What a Day!

My mom and her friend, Tony, came to visit yesterday. Kim and I met Eric, my older brother, at 10:30am at Penn Station. He was flying solo because, unfortunately, Jenn's been pretty sick lately and couldn't make it out. Mom and Tony arrived around 11:15am. Since they were leaving at 7pm, we had only a matter of hours to enjoy each other's company (we hadn't seen each other since Christmas) and see New York. With what little time we had available, however, we managed to do the following:
1.) Empire Diner for brunch.

Having met at a bustling Penn Station, we thought it best to start by settling down and getting a bite to eat. With that in mind, I'd read about the Empire Diner, a 1950's-style restaurant with a great menu, and we thought to walk to it (22nd St. and 10th Ave.). It was a beautiful day, a nice way to stretch our legs, and a cozy dining experience. The menu was everything we'd hoped for, we beat the rush (you'll note the line extends well out the door), and the food was pretty good. I enjoyed my French Toast (slices of bagget, dipped in Haggen Dazs vanilla, egg, and cinnamon) served with sliced almonds and bananas. I liked Kim's sizebale cheddar and bacon omelette served with "Empire chips," as well. The prices weren't "dirt-cheap," but also weren't considerably more; Kim's omelette was $12 and my dish was $10. I'd go back again, thought the service was great, and really enjoyed the company of friends and family.

2.) Rockefeller Center.
From the diner, we headed up to Rockefeller Center (5th Ave. to 7th Ave. btwn. 47th and 51st Streets). There was a bit of a hurry to make the subway, but that was all part of the fun.

We started by checking out the Plaze, replete with active ice skating rink, before heading up to the Observation Deck.


3.) "Top of the Rock" Observation Deck.
I've spoken about this on earlier blogs ("Top of the Rock" and "Central Park from the Top of the Rock"), but it was just as enjoyable this time. Eric pointed out the Statue of Liberty to Mom, there was the ever-confounding "Concrete Jungle," more Central Park, and time for Mom and Kim to enjoy the view and each other's company.




4.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Balcony Cafe.
After all the walking, trains, etc., Mom was ready for a glass of wine. So, we were off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's cafe. We passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral, and were but a few of many tourists who witnessed the beginning of a wedding, and then continued to the Met.


5.) The "Temple of Dendur" Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Following the refreshments and snacks, we only a matter of hours before the train would be heading back out of town. We hurriedly visited the Temple of Dendur and then went back towards downtown Manhattan.



Kim and my Mom really seemed to enjoy themselves throughout.

6.) Appetizers and drinks at Mustang Sally's before heading back out of town.

Finally, we settled in for another cocktail and some appetizers. It was nice to come together, again, and enjoy good company and good food. This particular sports bar/restaurant has come to be one of our (Kim and I) favorites; it's very close to Madison Square Garden (located on 7th Ave. between 28th and 29th Sts.) , has classic pub food, and cold beer, all at decent prices.

Two More Pics from Met Museum

These images are taken from the following galleries at the Met: "Temple of Dendur" and "Arms and Armor."

Balcony Cafe

Jeff and I entered the Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) and immediately made our way to the Balcony Cafe. Not only was it a great perch to people-watch, as it overlooks the Main Hall, but it was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a chilled refreshment.

World's Shyest Squirrel

Having finished at the AMNH, Jeff and I headed over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's located directly across Central Park from the Natural History Museum and it was a nice-enough day so we decided to walk. On the way, there were a lot of signs of Spring coming. Here's an example:

Other Pics from the Amer. Mus. of Nat. Hist.

Click photos to enlarge.

Jeff Looking at Himself

I really enjoy this picture because it's a neat camera "trick," but I think there's something even more interesting about the caption. Not only is Jeff "looking at himself" in that he can see his own reflection, but this is also the only mural in the entire "Akeley Hall of African Mammals" whereby there's any hint of human existence [click photo to enlarge]. The rest of the murals and exhibits show specimens in their "natural state," if you can call it that, and so there are no humans. Animals are not scarred from having survived an attack by man, nor are there representations of trails or shelter created by man. Only in this mural do we see the distant presence of man; in the back, right hand corner of this photo, we see there's a fire. A placard explains this was an indigenous technique to ease hunting by removing plantlife that might allow shelter for game. Though indirectly intimated, it seems clear Akeley is suggesting the only impact man has on nature is a destructive one. Though I understand this might be a controversial opinion, consider the fact that he killed those animals in the hall. Were it not for his ability to destroy life, the exhibit would not be. Again, man's impact on nature is a destructive one.

Nathan's World Famous Hot Dogs at Coney Island

This was, literally, a grown man's dream come true.

Shoot the Freak

How could you possibly say no to someone who inquires, as you innocently walk past, "Hey, you wanna shoot me?" Well, I chose morals and values as reasons enough to pass on the offer, but you'll see that Jeff and his dad were less inclined to disappoint. In their defense, we are talking about a young person who wears hockey attire and gyrates his crotch in your direction while you point a weapon at him. You'll note "The Freak" just above Jeff's left shoulder in the background. If that still isn't enough to locate him, search for the human being with a jock strap on the outside of his clothing.

Opening Day at Coney Island

My wife believes that "everyday is opening day" at Coney Island, but it's not everyday you get a picture with the Cyclones Mascot, Sandy the Seagull.

Central Park from the Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock

Closed for 19 years, this recently re-opened and is an incredible experience, both good and bad; the views are such that you can't help but think of your individual being within the larger framework, but there's something about seeing all that concrete. I strongly recommend this to anyone, but be ready for the $17.50 admission fee.

Brooklyn Bridge

Another tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, but this time with Mom and Dad Figueiredo, Jeff, and Kim. Perfect weather!
Also, here's a link to more information on the Brooklyn Bridge: http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Brooklyn_Bridge.html