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Home again. I was pretty well bowled over by the beautiful and various buildings in the area surrounding our eccentric , cosy, comfortable New York hotel (okay, our hotel has, like, horns on it, which look like those curvy Morrocan lamps, but they grow on you-no, not literally) and in particular Madison Square- this little park nearby. You can see the famed Flatiron building here in the photo- but all around there were more buildings of different heights and materials, with cool half-circle windows, or ziggurat tops, or patterned brick, or freestanding classically draped statues poised on the pointy bits. (Note how familiar I am with architectural terminology..) And the park has the best trees, really nice old twisty shaped ones, and terrific looking plantings. There's even a steel deco refreshment stand. Feast for the eyes, folks. (You can see the refreshment stand more clearly if you click on the bottom photo.)

Other feasting was also accomplished. We ate skate at the Metro Marche'- bistro food in a fairly recently opened restaurant in the actual bus station (really), yummy Indian food at the Copper Chimney, and delicious, delicious Persian Food in overwhelming quantites , thanks to and in the lovely company of the delightful Bakerina and Julie, of A Finger in every Pie. (Thank you, thank you- so good) We had great salady things with roasted vegetables with beautiful Luisa at the City Bakery, and I got some insanely good pretzel croissants there which lived up to my expectations and then some. And on and on.

We lucked into a wonderful, hysterical play ("The Mail Order Bride")...sadly, I can't urge you to see it- the last night was tonight..went to the Green Market, and bought a bunch of cool stuff at Kalustyan's-about which more later. We looked at paintings at MOMA for most of a day well spent. I hope to get to tell you more, but it may be awhile...my visiting cousin is still visiting-and we've got stuff to do and Thanksgiving pies to bake. I'm making some more no-knead bread, too- got it started-this will be my third loaf. I just didn't want you to think I'd gone to New York and forgotten all about you.

Thank you for the delicious cookies, and the hotel recommendation, Luisa, so kind, and all great. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Comments

[Tanna]

Bake pies. Sounds like a great trip.

[Luisa]

I'm so glad the trip was such a success! It was soooo nice to see you. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Kimberly]

Sounds like a lovely trip. I was envious - of all three of you - when I heard from Jen that you were meeting her and Julie for dinner.

I started my first loaf of no-knead bread last night; it was developing nice bubbles and a lovely yeasty smell when I left for work this morning. I'll write a post about it soon.

And by the way, pointy bits? Completely acceptable terminology to this architect, who has been known to refer to similar building features as "spikey things."

Happy Thanksgiving, Lindy!

[farmgirl]

It sounds like you did New York City well! My new 7-qt dutch oven arrived yesterday, and--thanks to your rave reviews of the recipe--my first batch of the no-knead dough has been rising since this morning. Happy Thanksgiving! : )

[ann]

I wish I had known!! But, it sounds like you hit all my favorites without my help! Glad you discovered the pretzel croissants, but don't talk about them too loudly... I'm happy they're under the radar!! ;-)
Glad our lovely town treated you well!
But, I have to ask, where did you get Persian food? I have to know!

[lindy]

I'm waiting to see the photos and read about your bread, Kimberly, and Farmgirl too. What sort of Dutch Oven did you get, Susan?
I'm thinking I may need a round one-my 4th ovoid loaf is in the oven now...but I'd like to try the 2 hour rising in my round willow banneton, and have a round pot to bake it in. (I am attached to the beehive markings from the basket, and can't see why it wouldn't work with the No Knead bread.)
Ann-The Persian restaurant is called Ravagh, and has 3 locations.We went to the one on E. 30th. Lovely.
I am feeling pretzel croissant withdrawal symptoms... I do think there's no chance, at this point, of keeping them any sort of secret.

[Bakerina]

I'm so glad you had a good time! It was such a delight to meet you. We simply must do it again, maybe at the cafe at Enrico Biscotti. :)

[Julie]

Sounds like a wonderful trip and wonderful company. In a wonderful city. Good pictures too! It's hard not to love New York, isn't it?

[anastasia]

Wow. I pass the Gershwin on my way to work regularly. It really does look like it has horns!