A Delicious Sampling of the Big Apple

Being an empty-nester affords one "Fab Grandma" and her adorable husband the opportunity to go out of town on a moment's notice. With my stepson in charge of the house and "12 Paws," we were off on an amazing three night and four day adventure in NYC. The time we had allocated was definitely not enough, and here are the many reasons why!

Our suite at the Plaza Hotel was very elegant with its white wood paneled walls, high ceilings, and chandeliers. Reminded us of home -- yeah, right!

The large flat screen flanked by exquisite sconces located directly across from the most comfortable bed ever. I tuned in to CNBC to watch the stock market first thing Monday morning. I was in NYC Heaven!

The bars located inside the hotel are all beautifully designed and very different, as you will see from the pictures posted above and below. I must warn you though, the drinks are very expensive -- not much on the menu for the recession-minded connoisseur. The Champagne Bar is located in the main lobby. The drinks were delightful, perfect for morning and night.

In The Oak Bar, with its dark paneled walls, candle-lit tables, and hand-painted wall murals depicting Historic New York City, we dined on a "Selection of Artisanal Cheeses." The varieties of cheese were accompanied by dipping sauces, toasted wafer thin bagel slices, and apples. The platter was very reasonably priced at $22.00. The hubby and I highly recommend it. The bar's "Grumpy Garcia" was my hubby's favorite cocktail of the trip. He couldn't help but fall for the Oak Bar challenge: "We invite you to go forth unafraid -- our twisted take on the Margarita." My hubby was brave twice!

We did, eventually, venture outside the hotel early Sunday afternoon when my husband's brother and his wife joined us for a carriage ride through Central Park. The carriage ride was relaxing and the park scenery was beautiful, but the best part was having some quiet time to catch up with our loved ones. (That's not us in the picture; found it on the web!)

We ate lunch Monday afternoon at the famous Delmonico's, which is located in the heart of Manhattan's Financial District. I was hoping to see Jim Cramer, but he was nowhere to be found. Gotta fill you in on the food -- we each ordered a salad. The hubby had the BLT salad, and I had the "Lounge Greens." Both salads had amazing flavor, the portions were ample, and the price...$8.00 each! We shared the "Millionaires" flatbread, which had lobster, mascarpone, wild mushroom, truffles, and silver leaf -- yes, silver leaf. Yummmmm!

We saw all the NYC sights: Times Square, the Empire State Building, FAO Schwarz, Statue of Liberty (from a distance, the line was too long), and we also took in a show. We saw Rock of Ages, which is a musical about the rock and roll scene on Sunset Strip during the 1980's. Loved it! But it did make me miss home, '80's music, big hair and mini-skirts...for about a second! What were we thinking back then?

Twenty years ago I visited New York City for the first time, so I have memories of the city when it was whole, complete. The picture  below was taken by my husband at Ground Zero. The time on the camera was 9:11 am. It's a crazy and sometimes sad world we live in.

God Bless