NYC

Up until now we had not caught up with Stefan.

First, a totally delicious Indian meal. We don't get food like that in the Springs.

Then on to Lincoln center. The whole reason for our trip was to see Stefan and this concert. Stefan looked so healthy and happy. Like a real mover and shaker! He was be bopping all over the lobby before the concert.

The first half was Jao Carlos Martin directing his orchestra. Wow has this man had a life!

Then he was joined by Dave(89) and Chris Bruebeck. They brought the house down. You could see every musician was so thrilled to be there, and having so much fun playing.

Not bad for an old guy! Check out the link!

NYC

Up and at em' Today is the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We were on the ferry by 9 am. The Lady is cool, and I am glad we saw her in person, but she is an attraction you don't have to see twice. Now Ellis Island was fascinating. Did you know it was abandoned in the 40's and 50's and almost sold off? What a piece of history. The walls team with the energy of the souls who passed thru the doors.

NYC

Thursday night we had the pleasure and prividlege of dinning at Franny's in Brooklyn. My cousin is the chef there and it was a bacchanalian of an evening. We sat at the bar when we first arrived, people watching and enjoying some drinks with incredible marinated olives. I had a gin and tonic (surprise) but the tonic here is in house made, infused with wonderful herbs and spices. Yummy! On to the table and the serious business of dinning. We turned our pallets over to our server and chef and were not disappointed. The starters were amazing, pickled egg, sun choke with spicy raisins, pancetta on herb bread. The pickled egg was spicy and creamy with the yolks set but not hard. I had never had sun chokes before, but I will never hesitate again, they were roasted to bring out the sweetness, with spicy raisins and almonds. Then the pancetta on herb bread, OMG it was soo incredibly good. the perfect balance of meatiness and basil, oregano and ??? This dish FLAWLESSLY paired with the wine our waiter brought us. We let him choose his best bottle under 50$. It is fun to let culinary professionals do their stuff.

Then the pizza. We had two. One was a inhouse made sausage and motzerella. Amazing. The other was a lemon, parsley calm pizza. It was mouthwatering good, different and delicious. The pizza made here is cooked in a wood fire oven at very high temperatures. The crust is crusty on the outside and tender on the inside with a great tang. I want one of these ovens.

Finally, dessert. Lemonchello, in house made, just the right balance between sweet and bite. Then pancotta. Not your normal pancotta, this was the consistancy of whip cream, with visable vanilla bean curd, topped with saba. If I never have another dessert again I will have tasted the best.

nyc

Up and at it early as Robert and Lisa arrive today. Breakfast, meet the red eye travelers then off to the MOMA! So much art in so little time. You could spend 2 days really enjoying this museum instead of 2 hours. But we devoured as much as possible. Grabbed a quick bite at a great bistro specializing in french salads. Then back to the hotel to rendezvous with Lisa (sleepy head). We chatted and caught up, but sleep overcame Robert and Lisa, well at least a rest. Tom and I went out walking again to find this place they call central park. Tom even took me for a carousel ride in the park. It was a magical place.

NYC

We did not waste one moment in NYC. We were on the go from the moment we hit the ground.

After arriving at our hotel in time square we dumped our bags and took off for a walk down Broadway. This landed us at the empire state building right at sunset. Spectacular city views from the 86th floor. More walking, to find a great burger joint. The burgers were thick and juicy topped with caramelized onions and swiss cheese. Washed down with a couple of micro brews, delicious. Then back to the hotel to some well earned sleep.

NYC

More to come!

But we had such a fabulous time.

Art, Music, Food and FUN!