Thanksgiving NYC Report
Dec 5th, 2005 | 08:25 PM
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Thanksgiving NYC Report
We left for NYC on Thanksgiving Day at 1:30 PM after brunch with family. Everyone says to avoid I-95, so that's the route we took. Not one slowdown the entire trip! Took the West Side Highway, getting off in the 40's for the Travel Inn (on 42nd between 10th/11th). This (more a motor inn) has to be the best kept secret in the city. Rate was under $200 ($190 to be exact, booked directly on their website, last June...) for a King room just as nice as the Hilton or Sheraton (or anywhere else we've stayed in the city, including the Waldorf, except the huge corner room we had once at the Marriott Marquis). Note that we were actually assigned a double/double (no big deal to us, and a request for credit has been e-mailed). And, free secured parking! The lobby is not huge or fancy (but comfortable) and there's no restaurant (coffee/convenience shop right next door open early and late) or bar or room service. But, we didn't miss any of that. We brought our own coffee pot and travel fridge (one of the advantages of driving into the city). Room decor was pleasant (and "fresh", especially the carpet and bedding), climate control satisfactory, bathroom fabulous.
Arrived at 5:30 in plenty of time to get to our 7:00 dinner reservation at our beloved Chez Josephine, in the next block on 42nd, where Thanksgiving dinner was just fabulous (I ordered lamb, wonderful!), along with terrific live musicians. After dinner, we felt like walking and wound up at the AMC theaters just in time to see "Walk the Line" (highly recommend). Those theaters are just amazing! Really comfortable seats, huge screen, wonderful acoustics, lots and lots of legroom (folks can navigate to a seat past yours without your even having to move). And, with the stadium style, no heads obstructing your view!
On Friday, we slept late, then headed to Rachel's on 9th Ave for brunch/lunch. Wonderful food, intimate rooms, terrific service.
It was so cold out! Especially with the wind. I was relieved to have packed the long silk underwear, UGG shoes, Smartwool socks, plenty of cashmere sweaters and a really warm coat (Peter was just okay with a raincoat with liner and wool sport jacket). Even so, after a bit of wandering about, we headed for the movies again and saw "Capote" (absolutely amazing). (We nearly never go to the movies at home (Netflix...), but there's a new Cimemagic two towns over with stadium seating we'll have to try now.) We walked up to Rockefeller Center, where the tree was up but not yet lit. Popped into the Paris salon for a lovely manicure. Had a very nice dinner upstairs in a cozy booth at Hurley's. The $28 prix fixe pre-theater menu is quite the bargain considering the variety and quality of the offerings (wonderful lobster bisque and incredible bread basket to start). We cut through the Crowne Plaze drive-through to the theater, but had plenty of time to spare, so stopped in the lobby bar for a drink, where there was a terrific gent on a piano. Saw "Chicago" (again - we love that show!). Understudies for both Velma and Roxie. Absolutely fabulous. We have never been disappointed with understudies. I think they are so thrilled to be performing their starring roles...To our surprise, Billy Flynn was played by Huey Lewis! The cast changes so frequently, I hadn't even checked before leaving home. Debra Monk was wonderful as Mama Morton. When the show ended, I would have loved to have seen it over again.
