Next week this blog becomes a travel journal for eight days. I am returning to the scene of the crime of my post college youth. I lived in New York City from June 2002 until April 2007. From an East Village sixth floor shared walk-up apartment to a first floor garden view studio in a doorman building, those years were some of the most trying and triumphant years of my life thus far. The first time being away from family and friends who had say or influence on a regular basis. It was a time that I had to rely on myself in the present and not in the past. New networks were made through both work and church. I found my way.
In order to make this trip as productive as possible, I made a list. (I love lists). It's a combination of places I enjoyed visiting while I lived there and ones that I've never experienced, but hear good things about.
EATS
Shake Shack: seriously, this will be the first time... and I called myself a New Yorker for five years?
Luca & Bosco in the Essex Market: My cousin (our Grandmothers were sisters) started an artisan ice cream company this last year, and I have been dying to taste it.
Momofuku Noodle Bar: I've read about them these last few years and even bought their book, but this will be the first time I've eaten at one of their establishments. I just want a bun...
"Duck": The Peking Duck House was a dining ritual that I attended with some of my co-workers on an almost monthly basis. This is the ONLY restaurant that I will eat Peking duck.
Ess-a-Bagel: No trip to New York is complete without eating a bagel.
Union Square Greenmarket: it's difficult to pass this farmers market without buying something.
Dominique Ansel Bakery (home of the Cronut): I may have to try a Cronut. Yanessa said that she would wait in line at the ridiculous hour required to get one. We'll see.
Pizza: Lombardi's and Grimaldi's are the obvious choices, and I've had both, but I'm going to leave this open to something new perhaps.
EVENTS/DESTINATIONS
The Met: I was hoping for a fashion exhibit, but no such luck. However, I may join a guided tour titled, "Fashion in Art."
Young Designers Market: I used to love stopping into this market, that has since moved to a different location. It's inspiring to see people selling their creative wares.
East Village shops: I spent my first two and a half years living on 12th street between 1st and 2nd avenues. I loved this neighborhood and all it's small shops. Many weekend afternoons were spent meandering back and forth down the streets.
San Gennaro (Sept 12 - 22, 2013): A fun little festival and there's food involved.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: I never made it here before, but I hear it is just beautiful, and it's free on Tuesdays.
The High Line: "is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side."
The Skyscraper Museum: Urban Fabric, Building New York's Garment District (Aug 5 - Oct 31, 2013)
The Public Theater: I was hoping to see one of the free Shakespeare in the Park performances, but none were available. However, a few dance companies will be performing in Fall for Dance. I just may have to pick up a free ticket and go.
Prada: The SoHo store is always inspiring and worth a quick visit.
Karaoke: I found my voice at Karoke Duet... more than a few times.
Central Park: It's an obvoius pick, but with 843 acres, it cant be ignored.
CINEMA
I always enjoyed going to the movie by myself while living in NYC. It was just too easy, with so many show times, to just pop in for a viewing. I hope to take in one good not-so-mainstream movie while I am there. I'll keep my eye on the following theaters:
Landmark Sunshine Cinema
Film Forum: Russian Ark looks interesting
Paris Theatre: I hope Salinger will still be playing
In addition to this list, I look forward to seeing good friends and wandering upon some only in New York spectacles.
