A Weekend In New York City

New York City (NYC)  is one of the most special cities in the world. While the U.S. is one of the most homogenous countries in the world, NYC is one of those places that is a melting pot of cultures, races & really puts the worlds culture on display. It is special for all that it offers thru rich history, rich culture, rich experiences and some of the most amazing food.  My wife and I had a special weekend in NYC as she prepared to run in the 2018 TCS New York Marathon.  Here is a quick recap of our time in the city. I hope you enjoy the read!

The 2018 TCS New York Marathon Experience

My amazing wife has spent 16 weeks getting ready for the TCS New York Marathon and it has been amazing to watch. It included countless long runs during all times of day and night and her spreadsheet of colors and distances. I have to admit it was awesome her work so hard and kick ass on Sunday afternoon.

Also although I am not a runner, it was very cool to see all the products and equipment they now have. There have been such amazing advances in shoes (multiple pairs I hear are important), race fuel (goo, bars, etc.), clothing (socks thru sleeves), anti-chafing balms, water and active hydration, recovery and etc. I am simply floored on the technology and innovation. Although not likely, maybe one day I will get into the sport.

The day of the event was spectacular. The energy in the city was amazing with over 100,000 people cheering the runners on with excitement and energy throughout. We had the privilege of running as a TCS runner (their premier sponsor) so it was a first class experience from the moment we checked in to enjoying the race from Tavern On The Green all afternoon. It was special on so many levels. The highlight was sitting in the grandstands rooting her on as she finished!

I couldn’t have been more proud of Sara for commitment, dedication and love for this event. She did an amazing job and considering it was her first marathon she definitely knows how to do things in style. Well done on your bucket list items…Check!  What an amazing way to spend a weekend in New York City!

Ins & Outs. Out & About

We had a great time in the city.  Together, we spent time walking, lots of walking in one of the greatest walking cities in the world. We took in a Broadway show (The Book Of Mormon) at the Eugene O’Neill theatre. It was a great afternoon of theatre with Elder Price & Elder Cunningham and a talented cast. While it may not be a show for everyone, it was well done and creative nonetheless.

We also spent time hitting some of the tourist spots including Time Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center & The National 9/11 Memorial Museum. While Time Square isn’t my favorite tourist area, it’s a great place to walk around and take in the free attractions. Lots of street performers, artists and people watching at its finest. This weekend it wasn’t crowded, but I did spend an hour or so walking around the areas and taking in the sights.

Central Park was very different with the New York Marathon but awesome nonetheless less. there were opportunities to bike around the park, paths throughout central park and it allows you to be adventurous as you would like to be. The buzz of the marathon was everywhere with loud, cheering crowds and energy. Rockefeller Center was bustling and busy as we get ready for the holidays. There were plenty of street vendors, shopping, ice skating & events throughout the day. Although the tree isn’t up yet, it is well on its way towards another fabulous holiday overlay. What an amazing way to spend a weekend in New York City!

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

My favorite was The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This was an emotional and moving experience. I would definitely take the time to explore all areas in the museum, the unfolding events of 9/11, honoring those who lost their lives in the attacks and the final which features relics and artifacts that were recovered. We spent two hours there full of emotional memories of those days’ events.  A tremendous memorial to a very sad day in our nations history. What an amazing way to spend a weekend in New York City!

A City For Foodies

We had a great time in the city for a three day weekend.  I grew up on the East Coast but after being out west for over 20 years, I have come to miss a lot of that the east coast has to offer – history, great culture and the food. Each time we are here we always spend time looking for the local places to eat and enjoy the culture. I love Trip Advisor and we use it regularly for all sorts of things when we travel – hotels, restaurants, flights & things to do in the city. For our foodie crown, here are a few of our highlights from last weekend! A few of our favorite stops. What an amazing way to spend a weekend in New York City!

2 Bros. Pizza:

2 Bros. Pizza came highly rated highly and I love new York city pizza as there is nothing like it. 2 Bros. Pizza has several locations in town and we visited the location off of 46th street a few blocks away from Rockefeller Center in NYC. It was great bang for the buck where we found a special for $1 cheese pizza and a few other well select pies with toppings. It was well worth the price. 4 pieces of pizza for $7.50 with good sauce, good crust and quick service. I have had better pizzas and a cleaner table to eat on but for the price, I would do it over and over. Plus: Very good pizza, cheap prices, fresh & hot out of the oven. Minus: Limited menu options, small venue with limited seating. A hole in the wall type place. What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

Joe’s Pizza

Joe’s Pizza is another place I found a few blocks from our hotel.  I made a quick run over one evening and was pleasantly surprised. This was as close to what I remember as a kid.  It is off of 6th Avenue a few blocks from Bryant park.  It was better pizza, great sauce, great selection and big pieces. Exactly what pizza should be! 2 pieces for $6.50 with great sauce, great crust it was cheese how it should be. Great quick, service a must do when in the city. Plus: Great pizza, great selection of toppings and styles and plenty of seating, friendly service Minus: More expensive than other pizza restaurants in town. Given the great food expect a bit of a line but well worth the wait. What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

Katz Deli

Katz’s Deli is an experience everyone must try in New York City. It is located on Houston street and is an old school classic deli that is exactly what it should be. The scene was electric, crowded and buzzing with lines out the door. We had great service at our ‘cutter’ line and it was a fantastic food experience. You will need to elbow your way into line, take your Katz order tag, have the free samples and enjoy the food hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches thru fresh soup and salad. We went with the classic pastrami and Reuben sandwich.  It was a two-handed sandwich, just the way a sandwich should be. Enjoy yourselves and the entire experience. Plus: Great food, friendly service, plenty of seating. Minus: On the expensive side, big portions great for sharing, hole in the wall type place, dated yet iconic. What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

Time Square Diner

Now, I know this sounds like a tourist trap, but it wasn’t. It was a local favorite for great food & great service. Its located bout 4 blocks from Times Square and is in the theatre district. it has great reviews and at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning in NYC it was full – the staff was great, friendly, fast and offered great service. The coffee was memorable and we had an omelet and corned beef hash which is what I always have to really check the quality of the restaurant. The portions were big, fast service and definitely I would do again. It was a great brisk walk from the hotel and was great all around. Plus: Very good food, quick service, good food, reasonable prices Minus: Big portions with lots of food. What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish

While New York pizza is a staple for dinner, a New York bagel is the standard for breakfast.  Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked fish was simply fantastic. We visited the location on Lexington Avenue and had bagels and lox with the freshest cream cheese, salmon, onions and capers.  I had it on an everything bagel (the only way to have it) and a medium latte.  The service was quite good, clean restaurant and although small it had plenty of seating for customers.  Given the crowds it looks to be a local favorite for the Manhattan crowd. Plus: Great food, reasonable prices & good service. Minus: Great food comes with a long line and a bit of a wait. Well worth it. What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

Best Bagel And Coffee

This was the highlight of our visit on morning for breakfast. Quite possibly the best bagels I have eaten, that were soft, fresh, great varieties and fantastic service. We came to absolutely love this place and enjoyed a great breakfast (Taylor ham and egg sandwiches) with two great coffees. It was fabulous even with the long lines and 10 minute wait. A must do for breakfast while in the city and close to the subway. Plus: Great food, great prices and value, plenty of selection and good service. Minus: Great food comes with a long line and a bit of a wait. Get in line and you won’t regret it.

What an amazing food weekend in New York City!

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