Lovin' every minute of it....

Did we have a fabulous time in NYC?
You betcha.
Here's the skinny on it....

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Central Park, which was really quite nice.  The location was rocking, but I have to say if I was to compare apples to apples, from amenities to room sizes - I think I prefer the Four Seasons.  I did love the lobby lounge though, and the service was excellent.  We're going back twice in April - once with the kiddies, once without - and when we travel without, I think we may stay at the Park Plaza next.  We're thinking we're going to try all the uber fancy hotels just for funsies until we finally give in and just buy a condo.  Truth be told, my all time favorite is The Warwick.  Sure, it's not swanky with amenities, but they're huge rooms with gorgeous views at a price that is outstanding and it's perfectly located.  I think that's where we're going to stay with the kids, actually.  But it sure is fun to try them all!

So of course, the whole NE was expecting the biggest storm of the century - G and I took a 6am flight to beat the snow and were happily checked into the hotel and roaming the streets of NYC by 8:30 a.m.  Let me tell you, there is something so amazing about Manhattan.  At home, when it's sleeting and raining - you want to stay home.  In New York, you can't wait to get out there and just walk and walk and walk.  We did so much window shopping this weekend, and a little bit of real shopping as well.  I almost came home with a pair of Jimmy Choos nude peekaboo pumps; if G had his way, I'd have had those and probably a pair of boots!  But I managed to get him out of the store before the wallet came out.  Sounds silly, I know- but the practical side of this girl just couldn't let him do it.  I mean, sure - they're practical shoes - but at this time I don't go many places to wear them so...we'll save it for another time.  Thankfully, I didn't make him go into Christian Laboutin because I may have had a very difficult time saying no twice.....

My two favorite shops were probably Donna Karan and Roberto Cavalli.  I mean, we went into every place but I think as far as styles that are being shown right now, those two were my favorites.  Donna Karan has always been my preference.  Everything is timeless, classic and my God her choice of materials are just insanely perfect.  But enough gushing about shopping, let's talk food....

As always, we did not hit a bad meal.  Whether it was snacking from a little Pret a Manger, to brunch at Sarabeths, or dinner at our new favorite pizza joint in town: Don Antonio Pizza on 309 W 50th.  Incredibly fresh, creative and best of all - minimalistic in seasoning so you weren't killed with garlic all night long - it was delicious.  You must must must get the Montanara Starita - fried dough pizza.  To die for...

We also went to The Dutch in Soho on Sullivan St. for dinner which was really quite good.  Simple menu, not a lot to choose from but really creative flavor pairings.  When the portions came out I thought "hmm, I"m going to be hungry afterwards..." but really - not at all.  Just rich enough, just porportioned enough, and really well put together.  I loved the decor, sort of shabby chic pub-meets-industrial and the atmosphere was just loud enough.  Granted, we went early on Saturday night (pre-play) and we sat upstairs - so I'm sure it gets pretty amped in there as the night progresses.

Off we went to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  Unbelievable seats, 2d row center.  It was a good show; Scarlett Johanssen looked beautiful, she's in fantastic shape and has quite the exhausting part in the play.  I think she did a good job all in all, as did the whole cast.  Was it as good as "Fences"?  No. There were some vocal issues I think, some blocking issues - but it was solid.  It was definitely a good show to see and I'm looking forward to our next theatre outing.  As I said, we're going back in April - one week to take the kids to the museums, etc. - and then to see the rescheduled boxing match, so....

The best part of the weekend is that we get to have quality dating time, G and I.  We're always Mom and Dad or Business Partners - so that we don't often have the time to just be G & Rebecca, hanging out and having mindless conversation about things in a store, or what kinds of things we like, or anything that isn't related to our children of businesses.  And so truly, to have nothing but a few hours of time on our side without a tight schedule to just sort of be -- was the best part of it all.