NYC Here We Come

Happy one day before Spring!  You would never guess it from the frigid day that we are having here in Massachusetts!

This post was supposed to publish before the Katie Couric post.  Mea Culpa.  I was just so excited to tell you all about Katie, that I couldn't wait.  The good news about this post is it is not as wordy as the last one, the bad news - no celebrity spotting. 

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I got my #1 up nice and early to catch the Amtrak to Penn Station.  This was my first time using Amtrak.  Years ago, when I was just a young, single, supermodel in my mind, I commuted from Connecticut to NYC on a daily basis.  The best part of my job was the train ride.  That says a lot for me setting the world on fire after college.

Back to Amtrak.  #1 and I thoroughly enjoyed the train.  It was very relaxing and the seats were wide and comfy.  It was so relaxing, my #1 slept most of the way. So much for mother/daughter bonding...

  

We arrived just in time for lunch.  We met Nef #2 in the lobby and went off to abc kitchen for lunch.  My #1 did the research and all signs pointed to great people watching and possible celebrity sightings.  It is a farm to table restaurant that is located in ABC Carpet and Home Store.  The guests are welcomed to do some browsing while waiting for their tables which could take awhile. 

The food was good.  The dessert was especially delicious.  #1 and Nef talked me into ordering a couple of salted caramel ice cream  hot fudge sundaes.  I had to have at least five spoonfuls to make up my mind if I really liked it.
  

Believe me, I liked it alright.

The atmosphere was eclectic and fun.  

The service was typical New York - indifferent and cold.

These two crazy kids are responsible for the extra 5 lbs. I'm carrying this week.  Thank the Lord for yoga pants.

We decided to wear off some of those scrumptious calories and walked back to the hotel doing some shopping along the way.  My buddy, Dude, texted me before we left and suggested we stop into Zara for some great buys.  We ended up passing two on our route home and I hate to admit it - Dude was right!  They had such cute clothes and very reasonable.  My #1 was in her glory!!  And Nef didn't mind ogling all the pretty girls shopping.

A good day had by all!  

That evening, we met up with Sista and had a cocktail at the hotel.  We then took a cab to the Monkey Bar for dinner, another celeb hotspot.  The restaurant which is located in the Hotel Elysee, echoes old-time glamour and is riddled with history. The Monkey Bar also happens to be the place where Carrie Bradshaw and her friends would frequent at happy hour.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in a room that sizzled with ambiance.   

These two hooligans talked me into dessert again!

No celebs to report but we had a famously good time!

Cheers!