I Love New York
I made an "under-the-radar" trip to NYC this weekend to meet up with my friend Leila. She lives in Boston and since becoming a Mom two years ago hasn't had a vacation to herself. She asked me in the spring if we could pick a weekend to meet in NYC and I readily agreed because I needed a NYC fix.
Of course there's always so much to do here, and many dear people to visit with. Leila asked to have me all to herself since we haven't had much quality time together for a few years. She said, "I realize now that maybe NYC was not the best place to suggest. We should have gone to some remote island where you don't know so many people. But even then I'm sure we'd run into one of your students, working there."
I arrived just before Noon on Friday to one of the hottest days of the year. Leila was not due in until later in the afternoon; I had come up earlier so I could catch up with Jeanine. I met up with Jeanine and Carey for lunch down on Wall Street, an then made my way to the South Street Seaport to pick up theatre tickets at TKTS and do some shopping. I had no idea that the Seaport was still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. But I got some tickets and thought I'd try the Ferry to Brooklyn. It was great! A quick few minutes later, I was treating myself to Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory without having walked a long way either across the Bridge or through Brooklyn Heights.
I wandered around DUMBO a bit in search of a coffee roaster I'd seen advertised on the Ferry. I found it--such a great spot in a converted warehouse. They roast the beans on site.
I finally met up with Leila, and we came back to Brooklyn to feed her craving for Italian food at Queen in downtown Brooklyn. The first Italian food I've had since I was in Italy more than six weeks ago. I overdid I it and felt pretty ill later but it was delicious!
Today we set out to explore a bit, found a great brunch spot called "Tablespoon" and enjoyed a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast. Leila got a call from home--trouble with a new car purchase--and I suggested she might feel better if she went home so she could help her husband resolve the problem. She decided this would be a good plan. So, we went back to the hotel, packed up her bag and then went off to Penn Station to change her ticket before our show. We loved the matinee of "Once," a beautiful new musical with a great score, good story and beautifully performed music.
After getting Leila on the train I was pretty uncertain how I'd spend my evening. I thought about going home, but the hotel room was paid for so I figured I'd stay and enjoy. I shopped for a bit at Macy's and that did not kill nearly enough time. I thought about coming back to the hotel but didn't want to be lame, so instead I got on Open Table and found a place for dinner.
I chose a bistro in the Village called Camaje. I knew of it when I lived in Brooklyn because it is owned by the same person as one of my favorite spots, Abigail's. Camaje was great--small, casual and really good food. The host/waiter took care of everyone. I sat in a comfy chair by the window, with this view:
I asked Earnest (host/waiter) if he knew the story--he said he did. The owner is a guy named Enzo who likes to fish and is a piano tuner. Go figure.
Anyway, the owner of the restaurant was in and I asked to talk with her because we've been connected on LinkedIn for a long time but I never actually knew her. We actually had a great chat, talking for a long time about food, Tuscany and all manner of things. She told me that Abigail's had closed about a year ago. As I was sitting there after my delicious meal, I realized that I was probably not far from 120 Christopher Street. This was the building, I recently learned, where my Grandma Josie grew up.
After a thunderstorm had passed, the temperature dropped to where it was actually enjoyable to walk, so I did. And I was surprised by how deeply I felt connected to my Grandma again as I stood at the door. I imagined her life in this great West Village neighborhood--so different now than it would have been for her. I marveled at how, so many years later, I walked on her street and also visited her parents' homeland...all in the same year. For without them, I would not have had these wonderful days here in my beloved NYC. However they struggled or celebrated, everything they did led to my Mom, and me. I can only feel love and gratitude.
Originally published July 23, 2013