New York City, Day One

New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of

There's nothin' you can't do

Now you're in New York

These streets will make you feel brand new...

What are YOU talkin' bout Jay-Z?? Hold up. Scratch the record. Did Jay-Z go to New York with kids?  Okay, so the lights did inspire me, but after a couple five days in the big city, I did not, in fact, feel brand new. But what an adventure we had! The irony after spending all that time and money is that our kids liked camping the next weekend much better, but we left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Here's a look at what we did...

After flying into La Guardia (cab fare: $45-$60), which is the closest airport for Manhattan, we went straight to our hotel, the Sheraton New York, just off Times Square. I cannot recommend this hotel enough. Because of the young ages of our children, six and eight, I was hesitant to stay immediately in Times Square and this hotel proved to be the perfect location (essentially in Times Square without being IN Times Square). We were within a few blocks walking distance to Central Park, Times Square, Broadway and the Theater District, the MoMA (Modern Museum of Art) and a short cab ride away from many other tourist destinations.

The hotel has recently been renovated, which was appealing to me (I am not a fan of dingy hotels...just sayin'). The decor was contemporary and felt like New York. We originally wanted to stay at the Waldorf Astoria or the Le Parker Meridien, but each was sold out, excepting the $1300 per night suite at Le Parker. I'll just say it...that's not our category. I was attracted to the Waldorf Astoria, because it's like The Plaza Hotel, when you think of New York, you think of these iconic old dames of the hotel world. And the President stays there any time he is in New York. Who doesn't want to stay where the President stays?

Back to the Sheraton...our room, on the 35th floor, was small, but very efficiently designed to maximize living space. It worked for two adults and two young children, but I would be hesitant to put two pre-teens or older with two adults. Without knowing it, I paid for a premium room, which I found out upon arrival simply meant the exact same room, just a higher floor. Same view, higher floor. So, instead of seeing the 19th floor of the building across the street, you see the 35th floor of the building across the street. Save your money on the "upgrade".

We got dinner in the hotel restaurant, which was surprisingly good, and most importantly available without a struggle, and of course, "New York expensive".

DAY ONE

While I don't like to be too burdened with a rigid schedule, especially with children, I did want to have some guaranteed plans to keep us en pointe. I was so glad I made reservations for Norma's, instead of hoping to wing it. We arrived at Le Parker Meridien a little late for our reservation, but were still politely accommodated with a table about fifteen minutes later. Norma's was highly recommended on almost every list I'd read pre-trip and after seeing and tasting the food, I understood why. A group of ladies seated ten inches from my chair, from either from Long Island or New Jersey (accent, hair, nails - oops, did I say that?) were yammering on about how expensive the items were and making a good attempt of ruining my experience. "What's a "hue"-vos rancher?" one screeched, while I meditated on Nutella and syrup and crunchy bacon. Within minutes, the tone of the adjacent table had turned. The food was presented and the love affair began. The price of the menu items was no longer a question and the ladies all quickly toasted to the perfect ending of a very fun trip.

Who wouldn't like Norma's with an item like Donut Even Go There French Toast, a cheesecake-stuffed, coconut-rolled breakfast dessert topped with orange drizzle and a gallon-sized scoop of vanilla ice cream (okay, maybe not a gallon); but ice cream? On French toast? Why did THAT take so long to be invented? Hellur!

If you're visiting New York or you just want to get creative in your own kitchen, check on the weekend menu. Just looking will require 10,000 steps on your Fit Bit. And it is worth every delectable bite.

http://www.parkermeridien.com/media/Jun-Normas-weekend.pdf

You're welcome.

The "Donut Even Go There French Toast"...Yes, that is one large slab of unsliced bread! Heaven on a plate. 

The Le Parker Meridien Hotel

After that, we strolled through Times Square waiting for our show. When all those crooners sing about the city that never sleeps, I think they are really singing about Times Square. The energy in those several blocks stretching in several directions is electric. Literally. Lights and marquees flash and blink at you from every direction. Everything...and I mean everything, is big and bright. There's a three-story ferris wheel inside the world's largest Toys R' Us, a statuesque Lady Liberty m&m surrounded by tons of candies inside the m&m store; rolling electronic ticker tape reporting the latest news; and advertisements for everything from Swatch to Taylor Swift. It is an electrifying feast for the senses. And overwhelming. A sea of people are bumping and swishing to and fro, hither and forth, on your left and your right, in your front and your back. My best advice is to pick your destination and keep it in your sights, so as not to end up drifting aimlessly among the sea of black coats.

After a dizzying swirl through Times Square, we headed for our Broadway show "The Lion King". I won't "Disney Effect" this one. (Cover your eyes B. Shull) We walked out at intermission. And the walls of the city came tumbling down. I know, I know, "You were in The Lion King on Broadway and you WALKED OUT?" Go home, Dana, you're drunk. Okay, I've had my flogging. Here's the deal. If you are going to take the under 10 set to a show in a large theater, spring for tickets close to the front. They're expensive, I know, but what's more expensive is buying tickets that only see half the show. It was hard for the kids to connect from way in the back. There are an ocean of heads and movement between their eyes and the action. I think if we had been in the first 10 rows, we would have stayed until the end. But, seeing a Broadway show was on our list and we checked it off...sort of. As a side note: children under 6 are not allowed in the theater. Don't buck this...it is what it is. Do you want a baby crying or cooing through your $200 per ticket experience? Me neither. 

The Minskoff Theatre

Interior of the world's largest Toys R Us store in Times Square, Manhattan

Inside the revolving door of the Sheraton New York

Most of the streets in New York are very clean; there is an exception in the evening near the site of many food carts.

Keeping entertained while waiting for a table at Junior's.

Junior's is famous for it's cheesecake. We loved everything about it, including the cheesecake.
http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our_restaurants/times_square/

Don't be stupid like us; avoid the NYC pedicabs. In my opinion, they should be shut down. A total racket. 

Goodnight, Day One!