nyc — pleasure in simple things

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a dinosaur on the high line

December

Any day I spend in New York City usually includes a walk on The High Line.

My last visit to the city, planned as a day to enjoy the holiday festivities, was no exception.

I hadn’t been on The High Line since a particular piece of art, titled Dinosaur, was installed last October on the Plinth located above 10^th Avenue and 30^th Street. This celebrated spot is part of a contemporary art program that has been displaying sculptures in the heart of the city since 2019.

The piece called Dinosaur is a 2,000-pound, nearly 16-foot-tall cast aluminum sculpture of a pigeon created by Paris-based Colombian artist Ivan Argote. Argote’s pitch was selected from a group of 80 artists in 2020.

The sculpture’s foundation was laid in Mexico, and it was hand painted in New Jersey. It took a crane and a lane closure of 10th Avenue to position the pigeon on its perch (the concrete plinth).

Why is it named Dinosaur? Apparently, the sculpture is an ode to the pigeon’s distant past as the birds descended from dinosaurs. Who knew?

Anyway, my daughter and I really wanted to see the hyper-realistic bird in person and we hadn’t been on The High Line since before last October, so we used our recent visit as a chance to get an up-close view. I am so glad we did – despite the bitter cold!

The pigeon has to be one of my favorite sculptures I have seen on the High Line. (The two tons of Legos dumped on The High Line is still my very favorite installation! Click here to see.)

I feel lucky to live close enough to New York City to visit on a whim! And the holidays are always an extra special time to visit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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starbucks reserve

March

Have you been to a Starbucks Reserve?

I recently visited (seems so long ago now ☹ that walking around NYC was okay) the one in the meatpacking district in New York City that opened a little over a year ago.

Though not a big Starbucks fan myself (I get my joe at Dunkin’ thank you very much!), I found my visit to Starbucks Reserve fascinating! It brings something surprising and multi-sensory to the coffeehouse experience.

On my visit, I ordered breakfast and coffee. Although I usually drink my coffee black, I could not resist trying something different at this exciting location and decided on a cardamom latte. It was a great choice! Enjoying my coffee and breakfast so thoroughly, I even ordered an additional coffee – iced (with lavender) as take-out!

It is an amazing space! Covering 23,000 square feet, it brews coffee in seven different ways, has an expanded range of Reserve-exclusive coffee drinks, elevates the coffee aroma through in-house roasting, and serves artisanal food baked on premise. In addition, on its second floor, is a full-service bar – a fun way to extend the Starbucks’ experience into the evening!

There are several Starbucks Reserve locations globally; one of the largest bars, Starbucks Reserve SODO, is located on the ground floor of the Starbucks global headquarters in Seattle. Check and see if there is a location near you or in a country you may vacationing in – it is worth a visit!

Thanks for stopping by! Please stay well and safe.

Remember, now more than ever, to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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half-pound cookies!

February

Trips to New York City always include some great eating stops – there are so many to choose from!

One great dessert place to visit is Citycakes. The unassuming storefront of this bakery is easy to miss – it is located on the basement level of 251 West 18^th Street in Manhattan.

Because it is only a few blocks from the High Line, Citycakes is a fun stop after an invigorating High Line walk! The menu here includes cakes and cupcakes, but for my daughter and I, the true hero of the shop is the signature line of cookies – weighing in at half a pound each!

Here is my pick this trip:

Though this shop may not have the finesse of a New York City bakery like a Dominique Ansel Bakery, there is definitely something to be said for a huge, delicious cookie!

As a Food Network junkie, I have seen Chef Benny Rivera from Citycakes compete on many different programs – making the shop all that much more attractive to me!

If in the neighborhood while in Manhattan, it is worth a stop to pick up some cookies! They are definitely a fun gift to bring home to someone!

(For comparison – one cookie is half a pound or 8 oz. – an entire box of Girl Scout Toffee-tastic cookies is under 7 oz. and cost $6. I used a Girl Scout cookie to compare because everyone knows it! Of course, a boxed cookie is not freshly baked!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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the vessel nyc

February

It has been almost a year since the official opening of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project in Manhattan, New York City.

What fascinates me most about the area is the soaring new landmark built as part of the project that is the extraordinary centerpiece of Hudson Yards. I am talking about the Vessel.

An interactive artwork that is meant to be climbed, the work was designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick. Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs made up of almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings, it is a spiral staircase that offers climbers a way to see some remarkable views of the city, the river, and beyond by witnessing perspectives of the city from different heights, angles, and vantage points.

Anyone willing to climb can do so for free by obtaining a same-day ticket. All time-specific tickets are offered without charge on a first-come, first served basis.

Last time in New York City, I was hoping to climb the Vessel, but no tickets were available! As time goes on, I am sure the free tickets will only get harder and harder to achieve with milder weather arriving to the city soon!

Here I am offering some views of the Vessel from the ground level. I will continue to try to score a ticket on any visit I make into Manhattan – hoping I can soon make the climb!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. I think this coming Thursday’s episode of Project Runway was filmed at the Vessel – check it out!

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valentine’s day 2020

February

This is the first Valentine’s Day in decades (wow…that sounds crazy!) that I have been single. As you can probably tell by the way I started this post, I decided to focus on myself this year. I decided to make Valentine’s Day all about falling in love with taking care of myself and to avoid all the hype of the day that is going on around me. So far, it is working out pretty well!

