nyc: {day.05}

Dec 11, 2009 by Monica Danna    No Comments    Posted under: travel

If you’re just joining us for the nyc recaps, mayonnaise! mustard! CATCH-UP! nyc: {day.01} here, nyc: {day.02} here, nyc: {day.03} here, nyc: {day.04} here

It’s almost as sad writing the final wrap-up, as it was leaving New York on Sunday morning. Well, there’s always next year. Or, next weekend?

Pastis, Meatpacking District

We arose Sunday morning a little sluggish, as we had just spent four days acting as if the world was ending. I was sad to be leaving this land of fun and good times, but was excited to return home to my love, Houston. No matter how much fun you have on vacation, your own bed is a welcomed sight.  We had late flights out that afternoon, so we arranged a car and set out to squeeze a few more ounces of Manhattan madness into our trip.

Phillip had recommended the Jane Hotel to us, but also with it, a stipulation. Doesn’t count if you don’t stop by Pastis {9 Ninth Ave.}. The famous French cafe located in the Meatpacking district was a mere blocks from the Jane. We had tried a few times for a table during the trip, but never had enough time to wait around to be seated. But this day we wandered over to find a large crowd waiting to be seated, gave our names, and spent the hour and a half wait browsing at Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market, Chelsea

If you’ve never been to Chelsea Market {75 9th Avenue}, I always say it’s a must for an NYC trip. I like visiting on weekend morning when you can witness the hustle and bustle of city dwellers scouring the market for their bread, fish, wines and cheeses for the week. Chelsea Market is a huge, indoor space full of food and spce shops, book stores, pop-up sample sales (Kid Robot was there on this Sunday).

I have been many times, but this time the entire market was decorated for the Holidays. Under huge arches made up of hundreds of strands of Christmas lights, and innovative chandeliers made of plastic cups and glass bottles, we walked through the market floor in awe. We visited a cute bookstore and each bought a few books for the trip home.

We headed back to Pastis to check on our wait, and just as we walked up they were ready to seat up. More from the files of the trip of perfect timing and coincidences.

We were seated at what had to be the smallest table man has ever created. Actually, I think they must have cut our table and the table next to us in 2. We were wedged in between another couple and a pillar. Um, fire hazard? I literally didn’t have room to put my coat anywhere, and Maggie and I laughed as we attempted to find room on the table for our 3 drinks. Each. Water, Diet Coke, and of course, a Bloody Mary. I wasn’t crazy about the Bloody Mary, but the food more than made up for it. It was brunch time, and everything on the menu looked devourable. Prices are steep ($17 for a bread basket!) but the food and experience were worth it.

Stuffed, we headed back to the hotel one last time, grabbed our bags and waited for the car to pick us up and take us to Newark. It was the saddest part of the trip.

I gathered my thoughts on the last few days, and was grateful that I was able to spend time with some of my favorite people, in one of my favorite cities. This trip, I found the city to be cleaner, nicer, and more welcoming than ever. Perhaps, it just took me this many trips to really understand how this grand city works. But then again, does anyone really ever know what makes New York, New York?

it's up to you, new york.

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