We had a great time in New York City this spring 2015. We started the trip at the Waldorf Astoria for 2 nights on a special winter rate that included $100 resort credit. The hotel was beautiful and historic, our check-in was marred by a room that would not heat up on a cold night so we were upgraded to a nicer room. We tried several food items at this hotel and all were top notch although pricey. We went to the weekend lunch and Oscars for some Waldorf salad and Red velvet cake (2 of the many items that originated here) both were very good, especially the salad, the tea was an odd flavor though.
The Waldorf Salad
This is my Birthday breakfast in the room.
Bull and Bear signature drink Old fashioned and nut mix including wasabi, I thought I would not like this but it was very tasty.
On the second morning I ran down to a local Bagel place called
Ess-a-Bagel 831 3rd Ave
Peacock Alley Peacock (cranberry-infused vodka, fresh sour, Marie Brizard apricot brandy
We only ate at a couple of chain places the whole week we were in NYC and one of them was Earl of Sandwich. I am a big fan of this place after trying it in Downtown Disney, (soon to be Disney Springs)
I tried out one of the local franchises called Hale and Hearty soup and sandwiches, I wish we had some of these were I live. They have a variety of fresh soups and sandwich and salad choices.
We stumbled upon the New city Kitchen food court near Times Square. I was looking for a Lukes lobster and found it and a lot more. My whole review can be found here.
http://whatsgoodaroundhere.blogspot.com/2015/05/city-kitchen-nyc.html
I wanted a New York hot dog so I went to a place that the food networks talks a lot about called Papaya King. I have tried Grays Papaya before but I wanted to try the original. I enjoyed the hot dog and the Papaya drink for a low price at this no frills hot dog joint.
Anthony Bourdain raves about Papaya King and he actually worked at the next place we went, here is the scoop on Les Halles below.
http://whatsgoodaroundhere.blogspot.com/2015/05/les-halles-brasserie.html
We had to have some Pizza while in New York. It seems most everywhere here has a delicious slice of pie.
We were walking around Wall Street and found this place and devoured a great slice.
Then on a recommendation we went to Don Filipo’s new Central Park and had more Great Pizza. I went for a non traditional Pesto Chicken slice.
Our next hotel was the Staybridge near Times Square by IHG, This is a nice clean newer hotel with a good free Breakfast buffet and evening meals on weekdays.
On Tuesday I had to try the dinner which was Bratwurst and salad with free beer and wine.
While walking around Times Square we found a Guy Fieri restaurant and had some good Rotisserie Ckicken
I also stopped at the Hard Rock and got a burger. The atmosphere was nice but I found the service and the food lacking.
We used the New York Pass and found it to be a good value for a 5 day trip. We hit most of the big name attractions including the Rock tower by day and the empire State at night. We also did 2 days on the Big bus.
One more stand out place is Fraunces tavern, it is a rebuilt tavern that George Washington used to eat at. I really liked the Pot pie and the Fish and chips. The free bread we could have done without, it was dry and gritty. here is my review below
http://whatsgoodaroundhere.blogspot.com/2015/05/fraunces-tavern-nyc.html
I also found time for some night time snacks and Amys Bread and Schmackary.
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