A greek restaurant, a book store, a Chinese restaurant, a rainy day, and excellent chocolate. What do these things all have in common? New York City on a rainy day.
I’ve been to NYC about 20 times over the last 30 years and am just getting to where I know my way around. On a previous trip I was walking from East 49th St. and Lexington towards Times Square and came upon the Library Walk along 41st Street. I was in a hurry but stopped to look at some of the exsquisite plaques imbedded in the sidewalk. Another trip would have to be arranged to see this art under foot spectacle properly.
A wet walk
It was a rainy day in May and perfect for exploring the Library Walk from start to finish. The begining of the Library Walk is by Grand Central Termainal on 41st Street, dubbed Library Way.
Beginning of the Library Walk
My wife and I walked the length of this literary historical display and counted some 45 of these artsy commemorative plaques. Some were deep and thoughtful, others witty, and some downright odd.
Well said
If the weather had been better we might have lingered, but with the rain, we quickly read each bronze page and hurried along on our NYC food for thought trip.
A bird theme of sorts
And, one on the wing for good measure.
I choose to soar above the maddening crowd
After our lunch with my wife’s parents we took time to duck into Grand Central Terminal for a look around and found Jacques Torres chocolate shop. We bought a package of the peanut butter and matzo bark from the “Sale Rack” which turned out to be decadently delicious.
A strange but tasty bark
The matzo ball bits in the bark were like a tasty Jewish rice crispy treat, and the dark chocolate had my brain screaming for more, but dinner must not be spoiled by too much chocolate. We also bought the pistachio bar that sadly didn’t survive long enough to take it home. Yes, it was very good!
Two treats from Jacques Torres
Dinner that night was at my favorite Chinese restaurant, Tang Pavillion on 55th Street. Since first finding this hot spot some 8 years ago it’s been a regular stop. They start you with a bowl of spiced peanuts and marinaded lotus root on the house. The entrees are many and varied, not sticking to the typical boring Chinese menu.
Tang Pavillion seafood and noodles
For breakfast the next day we hit one of my favorite budget eateries, Ashley’s Fine Foods on 500 Lexington Ave. The fresh fruit bar is one of the best in the city and goes great with a Greek-style yogurt from the cold case. They have gobs of hot and cold items, energy bars, juices, rice bowls, sandwiches, and an area to sit and enjoy your purchase.
Ashley’s Fine Foods fruit bar.
The big meal of the trip was at Avra our favorite Mediterranean restaurant on 141 E 48th Street. The fish display in the back of the house is a must-see before ordering. Choose the freshest fish, lobster, or giant prawns and go back and wait for the show to begin. We dropped in for Sunday brunch just in time for the jazz musicians to start playing.
A free course
For starters a triangle of free appetizers is delivered with bread. The olives are rich and savory; a perfect match for the crusty bread. Don’t miss the Gigantes, a slow-cooked lima bean in a light tomato sauce, but save room for the big fish coming soon. Avra is not cheap, but with some of the best seafood and wine in NYC it’s worth a stop.
Avra fish display
If you saved room for dessert, try the Greek yogurt and fruit.
Avra dessert yogurt
When it was time to depart on the Megabus back to Baltimore we all agreed it had been a delicious visit. And I had a bag of books purchased at the library book store to take home and read. With over 10,000 restaurants to choose from in NYC I hope my post helps you pick a spot for your next NYC food for thought trip, and that you check out the library too!
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