Getting Taken

The next morning we set out for H & H Bagel. It smelled wonderful when we walked in, we waited in line and a few minutes later we had an Everything and Sourdough bagel in hand. Sadly, the Everything bagel was terrible in every way, but mostly dry and stale. The Sourdough was more tender and warm, but it was still very dry. These made me wish I had gone to Einstein Bagels, how sad is that?

Next stop was the Bronx; we were on our way to Yankee Stadium for afternoon game Yankees vs. Twins. It was a nice stadium, but being brand new I thought it’d be a little more special. However, the focus is on the game, not the atmosphere. I can appreciate that. It was the coldest baseball game I’ve attended in years, if not ever. We ended up moving from our seats to the other side of the park to get a break from the wind. When we visit ballparks we like to eat something unique to that city/park, at Yankee Stadium it was knish, which reminded me of deep fried mashed potatoes. I wasn’t a fan. We also bought a hot dog. Again, no good. It was the driest dog that ever passed my lips. Yankees won 4-3.











After the game, we grabbed a bite nearby at the Feeding Tree. We shared a yummy plate of jerk chicken.



Meanwhile, I received a call from wd50 they had an opening and could seat us for dinner at 6:30. I was pleased. Although, it didn’t leave us much time to change and hop over to the Lower East Side. Fortunately, time was on our side and we made it to the restaurant with a few minutes to spare. We glanced over the menu and decided we’d go big with the chef’s tasting menu for $140. It would be our most expensive meal to date, but we rolled with it.

Addictive sesame wafers got us started. Then, the unique feast began, beginning with Tai snapper, with mango, cashew and espresso. It was fresh and flavorful. Next was everything bagel ice cream with smoked salmon threads and crispy cream cheese. Yum! Who says you can’t play with your food? Foie gras with a passionfruit center followed. Frank liked this course the least. I loved it. My least favorite dish came next, poached egg with edible shell Caesar dressing and pumpernickel. The flavors were all great; it’s just that I’m not fond of poached egg. Frank did love it. King oyster udon, sweetbreads and banana molasses came next. The udon noodles were all mushroom. You’d never believe it if it weren’t for the odd texture. The scallops with bone marrow parsnip and black sesame was quite good, it was only the parsnips that we didn’t like. The beef and béarnaise gnocchi was a fun twist on a steakhouse classic. Then, the squab breast, cheese pumpkin and cornbread filled with pickled cranberries was a delicious surprise. Next, came desserts. Buttermilk ice cream with kumquat, orange blossom and cumin was first. It was refreshing and scrumptious. Second, was grapefruit curd, Campari, hibiscus and sorrel. It was our least favorite, but it was still good. Soft chocolate with beets, long pepper and ricotta ice cream was third. It was very good, as well. Then, to finish, we had cocoa packets with rice crispy treats. Both were so yummy. I wanted more for the road. Service was really good. Plates came from the kitchen at a nice pace, until the restaurant filled. We had long lulls between our last desserts. I will add that it was really neat to see Wylie in the kitchen. I’m happy we were able to give wd50 a try. It really was a fun experience. Nothing was the best thing I ever ate, but it was a joy to be fooled and surprised with each bite.

























After dinner, we went to Times Square.











I snapped some photos and we thought about seeing a comedy show. None caught our interest so we ended up having some roasted nuts and hitting O’Brien’s Irish Pub. We stayed for a beer, but we weren’t feeling the vibe. We headed back to the UWS. I noticed Stand Up NY out of the corner of my eye. We walked over to check it out. A show was about to begin. We paid $15 each for admission and we entered the showroom. We ordered two Stellas they were ten bucks each, ouch! The show got underway. It had a slow start and an even slower finish. Two comedians were decent. The others were really rough. They couldn’t win over the crowd either. It was a tough audience. Most were from the UK and Scotland. One guy really ticked off the UK crowd. It was rather amusing. Not because the joke was funny, but because they were really riled up over it. When we got our check near the end of the show, we learned there was a $15 drink minimum per person. We were forced to pay the difference and we were charged 20% gratuity on the balance due. We were totally taken. To soften our bitterness we ended the night with a stop at Europan for a couple slices. They hit the spot.

Manhattan

It was apparent that we were still on west coast time when we slept until 10:30. Even after seven nights we never adjusted. I think the earliest we were ever up was 9:30, but I digress. It was a first full day we were excited to see the city in daylight. We grabbed a bite at Zabar’s café. I thought they’d offer more than soups and Paninis, but we gave it a try.







