Today is the 10th straight day of perfect sunshine. Although the temperature is down. We’ve had some awesome weather, mid teens most days, today it is 5 degrees.
We head out around midday and head to Union Square, downtown at 14th Street. There is a market there that sets up for the holidays. As we emerge from the warmth of the subway, the cold catches us by surprise.
We start to wander the stalls, an eclectic mix of wares: scarves, nuts, oil, photos are at a number of stalls in varying formats. Odder stalls include old books converted to clocks, weird art works – one caught our eye: press here if you’re normal, a green button and lick here if you’re not, a red button. There is chocolate, honey, sanitiser, soap and jewellery.
We stop at a jewellery stall. It’s no wider than a metre. Rings, bangles and necklaces. Fours years ago Mardi bought a ring here. I think she’s going in again.
Mardi looks over the rings and spots a beautiful ruby ring. After a few adjustments it fits perfectly and she decides to get it.
We wander the last few stalls before finding a seat in the sun for a rest. Whilst cold, it’s pleasant in a nice sunny spot.
We decide to walk to Stuyvesant park and basically follow our nose. At the park we see a family of black squirrels. We watch them for a while as they frolic in the leaves.
It’s time for lunch. Joe Junior’s is near by, so we head over there. 3rd and 16th. Supposedly the best burgers in NYC.
We arrive at Joe’s and enter through the usual double door setup most street based restaurants use. It’s keeps the cold out! It’s like walking back in time. It’s a diner and the space is small, grimy and dingy. About four tables are occupied with a fifth in a tight corner. We squeeze our way in. The counter to our left has four stools lining a bench. The wall behind is occupied by a ramshackle collection of plates, cups, saucers and other kitchen accoutrements. A large chef stands behind the counter, tools in hand.
We peruse the menu. I opt for a cheeseburger, that’s why I’m here. Mardi opts for eggs, toast, and frites.
As our order is taken, the chef swings into action. We hear the sizzle of food cooking and the clanging of cooking utensils. Every now and then he speaks to his waiters as food is served and other orders are taken.
Our lunch arrives.
Mardi’s eggs come in the form of an omelette. She enjoys them, but they’re nothing special.
My burger. Well is it the best burger? It’s pretty damn good. Juicy, full of flavour, a great bun, nice cheese. Cooked perfectly. I’d certainly go back.
We leave Joe’s and walk up to 2nd Avenue. Away from the skyscrapers on mid town and downtown means we are bathed in sunshine. To our surprise we spot a woman walking her pig. Yes, her pig. A little grunting black pig.
We pass and continue up 2nd. We wend our way up town slowly zig zagging up 2nd, 3rd, Lexington, Madison, Park and finally 5th. From 16th to 40th.
On our way I get a quick haircut, Mardi has a rest.
We get to 34th and buy some Lindt balls. They are great little gifts for the doormen at the AKA.
After a couple of hours we search for a cafe to have a break and a cup of tea. We find a couple of places. Sadly the google information doesn’t match the reality. We walk into a couple and walk out again.
We find a likely prospect on 42nd. Tea About Town. We navigate to the address and can’t find it. We ask a nearby hotel doorman, who points out an unmarked black door. Downstairs!
Weird.
I enter, Mardi isn’t as keen. I walk down the stairs to a bizarre space of people milling about windows and counters. No tea shop. I look around to no avail. So we give up.
As we walk along 42nd Street a large bus passes us and Mardi chuckles. We stop. The bus is called Tea About Town. It’s a tourist bus that serves tea as you drive around town. we read about it a few days ago and never put two and two together.
We walk down 42nd and decide to give up on afternoon tea. We have some donuts, and I grab a couple of hot chocolates before heading home.
We have dinner in our room.
