A Trip to The Big City
Since I was young, New York city has always represented magic to me. There’s an energy in the atmosphere that is unlike any other place I've visited.
This trip was booked very last-minute. And by last-minute, I mean at 12pm, just hours before we were supposed to fly out. Personally, I feel like those spur of the moment plans always turn out as the most memorable one's because they’re not weighed down by any sort of expectations.
My momma and I arrived in the city around 10:30pm. We immediately checked into our room at The Plaza Hotel before realizing we were famished.
Half a mile from our hotel on 6th Ave, was a little grocery store called Merci Market. So we waddled our cold butts over there, arm-in-arm, tucking our heads into our jacket's while simultaneously peering out like excited little sea turtles exploring the ocean for the first time, loving every bit of the 20 degree weather.
Back in the hotel room watching some cheesy Sylvester Stallone movies, all I remember was falling asleep to Stallone shooting some kind of bazooka, and yelling....“Rest in pieces!"
I woke up the next morning feeling like it was Christmas morning. We went straight to the Plaza Cafe for a highly over-priced (and totally worth it) breakfast and brainstormed what we wanted to do for the rest of the day.
I had friends who were in the city for school (shout out Howraa and Susu for bringing me an extra coat) who we decided to spend some time with. We went sightseeing and shopping! Did I "need" anything? Yes It's New York City. I NEEDED the two pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes.
We strolled through the infamous Central Park which I had never visited during the winter season. The whole park was dusted by a white blanket of bliss. There were so many dogs playing in the snow and couples looking so in love.
Eventually, we decided to head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We made reservations at a restaurant called Le Bernadine for 5pm before catching a Broadway show.
La Bernadine had been voted The Most Popular Restaurant in The City for several years with not one, not two, but THREE Michelin stars. It's not just a restaurant, the owners have crafted a menu and atmosphere that takes you into another realm of the city. With every bite came a new ooohhh and aaaahhh and the service was impeccable to say the least. I highly recommend adding that restaurant to your must-dos in NYC.
The first and last time I'd seen a broadway play was The Lion King, I was young and still remember being mesmerized by the talent, color and imagination that the theater served. This time the play was Wicked, which was on my bucket list.
It was spectacular from beginning to end. I've been singing the songs ever since!
That Sunday morning we both woke up with the biggest smile on our faces. A mother daughter trip is never a bad idea.
Unfortunately it was a quick visit to the big city and it was finally time to head home. My mom and I got breakfast again at the Plaza...again, then did some window shopping. We got some coffee at Hudson Yards just before our flight our of La Guardia Airport.
This trip could not have come at a better time and I want to personally thank The Plaza Hotel for a stay that was beyond welcoming and comforting, La Bernadine for the best pasta and service I've ever experienced, The Gershwin Theatre for hosting such a memorable play, and New York for not only being so beautiful but also so welcoming.
I know there's a lot of stigma that comes with New York in regards to the rude people and dirty streets. But in all my times visiting New York, I have always been treated with kindness, from the city and from the people. Can't wait for the next trip.