Frank had the Rueben, which wasn’t very good and I had a croque monsieur. I’ve had tastier, but it was certainly the better choice. The store was mobbed so we didn’t have a look. Instead, we caught the crosstown bus to Central Park.



We found ourselves at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. We dodged runners as we walked around the lower half of the reservoir.











The cold air, dead trees, and leaf covered ground reminded me that spring had not yet sprung in NYC. I’m sure Central Park is lovely when everything is in bloom or in the fall when the autumn leaves display their array of colors. But on this day, it was cold and dreary despite the blue skies that eventually broke through the clouds. The bright spot was a patch of daffodils and yellow flowering bushes that were scattered all over the park.

Soon after we found ourselves at a Museum, but we weren’t sure which it was. There was no signage to make it clear. Our plan was to save the museums for when it was rainy. So, we didn’t stay long. Instead, we located the Subway and headed to the financial district.

When we came up from the depths we were at St. Paul’s Church. Not only is it the oldest surviving church in Manhattan (built in 1764), but it is also located directly across from the World Trade Center site. After 9/11 it served as a place of rest and refuge for recovery workers.









From there we crossed the street. We gazed between the construction fences to see the buildings being erected from the ashes. Six new buildings and a memorial are being constructed. Freedom Tower is furthest along, but it still has a long time to go before completion. It was heart wrenching and inspiring to stand where the twin towers once hovered above. I've grasped the affect the tragedy had on America, but not to the extent that was felt in NYC. Yet, there were hundreds of folks working hard to restore what had once been, all the while etching the memory of all of those lost that fateful day.





After paying our respects we wandered about, Frank had his first food stand hot dog and it wasn’t very good.









Then, we headed back to the UWS. We grabbed a bite at Artie’s Delicatessen. We shared a pastrami reuben and an order of potato pancakes.





The pancakes were bland and extra cakey. The pastrami and other components of the reuben were mediocre at best. We made our way back to the hotel; we rested and warmed up a bit before leaving for the Times Square area to see The Book of Mormon at the Eugene O’Neil Theater. We made reservations to dine at II Gattopardo after the show.

It was drizzling, windy and still cold when we made it to 42nd; we had time to spare before the show so I search for yummy pizza slices. Yelp led us to Patzeria Perfect Pizza. It’s a teeny tiny shop. We took two slices to go. Both the white and margherita were delicious. It was one of the cheaper places we ate and offered some of the better slices we ate during the whole trip. As much as I enjoyed the slice, I didn’t enjoy the crowds in Time Square. Everyone had umbrellas and I was sure I was going to lose an eye. We took the back way back to the theater and it was a much more enjoyable stroll, despite the yucky weather.

The Eugene O’Neil Theater is small. So, most seats are good ones. We had seats in the orchestra, seating was tight but otherwise I couldn’t complain. Frank left to use the bathroom before the show, and it turns out he peed next to Jeff Goldbloom, but didn’t realize it was him until he got mobbed by fans. The audience was fairly star-studded I heard James Lipton, Susan Sarandon and Steve Martin were also in attendance. The Book of Mormon is a musical by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It also has some of the same people from Avenue Q behind it. Avenue Q is my favorite production, so I was really excited to see the show. It did not disappoint. It pokes fun at the Mormon religion, of course, but also on stereotypes and the Lion King. It was very funny. However, Avenue Q remains my favorite.

From the theater, we walked over to the restaurant. I was happy to arrive and get a break from the cold and rain. At 10 o’clock the restaurant was busy. We took this as a good sign. Other than pizza we hadn’t had anything particularly tasty up to this point, we were eager for good food.







We started with Eggplant and buffalo ricotta cakes, they sounded a lot better than they tasted. I had hoped for more eggplant taste. Next up was Rigatoni with Anduja sausage and Lasagna with meatballs. The sausage and meatballs were very tasty. Generally, I do not like meatballs in restaurants – I find them too meaty, bready or bland – but these were quite good. They had a nice texture and flavor. It was a decent meal. The highlight, however, was discovering NYC tap water. It’s seriously good and refreshing.

After our late dinner, we returned to the hotel. Our feet we aching and I couldn’t tolerate the cold damp air any longer. We retreated to our warm dry bed.

Alternate Plans

Days before we were set to leave for NYC, I made a reservation for Daniel. Frank and I had been drooling over the pressed duck featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate since it had aired. When I was gathering my list of restaurants to try, places to see and things to do, I came across a blurb that Daniel no longer served pressed duck. I called to confirm, it was true. Despite stellar reviews we cancelled our reservations. Wd50 was my other choice for a splurge meal, but I had waited too long for reservations… all I could do was try the waiting list and hope something would become available. I had my name added for Thursday.

