NYC Weekend Trip Report

Old Nov 25th, 2002, 09:04 AM
  #1  
sluggo
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NYC Weekend Trip Report

With thanks for the information I have found on this board and hoping to help other travelers, here is a two-part report on a long weekend in NYC (Nov 22-24, 2002)…

We took the train from New Haven to Grand Central, arriving late in the morning. We wanted to store our luggage (hotel check-in was at 3pm) but the station removed its lockers after 9/11, so we went to the Hyatt next door, where they stored it for $2. After an unremarkable lunch, we walked to the NY Library (5th Ave bet. 40th and 41st Sts), which currently has a New York Eats Out exhibit. It’s an interesting collection of menus, beginning with Delmonico’s and ending with Windows on the World. It’s free.

Next we walked to the International Center of Photography, 1133 6th Ave. We were moved by the 9/11 exhibit, including a powerful section about Afghan women. Admission of $9 each was steep, we thought.

We retrieved our luggage and caught a cab to Le Parker Meridien ($125/night on Priceline after lessons from biddingfortravel.com). The decor is smart, the staff friendly and professional and the Central Park South location is excellent. Plusses: Ergonomic desk chair, shower pressure and hot water availability, swivel TV, NY Times delivery, subdued lighting in the hallways (encouraged quiet) and in-room lighting.

After a rest, we went to Il Corallo Trattoria in Soho, which someone on this board recommended. The entrees were so-so, but the tiramisu was good. At least it was inexpensive. We saw an off-Broadway show, The Exonerated, which I highly recommend. It’s a drama based on the true stories of six people who served up to 22 years on Death Row for crimes they did not commit. The cast rotates; we saw Gabriel Byrne, Mia Farrow and Aiden Quinn.

Saturday, while having breakfast in a 7th Ave coffee shop, we noticed a remarkable building and crossed the street for a closer look. If you’re ever near 57th and 7th Ave, look for Alwyn Court (there’s a Russian restaurant at street level). Elaborate designs in terra cotta cover the entire facade. (Continued)
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 09:06 AM
  #2  
sluggo
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We then walked over to Central Park for a 90-min. walking tour with the Central Park Conservancy. Despite the wind and cold, it was wonderful. We learned, for example, that Frederick Law Olmstead was not the sole designer (he collaborated with Calvert Vaux) and that the Tavern on the Green building was originally a sheep fold, where the shepherd slept. To see the free tours available (most are 1 hr), go to http://www.centralparknyc.org/

At this point, we had a bad patch of luck. After walking nine blocks to the Frick Collection (E 70th), we found they did not have a cafe, so we left to find one. After walking many more blocks in the wind and cold, we decided to skip the museum this time and to just relax at a movie. We took a cab to the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square, had snacks in a food court (we planned an early supper before a 7 pm play) and read books until it was time for the movie.

After that, we tried to catch a bus, and then cabs, but traffic was gridlocked, so we took the 8th Ave subway to 14th St. By now it was getting late and since the show would be over at 8:30, we’d decided we’d eat then, when we could relax. We found a restaurant for later and went to the Jane St Theater, but there was no place to sit for the 75 mins before the show, so we hiked to a bakery and had a snack. The play, “Debbie Does Dallas,” is based on the famous film of the ‘70s and while it isn’t pornographic, it is risqué. It was funny, too.

Now it was 8:30 and we were starving. We went back to the restaurant, but it was smoky and we couldn’t get a table, so we took the subway to Times Square, where we had sandwiches at 9:45.

Sunday, having had no great meals yet (usually a given in NYC), we indulged ourselves with an outstanding breakfast at Norma’s at the hotel. ($65 with tax, tip) The mango papaya cinnamon crepes and banana/macadamia nut pancakes satisfied us until that night.

After checkout, we returned to Grand Central and went home.

So, was it a good trip? Yes! The excellence of the hotel, the exhibits, the park, the shows and Norma’s outweighed the cold wind, so-so meals and frustrations over getting transportation, giving us another tiring but satisfying visit to an exciting city.
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 09:16 AM
  #3  
xxx
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There is a wonderful cafe in The Stanhope which is about 7 blocks north of the Fricke. A shame you missed it, it is one of NYC's outstanding museums. Maybe next time and thanks for the TR!
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 12:08 PM
  #4  
SEH
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Thanks for posting! Sounds like all-in-all you had a nice weekend. The last time I was at the Frick (April 2002) there was a TINY room where you could have coffee, cookies, etc., but not a full-scale cafe. Next time you are in NYC go to the Morgan Library (maybe you have already been?) they have a wonderful collection and a fantastic cafe. Check thenm out on the internet. The exhibits and shows you saw sound very interesting, you took in some "diffrent" sights - good for you! I'm sure that others will benefit from the pros & cons of your weekend. Glad you had fun!
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 12:45 PM
  #5  
NYGirl
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I am sorry, sluggo. I recommended Il Corallo. We always have lunch there and the salads are the freshest and the best around. They also make very good pizzas for the kids. I am glad that at least the dessert was good and it was inexpensive.
We were just there yesterday. We had soup and panninis for lunch.
I really am sorry you didn't enjoy it.
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 01:39 PM
  #6  
sluggo
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SEH -We LOVE the Morgan!

NY Girl - At Il Corallo, I had the Fusilli Amatriciana (with fatty pancetta) and my husband had Pizza Bianca (ordinary, he said). I liked the chewy bread and the dessert, and with the money we saved, we could better afford Norma's!

xxx - We'll see the Frick next time and save time for The Stanhope's cafe.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 01:42 PM
  #7  
xxx
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Is Norma's typically that expensive for breakfast? $65 for how many? The price is worth it? Thanks for the info.
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 05:54 PM
  #8  
Z.z
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Topping for Sluggo. It was #51 on the second page when I found your trip report.

Maybe its time for a wee apology to us? The search function isn't working, but a little bit of effort on your part would have helped you. I didn't even know the title of your thread, but I found it easily.
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 06:06 PM
  #9  
sluggo
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xx - That was the price for two. Ordinarily, we pay one-third that amount. BUT since it was my husband's birthday and we had spent little for so-so meals, had saved on the hotel through Priceline, had a rough Saturday (transportation issues) AND my knees were wrapped in Ace bandages, we had a once-in-a-lifetime meal. It was the kind of meal you want to linger in your mouth so you can savor the flavors.

Z.z - I did more than a "wee bit" of a search - I scanned into the 200s, searched listings under both my name and the report title. At one point, the first half of my report showed up with ) replies, then a few minutes later, the original returned. I was concerned that a joker might have posted something that was out of line, causing Fodor's to pull the entire discussion. Thanks for your help!
 
Old Nov 25th, 2002, 07:41 PM
  #10  
Fran
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Glad to see the Frick on your next itinerary - I think you'll really enjoy it. Thanks so much for posting your report, it was great to hear of your weekend and you gave me a few ideas for our "next time"!
 
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