Another year has gone by. What an interesting (presidential election), fun-filled (Dancing) exciting (Chicago Cubs) and lovely (Palm Beach) 2016 it has been.
But another year is upon us!
I wish you Love, Peace, Happiness, Health And Joy (Not in any kind of order). Reach For The Stars, Hold Your Head High, You Can Do It And Give It Your All In 2017.
Much Love To Everyone Near And Far,
Rose
Just recently I went on an amazing trip to Paris, France. It was a spur-of-the-moment vacation with a good friend and I couldn’t have been planned a better trip. We stayed at the Hotel Ares Eiffel which is a small boutique hotel and within walking distance of everything. We turned the corner of the hotel and there were restaurants every few feet. The Eiffel Tower and the Seine River was a twenty minute walk. Not far at all. The Metro, their version of the MTA of New York City, was clean and not crowded. I ride the MTA transit system all the time. As much as I love New York City, you can take me (and my belongings) and place me right in the City of Paris. Forever. I would be perfectly happy.
I heard so many stories about how they don’t like us Americans and they wish we wouldn’t visit their country. I must say that they are the nicest people. They guided us to the right location every time. Most of them spoke English and when they didn’t speak our language they did their best to accommodate us. I love love love Paris and I will definitely go back again someday.
One of the things that we couldn’t figure out while we dined at the restaurants in Paris was whether to tip the waiter or not. After several meals we decided to ask a Frenchman that was also dining. He told us that we are NOT to tip and that it was included in the check. We did so anyway, I guess being from New York City, we felt we should. I will say the waiters were very happy. This brings me to say what’s happening with the restaurants in New York City. Some restaurants are doing away with the notion of the customer tipping…or not.
More New York restaurants are expected to switch to service-included systems in the coming year to help cope with rising labor costs. The state’s tipped minimum wage, which is what waiters and bartenders make before tips, will rise by $2.50 to $7.50 in January; restaurants can avoid the impact of that law by raising prices, banning tips, and paying their service-staff the full minimum or more.
Don’t forget to visit Paris. It was so lovely.
Love,
Rose
First, a little bit of history on Tavern on the Green. The building housing the restaurant was originally the sheepfold that housed the sheep that grazed Sheep Meadow; built to a design by Calvert Vaux in 1870. It became a restaurant as part of a 1934 renovation of the park under Robert Moses, New York City’s Commissioner of Parks. It’s located near Central Park West and West 66th Street.
I have been frequenting this famous restaurant for years. My time there started about twenty years ago when Warner LeRoy owned it and it had that infamous crystal room overlooking the patio. It had that seventies feel. It was like a maze, though, walking through the hallways. They were filled with mirrors from floor to ceiling. After a few cocktails, you can definitely feel lost and even more woozy than before entering. My goodness.
I recently returned to the new Tavern on the Green with the farmhouse feel. Each room was different than the other. First, while walking into the foyer there was a gigantic vase filled with flowers. Too gigantic to be real. After, there’s the old dark wood paneling in the bar room. It then opens up the main dining area. It was bright with floor to ceiling windows and it did feature the kitchen where the chefs are creating their specialties. We feasted on roasted chicken over rice which was a bit dry and the service wasn’t that great.
We then ventured outside where it was a beautiful Summer evening. We had after dinner drinks and relaxed on one of the outdoor couches. It was a perfect night to star gaze. Overall, it was a beautiful and lovely evening and I would definitely continue to enjoy one of New York’s oldest restaurants.
Love,
Rose
As I’m walking along Broadway, the sound of music was in the distance. Wow! Only in New York City will you find an eight piece band, right there on the sidewalk playing their music. I had to stop and watch, they were that good.
Just lovely.
Love,
Rose
We had a wonderful walk on the High Line a few weeks ago. It was a bright and sunny Friday afternoon. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. There are many places to eat, have gelato and stroll through the many turns of beautiful flowers.
While we were at the High Line, a beautiful bride, along with her groom and bridesmaid, were taking their wedding photographs. She looked stunning. But, then the time came for them to attend their reception. On a late Friday afternoon, in the middle of Summer, it is extremely difficult to get a New York City taxi.
Luckily, her photographer (dressed with his backpack) was doing all the hard work of tracking one down.
Uber car service can be perfect at a time like this when you’re trying to get to your destination. Get a taxi, private car or rideshare from your mobile phone. Uber connects you with a driver in minutes. Uber can be used in cities around the world.
How lovely would that be?
Love,
Rose
A Kellogg’s Cereal And Milk Pop-up store. New York City is filled with these type of stores. Most of them are for a limited time only. This one is treating yourself to a huge bowl of cereal and filling it with all kinds of Flavor Boosts. It’s neat to be a part of New York City Pop-up’s. Be sure to try them as you make your way through the streets of New York City.
How lovely.
Love,
Rose
As I was strolling down Broadway last week, there were numerous food trucks that lined the streets. I came across a Frankenfood truck. Only in New York City, can you find A Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog With Cheez-It Sauce In A Chocolate Eclair Bun. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste.
We should always experiment with different things. Even when they don’t look appealing. I’m glad I did.
Love,
Rose
The unofficial start of the 2014 Summer in the Hamptons.
The East End…ever so lovely.
Love,
Rose
The last few weeks we have been exploring Ninth Avenue in New York City. This specific area in Midtown is known as Hell’s Kitchen. Hell’s Kitchen generally refers to the area from 37th to 57th Streets.
There are numerous restaurants and the sidewalks are crowded with many diverse people. This is New York City. And that’s what makes it the best City in the world.
While we were exploring, we went and had dinner at an italian restaurant called PietraSanta. We ordered a capellini dish with fresh vegetables and marinara sauce. It was delicious. The place is small and intimate and the décor was romantic. The service was very attentive.
It was a lovely evening.
Love,
Rose
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