This began our trip of alternate plans.

Our Southwest flight had a connection in Chicago before going on to LaGuardia. Everything went smoothly before arriving at Midway. I was even complimented by TSA how well I pack. I successfully packed us seven days’ worth of clothing in two small carryon suitcases, and placed my liquids and gels in a separate bag as suggested. Rolling is my secret. Anyhow, we had Chicago dogs, beef sandwich and fries for lunch. It wasn’t too bad considering it was airport food. We headed to our gate, only to learn that we were 6 hours delayed; due to traffic control issues at LGA. We asked if there were alternatives to getting to NYC. It was suggested that we fly to Long Island and take the LIRR to Manhattan. We searched flight times and train schedules and found a way to make it work. Only to have our plan change when we went to exchange boarding passes… There was a flight to Newark leaving in minutes. Since we had no checked baggage Southwest felt it was our best bet. We ran with it. Literally. We were last to board a full plane so that meant my tightly packed carry-ons would be checked and we’d be squeezed between strangers. But we were on our way and that’s what mattered. We arrived in Newark, our bags even made it. We hopped on the train and we were Manhattan-bound.

The Rat Race began at Penn Station. Our Google Map App was rendered useless in the subway – we never had a signal underground. We navigated the platforms the best we could and dodged the mobs by zigging and zagging, wheeling our luggage behind us. We bought our Metrocard (7 days unlimited $29) and hopped on the 1 train uptown. About 15 minutes later, we climbed the first of many stairs that led us above ground. 79th & Broadway, we had arrived. With no sense of direction. We walked the wrong way; I spotted Zabar’s and H & H Bagel. Places I had heard we must try. It was much too late now, they had been long closed, but I made a mental note for another time. We turned ourselves around and found our hotel, Hotel Belleclaire. The location at 77th and Broadway was convenient, the subway was two blocks away and there was a grocery store, pharmacy and 24 hour eateries nearby.

We checked in, our room was on the 7th floor. This was only a problem because the hotel is undergoing renovations and one elevator was out of service which led to long waits. Our king room was larger than I had imagined. There was even a closet and a small refrigerator. I unpacked our suitcases and we headed out in search of food. I rely on Yelp on all of our travels, it has never failed me. My first search led us to Land Thai Kitchen. When we arrived, we learned it was closed for renovations. Next, we went to Flor De Mayo. I had made note of it previously, it was Zagat rated and I had heard praises for it unusual blend of Chinese and Peruvian style of cooking.

Flor De Mayo is a quaint place, the staff was friendlier than expected since signs were posted that gratuity was included on the check. I ordered a combination plate of Roast Pork Chow Mein, fried rice and egg roll. Frank had sweet & sour chicken with plantains.





At first glance, both resembled dishes we’ve had before. Only this had a twist with every bite. The plantains and fried rice were highlights. Frank’s dish was better than mine, mine was heavily salted. We paid our tab, and hopped on the 1 train downtown, Empire State Building was our destination. As soon as we came up from the subway we were hit with an arctic blast of cold wind. The winds never let up. I was freezing. I had packed for temps in the 50’s and above. Not for freezing wind chills. We stopped at Starbucks to warm up with a large mocha cappuccino. I had been warned about the lines at the Empire State Building, but there were none when we got there. We walked right up to the ticket window and exchanged our City Pass Voucher ($79) for our booklets containing admissions to all the popular attractions. We proceeded right up to the observation deck. The indoor deck didn’t offer much of a view due to the glare off the glass windows. We stepped outside and I tried to be a trooper, but it was so cold I couldn’t hold the camera steady for quality shots. It was likely the quickest tour of the Empire State Building ever. What's most impressive that it was constructed in 14 months. That’s really incredible considering project schedules today.











I suggested we grab a beer at the Heartland Brewery downstairs to warm up a bit before heading back to the Upper West Side. We walk in only to find it has closed. We headed back toward the hotel and came across EuroPan; we popped in for a slice. Turns out NY style was better than expected and I’m actually a big fan of Margherita Pizza.



