NYC

Yet another quick trip, this time to New York City. Red eye on Friday night. Fortunately, room available early at the Eventi Hotel (www.eventihotel.com). I had called them earlier and the person who answered was the expected abrupt New York person one expects, who told me that I'd just have to show up and see, but that they weren't booked up on Friday night, so chances were good. But it seemed to have made a difference, because when we arrived, the bellhop told us that a few people were already waiting for rooms to open up; however, we were immediately presented with keys upon checkin. Thus, we managed to sleep for a while, which was fortunate, because we had a busy day, starting with the 2pm showing of The Merchant of Venice at the Broadhurst Theatre, featuring Al Pacino as Shylock. I had stumbled on good tickets on Stubhub while looking for tickets to something else. Good timing. The show was sold out and was really very effectively staged. The lines were delivered in a way as to make Shakesperean English seem quite conversational. Pacino's Shylock was the highlight. Just read that Pacino starred in a film adaptation in 2004, so now curious as to whether the performances were similar. Before the show, the lines on 44th St were everywhere. Long lines to get into Phantom of the Opera and Memphis. We managed to get a quick bite to eat at the Star Lite Deli. We had a good sandwich called, interestingly, a Rob Lemon (after someone?), comprised of cheddar, chicken cutlet with bbq sauce and bacon. We followed the show with a meal at Per Se, in the Time Warner building. The show was quite long, at almost 3 hrs, so by the time it ended, we had just 1/2 hr to get uptown. Fortunately, able to get a cab and get there fast enough. Not really too much to say about Per Se. Very expensive, and whether it's worth it or not is food for debate, no pun intended. Suffice it to say that a good time was had with our dinner companions. We were in the early seating, seated at 5:30, so by the time dinner was over, it was about 9:30, still early. It was cold though, but one of my dinner companion's cousins operates a horse and carriage on Central Park South, so we went to look for him. He was there, so we got a ride around the park, regaled with funny stories, and even kept pretty warm underneath a blanket. Next day, Sunday. Lunch at Ippudo, a ramen place in the East Village. Reviews spoke of long lines, and there were people in line; however, we managed to get in with a very short wait. Pork buns fantastic. Ramen pretty good, especially the extra kakuni pork belly. After that, we took the subway to Chelsea Markets, where we bought some cupcakes at Eleni's, some rugalachs at Ruthies, some hot chocolate mix at Sarabeth's, and a gelato at L'Arte del Gelato. After that, it was time for a nap at the hotel. Post nap, it was time for dinner. Took the subway down to Lupa in Soho, where we had the most excellent proscuitto, best I've ever had. Last day, Monday. Up late as usual, and then spent the afternoon at the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Gardens, then it was off to the airport, where we found our flight 2 hrs delayed, and thus didn't get home until early morning on Tuesday.