eleven madison park redefines impeccable service. and innovative cuisine. and, and – well, everything you ever imagined about a top-line restaurant experience, especially when your more-than-generous host declares "we'll all have the tasting menu." omg. this includes a fantasy-fulfilling course served in the spotless kitchen: a made-to-order frozen cocktail for four. cheers.
and when you go into annisa in the village, and you're waiting at the oh-so-stylish bar for your table (that you somehow scored that morning over the phone) and anita lo, herself, walks out from the kitchen and starts chatting with you; you know that this is a special place. chef lo's cooking is as unique as expected, and your waiter pairs it with the perfect wine that is so good, you want to try to track it down later. not only are all the details carefully transcribed for you, but they're on a lovely, printed notecard. even his handwriting is stylish.
then there's broadway. you don't need a crystal ball, just great friends, with great taste in all things theatrical. so when your best theatre buddy says don't miss "once," you immediately obey and snag the tickets before the tony nominations are even announced. wow. a stunning show on so many levels. it deserved "best musical" and every single one of its seven other tonys. it probably deserved the few awards it didn't win. simply brilliant.
shopping? of course. it's hard to believe the changes to the meatpacking district (awesome) and soho (a little sad.) museums? one should never, ever stop worshipping at the shrine of moma. thank you, new york, for a wonderful weekend. you're still a very, very nice place to visit.
new york also has the high line – a real gift to the city literally high above 10th avenue. you walk up the stairs on 20th street and can't believe what you see. originally built in the 1930's to move dangerous freight trains off the industrial-district streets, the high line is now a beautifully designed and twisting walkway bordered by lush landscaping with surprises at every turn. worth the trip all by itself.
and when you go into annisa in the village, and you're waiting at the oh-so-stylish bar for your table (that you somehow scored that morning over the phone) and anita lo, herself, walks out from the kitchen and starts chatting with you; you know that this is a special place. chef lo's cooking is as unique as expected, and your waiter pairs it with the perfect wine that is so good, you want to try to track it down later. not only are all the details carefully transcribed for you, but they're on a lovely, printed notecard. even his handwriting is stylish.
then there's broadway. you don't need a crystal ball, just great friends, with great taste in all things theatrical. so when your best theatre buddy says don't miss "once," you immediately obey and snag the tickets before the tony nominations are even announced. wow. a stunning show on so many levels. it deserved "best musical" and every single one of its seven other tonys. it probably deserved the few awards it didn't win. simply brilliant.
shopping? of course. it's hard to believe the changes to the meatpacking district (awesome) and soho (a little sad.) museums? one should never, ever stop worshipping at the shrine of moma. thank you, new york, for a wonderful weekend. you're still a very, very nice place to visit.