Next, we stopped at Amsterdam Ale House for drinks. We were happy to learn that last call wasn’t until 4am. There were only a few people at the bar, which was nice. I later learned there was only the men’s restroom available to use, that wasn’t so nice. We did, however, enjoy a few beers we had never tried before two hefes for Frank that I can’t recall and a Brooklyn Lager and Yuengling for me. We both had an American Joe Pilsner or something along those lines. The Yuengling became a fast favorite of mine. When we were walking back to the hotel Big Nick’s caught our eye. The menu is extensive, practically endless. I wasn’t terribly hungry so I opted for a slice of Sicilian pizza. Frank ordered an eggplant and sausage sandwich.





We had high hopes for both until they arrived and neither was very good. It was after 2 o’clock, we were pretty beat after our travels so we turned in, excited for what was to come.

Hey All!

I'm back, playing catching up and sorting through all the photos and details of our week in New York City. We saw a lot, did a lot and ate a lot. I'll share more soon.

Fool in Love

14 years ago, today, our story began with three little words "I like you." We only have a few more years left until we will be together longer than we've been without each other.

Mushiness aside, things have been pretty crazy of late. Some weeks are slower than molasses and others have me begging for more hours in a day. As you might imagine I'm currently wishing for time to be on my side. I had a bunch of thoughts that never made a post, so instead I leave you this mish mash.

We're only a few days away from New York. I haven't begun to research restaurants or sights. I do plan to tackle it today. We do have tickets to see Charlie Sheen and The Book of Mormon while in NYC.

Birthday and anniversary celebratory dinners are postponed until sometime after New York.

My sister and Nicky are here! The why isn't important. I'm just happy they arrived safe and sound. They'll be staying about 6 weeks. We have a lot of fun planned. I look forward to all the memories we will make.

The family surprised me with cupcakes for belated birthday celebration. That was unexpected and nice.

Today is opening day for the White Sox. Go Sox! We'll see them next month in Anaheim.

I've planted all sorts of flowers. Most importantly, I hope they live. I also hope they fill in and flourish so I can admire their beauty.

I haven't even begun my photo assigned due tomorrow. Must get on it!

We bought tickets to Weezer in August. I hope to see more concerts this summer.

It's 90 today, I wish I wasn't stuck at work grinding away at my desk. Beautiful days like today are meant to be enjoyed.

Check out Vegas Values: Legendary Pancakes.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but this will have to due. I need to get on that New York list of things to do and places to eat.

Food. It Makes Me Happy.

Food, much like sunshine makes me happy. I have missed it these past 12 weeks. Our efforts have been worthwhile, however. I have lost 13 lbs, and I am now able to see a difference. Clothes are fitting better, some are even too big. Soon, I'll have to dig out some older stuff I had outgrown. Frank has had tremendous success. He has exceeded his first goal by losing 35.5 pounds. He feels great, and he's in need of a new wardrobe. He will hold off and settle with a few new staples because he has another goal in mind. This loss, puts him and his team in the running for first place in the "Get Fit Challenge" it will take a couple weeks to tally the results and announce the winning team, but Frank's team is hopeful. They have a good chance.

Yesterday, we celebrated the completion of the "strict healthy lifestyle" with lunch at Raising Cane's. We both enjoyed the fried salty goodness. Then, for dinner, we kicked off our "everything in moderation, but with health still in mind lifestyle" with Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs from Windy City Beefs N Dog. Boy, did that hit the spot!

Then, we were off to the Artisan for a Yelp event. I've driven by the boutique hotel hundreds of times, but I've never actually been. I've heard it's a neat place for drinks, but I never understood until I stepped inside. The event that brought us here had a "Clue" theme. The location was perfect. It's dark, ornate, and there are so many areas to discover. Beyond the lounge, patio, and restaurant, there is also a library, indoor and outdoor chapel and pool area. We were divided into teams and each team had to complete a list of challenges, when done successfully we earned clues to solve the murder that had taken place. Our team finished in second. If it weren't for a small hiccup, we would have solved the crime first. Mr. Green was the culprit. Funnily, that was the character Frank went as, I should've know it was him all along. It was good fun! Artisan was great for letting us have the run of the place. Frank and I must return to try Mood, which is the restaurant there. I'd even consider staying at the hotel, rates are from $59. It's definitely a departure from the usual Las Vegas vibe.

Raffles are always held at these events. This time, Frank and I both won prizes. I won tickets to Rent tonight at Green Valley Ranch. Frank won a toy revolver. It's actually perfect, because I know a special little boy that will love to have it. It was a great way to end a nice day filled with fun and tasty eats. Especially, the eats.

