These past few days have been filled with LOVE, JOY, LAUGHTER, ADVENTURES, and accomplishing things on our BUCKET LIST!!!

On Thursday, as I waited for my plane to depart, the anticipation grew for my trip to NYC for some quality time with my son, Nicholas. My flight was delayed, finally arrived in Newark, and was met with more delays – traffic (with LOTS of honking horns 🙉) and a steady light rain. As my driver rounded the corner to Nicholas’s apartment, I saw him anxiously waiting for me, umbrella in hand. I rolled down the window and yelled “Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?” And with that, our own little language, big grins, lots of excitement, the FUN began!!! With a quick drop off at his VERY clean apartment 😊, we were off to our first of many Michelin Star restaurants!

GRAMERCY TAVERN!!! Whoa, what a way to begin. We were so excited to be together, catching up, soaking in the vibes of the restaurant and enjoying our meal, the only pic we took was of the complimentary dessert they gave us at the end. It may be bite size, but it was loaded with flavor – velvety melt in your mouth. This was enjoyed after our Three Course Dinner of

• Beef Tartare & Tagliatelle Bolognese
• Arctic Char & Lamb Loin
• Caramelized Cheesecake & Chocolate Cream Tart

We sampled each others dishes. Everything was excellent. The food itself was an experience. At the end of our trip we agreed that this was one of our top favorites!

After this delicious meal, it was time for some walking! On Nicholas’s list of 25 Before 25, he wanted to take a picture on 25th Street with me. Off we go to 25th Street, and find the intersection of 25th & 3rd in front of the Dog & Bone. The picture proved to be a challenge with the construction going on and one of the photographers conveniently leaving out the “25th” street sign. It was so funny!!!

The New York Comedy Club in Midtown was our next stop. Various comedians performed, very entertaining and lots of laughter. There’s always one person that is targeted, and the Michigan teacher seated front & center was it. Poor guy. Every comedian worked him into their skit. He rolled with the flow and seemed to be a good sport about it! Afterwards, we walked around some more and came across the WW Studio perfectly stacked on top of my other love, Starbucks 🙌🏼

On Friday morning, there was more rain. We started off with breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel, where a smear of cream cheese is the equivalent of a block of cream cheese 😳. Delicious, solid everything bagel. We were fueled and ready to go!

Our first stop was the Museum of Illusions! Highly recommend this fun and interactive museum. We walked in with our umbrella, and left without it – nowhere to be found. Was this part of the illusion 🤔

Now that the rain has stopped, it’s time to hit the Citi Bike and bike ride up The Hudson!!! It can be quite the challenge, trying to navigate down the streets with no bike lane. At one point, I turned around to find a huge bus honking at me. Oops!!! Once we got to the Hudson River, it was scenic & relaxing ride.

We found our way at the intersection of 54th & 12th – which was on my list!!! Photo time!!!

Friday was also International Yoga Day, so I had fun striking yoga poses around town. We stopped by Laughing Lotus also!

After all of the bike riding, it was time to refuel. Nicholas took me to his favorite Chinese restaurant – Joe’s Shanghai. This place is a MUST!!! He had described the dumpling with soup in it, but to taste it was AMAZING!!! We split the pork steamed soup buns & general tso’s chicken. It’s been my experience in the past, that the chicken is typically drowning in breading & sauce. This chicken was lightly breaded with the perfect amount of glaze. Oh what an experience!!!

Of course we couldn’t ignore our sweet tooth, so off to Culture Espresso for the BEST chocolate chip cookie & cappuccino EVER! I had the chocolate chip, Nicholas had the oatmeal, both were still warm with the perfect balance of crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Yummy 😋

Nicholas and I found ourselves on 25th again, so another photo op on 25th & Broadway!!!

We ended our Friday by experiencing many layers of the McKittrick Hotel. Dinner at Green Gallow, drinks before and after the Sleep No More at the Manderley Bar, drinks at Club Car. All I have to say, is this is something you have to experience on your own. There are no words to this mysterious evening.

SATURDAY began with a complimentary yoga class at the Laughing Lotus. We had an excellent teacher and great experience. ❤️

It’s now time for brunch. Let’s talk about our other top food experience, The NoMad Restaurant. House made breads. Every bite was heaven. Oh my!!! MUST try.

After that deliciousness, we were fueled up for some paddle boarding. Or so we thought. We headed over to Pier 66 Boathouse for our adventure. We quickly noticed how rough the water was. There was no paddle boarding, so we opted for some canoeing. We checked in, signed our waivers, and attempted to pay only to learn it was FREE!!! Wait, what??? We are in NYC, and your telling me this is FREE??? Yep!!! It’s donation based. We are set and gathered in our group, ready BUT The Hudson River wasn’t ready for us. It was way too choppy and boats were flipping over, so adventure called off 😔

Strolling down Chelsea Piers, taking in the beautiful weather and view and off to Whitney Museum of American Art. Beautiful, thought provoking artwork.

We treated ourselves, not once – but twice – to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This is not your typical Starbucks. As a matter of fact, they don’t have many of your standard Starbucks drinks! Strange, yet their menu is exclusive to the reserve. Pictured is the Cold Brew Malt: cold brew, blue marble ice cream, chocolate bitters spindle blended into an ultra thick malted milkshake. Shakerato Affogato: espresso shots & vanilla syrup shaken with ice, poured over blue marble ice cream & finished with a mint sprig.

https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us?

Nicholas & I bought their coffee mugs as a momento ❤️

Our final dinner together was at Ai Fiori! Impeccable service, delicious food. This place was amazing! We enjoyed the Insalata (salad), Vellutata (lobster soup), Anatra (Long Island duck), Vitello (French milk-fed veal chop), and of course cappuccino and dessert. Unbelievable experience on all levels!

After dinner, we enjoyed some late night entertainment at The Pit (People’s Improv Theater). That was fun!!! For the second act, Nicholas volunteered me to participate. One of the actors brought me onstage to ask me questions about me and my family. They used the information and made it into a skit. They nailed it!!! FUN, FUN, FUN.

Then we were off to the Rockwood Music Hall. We arrived as one band was closing out their set, so only stayed for a few songs. Great vibe, lots of energy. Would definitely return!!!

Our final restaurant on our Michelin Star tour was brunch Sunday morning at Cafe Boulud, followed by a leisurely walk around Central Park.

I left New York with a heart filled with love, joy and lifetime memories. Nicholas went above and beyond in planning my stay. We reached new goals together and made new discoveries while spending quality time exploring the city.

THANK YOU Nicholas for hosting me in your city. I’m very proud of you and appreciative of everything you’ve done for me.

Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might

Life With Lisa 💕