Let me warn you in advance that this post contains tons of pictures! I just took a bite of the Big Apple...Did you expect anything less?
Tim and I went to NYC to celebrate our niece Kaitlyn's 4th birthday. It's amazing how fast kids grow up! She's practically a young lady! An adorable, smart, affectionate (she kept grabbing my hand and rubbing it all over her face), chirpy one she is :).
She's going to be a foodie when she grows up. I can tell..
She's also going to be a fabulous violinist, gymnast, makeup artist, not to mention a praise team singer just like her mommy!
She astounded us with her impressive vocabulary and well-constructed, complete sentences. On top of that, what a trooper she was! She went with us everywhere (most of the time without a stroller) and not once did she get cranky or throw a tantrum. I just couldn't hug and kiss her enough! She reminds me of Lilo..What do you guys think?
I also got to meet up with one of my closest friends from college. We all had nicknames, and hers was "Miss Sunshine" bc of her bright and bubbly spirit! She just recently got engaged, so we def had a lot of catching up to do. Although we hadn't seen each other in awhile, as life had gotten in the way, we simply picked up right where we left off. We didn't miss a beat. I treasure these rare friendships.
We couldn't go to NYC and not do some of the touristy stuff. Tim's never been to the city, so it was def a treat for him :).
I insisted that we go to Chelsea Market in hopes that I'd meet Bobby Flay (the hottest celebrity chef), Giada, or any of the Food Network stars for that matter. That didn't happen. But I did run into one of my classmates from college! Small world, I tell ya! Afterwards, we walked around the Highline. Fun spot!
Next stops, Union Square (where we stumbled upon a block party), Rockefeller Center, and of course Times Square.
And how could we go to NYC, the food mecca, and not indulge? Honestly, there were moments when that evil, crippling voice told me to stay away from the 1 pound cookie, cheesy pizza, fried anything...or to stop eating all together. However, I decided to live a lil' and gladly bid the party-pooper goodbye.
Along with the ones featured on yesterday's post, here are some, but still not all of the eats..
If you haven't tried soup dumplings yet, Joe's Shanghai is the place to go! While I didn't particularly care for the Shake Shack burger (too saucy in my opinion), Tim really enjoyed his. Go figure! That man loves anything with a meat patty sandwiched between bread.
Now, the highlights were the brick-oven Napoli style pizzas from Forcella, arguably the best pizza I've ever tasted in my life! And trust me, I've been to many famous pizzerias around the country, including Pizzeria Bianco, which was voted one of the best in the country. This place surpassed them all! The dough was thin yet had the perfect chewiness, and the ingredients were so fresh and delightful! They're especially known for their flash-fried and oven-finished pizzas. Contrary to what you might imagine, it wasn't very greasy nor heavy. The flash-frying method made the dough perfectly crisp and prevented it from getting soggy while maintaining the chewiness that I mentioned earlier. My favorite was the San Gregorio pizza topped with mozzarella, pesto, truffle oil, and tomato sauce. The place was voted the best new pizzeria in NY, so if you live in the city or are planning to visit, I highly recommend that you make a stop at this hidden gem located in Brooklyn. You won't be disappointed :).
Alas, I wish to end this post on a sweet note! How does that sound?
The macaroons are for you, Cinnamon :). The dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery was divine! The picture does not do it justice. It was so big, thick, and rich that I couldn't finish it in one sitting. Tim, on the other hand, managed to gobble the whole thing at once and quickly regretted doing so, as it literally sat in his stomach for hours. I knew of this place from watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay and am glad that I got to try this famous cookie!
Well folks! That just about sums up my trip! What you don't see in these pictures are all the stomach-ripping laughter and heart-warming conversations that were shared. I thank God for all the genuine and beautiful people He placed in my life! They mean the world to me!
On our way back home, we were greeted with this..
A perfect ending...It's good to be home.
myhealthyohana says
Aw, looks like great quality family time!!! Your niece looks like she has so much personality, what a beautiful little girl 🙂
I'm wishing I could have one of those Levain cookies right about now! Glad you had such a wonderful trip!
Min says
Oh you tried them before? They're unforgettable, aren't they?
freshlifefindings says
Love the post Min! You have a beautiful family. And your eats looked so yum!
Min says
Thanks, gorgeous! :). They are truly a blessing!
Ellie says
awwww what a cute, blessed princess of God!~ 😀 She sounds like the kind of daughter we'd all want? lol. 😉 And I'm so glad you had a blast at NY! That pizza sounds like my fave kind! super authentic.
Min says
She sure is! I'm still salivating over that pizza..sniff sniff..
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
It sounds like a fantastic trip Min! Lots of family, friends, and good food - can't get better than that 🙂
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
What an amazing trip! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with family and friends, and found some brilliant foods too 🙂
afterdinnerdance says
What a cute multitalented little girl! I remember when I would change my hobbies every day as a kid 🙂 Looks like your trip was amazing! The only thing you're missing is an authentic NYC bagel!
Min says
I know!! We actually talked about that. Oh wells! Looks like I'm just going to have to go back :).
eatpraytri says
YES!!! I saw those macarons and I was like...ohhhhh boy am I jealous and then I saw my name! HA! Fun. 🙂
Your trip looks like a blast and that little girl is the cutest thing EVER!!! And that rainbow is sooo perfect!
Min says
I KNEW you'd like them :). Now I'm forever going to associate macarons with you! Rainbows are soo..majestic, don't you think?
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
Such cute, beautiful photos! I love the desserts 🙂
Min says
Haha! I see you have quite a sweet tooth :). They were delish!
Alex @ therunwithin says
I am glad you had such a great trip, kids are seriously the best! They make you forget what it is like to worry or fret.
Min says
Seriously! No care in the world! Sounds amazing..
Jess says
Oh wow looks like an amazing trip!!! Your niece sounds so talented and intelligent. Loved all the pics thank you for sharing! 🙂
Min says
She certainly is! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Kelly @ My love affair with running says
I have got to get to Forcella... that pizza looks incredible!
Happy birthday to your niece, she is gorgeous!
Min says
Thanks, Kelly! She sure is :). Omg! I'm still thinking about that pizza...I.want.some.now!
Carol says
This was a terrific post. Great pictures ... cuteness and handsomeness!!
Min says
I took so many pictures that I had an extremely difficult time choosing which ones I wanted to include in the post! I had fun, though :).
Corrie Anne says
What a sweet girl!!!! Definitely a future foodie, and I'm happy to see her playing the violin, of course!!!
Min says
I couldn't believe how much that lil girl ate! And she love her violin! She's the one who asked her mom if she can take lessons! Incredible :).