Aches & Age

It's probably coincidental, but I ache far worse at 31 than I did at any age before. Two days of pampering couldn't even prepare me. The first was Friday, Frank arranged an 80 minute massage at Bally's Spa. I enjoyed the steam room and sauna beforehand. Then, on Saturday, we checked into the Platinum. We were long overdue for a staycation. It did not disappoint. We lounged, lazed and melted away in the jacuzzi tub. We toasted with prosecco and enjoyed super dark chocolate. It felt like we were a million miles from home, but we were practically in our backyard.

Sunday rolled around and it was back to reality. The yard work we put off all winter needed tending. We were at it all day, only quitting when we filled every square inch of the 5 garbage cans we have. Frank also trimmed the palms and trees. We had a collected a massive pile that took up the easement and side walk. I bet our garbage men wish we had moved. They hate us. They didn't even take all we left for them. Frank broke down the one tree branch they refused to take, and it filled every last garbage can once again.

Between all the pruning, raking, and weed pulling. My body ached like never before come Monday morning. As a matter of fact, I'm still hurting as I type. My cardio 3x a week certainly hasn't prepared me for these aches of a 31 year old (I'm a little afraid of what's to come). I'm left wishing for a repeat of those two days of pampering. While that won't be happening, fortunately, there is a hot tub calling my name.

30 + 1

Today, I turn 31. It's hard to believe it's been a decade since I turned 21. I remember that day well. When I arrived at work, my office was decorated with streamers and balloons. We had cake in my honor. That night, Frank gave me a beautiful silver necklace with a heart charm that was filled with an aquamarine stone. Then, we went out to Empress Casino in Joliet, IL. It made me miss Las Vegas terribly. I didn't have a drop of luck. Fortunately, Frank netted a win on Cleopatra nickel slots. My favorite machines were taken. I ordered an Amaretto Stone Sour and smoked to pass time. I waited and waited. "Eh, I'll get my fill in Las Vegas in a few months," I thought. And a few months later, I did just that.

Much has changed since my 21st birthday. I've moved across the country and made Las Vegas home. I no longer drink Amaretto Stone Sours or smoke. I grown quite a bit and learned a lot (and I'm still growing and learning).

Frank asked me a short while ago what would 30 year old Kellee tell her 20 year old self?

Without hesitation "Quit smoking!" was my first reply. After a few seconds of thought I rattled off the following:

"Real estate is not a good, nor safe investment."
"Your parents approval matters none."
"You can only live life for yourself."
"Oh, and I don't cut your hair. It takes too damn long to grow back."

Since then, I'd add, "owning a home isn't all that it's cracked up to be."

As I head deeper into my 30's I'd like to remind myself to never be apologetic for the life I lead. My decisions have led me here. I've learned from the failures and I've celebrated the joys. This is the life I have chosen. I have earned it. I have every right to be proud, and relish every moment.

Cabo Wabo is Rockin'

I love restaurants with good music. Stack and Yard House always fit the bill. I didn't expect to like my latest find, Cabo Wabo Cantina. I'm usually adverse to touristy chains, but a few deserve their praises. Sammy Hagar's joint does just that. It has a relaxed vibe, yet it's still lively. No cover for live entertainment, drink specials, and reasonably priced Mexican fare make it A-OK in my book. Learn more at Vegas Values: Name This Hotspot.

A Banned Wishlist

Forget about banning social media and the like in the workplace. Let's talk about banning workplace pet peeves and annoyances. What are the things that drive you mad while you're earning that almighty dollar? If you could ban anything in the workplace, what would it be?

Here's my wishlist:

Ringtones. First of all, your cell should be on vibrate. Ringing can be obnoxious enough, but no one wants to listen to T-Pain's Apple Bottom Jeans 101 times a day. Especially, not me. Seriously, this may just drive me to the loony bin one day.

Microwaving fish or burning popcorn. I honestly have no idea which is worse. They both linger and the stink lasts for days. What is worse is burnt popcorn and microwaving fish in the same day. I didn't think the office would ever shake that stench.

Repetitive noise. It's a personal pet peeve that drives me bonkers. It can be the same song over and over. Tapping of a pen or foot. Chirping of missed call or low battery.

Strong perfume or cologne. I shouldn't smell you coming or going. I shouldn't smell you in a room you left or while walking down the hall as I near your office. Besides your strong scent wreaking havok on my allergies, it also makes me wonder what you are hiding with a scent so powerful.

Whining. We are all adults. Start acting like it.

Craft Beers n' More

Last Friday came and went, and I failed to share my LLV article. It completely slipped my mind. So, for your Wednesday reading enjoyment check out Vegas Values: Miller's Ale House.