On Saturday, slept in again and headed to Chez Josephine for brunch. Sunny, but cold, very cold, out! Lobster bisque (heavenly) and onion tart (with smoked salmon and caramelized onions) just perfect for starting the day. Caught a bus on 9th Ave to Chelsea Market. We just love that place! You could poke around (and eat yourself silly, though we didn't) for hours and hours there. Bowery is kitchenware heaven and I picked up a few magnificent treasures there. Walked all over. Stopped in Williams Sonoma, where the aromas are intoxicating (mulled cider, hot chocolate...) Peppermint Hot Chocolate flying off the display (we grabbed a beautiful tin) after free tastings. Wound up at a place called Harrington's on 7th (30th/31st) for a rest and to warm up with cappuccinos. This place is just gorgeous! On the list for lunch or dinner sometime. Walls lined with plasma tv's (at low volume) though. Even in the main dining room. Took a bus back to 42nd Street. Had lots of time to spare, and it was really cold out, so back to AMC to see "Good Night & Good Luck" (absolutely, positively, stunning - astonishing - in every way - filmed as though you were in the room!). An "experience" best enjoyed in a magnificent movie theater! After a stop by Starbuck's, headed to "The Odd Couple". Fabulous set, amazing cast (especially supporting cast, particularly Brad Garrett). Not too fond of Nathan Lane usually, but he was absolutely sensational! Matthew Broderick way too simpering and just ridiculous (Tim Daly would have been perfect...), which would have nearly ruined the show were it not for the brilliant script and reaction (to him and his lines) of the rest of the cast, especially the ladies, Olivia d'Abo and Jessica Stone, who positively sparkled with charm, hilarity, and delight. After the show it was back to Chez Josephine for a sensational late dinner. Jean Claude held our favorite table for us. He's threatening (as usual) to retire, so we ordered our favorites (foie de veau, choucroute, profiteroles, amazing asparagus/mushroom puff pastry "Napoleon" with beurre blanc starter) and enjoyed coffee and cognac with the wonderful music until nearly closing. Noted that a new play (here on "Theater Row") is coming this spring with Bobby Cannavale and Annabella Sciorra, which we'll have to fit into our travel schedule, somehow, next year.
After checking out Sunday, we considered returning to Chez Josephine for brunch, but, concerned about the possibility of traffic we headed home. Stopped at a rest stop in Connecticut where, to our amazement, we found fabulous coffee and magnificent pastries. We did take a detour off I-91 due to a huge backup heading for the Mass Pike and headed over to Route 20 then I-295. This was our first road trip to NYC with our new NH EasyPass. Awesome!
For anyone planning a trip to NYC during the winter, it could not be more essential to plan to dress for the weather - if you wish to be comfortable while out and about. We live in New England (Southern NH) and have/pack appropriate attire for this. Even so, sometimes it's still not enough!
Having visited NYC many, many times over the years, we've learned that walking all over is the very best way to enjoy the city and all the sights, and you just cannot count on grabbing a taxi anytime you need one.
Any advice that "you'll be fine with a raincoat with lining", or "you'll be fine with your leather jacket" is positively ridiculous, especially if you're used to a balmy climate, is positively ridiculous. We observed many, many miserable/shivering folks all about, particularly those wearing jeans and short leather jackets!
It's also true that all places indoors tend to be overheated. So, you find yourself heading indoors to escape the cold, then wanting to escape that for the heat and head back outdoors!
Arrived at 5:30 in plenty of time to get to our 7:00 dinner reservation at our beloved Chez Josephine, in the next block on 42nd, where Thanksgiving dinner was just fabulous (I ordered lamb, wonderful!), along with terrific live musicians. After dinner, we felt like walking and wound up at the AMC theaters just in time to see "Walk the Line" (highly recommend). Those theaters are just amazing! Really comfortable seats, huge screen, wonderful acoustics, lots and lots of legroom (folks can navigate to a seat past yours without your even having to move). And, with the stadium style, no heads obstructing your view!
On Friday, we slept late, then headed to Rachel's on 9th Ave for brunch/lunch. Wonderful food, intimate rooms, terrific service.
It was so cold out! Especially with the wind. I was relieved to have packed the long silk underwear, UGG shoes, Smartwool socks, plenty of cashmere sweaters and a really warm coat (Peter was just okay with a raincoat with liner and wool sport jacket). Even so, after a bit of wandering about, we headed for the movies again and saw "Capote" (absolutely amazing). (We nearly never go to the movies at home (Netflix...), but there's a new Cimemagic two towns over with stadium seating we'll have to try now.) We walked up to Rockefeller Center, where the tree was up but not yet lit. Popped into the Paris salon for a lovely manicure. Had a very nice dinner upstairs in a cozy booth at Hurley's. The $28 prix fixe pre-theater menu is quite the bargain considering the variety and quality of the offerings (wonderful lobster bisque and incredible bread basket to start). We cut through the Crowne Plaze drive-through to the theater, but had plenty of time to spare, so stopped in the lobby bar for a drink, where there was a terrific gent on a piano. Saw "Chicago" (again - we love that show!). Understudies for both Velma and Roxie. Absolutely fabulous. We have never been disappointed with understudies. I think they are so thrilled to be performing their starring roles...To our surprise, Billy Flynn was played by Huey Lewis! The cast changes so frequently, I hadn't even checked before leaving home. Debra Monk was wonderful as Mama Morton. When the show ended, I would have loved to have seen it over again.
