oh, new york.

There is something about the fall leaves, crisp air, && the month of November that inspires a visit to my beloved city, new york. It’s funny actually- the inspiration slash urge becomes almost like an itch. Possibly it’s the shows I used to watch growing up that took place in this city, like felicity && friends. Or all the good movies: you’ve got mail, serendipity && elf.

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Or  it could be because three years ago, caleb proposed to me here. during that particularly special moment, of question and answering, I don’t know if he had any idea that I would be planning a trip to the same location at least once a year to celebrate, but now I think he is getting the clue J

On this trip, we decided to try all sorts of new things. I became borderline obsessed searching for restaurants, events, places to see. (at one point, I actually had to stop. Literally. Put the yelp app away, close the open table reservations, and take a breather… have you been there before? Too many choices.) I have decided plans are good && I actually get very excited in the process of thinking about all the fun we are going to have. But, I have also learned to “go with the flow” && enjoy the moments. Central park boats close up early for the season, runners decide to partake in a very long run, called a marathon, closing many roads,  it rains soooo you have to re-adjust. And, that is what we did.

Fortunatley for our own entertainment,  Halloween landed on the day we arrived in the city. We quickly realized that the subway ride became less of a chore and more of an opportunity for a great show. We saw several waldos, mummies && superheros. My personal favorite was a homemade jellyfish costume; caleb’s was a giraffe, but not the Madagascar giraffe, just a giraffe. Our costume: people watchers, the best kind.

A big part of planning a trip for me is the restaurant/food options. I become overwhelmed with the “hot” spots and the best places. It probably doesn’t help that my favorite thing to do is read food blogs (joythebaker, dashingdish), books  (anything by ruth reichl) & magaizines (yes, I look forward to the day my Living arrives in my mailbox). Our favorite spots during this trip were the brunch spots. Penelopes and Janes were relaxing, quaint and provided delicious sweet && savory dishes. Vanilla bean French toast- the name alone makes me salivate. Tacombi was another place that was so much fun! Tacos were made in a bus inside a restaurant that resembled the streets of a small Mexican city.  And, of course, we checked out the cupcake scene. Molly’s and Magnolia’s. Our fave goes to Magnolias, although Molly’s does have the nice bar with swings. There are so many food options in nyc, I always seem to leave the city feeling pleasantly stuffed, if not with a little tummy ache- but don’t worry, we left a little corner of room &&  finished the trip with my favorite brownies, witches brownies for the ride home. (seriously, if you go to Chelsea market, get the original witch’s brownies && lobster bisque… still dreaming).. ahh I wish at times eating was like walking. Not enough room to try everything.

To fill in the time between eating, caleb && I decided to walk the Brooklyn bridge (p.s. the scene when Miranda && steve reunite on the bridge. Ah love!). we also tried a comedy show at comedy cellar. We laughed so much && can’t wait to go back. Finally, an early morning wake up call to enter the Today show world was a cherry on top.

I could talk about nyc for hours. I actually tried to convince caleb to change our bus trip to leave at midnight. He didn’t fall for it. I am also trying to lightly break the news to caleb, I want to move here && of course become a today show news anchor. I think he may be catching on.

Until next time, new york. Keep shining.