As a gift to you, I would like to share some sightings that seem appropriate for the day from a recent stroll down the High Line in NYC with one of my favorite galentines. Enjoy…

Enjoy your weekend! Be good to yourself.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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summer in the city

August

Are you gearing up for this holiday weekend? I look forward to my family being together for a laid back weekend with friends. We call it “No Labor Day” – a much more accurate name for the weekend activities!

I am doing my best to grasp every last, wonderful bit of summer! I hope you are able to enjoy some “No Labor Day” time as well. Have a wonderful weekend!

The photos today on Friday field trip were taken at Battery Park while attending a family party. It was a wonderful summer day in New York City!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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la mercerie cafe nyc

June

I love design centers – particularly in New York City – they are SO inspiring! One of my favorite places to meander around while in the city is ABC Carpet & Home. But recently I heard some buzz about a new furniture and lighting store in Soho and I was curious!

I used a free scrap of time while in NYC recently to check out Roman & Williams Guild. I knew La Mercerie Café and Emily Thompson Flowers were located at the Guild as well and my plan was to check out Roman & Williams and the flower shop while visiting the French café for a coffee or tea.

My plan worked out perfectly since the café was my favorite part of the visit! It is the perfect spot for a coffee or tea and dessert. (Breakfast or an all-day menu is available.)

I did take a casual stroll around the furniture store (well beyond my personal budget), but the aesthetic of the surroundings while seated in the café – with Emily Thompson’s wares in full sight – is what I found most inspiring!

I hope you enjoy some photos of my visit on today’s Friday field trip. I would add La Mercerie Café to your list of places to visit while in the city.

Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dominique ansel bakery

June

A trip to a bakery seems an appropriate Friday field trip today on National Donut Day!

We are not visiting just any bakery, but the bakery of James Beard award-winning pastry chef, Dominique Ansel.

Dominique Ansel blossoming hot chocolate

Blossoming Hot Chocolate at Dominique Ansel Bakery.

Chef Dominique took New York City by storm when he launched his, now signature pastry, the Cronut! New Yorkers waited (and still do) in long lines for the opportunity to taste one!

The tasty croissant-doughnut Chef Dominique created was named one of the ‘Best Inventions of 2013’ by Time magazine in the year it was introduced.

May’s special Cronut flavor at Dominique Ansel Bakery – Raspberry Earl Grey with Earl Grey Sugar.

Chef Dominique’s unique, delectable treats have earned him international recognition with bakeries in Tokyo and London, as well as New York City. Consistently creating innovative desserts, while maintaining an incredible level of deliciousness, is the Ansel standard.

On my most recent visit to the New York bakery, the new, flavorful kiwi sorbet bar instantly became my favorite Ansel creation of the moment. This refreshing treat is made up of a kiwi flavored sorbet paired with Tahitian vanilla ice-cream.

A new, refreshing kiwi sorbet creation by Dominique Ansel.

With some added poppy seeds and a ‘fuzzy’ chocolate exterior, the confection closely resembles an actual kiwi fruit. Magnificent in both aesthetics and taste!

I hope you enjoyed today’s visit to the Dominique Ansel Bakery for Friday field trip.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like tasting a fabulous donut on National Donut Day! xo Jackie

4 comments » | celebrity, field trips, food & festivities

wild about harry

November

If you know me at all, you know my favorite entertainer is Harry Connick, Jr. I have watched him perform in person more than any other entertainer… in addition to seeing many, many of his concerts, I have watched him perform on Broadway – from the front row…and, I even sat in the audience for a taping of one of his holiday specials…and now, I can say I have seen a taping of his new daytime show, Harry!

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing a few photos from my first visit to a Harry show taping!

If you live somewhere commutable to New York City, I definitely recommend requesting tickets to see the Harry show for yourself! Not only is Harry Connick, Jr. a great guy and a wonderful performer, but his show includes his full orchestra! A visit to a taping is like attending a concert…Harry singing with a full band…incredible! The band even performs during the breaks! And then, a few celebrity guests are thrown in.

Photos of Harry or the actual show to be aired are not allowed, so I can’t share that with you, but if you watch the show today, you may just catch a glimpse of me “backing it up” with Harry!

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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baita pop-up in nyc

February

If you happen to spend any time in New York City, you know about Eataly; particularly if you are a foodie. For those of you that may not be familiar with Eataly – it is the largest Italian marketplace in the world! A collection of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakery, retail items, and a cooking school, Eataly occupies over 50,000 square feet near Madison Square Park.

For Friday field trip, I am taking you to Eataly, but not to the popular main floor. Today, we are traveling above the market to the 14th floor. Why the trip up the elevator? Because, from December to March, Baita, a pop-up restaurant reminiscent of the Italian Alps, has taken residence on the 14th floor and we are making a visit!

Enclosed by a retractable roof, the restaurant offers wintry views of New York City, including those of the neighboring Flatiron Building.

With cozy plaid blankets hung over chairs and smells of mulled cider, a snowfall would have been the perfect way to complete the Northern Italian atmosphere!

Seared Arctic Char with Beer Braised Brussels Sprouts & Roasted Hazelnuts at Baita in NYC.

It is a fun spot to visit. If you don’t have time for lunch or dinner, have a drink with a friend while sitting on an Adirondack chair facing the evergreen trees – still up and decorated with antlers from the holidays.

pleasure in simple things

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Tag: nyc

a dinosaur on the high line

starbucks reserve

half-pound cookies!

the vessel nyc

valentine’s day 2020

summer in the city

la mercerie cafe nyc

dominique ansel bakery

wild about harry

baita pop-up in nyc