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Quick NYC trip review: Girls Gone Wild Part Deux

Quick NYC trip review: Girls Gone Wild Part Deux

Old Mar 30th, 2015, 03:31 PM
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Quick NYC trip review: Girls Gone Wild Part Deux

College room mates from the 60s. From Ohio, Florida, Texas. Met at La guardia. Lots of screaming and squealing commenced.

Cab to Hilton Garden Inn 49th and 8th. Chose this for the location, and confirmation of 2 queen sized beds. Upper floor to avoid some noise. Very friendly concierge, fast elevators. We had breakfast twice in the hotel restaurant. Also drinks one night. No complaints. Beds were very comfortable.

First day, cabbed to the Original PJ Clarks. Read the history, makes you smile. We had cheeseburgers, wine, Guinness and Black and Tan. Great Irish waitress, servers who helped us neophytes post pictures to Facebook. Recommend.

That night, saw Helen Mirren in The Audience. Old theater, very uncomfortable seats. Straight up and down, and no leg room for tall folks. That was all forgotten with the play. She is a force of nature, completely converted to QE2. A bit of the dialogue was difficult, but not much lost in translation. Loved this.

Friday: Easy morning. Trip today was Food tour of Greenwich Village. It was cold (coming from Florida, give me a break). We had a sweetie named Robin as our tour guide. We had pizza, olive oil/balsamic vinegar, meatball, cookie, eggplant rollatini, cheese plate tastings. Highly recommend. Very friendly group, and excellent tour leader. Also learned a lot of Village history.


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Old Mar 30th, 2015, 04:04 PM
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Old Mar 31st, 2015, 01:05 PM
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Sorry, got interrupted. Dinner was at Cafe Fiorello across from Lincoln Center. We were there early, when sounds were muffled and conversation easy. We had vegie plate, pasta carbonara and seafood risotto, all winners. Easy walk across the street. We had some time, so went into the Met gift shop and had some retail therapy.

Now on to the real reason for the trip: The King and I. I had seen it at the Sydney Opera House last fall and have become obsessed. This production was spectacular. The proscenium that advances to cover the orchestra pit really gets the actors up close and personal. Kelli Ohara was just wonderful. Singing and playing a part. Ken Watanabe, I had some difficulty understanding all he said. Orchestra was strong. Staging and lighting all great. I wondered how they would do the DANCE with all the posts on the stage, but all went smoothly. A lovely evening.

Saturday was an early day. We took the WTC tour at 10AM after taking subway downtown. The guide used an audio headset so she could speak softly. Worthwhile introduction, then we spent another hour browsing the other exhibits. We had all been to the Preview center, so some of the heartbreaking exhibits were familiar to us.

Next, via cab to the Tenement Museum. Our first tour was Irish Experience. You see the apartment as it is now: three rooms, only one with a window. Often housed a family of 5 or more in 350 square feet. I had booked a second tour, about imigrants from Eastern Europe and South Italy. It was a lot of repetition, and we left early.

The Ohio contingent had a quest to see Katz Deli, (Harry/Sally, etc). We popped in about 3pm on Saturday, and a good chunk of Manhattan was there. I have never seen such confusion in my life. We were in line, told to move down, and did so. Then when I got to the counter, was told that this was NOT A LINE, Move Along. A nice gentleman let me in his "line". We ordered a Reuben for the three of us. Of course, you have to go to ANOTHER line to order drinks. We sat at a table only to be told to scram, it was for waited tables.

Oh well, glad I did it, won't do it again, and the sandwich ($21!!) was really good.

It was COLD by now, wind really blowing. Good to have a brief rest at the hotel before heading off for Radio City Spring (HA!) spectacular. Just what you would expect. Derek Hough singing (pretty good) and dancing (really good), lots of light effects, a very talented leading lady, and The Rockettes! Something for everyone.

Stars, you will appreciate this: we walked over to Don't Tell Mama on your recommendation. We went inside, were seated at a corner table way in the back, and couldn't hear each other speak, so we left. Next time will get there before 10pm. Back to Pigale restaurant at the hotel for a couple of drinks and appetizers. Exhausting day. Wouldn't change a minute of it.

Sunday we slept in a bit later and went to brunch at Brasserie 8 1/2. Loved this. Two hours of eating, talking, being pampered. Food mostly really good to outstanding, few misses. Looked like a local, and loyal crowd.

Carmel took us to the airport (we had paid late checkout fee, so had our room to change and pack till 2PM).

Lasting impressions: NYC still has the most exciting vibe I have ever felt. The sheer numbers, enthusiasm, commercialism, artistry make you want to slap your mammy. Bring plenty of money, cause you will need it. People, despite reputation of New Yorkers, were helpful. Never believe that just because the calendar says spring, that it will be such.

Next up for the gals? Boston, New Orleans, who knows.
'
Thanks to all for your recommendations!
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Old Apr 1st, 2015, 08:01 AM
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Am happy to hear you had such a nice visit in spite of our ghastly weather (will it EVER end?)
And I'm especially glad to hear The King and I was a hit…. (since I think I was the one who put you on to it…) I saw it first week of previews and like you found Wantanabe hard to understand on some occasions, but it didn't detract from the production for me. Hope you'll be back for another visit in better weather!
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Old Apr 1st, 2015, 09:19 AM
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"makes you want to slap your mammy?"

I have no idea what that means but loved your report. Who knew that girls gone wild and The King and I would be part of the same report! Thank you.
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Old Apr 1st, 2015, 10:03 AM
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I love Katz' and am sorry your group didn't understand how one orders and sits at Katz'. It used to be posted on a sign.
Love the King and I as it was my first Broadway show as a child with Yul Brynner.
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