You’re big. You’re loud. You’re tough.
Annie was the first Broadway play I ever saw, and I was lucky enough to play a part in our high school’s production of Annie as a teenager.
My first trip down to NYC to see Annie convinced me that I wanted to live there when I grew up. People rushing everywhere, giant buildings, deliciously creative store windows, lots of shopping, hustle and bustle.
It looked so exciting. Everybody always in a hurry to get somewhere. I wanted to be a part of it.
As I got older, I realized that I am a county girl at heart and am happy living close enough to NYC that I can visit anytime I want. And being that New York City Hotels are no bargain, maybe it’s a good thing that I live so close.
The excitement is only a train ride away.
Our day trip on my birthday did not disappoint.
We arrived at Grand Central Station. I made a bee-line for O&Co. Tasted some goodies, including two of the most delicious and grassy Tuscan olive oils and purchased basil oil and green olive tapenade.
Then it was off to the Central Market. I must tell you, this food market located within Grand Central terminal, has the most wonderful quality produce. I stood in awe.
We gathered picnic fare like cheese from the King of all cheese shops, Murray’s, lobster puffs at Pescatore Seafood, a baguette from Zaro’s, white donut peaches and raspberry plums from Greenwich Produce and a little treat from Li-Lac Chocolates.
From here we hopped the subway to Spring Street and exited up the stairs into the bright sunshine with no plan to speak of.
We wandered around SoHo and shopped at some of my favorites. Sur la Table, Lush, Sabon, Kate’s Paperie, Mango, Zara and of course, Sephora.
What girl’s trip would not be complete without a Sephora visit?
Shopping bags in tow and stomachs growling, we strolled over to Washington Square Park, grabbed our bench and dove right into our most delicious picnic lunch.
You may ask why we picked this park? Here, let me show you…
Unfortunately, they are replacing the sidewalk here, so the area is fenced off. This is the closest I could get.
We stopped often to window shop at boutiques like this. This was a great store and I just loved this retro vintage window display. The church in the background was just as grand.
And people say New Yorker’s are rude. I beg to differ!!
The cafe that once graced your favorite corner, is now an empty space, windows boarded up or whited out. That boutique relocated and a new florist now occupies it’s spot. Businesses come and go, only the best and most well-established carve out their niche and are able to withstand the ever-changing New York market.
We completed the evening with our dinner at Zerza. Our Morrocan meal was just fabulous. The spices, the flavors and the mint tea. All were wonderful.
I would certainly recommend this place for the food. The service is a bit brisk, so don’t go for a leisurely meal, visit for the flavorfully spicy food at a great price. Our dinner, with appetizers, main dish, drinks and mint tea to finish it off was under $80. For two. In NYC. That is a steal!
We were exhausted when we arrived home, after 11pm. But such is life when you spend the day in the big city!
And it goes without saying that we can’t wait to go back and see what the Big Apple holds for us the next time!
