Travel :: NYC Part II

Oh New York, how you won my heart with your amazing architecture, delicious food, and contagious energy.  I spent the second day of my trip wandering around Midtown and catching up on my reading in the stunning New York Public Library.  Seriously, this had to have been one of my absolute favorite buildings I have ever been in.  The chandeliers, the beautiful molding, the windows overlooking the city, the endless rows of books, and let's not forget the heavenly mosaics...let's just say I will never be able to look at the Indianapolis Public Library the same way again.  Before meeting Ryan I stopped by Bryant Park to watch to watch the skaters and stroll through the Christmas Market.   Afterwards Ryan and I went ice skating in Central Park {see pictures here} then headed south to the Ace Hotel for dinner at The Breslin {the Winter Vegetable Salad with Pecorino Sardo & Charred Onion Vinaigrette was out of this world}.

The following day I took the subway to the Flatiron District then slowly made my way to the High Line.  I walked south in the park until I reached Chelsea Market where I grabbed a bite for breakfast and continued my stroll to the West Village.  And let me just tell you, it was everything I had hoped and more.  The village is filled with quaint cobblestone streets lined with trees, charming brownstones, chic boutiques, and amazing restaurants.  I even got to see Carrie Bradshaw's apartment!  If I were to move to New York, this would definitely be where I would want to live.  I grabbed a late lunch at August's beautiful glass-roofed patio {the most amazing Mac & Cheese...ever} then hopped in a taxi to meet Ryan back at our hotel.  

After a quick drink we went and saw The Phantom of the Opera {I still can't believe that neither of us had seen it before} then ventured south to SoHo for dinner at the unbelievably beautiful NoMad Hotel.  The only thing that was more amazing than the ambiance was the food.  We started with Roasted Cauliflower with Grapes, Marcona Almonds, & Cheddar.  Next it was the Tagliatelle with King Crab, Meyer Lemon, and Black Pepper.  Both of these dishes were so phenomenal we actually considered ordering another.  But then it was on to the restuarant's speciality...a Whole-Roasted Chicken with Foie Gras, Black Truffle, and Brioche.  It was absolutely out-of-this world delicious...rich and elegant, it made me feel like I was eating at Versailles.  We concluded with "Milk & Honey," a deliciously light dessert made of oat biscuit shortbread, dehyrated milk flakes, honeycomb, honey brittle, and milk ice cream topped with a drizzle of honey.  All in all it was definitely one of those amazing days that stays with you forever, and just one of the many reasons why I love traveling!

More NYC posts: NYC Part I, Christmas in NYC, Ice Skating in Central Park

{I left my camera at the hotel in the evenings so the hotel/restaurant images are via 1 2 3 4 5 6}