If you missed Part 1 of this giant juggernaut of a post, feel free to check it out here. But like any good soap opera, this post works just fine if you haven’t seen the previous episodes. New York, I miss you so much. Let’s talk about all the silly little idiosyncrasies that make me want to start spreading the news.
1) Babe vs dude, and a little shop called Meg.
I’m not exactly sure what all this gender business amounts to (or if it matters at all), but Austin is apparently a “dude” town and New York is a “babe” town. I felt instantly transported away from dudedom when we stepped into Meg, a little boutique on the lower east side. Maria (only the cutest shop girl ever) treated us like her besties — mainly by referring to us as “babe” about 150 times within the span of 20 minutes. I wanted to pack her up in my suitcase and take her home with me so we could play dress up forever and ever.
2) I love Central Park.
Is it cheesy for me to say that? Frankly, I don’t give a damn. I think the existence of Central Park — an entire mini forest preserved amongst the most expensive real estate in the world — speaks to the goodness of humankind. The end.
3) New York, your food confuses me.
So we went to The Hurricane Club for drinks and dinner, and despite the lovely ambiance (which was much swankier at night) the food was very underwhelming. And I think something must be wrong with me, because I felt that way about much of the food in NY.
Sorry about the ugly camera phone picture, but this is my breakfast at Friend of a Farmer. I was super excited about being served in a mini cast iron skillet (although it does remind one a bit of Denny’s, no?), and the restaurant itself was charming and homey beyond words. But the food? It lacked the flava. Maybe my taste buds have been burned out by BBQ.
4) The road to heaven is paved with rugs.
New York is filled with the most incredible textiles. I snapped this pic at a boutique in the West Village (can’t remember the name — was obviously too dazzled by beauty) right before I tried to lay down on the floor and roll around like a dog.
5) The Met is ENORMOUS.
Trying to navigate the labyrinth that is the Met is sort of like trying to navigate the labyrinth in Labyrinth. In other words, not so easy and occasionally annoying. And filled with lines. We missed several key exhibits (Alexander McQueen) because there were just too damn many people, but I did manage to take in a few things.
I always forget what a revelation great paintings are when seen in person.
6) Anthony Caro on the roof of The Met was amazing x infinity.
I was feeling pretty pissy about The Freaking Met (mainly because they closed down all the contemporary galleries early) but then we stepped out onto the roof and oh my gawd…
I’ve always liked Anthony Caro’s sculptures, which employ various methods to control the viewer’s perspective of the work. But watching them interact with the New York skyline took it to the magic level bonus round.
Did I mention that they also had a super fancy bar up there? So you could catch a buzz, look at great work, watch falcons glide over Central Park, and ogle cute outfits. Heaven.
7) Ground Zero is still sad.
Frankly we just ran into Ground Zero after doing our part as good little capitalist consumers to stimulate the economy at Century 21. I wasn’t expecting to see it, and I certainly didn’t expect for it to make me feel that way. But it did.
That’s it for my big fancy trip, dudes babes. Back to our regular schedule tomorrow.
Have a good one!
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The rugs, good lord, THE RUGS! Those are my favorite, babe.
I only thought the food was ok too! But I blamed it on Portland’s food scene being supercalafragalistic. And I’d heard so much good stuff bout Century 21 and c’monnnnnnnn it’s no better than nordstroms Rack. But fun fun fun all in all. Agreed about the amazing textile sitch there.
xoxo
Julie, I feel like we must have just picked the wrong places, right? Right? But totes agree that Century 21 was a major bust. Unless you’re looking for a half price Lanvin dress, avoid.
drinks & art is a good combo. always.
So glad you got to see NY.
I want to go back….one day….
Dangalang, you guys packed a lot in!
I kinda agree with the food. I’ve had some amazing meals in New York, but nothing that I couldn’t also have in little ole Philly. And I Have yet to go to Century 21. I have agoraphobia. Maybe that can be my excuse for why I haven’t been to the Met either?
Agreed, Central Park and the Met are both awesome. The key to the Met is paying like $2 to get in (you can do that, you know) and then just seeing one thing and leaving. Trying to see too much in an enormous museum will do you in every time. (I grant you that’s not an easy option when you’re here on a whirlwind trip.)
1. Friend of a Farmer is like two blocks from my old apartment. Sniff.
2. Sorry you ate meh food. That makes me sad.
3. I am a little mad you didn’t stick it out for McQueen. I waited in line and I’M PREGNANT, BABE. I was looking forward to discussing, now we have nothing.
thanks for sharing….
anthony caro’s work interacting with the skyline. Pure magic! Love the color of those pieces.
oh man, sorry about c-21. it was awesome when i was there but that was a grazillion years ago. Your trip looked pretty amazing and I’m still jealz if that helps (:
I totally agree with you about the food. But it’s not because you’ve been ruined by BBQ – it’s because you’ve been spoiled by really YUMMY Texas food
C21 is overrun and overrated–except for the cheap housewares in the basement. Just went there the other day and got a shitload of kitchen stuff for barely over $100.
But the food… wheeere were you eeeating? did you go to any of the places I suggested for you? I would be seriously surprised and bummed if they let you down!
Oh feck, I have to remember to try to get to Century21 next time. I’ve been to NY a few times now and still haven’t, criminal! I guess I’ll go see the big holes too. I’m gonna go for McQueen on a Monday, as they said they’re doing this ‘special’ thing where you can get tix to see it on a day the museum is otherwise usually closed… not sure how crowded even that will be.
Oh wait, just read the comments, but who ISN’T looking for a half price Lanvin? Duhhhhhhhh…
Erm erm, what else… OH TEXTILES. Textilesmorgasborg = heaven. I wants.
Central Park is awesome, my boyfriend and i are lucky enought to live a few blocks away and we go all the time.
New York Food is like everything in NY, there is a ton of it and the majority is mediocre! Tare a lot amazingly decorated restaurants that really don’t serve great food, the service is usually poor and it’s often over priced.
The MET is awesome. Like CP I go there often, it’s great since it’s really cheap to visit. Like Cassie said, go there for one thing then leave. My bf and I will go sometime for literally only 20-30 mins at a time randomly, instead of going to a coffee shop or bookstore.
I’m also sad that you didn’t get to see McQueen! I went once on a Wednesday morning – no line and 2nd time and waited for an hour! But it was worth it!
Ground zero is sad, and I hate Century 21!
Thanks for another great post! Love reading about other perspectives of NY. I really want to visit Austin someday! I’ve heard its so fun!!
Wow, you must have eaten at the wrong places. Next time I’ll cook for you, steer you to some amazing food and hook you up with proper shopping. You’ve got to know how to do C21. You can’t really go just once. It’s one of those places that you need to visit weekly and you need to understand the timing of their sales. When it’s hot, it is very hot. As for The Hurricane Club (is that AvroKO?), I’ve never been there but big and tropical is not where I would head. It doesn’t quite capture the current cooking vibe that’s happening in New York and I agree with the person who pointed out that there are mad shitty restaurants in NY. It is sad and upsetting though when people visit and don’t get to experience some of the best food on the planet. It’s a real shame. The Met is amazing. You should check out The Frick on your next visit. . . and call me.
JPW, you’ll be on my speed dial! Now just send me your number…