March Travelogue Part 2: NYC

The day began in Connecticut, with a long-awaited reunion with a dear friend (and former college housemate). Her lovely fiancé treated us to a sumptuous brunch at Simon's Marketplace (if I lived in CT, I would eat there every day), and then we bid adieu to her sweet kitties and were on our way to...

New York!

Our first stop in the city: a tour of a friend's ultra-swank apt. overlooking Central Park. Art Deco flourishes that made my Erté-loving heart flutter (I half expected Ginger Rogers to come swanning down the spiral staircase), massive windows filled with the brilliant city skyline, and oh, the decadent fresh flowers.
And yes, that is in fact a real live sparkly Golden Globe I've got my little paws on -- if you've ever wondered what people do with their awards, well, this one was being used as a bookend.

Then it was on to the flea market, where I spent an inordinate amount of time picking out a tea from among the myriad blends and spices on display (which had nothing to do with the fact that there was a lovely French gentleman running the stall, oh no). After much consultation I took home a tin of Mexican Chocolate Spice.

Next we descended into the subway...

...and emerged in Chelsea.

A sunset stroll along the High Line, a former elevated railway converted into a public park.
After which, it was time for... dinner!

We met up with even more old college friends at Trestle on Tenth, and sitting round the table, surrounded by wine glasses and elegant salads, it struck me that the last time we were all together, we would most likely have been splitting a pizza and guzzling Pepsi. Ten years gone... I can't quite wrap my mind around it.

The next morning, after taking what was perhaps the best shower ever (hello rainfall showerhead, I covet you), it was time for an H+H bagel and a coffee at Zabar's. It is probably a good thing I live far, far away from Zabar's because you guys, the cheese. (OMG the cheese.)

There was just enough time for a leisurely loop through Central Park (where I finally encountered snow), before lunch at...

Cafe Lalo (of You've Got Mail fame)-- my new favorite place in the city. Sunlight streaming in, a massive menu of goodness, a glass counter lined with delectable cakes, and the decor so parfait and Parisian. And once we had eaten until we could eat no more, it was time for goodbye and the drive back to CT.
A full and perfect day (and a half) in New York with friends who welcomed me wholeheartedly and showed me the city as I never would have found it on my own.
Thank you...