Mel Takes a Bite of the Big Apple

Alternate but over used title: Mel in the City

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This weekend Mel paid a visit to NYC. The weather was reasonably kind (Michael and I were enjoying the early spring weather, but it was a little chilly for our SD guest) and good time was had by all. I'm still recovering and quite jealous she is off of work for the rest of the week.

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To distract her from the size of the apartment, I cleverly folded towels in the shape of crabs. Two blue crabs were waiting on her bed when she arrived from JFK.

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As cute as they look, they proved to be quite troublesome (more on that later).

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Michael managed to get himself a ticket to the USC basketball game Friday night, so the girls were left to their own devices. Mel and I enjoyed a nice tour of the Upper East Side, had amazing sushi at our favorite local spot for dinner and then went out for drinks. USC lost the game, and even though it was late Michael joined us for a few late night cocktails.

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Now back to the crabs. Michael went home after work to change before the game. Mel and I were out shopping and when we came home the dark blue crab had a smile on it's face. It was very deliberate - we thought Michael had added the smile. Well he didn't. When we all got home after dinner and drinks, the crab's smile had turned upside down and it was frowning (no one but the cats had been home). Needless to say, the towel was rapidly unfolded and moved to the bathroom. Beware of blue things at all costs - towel crabs, drinks, they are all trouble. The mystery of the smiling/not smiling crab remains unsolved - the cats are being subpoenaed for questioning later this week.

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Saturday was a mix of neighborhoods and varying degrees of culture. We started the day at Craftbar in Union Square. We all loved it. Lunch began with risotto balls (creamy risotto wrapped around cheese, coated in bread crumbs and deep fried) and this delicious creation:

Fresh mozzarella, white anchovy, and french bread all drizzled with olive oil and speared together with a sprig of rosemary and heated.

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Our main dishes were all tasty and we will definitely be going back. Well done Colicchio, well done.

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After lunch Mel and I hit up a few of my favorite stores in Union Sq. Fish's Eddy (unique dishware) and ABC Home (high end home goods). We ended our tour of Union Sq. with a walk through the green market. The green market has flowers, organic food, fresh veggies and crafts. At one vege stand Mel counted over 20 different varieties of potatoes, including our new favorite:

Yes, the sign does say 'German Butt Baby'. Who can resist the German Butt Baby potato? What kid isn't going to eat a vegetable called the 'Butt Baby'? I mean really, does it get much better?

After Union Sq. we headed back uptown for some culture a 12 year might not appreciate. After a quick stop at the Jonathan Adler store we visited the Met. This trip was key for any future visit, we found the nicest and least crowded restrooms in the museum. How valuable is that information? So key, that I am not willing to share it on a public blog - you have to know me to get that scoop.

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The Met was fabulous as always - I even visited the often ignored (by me) South Wing and saw a few collections I had never seen before. Currently my favorite collection is from one of the Tiffany heirs. Amazing the things you can create if you don't need to work - vases, stained glass, paintings - his collection was inspiring.

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I had my first NYC celebrity sighting at The Met entrance, Martin Landau. No one else saw him, so it's unconfirmed - but I just looked him up on IMDB and it was definitely him.

Mel and KO in a classic 'Gossip Girl' moment on the stairs at The Met.

This photo is from a temple on display at the Met, a huge installation. Can you see the graffiti from the 1800's? Old school tagging.

We finished Saturday night at a quirky little place in the East Village called Bondi Bar. It served Mel's favorite Australian beer and had tasty Aussie inspired sea food. There might have been a blue drink involved with the evening, but I don't have any photos - so there is no proof of any blue drinking activities.

Sunday included a stroll through Central Park, a night at the theatre and dinner at Balthazar.

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Balthazar provided 2 more celebrity sightings (they all came out to show off for Mel). Upon entering, Mike Meyers was waiting for a table. After we were seated, Take Home Chef Curtis Stone strolled in the restaurant. And dinner was delicious too.

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We finished out Mel's visit with a P-run tour (Tim Gunn eluded us) and shopping in Soho. When our feet were just about to fall off we headed to Bliss Soho for pedicure appointments. We took full advantage of the spa and turned our 60 minute pedicure in to 3 hours of the sauna, steam shower, and relaxing in their lounge. Dinner was at Lure Fishbar in Soho - one of Michael's favorites. We discovered it during Restaurant Week and it did not disappoint.

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Aside from some early morning cat wake up calls I think the visit went well. It was really fun getting to show off the city. I'm starting a list of things we need to do for the next visit - we can't wait for Mel to come back.