Jimmy's "The Ultimate New York City Trip"

Spamalot Tickets!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:33:39 +0500

We arrived in New York city at the crack of dawn (around 5:30 am) and went straight over to the hotel room. Then, we headed over to the Shubert theater to get tickets to Spamalot. We were able to get standing room only tickets for that evening. Just be sure to get there earlier since there is a limited quantity of standing room only tickets.

Sushi Yasuda

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:34:51 +0500

I've heard some rave reviews of this sushi place. Although the sushi was as good as advertised, it was also a bit pricey for what you get. Would I come back again? Maybe... Guess it depends on the occasion.

United Nations

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:37:58 +0500

After the sushi lunch, we headed over to the United Nations HQ. They had a few interesting displays and of course, plenty of opportunities for photos. Some potential touristy things to do here:

- they have a gift store where you can purchase all sorts of books and souvenirs. Who wouldn't want a book about poverty or peace from the UN's HQ?

- If you want more something just as memorable, you can have your photos on your very own stamps. That's right... stamps. I've included our stamp book below.

- There are galleries to walk through that show various displays.

- There's a quiet room where people can go to meditate.

- And of course, there's the UN's Millenium Development goals.

Serendipity

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:45:29 +0500

Next up was some dessert at good old Serendipity. If you haven't been there yet, go there the next time you visit New York. The little shop out front is a great place to get some gag gifts for your friends at home. And, once inside, don't forget to order the frozen hot chocolate. If you have a large sweet tooth, you can also get all sorts of ice cream and shakes here too. The sandwiches are average. I don't think I'd come here for that. But, the ambiance and the frozen hot chocolate keep me coming back for more.

Spamalot!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:49:29 +0500

I love Spamalot. I've seen tons of musicals and everything... but Spamalot still tops them all. Sure, this time, it wasn't the original cast, but it's still a great show to watch. I would highly recommend them. And, if you can get the standing room only tickets the tickets cost a mere $25. That's about the same as a movie... And, even if you're not a fan of the old Monty Python movies, this is still sure to crack you up. Of course... the fact that we had gotten here this morning on a red eye didn't help matters. A few of the folks in our group (I won't name names here...) couldn't really keep their eyes open for the whole thing since they were tired. I wouldn't blame Spamalot for that though. I still loved the show.

The last time I saw Spamalot, I was able to see the original cast and even meet both David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria. And, I definitely got both of their autographs on my playbill.

David Hyde Pierce

Hank Azaria

Food Tour of Greenwich

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:43:19 +0500

If you're a foodie like me, you'll love this food tour. Of course, you could just pay the money and get a certified guide to show you around... but since both myself and someone else had already been through that particular tour, we decided to see if we could re-create it. Although it wasn't perfect, we also put own variation to it.

First stop: Pommes Frites where you can try over 100 different sauces with your fries. Very unique.

Next: Mamoun's Falafel is quite possibly the best bargain in Greenwich. A delicious falafel for a few dollars. Prices seem to be slowly climbing (stupid inflation), but it's still a great bargain for what you get.

Third stop: Joe's Pizza offers a delicious slice of real New York style pizza. Great crunchy bottom and a thin layer of cheese and toppings. It was also featured in the Spiderman movies.

Fourth on our list: Rocco's Pastry Shop has a long history of selling delicious cannoli's. Try one out for yourself.

Fifth: Milk and Cookies hits the spot after all the other food items. If the cookies are warm, they are simply irresistible.

Sixth (last stop): Magnolia's bakery has awesome cupcakes (in case your sweet tooth has not yet been quenched by cannolis and cookies).

While you're in the area...

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:53:11 +0500

If you're going to be in the Greenwich area anyways, why not tour around NYU, Greenwich, and Washington Square Park? Gives you something to do while you're trying to digest the food. So, we did. And, there are plenty of places to relax or walk around in Greenwich.

Joe's Shanghai

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:05:30 +0500

If you need some souvenirs before you head home, there is no better place to get them than here in Chinatown. Everything from knock offs to perfumes to key chains to shot glasses to New York memorabilia can be found here. But after you're done browsing everything don't forget to visit Joe's Shanghai.

Joe's Shanghai is my absolute favorite Chinese restaurant in New York. Their Shanghai dumplings are amazing. I'd say that they are even better than din tai fung, but that's just my opinion. The skin is a bit thicker but that's because it has to hold in all the juices. Beware of that by the way.. it can be quite hot. Whether you choose the crab-filled ones or the meat ones you'll be sure to enjoy it. Their other dishes are good as well, but I come here for those delicious dumplings. Makes me hungry just thinking about them.

Statue of Liberty

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:12:17 +0500

I guess you really can't come to New York and NOT see the Statue of Liberty. I've seen it on multiple occassions, but for those who come here for the first time, it's a site to behold. You can view it from the Staten Island Ferry, from Battery Park, or take the ferry there. I've done all three. And, although the Staten Island Ferry is free and gives you a nice closer view of the famed landmark, there really is something to be said for actually going on Statue of Liberty Island and walking around it while you marvel at what it symbolized for millions of immigrants. If you have the time, I'd say take the ferry. Of course, if you've already been to NYC several times, you probably wouldn't even come here.

Statue of Liberty - There's something to be said for actually being right there next to the famous statue itself.

The Wall Street Bull - If you're walking over to Battery Park anyways, might as well stop by and see Wall Street and take a picture with the famous Bull.

The view of the city from Battery Park.