Every picture tells a story
I know why I love New York, but this picture said a lot for me. Looked a little Edward Hopper … but all the drunks were in the back. I needed a little nosh in Penn Station while rushing to the subway, and I decided to give this little place a try. First of all, check out the open bar on the right, with the fetching young bartender. Any beer you want (not just the Bud Light), AND any of the harder stuff. Like good scotches. On the left, another very cute young lady serving the soft drinks, and the pizza-dough-making apparatus to her right. Notice to the left of the word PIZZA on the marquee a tiny NY Rangers sign. No corporate banner, just THIS IS A SPORTS BAR. And NO LOUD ROOTING FOR A BOSTON TEAM. Sports TV blasting inside, and guys drinking, eating, talking and listening to the game. (Celtics and Miami. Not so good for the guys in green.)
But the pizza. $2.75. I got the marinara, no cheese. Bit into the hot slice. Perfect crust, not too doughy, crispy, slightly burnt, with a delightfully light tomato aroma and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor. Ahhh. A little perfection in the heart of the big city.
Had a few other slices as Wanda and I ate our way through town during the last week. But this was as good as any.
The other day we took the subway to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and walked all the way through Greenpoint to Wanda’s old neighborhood in Long Island City, Queens, and I took this photo from the Pulaski Bridge over Newtown Creek (a Superfund site).
Of course, I love New York, but I especially love New York when I’m there on vacation with someone really fun, and have enough $$!
We have had many great meals, including at Coppelia, on 14th Street near 7th Avenue, Scarlatto’s, in the theater district, and at our neighborhood haunt, French Roast, at 85th and Broadway, which serves a delicious chicken with lemon and rosemary.
Jazz is at its finest in NYC this time of year. We saw a great Brazilian group at Dizzy’s, with the pianist Helio Alves, drummer Duduka da Fonseca, bassist George Mraz, reeds player Anat Cohen, trumpeter Claudio Roditi and singer Maucha Adnet. At Small’s we heard drummer Tim Horner (who was part of my trio gig at Kitano this week) with sax player Marc Mommaas, guitarist John Hart, bassist Dean Johnson and pianist Jim Ridl.
We also heard the great Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and we’re going back to the Vanguard tonight to hear pianist Renee Rosnes with Peter Washington, Lewis Nash and Steve Nelson.
And … there will be food.
Only three more days. Waahh!