Brunch Destination – Elephant and Castle
Cheddar, apple, and walnut omelet…plus a mimosa
Wait, first Part 1!
Continuing on this jam-packed weekend, Saturday morning calls for none other than brunch. I found this great little cafe called Elephant and Castle located in Greenwhich Village where Dani and I dined on the delicious egg dishes and mimosas for the perfect start to another city day. My omelette combined apples, walnuts and sharp English cheddar for the most AMAZING combination of sweetness, crunch and tang. YUM. I was anxious to show Dani the Village as it is totally our style – quiet cobblestone streets lined with beautiful brownstones and green trees all surrounded by designer boutiques and trendy cafes. Meatpacking has a similar vibe, with the added fashion-filled alleys and crowds of trendy New Yorkers.
Statue of Liberty
The most amazing city skyline
We then took our touring south toward the tip of the island where we walked the South Seaport toward the Staten Island Ferry station. Jessica had mentioned just how great the Staten Island Ferry was – a free trip across the Atlantic and beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline. Although this simple boat ride did make me miss my own boating vacation destination of the Colorado River, these views were absolutely spectacular.
Artichoke pizza and beer
Dinner time. We headed to the popular Artichoke Pizza located right across the street from Pink Dorms – a pizza parlor where people have been known to wait hours just for their famous artichoke pizza slice. I have never seen a pizza so large, and SO DELICIOUS. I’ve got to hand it to you New York, you’ve definitely impressed this foodie.
The rooftop bar, Le Bain with Lacie and Dani
That night I took my girls to a rooftop bar that I had only heard wonderful things about. The Standard hotel is home to the fabulous Le Bain where we enjoyed a few drinks, beautiful view, and dancing. Besides the appearance of an old, cane-holding, pimp-looking man on the dance floor, we had a blast!
Top of the Rock view of Central Park
Top of the Rock view of the Empire State Building
Sunday was bittersweet – the last day of fun-filled adventures with my best friend. Our first stop was the Top of the Rock. What a wonderful view of the best of the city. I was mostly impressed with the view of the Empire, something you obviously can’t see from the top of the Empire, so I would definitely recommend this destination to those looking for an NYC view.
The Central Park reservoir
I couldn’t let Dani leave without sharing the wonders of Central Park with her. So what do we do? Rent bikes! The two of us biked from the south end, to the East Side, through the middle of Great Lawn, and back down the West Side for spectacular views of the Met steps, the reservoir, the Bethesda Terrace and fountain, and my favorite, Strawberry Fields.
Spaghetti with clams and leeks…plus wine
We ended our whirlwind weekend with an Italian Feast at Osteria Morini, accompanied by Lacie and her Nana. Besides the fact that Lacie’s wonderful Nana dropped a bundle on this dinner, we had delicious pasta dishes, wine and gelato and the best ending one of the best weekends I have had here in the city. All thanks to my friends. I really have missed them so so so much. This weekend was a tease for our amazing senior year to come, but that’s not to say I’m not excited to return to my usual city routine.
I can’t get over what this city has to offer. I feel so blessed just walking around thinking that yes, I am in New York. To answer Dani’s question of what I am going to miss most – everything.
xo
Pursuit of Passion 