Last week I went to New York for approximately 30 hours.
I really, really wanted to see the show Once Upon a One More Time, a musical that used only Britney Spears’ catalogue of music. Now, for those of you that don’t know me, I loved Brit back in the day (and ever time I see her hot mess train wreck today it makes me so sad). My 30th birthday party was even Britney themed, so this show hit my radar as soon as I heard rumblings.
But I thought I had time, and while I had entertained skipping over for my birthday a few weeks ago, I figured it would be around long enough for me to maybe go this fall. Wrong. The show, for whatever reason, wasn’t doing well and was set to close this past weekend. In a panic, I used miles and points to book a trip to see the show four days in advance.
Never afraid to mosey by myself, it’s always more fun with a buddy, so I tagged my very most fun friend to go with me and with that, our plan was set. When plans for the U.S. Open fell through, D took it upon herself to plan a day for us to eat around the city.
No issues here.
The thing with D is that she loves to pick places that either 1) have a history 2) have a story or 3) are pretty. From there, she set our roadmap.
We hit a snafu when she was 4 hours late arriving from Chicago, so I hit a few places on my own.
While this is a little non-traditional as far as my travel posts go, we were really just here for the food. Anyhoo, here’s where we ate – and why.
I know, so trendy, but when I found myself wandering alone for hours, I figured I’d see what all the hype was about.
The hype is legit. This cake, even straight out of the fridge, was worth it. 10/10 would recommend! Skip the lines at Magnolia Bakery and head here.
Weirdly, there is a Joe’s in Ann Arbor, to which I’ve never been. Good for a traditional floppy New York slice – and it’s still run by the original Joe.
I knew of Katz from When Harry Met Sally, but D found it because of the hot pastrami. It also happens to be the oldest deli in New York. Pro tip: order take away, or you’ll be waiting a while. We enjoyed ours on the side of the road, and the ambiance did not diminish the deliciousness.
Another oldie but goodie. Fraunces is the oldest bar in the city, frequented by old GW himself. There’s even a museum on-site. It was too hot to get what we were supposed to get, but if you’re inclined, stop by for a chicken pot pie and whatever’s on tap.
Per the recommendation of my friend V, we had to stop by for the veal bacon. Now, I love me some veal, and some bacon, so this sound fab. Paired with the most delighful cocktail, this pit stop set us right up for show time.
Since it was still technically birthday month (man, I sure milked that this year!), I took the occasion to make a wish. We stopped here for a treat after the show, covered in sweat and feet full of blisters. The thing to get here is the frrrozen hot chocolate, but since I’m a purist, I wanted straight up ice cream. I say you do you, despite what you’re “supposed to do,” and I maintain that a watery version of ice cream likely would have pissed me off. I stand by my choice.
Another bakery, another totally worth the hype. While there are other baked goods to choose from, I went with two classics – chocolate chip walnut and two chip chocolate chip. Amazing. I’m sad mine are almost gone.
We stopped here to grab and go for the ride home. Another family-run business going 80 years strong, and with a motto like keep searching for the new and wonderful, what’s not to love?
Our last stop for brunch was with one of my coworkers, and this was her pick. Southern comfort cuisine at it’s best. Just don’t ask for a latte.
Now, I’m full.
As for the show, I loved it! And while I agree it needs some polish, I hope it gets its act together, literally and goes on tour because I’d totally see it again.
But until Broadway calls again, good night New York!
Love your foodie fun! What cake did you try from Milkbar?
The classic funfetti. It was delish!