We really lucked out with the weather, the sun capturing the detail of the building beautifully. Headed towards a few flea markets - one outdoor, one internal. We found the usual crap with the odd interesting item and purchased a cute art deco streamlined old toy car.
We then headed toward the Highline (http://www.thehighline.org/) which goes between West 14th and West 23rd Street in the Meatpacking district.
It's a disused freight railway that is raised about 1 storey above the road. It was going to be torn down and various community groups banded together and managed to save it. It's been partly 'renovated' with a gorgeous but stark garden and seating, mostly concrete, wood and metal but today, in the sun it was magical. There was a good number of people there and there's one area that would be fabulous for small open-air concerts in spring/ summer. The planting was inspired by the weeds that had been growing on it naturally in the intervening years between 1980 and today.
Mark spotted our first star of the trip - Ricky Gervais leaving the Standard Hotel which is right above the Highline.
We wondered up to Spice Market, (http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/) and got a seat outside in the sun. When the breeze died down, it was actually quite warm. We were originally going to have a light lunch but saw the wonderful menu with Middle East style food and decided to go for the 5 course / 10 tastes menu. It was extremely good value at $48pp (plus tax plus tips).
1. Shaved Tuna, Chilli Tapioca, Asian Pear & Lime.
2. Avocado California roll with citrus - dill gelee and Sriracha emulsion.
3. Avocado & Radish salad, chinese mustard & tempura onions
4. Spiced Chicken Samosas, Coriander yoghurt
5. Charred Chilli rubbed Beef Skewera with Thai basil dipping sauce
6. Steamed Red Snapper, Shitake mushrooms, ginger, scallions (spring onions) and tarragon
7. Char grilled Chicken, orange & grapefruit dressing
8. Ginger Fried rice
9. Exotic fruit salad, passion fruit and white pepper ice cream
10. Ovaltine Kulfi (tart), caramelized banana and caramel popcorn
Throughout the spectacular meal we chatted with our next door table, two guys from NZ who set up the US arm of their software business in San Francisco last year. We decided we needed to walk off the meal, so we headed over to Bleeker st, walking the whole length. We found 1 or 2 interesting clothing shops but the one with an interesting dress for me was the wrong shape unfortunately. The designer was willing to re-cut me one, but didn't have anymore of the fabric I liked. Oh well.
We went through MacDougall Alley and Washington Mews (just near New York University). They are lovely private enclaves right in the heart of the city.
After spending about 20-mins in the sun listening to some nice music in Washington Square Park, we headed home and Mark is snoozing on the couch now.
1 comment:
Oh boy, that's some lunch you had. I suppose you gave your caramelized banana to Mark. No wonder he had to have a snooze after the meal and the long walk back home.
All the photos are really good and sharp!
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