Saturday, June 23, 2012

NYC: Days 2&3; shopping, museums, & sweets

Day 2 started with a short cab ride to the Upper West Side.  It was time to start my visit with my gal pal, Kalei.  She left for work and I walked over to Le Pain.  I was actually introduced to this yummy breakfast and lunch stop in Manhattan Beach, Kalei's last residence.  The Brunette spread is a must for toast in the morning, so I stocked up.
After fueling up, it was time to head to Soho for a day of shopping.  I stopped by Opera Gallery and found David Choe's work...
 Ron English...
 and John John Jesse.
There weren't too many pictures from my shopping day, as I was frantically trying to cover all of the stores on Broadway in Soho.  It was truly a shopper's paradise and I will definitely be back.  

Day 3 started with a walk through Central Park.  I was heading to the east side, for a day of museum exploration. 
 



I kicked it off with a look at the The Guggenheim.  I love the design of this building. There was a huge abstract art exhibit.
Then it was off to the Metropolitan...

 I always love the art in this section of the Met...

 
Kalei actually met up with me for lunch and came to check out the Prada exhibit at the Met.  Then it was time to walk Madison Ave.  First stop, La Maison du Chocolat.  The tea and chocolate pairing with a slice of chocolate cake was amazing and a good time to rest our feet from all that walking.
 Further down the street was Laduree.  The chocolate and pistachio macaroons were to die for, and I'm glad I insisted on stopping here. 

Friday, June 22, 2012

NYC: Day 1; Wednesday 6/6/12

Hawaiian Air had its' inaugural flight to JFK on June 4th.  Our flight to the Big Apple left the very next day.  We had been planning this trip since the route was announced at the end of 2011.  After a long but comfortable flight, we landed bright and early the next day in New York.  We were exhausted, but the excitement of being in the city kept us all awake.  Here are the sights between JFK and Hells Kitchen.


Stayed at the uber-modern and stylish Yotel for the first night.  Found this interesting guy in the lobby.
Without much rest, it was time to head out to Broadway for our matinee of Jersey Boys.  The show was awesome!  Frankie Valli was definitely before my time, but the performers and iconic songs kept me moving to the music the whole time. 
Here's me and my mommy before the show. 



After the show, we met up with my sister, her mother in-law, and my niece, for dinner at 5 Napkin Burger in Hell's Kitchen.  Check out my lovely veggie burger and fries. 
 Right around the corner was Schmackary's, a small but busy cookie shop. 

 I'm a sucker for anything red velvet, so I got the red velvet cookie.  It was delicious!!!

When we stepped outside, it was pouring rain.  We ran back to the hotel and turned in for the night, as we really hadn't slept the night before on the airplane.
Amazing start to a fun trip!!!