On Saturday, slept in again and headed to Chez Josephine for brunch. Sunny, but cold, very cold, out! Lobster bisque (heavenly) and onion tart (with smoked salmon and caramelized onions) just perfect for starting the day. Caught a bus on 9th Ave to Chelsea Market. We just love that place! You could poke around (and eat yourself silly, though we didn't) for hours and hours there. Bowery is kitchenware heaven and I picked up a few magnificent treasures there. Walked all over. Stopped in Williams Sonoma, where the aromas are intoxicating (mulled cider, hot chocolate...) Peppermint Hot Chocolate flying off the display (we grabbed a beautiful tin) after free tastings. Wound up at a place called Harrington's on 7th (30th/31st) for a rest and to warm up with cappuccinos. This place is just gorgeous! On the list for lunch or dinner sometime. Walls lined with plasma tv's (at low volume) though. Even in the main dining room. Took a bus back to 42nd Street. Had lots of time to spare, and it was really cold out, so back to AMC to see "Good Night & Good Luck" (absolutely, positively, stunning - astonishing - in every way - filmed as though you were in the room!). An "experience" best enjoyed in a magnificent movie theater! After a stop by Starbuck's, headed to "The Odd Couple". Fabulous set, amazing cast (especially supporting cast, particularly Brad Garrett). Not too fond of Nathan Lane usually, but he was absolutely sensational! Matthew Broderick way too simpering and just ridiculous (Tim Daly would have been perfect...), which would have nearly ruined the show were it not for the brilliant script and reaction (to him and his lines) of the rest of the cast, especially the ladies, Olivia d'Abo and Jessica Stone, who positively sparkled with charm, hilarity, and delight. After the show it was back to Chez Josephine for a sensational late dinner. Jean Claude held our favorite table for us. He's threatening (as usual) to retire, so we ordered our favorites (foie de veau, choucroute, profiteroles, amazing asparagus/mushroom puff pastry "Napoleon" with beurre blanc starter) and enjoyed coffee and cognac with the wonderful music until nearly closing. Noted that a new play (here on "Theater Row") is coming this spring with Bobby Cannavale and Annabella Sciorra, which we'll have to fit into our travel schedule, somehow, next year.
After checking out Sunday, we considered returning to Chez Josephine for brunch, but, concerned about the possibility of traffic we headed home. Stopped at a rest stop in Connecticut where, to our amazement, we found fabulous coffee and magnificent pastries. We did take a detour off I-91 due to a huge backup heading for the Mass Pike and headed over to Route 20 then I-295. This was our first road trip to NYC with our new NH EasyPass. Awesome!
For anyone planning a trip to NYC during the winter, it could not be more essential to plan to dress for the weather - if you wish to be comfortable while out and about. We live in New England (Southern NH) and have/pack appropriate attire for this. Even so, sometimes it's still not enough!
Having visited NYC many, many times over the years, we've learned that walking all over is the very best way to enjoy the city and all the sights, and you just cannot count on grabbing a taxi anytime you need one.
Any advice that "you'll be fine with a raincoat with lining", or "you'll be fine with your leather jacket" is positively ridiculous, especially if you're used to a balmy climate, is positively ridiculous. We observed many, many miserable/shivering folks all about, particularly those wearing jeans and short leather jackets!
It's also true that all places indoors tend to be overheated. So, you find yourself heading indoors to escape the cold, then wanting to escape that for the heat and head back outdoors!
Dec 6th, 2005 | 05:59 PM
#4
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
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Hurley's website http://www.hurleysnyc.com/
We loved this place! Fabulous cocktail lounge and bar downstairs (where the after-work crowd was enjoying themselves enormously), gorgeous dining room (mostly cozy booths) upstairs.
We loved this place! Fabulous cocktail lounge and bar downstairs (where the after-work crowd was enjoying themselves enormously), gorgeous dining room (mostly cozy booths) upstairs.
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Michelle_Berglund
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Nov 28th, 2011 05:03 PM
