Clem in NYC

Happy New Year, friends! We hope 2023 is off to a great start for everyone.

The end of 2022 was more hectic than we anticipated, though in a good way. In an effort to catch-up with the blog, the following are some snaps from Clem's trip to NYC in November.

Clem wined and dined at Claud, Una Pizza Napoletana, Ataboy, Golden Diner, among other places. She also enjoyed reuniting with her pal, Karl, seeing the Vessel, and walking all over Manhattan. This was Clem's first time to the Big Apple. She hopes to return one day.

Dumbo the Foodie

The friends, including Dumbo, are foodies. B and I went to NYC for a wedding. Dumbo went for some serious eats. We heard a lot about Levain so had to try a chocolate chip cookie for ourselves. While it was quite good but Le Gourmand in Toronto continues to be our favourite chocolate chip cookie spot.

We noshed at Kopitiam, a Malaysian restaurant, for some mid-afternoon snacks.

Dumbo really liked the lychee bandung. We walked a lot and it was quite warm out so the bandung was cool and refreshing.

We couldn't get a reservation at Contra so opted for its sister restaurant, Wildair. Everything was delicious. We tried some new wines and the server gave us free dessert. We were glad to eat el fresco since the weather in Toronto is getting colder.

We hope everyone is safe and taking good care!

Little Monster, Big City

We spent the Easter long weekend in NYC. B had a few things to do in the Big Apple. Maggie and I joined for the ride. After checking into our hotel, we visited a few shops in SoHo and had a late lunch at Sadelle's. The bagel tower was very decadent!

The Raptors are in the playoffs so we watched the game before dinner. As you can see, Maggie controlled the remote!

We spent a decent amount of time in Central Park the next day. The weather was in the high 20s.

Maggie studied with B on a park bench.

She was also being silly, photo bombing!

On our last day, I took Maggie to visit my old stomping grounds. I did an internship at the UN several years ago.

We then ate, ate, and ate some more. Our first stop was Tim Ho Wan. In 2014, Maggie went to the original location with Colin in Hong Kong.

We ended up going to a bunch of places, including Baohaus. Maggie liked the names of the bao. On the left is the Uncle Jesse Bao, and on the right is the Chairman Bao.

Bernie's NYC Foodie Tour

I've been lucky to benefit from some crazy flight deals lately. On a recent trip to NYC, Bernie was eager to try as much food as possible.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Ides at the Wythe Hotel. The views of Manhattan were fantastic. Bernie liked the lemony one on the left the most.

We put our names on the wait list for Lucali, knowing that we should kill time at a local patio. Two hours later, we finally got the phone call to trek back. The wait was totally worth it. The pizza could have been the best I've ever had.

We had a casual brunch at Cafe Habana. This place is famous for it's Mexican-style corn.

Maman in Soho is known for it's cookies. We were lucky to score an ice cream sandwich. There are limited quantities each day.

 The one big fancy dinner of our trip was at Gato, one of Bobby Flay's restaurants. Bernie liked how the appetizers were portioned. Just perfect for his size!

This kale and wild mushroom paella was the highlight of the meal. Order it! You won't be disappointed!

For late night food, we went to Halal Guys in LES. It hit the spot!

And for a quickie lunch, we went to Ivan Ramen. Since the day was hot and sticky, Bernie opted for cold noodles and a prickly pear lemonade.

We kind of went on an ice cream bender during our trip. Bernie's favourite spot was Morgenstern's. He tried Szechaun peppercorn chocolate, burnt honey vanilla, and green tea pistachio. It was hard to pick a favourite flavour!

Other noteworthy bites and drinks Bernie tried were the dip sandwich at Dirty French, ice cream at Odd Fellows, and cocktails at Lavendar Lake and Attaboy. Bernie left NYC will a full and happy belly!

The Adventures of Mini Q: Part II

The weather did a 180 on us so Mini Q and I walked all over. After making a quick trip to Century 21 we checked out Occupy Wall Street...

...strolled by Trinity Church...

...said hello to the Charging Bull...

...paid a quick visit to Castle Clinton National Monument...

...and enjoyed the sunshine in Battery Park.

I had brunch on Stone Street with some friends I made in China two summers ago. I then wanted to check out the new extension of the High Line but it was closed. I ended up walking through Chelsea and shopping some more around Macy's. I'm glad Mini Q came with me on this trip. Next time I go back, I'll bring both Mini Q and Q along. 

The Adventures of Mini Q: Part I

Mini Q joined me on another New York adventure. This time to the big city! We flew YYZ to EWR really early on Friday morning. Mini Q checked the flight status for me as my eyes were still sleepy.

We stayed at the Millenium Hilton in lower Manhattan. The room was quite spacious for NYC standards. We were on a high floor and had a great view of the 9/11 Memorial. Visitor passes are free, but must be reserved in advance.

After checking in, having a leisurely brunch, and getting a manicure, we returned to the hotel for a much needed afternoon nap. While I was snoring away, Mini Q read Game of Thrones.

And while my friends and I had dinner in Tribeca and drinks in the Bowery, Mini Q ordered room service! A sasquatch has to eat, right?

The weather the next day was pretty terrible. We had a sense that it was going to be grey so we planned a full day of shopping. I brought Mini Q with me but I was reluctant to take him out of my purse because it was so wet and crowded in the stores. Here he is posing with all our purchases. Not too shabby, eh?

More photos of our final day in the Big Apple to come!

New York, New York!

Here are a few more photos from our time in NYC. Q in front of the Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side.

Q crossing the street at Columbus Circle.

Q looking at his wish he hung on Yoko Ono's Wish Tree at MoMA.

Q checking out Double Elvis by Andy Warhol.

Getting a close up view of Starry, Starry Night by Vicent van Gogh.

Sending lots of Love from the City So Nice, They Named it Twice!

A Walk in the Park

Q and I escaped to NYC for the Thanksgiving long weekend. The weather was gorgeous so we tried to spend as much time outside as possible. On Monday we went for a leisurely stroll in Central Park, our favourite place in the city! Here's Q checking out the lake.

Q in front of Bethesda Fountain. There were many musicians out, and some couples taking wedding photos.

Q pointing to the Mall! He was eager to laze under the giant elm trees. I love reading the personal inscriptions on the park benches. One day, I think I want to adopt a bench.

To our Quatch Watch fans...

...in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving!

...in the United States, Happy Columbus Day!

...and in Taiwan, Happy Double Ten National Day!