There are only a few things on Scott Lee's "must do" list on this trip and NYC is home to several of them. First on the list, a proper bagel. I'm not sure I'm qualified to write about what a proper bagel consists of but from my seat it appears to use a very good bagel as a base then piled high with cream cheese, lox, tomatoes, and a bunch of other crap that turns a $1.40 plain bagel in a $10.and change monstrosity. We go two different places before Scott Lee is able to find a place that will satisfy these criteria. When we do however, I'll admit - even with my simple bagel breakfast sandwich - it was worth the effort and time.
On foot we head out to explore the city, our first stop being Times Square. Scott Lee has never been here for some reason, despite visiting the city nearly a dozen times. This is very odd to me, as Scott Lee has done just about everything; he has a story for every situation (in NYC alone, he's sat behind Conan's desk or stood on the stage of SNL). We pose for a few photographs, get accosted by a few ticket sellers and take in the crowd. On the way out as we head to the park, we pass several gentleman's clubs, including this one FOX News appears to be enjoying.
Central park is much larger than I remember it being. Maybe it's the heat. Or maybe it's because we walk in circles for 20 minutes before realizing we are not headed to the Guggenheim despite someone's best attempts (and a GPS enabled smart phone). We make it to the museum in the end, hot and now with a side of tired. To counteract these symptoms, Scott Lee enjoys a hot dog.
There is something to be said about modern art. I'm not sure what it is. Kidding aside, I really think some of these artists are just making fun of us. That's the only explanation for half of the content on display today, including a stack of five televisions showing close-ups of an artist cleaning fake bones for three hours. The museum itself was beautiful (and air conditioned) and remarkably put back together following the shootout there with Clive Owen a few years back. Overall though, this about sums it up.
Back at the hotel in time for the provided happy hour, we realize we have skipped lunch, save for Scott Lee's hot dog. We decide to try the BBQ place near our hotel we walked past earlier in the day and are fortunate to find this inside. It is delicious, but misleading; we all disagree with the sticker. It should be noted that Daisy May's BBQ has been voted #1 BBQ in NYC by Zagat from 2005-2008 though, and their efforts don't go unnoticed in our room.
After a brief rest, our dinner plans today take us to Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria, a relatively new place, to meet Scott Lee's friends Katie and Mana. We arrive early, permitting us to stop at Varvatos' Bowery Store, which might be the coolest store in the history of retail. Housed in the former CBGB space, they sell his apparel alongside vintage stereo equipment and records. Someday I'll return, with cash in hand.
Dinner is lively and satisfying, with both the food and company delivering on all accounts. We eat and drink and eat some more until night settles in and the working crowd calls it a day. Us vacationers however, we have one final stop.
This is PRESS Lounge, the 16th floor rooftop deck at our hotel. On a cool night like tonight, drink in hand, it might be the most relaxing place in New York.
Upcoming: Katz Deli, Late Show, Mesa Grill, oh my.
Tomorrow's Agenda:
Route: New York City > New York City
Estimated Distance: 0 miles
Estimated Time: 0 hours, 0 minutes
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