New York City Archives - Page 10 of 12 - My Healthy, Happier Life

This morning started bright and early with a walk through Gramercy, Chelsea, SoHo, and Greenwich with my mom. The sun came out to greet us bright and early over the East River, warming the cool 18 degree air.

We were the only crazy people power walking around the quiet city blocks due to the cold. We were passed by commuters and students but loved the time together. I miss our morning walks together when we’re not together as it’s a great chance to catch up and chat. We even passed a beautiful church that I’ve passed a million times and never realized it was Episcopal. Due to it’s beautiful architecture, I always assumed it was Catholic.

Bo and I will have to try this church out sometime soon!

After our walk, we came back home to wake my dad up and start our day exploring the city. Since my parents have both been to New York numerous times our trips revolve less around the tourist sites and more around restaurants, Broadway shows, and long walks exploring the city. However, it’s been over ten years since my parents visited in the winter so the chilly weather has been a fun twist.

We started our day at Murray’s Bagels in the Greenwich Village. My dad did his research in advance and knew exactly where he wanted to go for breakfast this morning. He’s adorable like that whenever he travels and finds the “best New York City lunch” or “best bagel place in New York City.” Needless to say, I think SIRI is his best friend sometimes.

Even though our friends lived above Murray’s Bagels for three years, this was my first time going there for breakfast. It was definitely a better experience than last week’s Ess-A-Bagel due to the fact that the service was faster and there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy. This is a step above your true NYC bagel place because they don’t just serve fresh bagels and spread. They have multiple breakfast sandwiches in addition to the bagels and spreads.

Three bagel sandwiches for three hungry people.

My dad indulged with a cinnamon raisin bagel egg sausage sandwich. While it was delicious, he could only eat half the rich sandwich filled with gooey cheese and spicy sausage.

Mom and I shared An everything whole wheat bagel, our absolute favorite, especially when paired with egg whites, veggies, and a splash of hot sauce!

If you’re looking for an authentic bagel experience which allows you the option for sandwiches, Murray’s Bagels is a perfect spot.

After breakfast we headed up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in hopes of beating the tourists and school crowds. Arriving at 10am on a Friday gives one an ample amount of time to enjoy the museum without being crowded, shoved, or annoyed by squealing children.

In fact, we felt like we had the New American Wing to ourselves for the first hour! 016

Also, if you live in New York City and enjoy art, I discovered a little known fact today. For only $60 per year, you can become a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which allows for free admission, special preview events, and more! In addition, by joining today, I was able to apply the amount I’d paid for admission to the annual membership fee.

We spent 2.5 hours exploring the New American Wing in all it’s renovated glory!

We saw beautiful paintings including our boy George crossing the Delaware.

On our way out the bears said goodbye and the knights in shining armor tried to lure my dad back in the exhibits.

Outside the museum we spent a few minutes basking in the bright sunshine and blue skies before heading to lunch.

Oh and in case you were wondering, the perfect shoes for a day like today are definitely UGGs!

Now these boots are heading further north for lunch at Luke’s Lobsters and a sweet treat from Two Little Red Hens.

Question: Who is your favorite painter or photographer? Why?

Follow:

This weekend our dear friends, Meg and Spencer, are visiting from Atlanta. Since sophomore year of college, Meg and I have been incredibly close. We suffered through college finals, the same major, many dramatic college moments, more than one late night Sig Ep party, and so much more. Now, even though we live almost a thousand miles apart, we’re as close as ever. When we are reunited, a few times per year, it’s like no time has passed!

Due to work and marathon craziness, I wasn’t in hostess mode until late this week. I quickly realized that I forgot to make reservations for Friday and Saturday night dinner. If it wasn’t a holiday weekend in New York City than it wouldn’t have been such a big deal. But, this is the first holiday tourist weekend and all of the restaurants on our wish list were booked. While my Twitter friends provided some great suggestions, it ended up being Bo who discovered last night’s restaurant, Duo NYC.

Located between Flatiron and Murray Hill, just a few short blocks from our apartment, Duo was opened four months ago by Lorraine and Sabina Belkin. The two sisters, who were raised in the restaurant industry, wanted to create a chic yet classic environment for “patrons to enjoy their show stopping contemporary American dishes” while creating a party atmosphere.

Based on the amazing reviews it has received thus far, we were surprised when we entered at 8pm to find the restaurant only half full. But, as the evening continued, this changed quickly. Upon sitting down we were greeted by the fanciest menus I’ve ever seen: fully backlit menus!

They were fun and perfect for the dark restaurant. While waiting for Bo we ordered cocktails and appetizers. Their cocktail menu is extensive and each one we ordered was fabulous! We sampled the pomegranate mojito and the Forbidden.

We can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience. The service was beyond amazing, exchanging one mixed drink and one entree for free during the evening, and very attentive. The appetizers and the roasted vegetable pasta were by far the standouts of the evening.

A perfect location for a fun dinner with friends or a celebration, we certainly hope that Duo NYC makes a place for itself in the New York City restaurant scene!

Follow:

Happy Tuesday! For most of us, today is back to reality and work. After a wonderful weekend in Miami, Bo and I had one more weekend adventure in store for us before returning to our normal routine- The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks!

Due to my new role, I received two tickets to the party at Hudson River Park. We were lucky enough to spend the evening with my new manager and his son enjoying delicious food, amazing weather, and the best fireworks show we’ve ever seen!

Once we passed through the gates at 7pm, we saw some of the cities famous food trucks selling their delicious treats and BR Guest food company providing free samples.

I was elated to find Luke’s Lobster Shack there and answer my lobster roll craving I’d had all weekend!

We decided to try a free sample of Dos Caminos chips and guacamole since it is our favorite guac in the city and it had a shorter line!

We discovered the beer garden and sampled Checker Cab Blonde Ale for the first time which was AMAZING! A light wheat ale it hit the spot and cooled us off!

Between the food and drinking, we found time to enjoy a few celebrity sightings (Nic Leche, a few Yankees players, and Anthony Rap from Dazed and Confused) and fun with the games and sights.

There were even a few flyovers including the New York City Air Patrol.

By 8:55 everyone took their seats on the lawn and enjoyed the last few minutes of sunset before the fireworks began.

Sitting on our blankets only 200 feet from the speakers and music was a big difference from watching the fireworks on the streets of New York around 26th street and 9th avenue, where we enjoyed them with our friends Lauren and Casey last year. You could barely see the fireworks and you couldn’t hear the music!

Then, the music started and the 25 minute show began!

The sights, sounds, and music were amazing and the energy of the 2,000 person crowd was fabulous!