so no photos of trip?....tell me if I missed.

Bon Appetit....YGMF.............

I guess I'm supposed to ask what those letters mean, but since I embarrassed you, Ike, on the PerSe thread by questioning your comments, I suppose I'm better off not knowing.

patrick what about my post, where are pictures???

Sorry, no I'm not a picture taker. In fact I don't think I took my camera out the whole month in New York. Ooops. Yes I did. At the Bronx Zoo. But they're on film and really not worth scanning and posting.

The pictures are all in my mind!

oh too bad, not even a cell phone image huh? That is what I am using at the moment.

Well are you happy to be back?

How can I take cell phone images when I don't have a cell phone?

yep, I'm still in the past century.

What a wonderful report! You've inspired me (a boring NJ resident) to get into the city more often. Was glad to see you enjoyed one of my favorite restaurants, Vynyl, and hope you checked out the bathrooms!

Funny you ask that. I had heard about the "wild bathrooms". I used the Elvis one. There was a bit of Elvis memorabilia in there and the mosaic of him, but I didn't get the "big deal" -- unless it is that each bathroom has its own music of the person it is named for.

Yes....each bathrool is decorated for that individual and plays their music! Just something a little clever to go along with the nice menu...

Patrick, thanks for the response on the apartments.

Truly, "non owners" who rent their apartments to vacationers could risk losing their leases. (Even owners will face issues: the fellow whose apartments I photographed is selling one of his because the board has come after him for renting - and it's not an upscale building. Condo owners may have an easier time, as they are less held by rules than co-ops.)

I rent in NYC, and am exploring the possibility of home-exchanging. If it's no threat to my lease status, I'll probably do it - but I'll have to find people who can handle the 5 flights of stairs! (Guess I'll be swapping for the same kind of walk-up properties!)

You're not alone with that walk-up situation. Many, many of the Craigslist ones and also NYHabitat ones are fourth or fifth floor walkups. I like the ad for one I see all the time that says "just four VERY SHORT flights up". What does that mean? Do the people on the first three floors all only have 5 foot high ceilings? LOL

Patrick, how wonderful to find someone else who doesn't think a cell phone is the best device ever invented.

I don't use my cell phone if I can avoid it :-) Only 3 people have the number and I refuse to give it to anyone else - it's for my convenience.

Although with the new house that needs a lot of work which means that I spend a lot of time on scaffolding (staging) and the fact that I had to spend a few hours in our local hospital due to a wasp sting (I now have to carry an EpiPen) I now carry my cell phone at all times so that DH doesn't worry.

I've said it before and I'll say it again your post always make me SO hungry.

Patrick, I have 4 very long flights, and one that seems short by comparison!

On the plus side, when I see great attic apartments to rent in Paris and Rome, it doesn't phase me that there is no elevator - and the rents reflect that lack. To me, it feels even more like home.

I enjoyed reading your post Patrick, since we are going for a long weekend to NYC staying in MidTown East, early November. My daughter and I are thinking of going to see Legally Blond (we loved the movies), so I appreciated seeing your positive review. I think PJ Clarke's is in the plans now also. :-)

Patrick-can you provide a phone# for Daniela Taverna? I have been unable to locate contact information and am interested in lunch there next week. Thanks.

My error before.
The name is Daniela Trattoria, at 728 8th Avenue, 212-869-3585

Hi Patrick- Brasserie 52 looks very good, we may go when we are in Manhattan next month.

We went to Daniela Trattoria for Dinner in August based on your recommendation Patrick. We had a nice, enjoyable, reasonably priced meal, thanks for the tip!

Patrick did you post a report for the London part of your trip?