The fact that I’m writing this post now means that we indeed survived the night. There was no stabbing, eating or consuming of the soul involved in last night’s room sharing with the crazy eyed lady. Onward!
We got a nice sleep in today because we were moving hostels. From the Flatiron district to midtown east, we slowly made our way which meant it was a more relaxing day ahead. This new hostel has a gym and I’m suddenly regretting not bringing my gym gear. I feel absolutely gross. We strolled past Smith & Wollensky, a steakhouse I have been wanting to try for a while (but more on that later), until we got to a French bakery cafe. We’ve been having quite a bit of French food. Le Pain Quotidien. The mushroom and gruyere omelette I had was unbelievable. I want more.
After our lovely brunch, we tried to head to the 9/11 memorial but we have to prebook passes. I think we’ll do that tomorrow even though I think we’re sick of lines. Instead of the memorial, we went to Battery Park and took the ferry to Ellis Island. The view of the Statue of Liberty was wonderful but I don’t think S needs to climb it. Tired and still keen to find a new years dress, we headed into soho.
I found a dress! I never wear red but I think this will be nice. Should I test it out tomorrow night first I wonder? I need another opinion other than mine and S.
So we got a table at Smith & Wollensky. Amazing. I was a little dubious because they didn’t serve their steaks with sauce like we do. But man oh man. I got the Cajun rib steak. When it came out, I felt like Fred Flinstone. Massive bone, huge hunk of meat. It was delicious. I asked the waiter how big the cut was and he said around 20 – 26 ounces depending on the bone. That’s still around 500g of meat. And I finished it! Well I hacked at it at the bone and I left a little bit of fat but I did finish it. It was my Everest – I had to. With mash and mushrooms. I’m disgusting.
After a little persuasion and uncertainty, we went out to a little dive bar called Snafu. The music was pumping, the drinks were stupidly cheap and it was a massive sausage fest. There were hardly any women bar the bartenders (who were depressingly hot). It was just one block away so it’s nice to know we have a back up while staying in midtown.
We met some interesting people – doctors to be exact. Very friendly, very sweet. One of them gave me his email so it was a successful night making a new friend. Another person to give us tips for when we go out and see things!
