New York Trip Report: May 2-6-08 Part 1 of 3

Decided this was just too darn long to run as one post. To keep readers from having to scroll through a huge post, it鈥檚 the first one up underneath.

New York Trip Report: May 2-6-08 Part 1 of 3

First of all, a tip of the hat to the denizens of TA NY forum. Thanks to all the locals who populate this forum and helped us plan our trip. A great time was had by all and in part we have you all to thank for it. Bettina NYC, NY Whiz, Queensboulevard, iLornaD, Crans, GreenWhiteBlue, MomofTravellers, rglady, and of course, the inimitable Lotuspath. Add to that the combined posts of all the other travellers who have passed through, and whose trip reports helped me plan.

Here we go: for those of you reading, we are a family of 4; two teens, hubby, me. The trip was predicated on (1) flying on the NYC Trapeze rig, and (2) celebrating two big family birthdays (a 50th and a 13th). My sister also came down to celebrate with us.

Fri May 2: Used Porter Airlines new run to EWR. A 1.5 hour delay to our flight because of heavy fog, high winds and rain. Anyone who wants to see the review of Porter Airlines, please click this tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g155019-i55-k19744鈥?/a> I cannot recommend Porter highly enough. Outstanding service, delay nothwithstanding.

Used Dial 7 to pimp our ride; as a special treat for the boyz, we rented a great honking white limo to drive into NY. FYI, we had a few odd things with Dial 7 during our trip to do with not charging the prices they quoted, so while they were reliable for the pick up, travellers who use them make sure you take a print off of the price quote, and ensure that they stick to it.

Off we went to the Hotel Metro at 35th %26amp; 6th. What a fantastic little choice, am I ever glad we found it. Seems it used to be a bit of a dive, but evidently, someone has been fixing it up, because it surely isn鈥檛 one now. If you want to know more about the hotel, I posted a review. Anyone looking to book with families, an outstanding location, great hotel, great staff.

Here鈥檚 the review: tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d9939鈥?/a>

Our great plans to see the Rose Centre on Friday afternoon were dashed by the late arrival, it kinda threw off the day. Kids were delighted, they didn鈥檛 really wanna do yet another museum (dad鈥檚 in the biz; kinda busman鈥檚 holiday wherever we go in the world). Since we had an early dinner reservation, we just ended up walking up to 40th %26amp; 6th, past the lovely Bryant Park, to Kinokuniya bookstore. Sure wish they鈥檇 open one of those in Toronto! Oooops, maybe not, then I鈥檇 spend everything and NEVER be able to afford to go to NYC! Don鈥檛 miss out on that place, it isn鈥檛 ALL Japanese merchandise, but they do carry some standout lines.

Dinner at Union Square Group鈥檚 Tabla. Very yum. Very dark. That was my main downside, a real problem seeing the menus (and LP if you make a crack about eyesight and age I鈥檒l hit you with the cane). Tabla is written up as Indian fusion. Methinks more fusion than Indian, but to their credit, that was the best nan I鈥檝e ever eaten.

Started my meal with Gin and green chilis, coriander and cucumber. I should start every meal lke that, I think. Amongst us, we had foie gras, skate, soft shell crab, Vermont baby lamb, and finished off with the hazelnut souffl茅. Oh, joy. I鈥檓 sure some of you will be horrified to know that I took my sons to such a high end resto, but they were a credit to their race. And while the 13 year old had a little trouble with some of the exotic combinations, the 17 yr old was delighted with my gin. Our plan to visit the ESB that night was defeated by the VERY low ceiling, however it did result in some rather cool and eerie pix of the building with a glow in the dark halo around it.

Part II follows.

New York Trip Report: May 2-6-08 Part 1 of 3

Good start.

What a great start to the trip, looking forward to reading about the rest.

I%26#39;m so thrilled you did a report. I was wondering.... ;) Sounds divine. I want one of those drinks right now!

Flyinmom ..... this is finally it ..... the report we%26#39;ve all been waiting to read ..... the big Five Oh (50th) ..... birthday trip/celerbration. First, I have to say, I was awed that you have a dozen friends and family willing to %26#39;pony up%26#39; on an expensive NYC holiday tour. It speaks very well of you. All I usually get is a couple of lousy birtday cards and a cupcake with a candle.

Whiz ..... isn%26#39;t it a little bit early in the morning for you to start drinking ?

Flyinmom: Great start! BTW, I love any Danny Meyer restaurant with kids. Isn%26#39;t the service fabulous! I will have to start a meal with Gin next time I visit. DH and I usually do the wine pairings with the tasting menu. Absolutely devine! Can%26#39;t wait to read the rest. Moms

Hi flyinmom!

Amazing start to the trilogy! When I saw ';Started my meal with Gin and green chilis, coriander and cucumber'; I thought that was your starter, Doh!

As long as they were heavy on the gin, I%26#39;m adaptable and will try anything once (or twice;)

M