A week full of "Glee".....

1 week apart but two fabulous Glee days!.... last Wednesday in America saw the Glee Finale of Season 2 air.This had huge coverage prior, including a bill board in Time Square.
The finale episode is set in New York ( won't give any spoilers away, as this doesn't air for a couple of weeks in the UK) for nationals.
It's very funny and showcases New York spectacularly... (f you love NY this will be keeper on replay.) and has everything a New York episode should have.... I loved it!

My favourite quote from the episode is from Kurt to Rachel, "Rachel wake up.... we're going to Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Here is the opening song which has been released from Fox for trailers....

This Wednesday saw the lovely Mr Schuester aka Matthew Morrison promo his new album in Selfridges... I came into work at 7.30 and the Q had started forming outside the door for the special wrist band to access the event at 5pm!
He was great to see, and absolutely fantastic with all the people that had come to see him, both young & old. An all round nice guy....made my day anyway!

Breakfast at the Boathouse

Day 3 in the City dawned bright and warm.... my itinerary for the day was "Sex in the City"! Day started with a walk through the park and breakfast at the Boathouse...today's walk took me past the Bow bridge which is one of the most romantic bridges and a favourite in lots of films.
The boathouse overlooks the Lake in the centre of the park and has been used for several films but most famous for where Carrie & Big meet for lunch and end up in the lake!. The boathouse is only open between April & November and is sited in the centre of the park near to 72nd street.
Breakfast was scrummy, I opted for french toast & blueberries, with coffee & juice. The boathouse is obviously a great meeting place for the ladies as several ladies & their dogs were meeting for coffee.

Refreshed and energised I headed back up the park past the Hans Christian Anderson statue which is delightful.... and dedicated to all the children who lost their parents in 9/11. As you can see the attention to detail on the statue is amazing.

Moving up in the park I came across the Wollman rink ( which is usually an ice rink) which was being set up with a children's fair. I then headed out of the park by 59th street across from the Plaza passing my favourite bridge, and the ducks and turtles sunbathing!.

Park, Shopping & Village....

Day 2 in New York...
as the day was a little overcast I decided that it was best spent shopping!... prior to my arrival I had found out that a Target store had opened up on East 117th street in East Harlem, sited near to a subway stop it was very easy to visit. (Prior to this the nearest was Brooklyn or out near Woodbury Common)... why Target because its fantastic for everyday bargains!....(Victoria & Kelly will know exactly what I'm talking about!). In order for me to get to the subway I had to walk across the park from the west 72nd to the east 72nd side... This walk took in Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain and the Boathouse... as it was 7.30am the park was very quiet, serious joggers and lots of dog walkers!...

A short subway ride and I arrived at Target, which is also sited with an Old Navy & a Costco. Trolley was required ( basket was never going to be big enough!) I picked up some Converse's for my niece and myself, $14 for Libs size and $20 for me.. bargain!...I then got waylaid down the candy aisle... M&M's, Hersheys and Reece's were all on the list... 2 packs for $5... m&m pretzel flavour required! The homebake aisle was equally as distracting.... Betty Crocker, Pilsbury & Oreo mixes all very tempting, Peppermint chocolate pancake mix was added to basket!... after a few other bits and pieces i thought it was safer to head to checkout!.... I picked up a bus outside Target which tool me through Harlem across the top of the park and back towards my hotel... bags dropped off i headed out again, this time up Columbus to Michaels & TJMaxx.

Further bargains purchased here for nephew... and Martha Stewart goodies for me!.... After a leisurely lunch in Shake Shack (separate post required!) bags were deposited back at hotel and I headed back out down to the village...

my walk took in the Kate Spade,(loving the bicycle in the window) Crate & Barrel and Washington Square before stopping for coffee in Bleeker street... I also sought out a vintage book store specifically for Cook books! (separate post required !)... headed back to hotel for a foot massage and supper.

Shake Shack....

is probably the best hamburger I have ever eaten..... and therefore warranted its own blog post!.

Prior to this trip I was aware of Shake Shake in Madison Square park which has Q's forming round the block for its shakes, but sited on Columbus Avenue just behind the American museum of history sits another of its restaurants..
I opted for the Cheeseburger with tomato & onion with a side order of cheesy fries... (I had walked lots today so justified the calories!!!).. with an Iced Tea and a Strawberry Blonde custard....
Everything was amazing, the hamburger is served on a brioche type bun which is gorgeous, the cheesy fries were comfort food in its finest and the strawberry blonde custard was delicious.... a must for anyone visiting New York..

Books & Cooks...

Tucked away in West 10th Street in Greenwich Village sits a treasure trove for anyone who loves Vintage books or Cooking... I am of course referring to Bonnie Slotnicks Cookbook shop. It is a tiny shop, and nestled into a brownstone apartment block you could easily walk past it, BUT its a must for any cook book lover... I've tried twice on recent visits to get here (always best to call ahead as Bonnie shuts one afternoon a week which varies week from week)... On entering you are overcome with floor to ceiling lined book shelves and the smell of old books... Bonnie couldn't be more helpful and obviously has a undeniable passion for old cook books and an ability to find whatever you are looking for!... Left to browse I was amazed by the variant themes on offer...

I restrained myself and only chose two books A Good Housekeeping Cook Book First Edition from 1933 and a Macy's Cook Book - and Kitchen Guide for the Busy Women 1932. both for $28..

I cant recommend this little shop enough and real New York find....