'd just chain it to whatever else they could find.

But apparently a bike lock wasn't enough for this biker, he/she had to take the front tire off too.

And this one was growing grass!

Going into the trip, we only had two things planned: reservations for dinner on Friday night and tickets to see Wicked on Saturday. Later that night, we got fancied up and headed to dinner at Scalini Fedeli.

That's right, I dusted off the ol' green shoes. It was my anniversary, after all.

Doc wore his wedding suit with his wedding tie.

And if you know me, you know I like to match. I had on the dress and jewelry my bridesmaids wore.

Saturday was full of more sight-seeing, shopping, and walking, walking, walking.

I think the Meatpacking District was my favorite area. It was very hip and trendy.

Chelsea Market was pretty cool too.

This is a mustache over an archway made out of black drinking straws. Creative, no?

And this is what Doc and I will look like when we're celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. We'll still be matching.

It was soon late afternoon and we were exhausted! Poor Doc's hands were cramping up from carrying all of our shopping bags all day. (Side note: LOVE Century 21 and Filene's Basement. We bought 5 pairs of shoes between the two of us.) We may not be as old as the couple above yet but we already need to take naps!

That night we got dressed up again and headed to Broadway to see Wicked. I didn't take my camera with us, so no pics, but the show was sooo good! I was nervous I wouldn't get it since I hadn't seen the Wizard of Oz in years, but that wasn't the case at all. Everything about the show was great, and I highly recommend it. If you ever get the chance to see it, you should go!

Sunday morning we walked down the street for breakfast before heading to the airport. This is our last picture from New York.

It was a great trip that ended way too soon! I'm ready to go back already.

Oh, that may be the end of the trip, but it's not the end of the pictures. I've got more to share, so check back soon!

Birthday Boys

Today is my little buddy's fifth birthday. I missed his birthday party this past weekend since we were in New York. That's the first thing he said to me when I saw him on Sunday...talk about a heartbreaker.  I was hoping he wouldn't notice that we weren't there.

I called him this morning on his way to school to sing to him and wish him a happy birthday. We talked for 10 or so minutes, but I have no idea what we talked about. I caught bits and pieces - something about a snapping turtle, a new red shirt, his bike, and the road is flooded.

He's turning into a little man.  I asked him if he woke up with whiskers today but he said "it's still just skin."

The title of this post is plural because his daddy's birthday is two days after his.

He's a lot older than five.

So, happy birthday to one of the coolest five-year-olds I know, and happy early birthday to his dad and my brother!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Earlier this afternoon, this appeared on my doorstep.

That's a big box! I quickly tore it open and inside it was....

...another box.

Hmmm...ok. So I opened that one up and inside it was...

...you guessed it, another box!

And then, finally, inside that box was...

...the Oversized Boyfriend's Watch from Garnet Hill that I've been drooling over for months.

And it's in mustard, one of my newest favorite colors! Don't you just love it?!

Doc's parents ordered this for me for my birthday a while back and it was out of stock at the time. I can officially say that it was well worth the wait! I can't wait to wear it all summer long!

Thank you so much, Lala and Poppa! I love, love, love it!!

A Day in Pictures

One year ago today, I woke up to this.

I decided not to worry about the weather (yet), pulled myself together, and headed to the salon.

I had the cutest boxed lunch delivered to me.

And it was packed full of delicious food.

After lunch, hair, and makeup were done, my mom drove me to the zoo where I slipped on my dress and stepped into these.

She went with me to the park, fluffed my dress, and sent me on my way.

I walked down that long sidewalk...

...and snuck up on this handsome guy.

I was so glad to finally see him!

I teared up a little.

He told me I looked pretty.

After our moment together, we went to take pictures with our friends. I was lucky to have some of my best friends by my side.

Doc had his buds with him too.

Our friends looked good together.

Our parents also came to take pictures with us.

These little guys were there too!

And then it was time to go back to my room and wait. It was getting close to time. The candles were all lit.

The string quartet started to play.

I watched from the window as guests arrived.

My mom helped me get my veil situated.

We took one last picture and then headed down to the front gates.

It was time to get married! My dad walked me down the aisle.

I was so glad to finally join hands with my almost-husband.

We prayed,

we said vows,

and we had our first kiss as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, we were quickly introduced at the reception and had our first dance.

The party was so much fun!

We had cake...

...and cupcakes!

We chatted with old friends.

And then we danced the night away!

I did not get my dancing skills from my dad.

Or from my mom.

But there's a chance Doc may have learned some from them.

Some people just couldn't stay awake for all the fun.

After all that dancing, everyone loaded up on green candy.

Doc and I exited through a tunnel of sparklers.

And then hopped aboard our chariot...the zoo trolley.

It was, by far, the best day of my life.

Happy anniversary, Doc! I love you more every day...you're my favorite. One year down, a million more to go!

Photos by Kerry Guice - kerryguicephotography.com.