Day 8, 9 and 10

Start of my 2nd week, I began with a visit to the famous Katz deli. It is so much bigger than I imagined, it has a full counter with breakfast grill, bagels, deserts, drinks and the famous meats. I ordered a Pastrami on Rye which comes with the 2 types of pickles. It is massive and absolutely delicious. It was also the experience of eating in this place that was something else. Along the wall are the countless amount of celebrities that have eaten there themselves.

I then decided cause it was such a nice day to stroll around Central Park. It was definitely bigger than I thought it was. There were people ice skating, strolling observing squirrels building their winter homes. There was even a small wedding happening in the park. The true marvel of Central Park is that there is this massive green space that is surrounded on all fours by the concrete jungle that is Manhattan. Whenever you look up you see the tips of the buildings, fathom more the size of the city is. I walked the mall and saw an awesome street performance show. It was a combination of gymnastics and dance but mainly really funny comedy. I walked along saw Bethseda Fountain, Belvedere Castle and the Alice in wonderland statue. Some of the smaller lakes were frozen as well which made for a cool sight. But the massive appeal to me is the wonder of the park as it is surrounded by the city. Everywhere you go and look up it is always something amazing. I did my lap to the big reservoir and down to exit at the Columbus circle markets. Here I tried the famous waffle and dinges. They were really good but a bit pricey.

After this I walked down 6th avenue to go finally see Rockefeller centre. The center itself is like a shopping mall/office building so that was cool. Obviously the big draw is the Christmas tree and Ice rink. Both were really cool to see, and it was pretty packed. I was gonna do the radio city music spectacular after this but ended up going to eat at the famous XiAn foods. Had their spicy cumin lamb hand pulled noodles. It was really good, spicy but offset from the vegetables. After this i strolled 6th to Bryant Park markets. I found the apple cider everyone talks about. It was good perfect for a cold night, and even better just relaxing with it watching the ice skating and listening to Christmas songs. I then walked down 5th avenue to Empire State Building. I was there at about 8-9pm so there was no line, I took my time looking through the energy conservation exhibit and then went up to the 86th floor. Wow that view was amazing, all around you see its just lights, as far as you go. Then Manhattan itself was amazing too look at during night. The lights of lower versus upper, seeing the Chrysler building lighted up and the light radiating from where time square is.

Day 9
I thought it was going to be a rainy day, so I went to the Met Museum. It was alot more artsy than I thought it was so I didnt really like it that much. I did like the Armor stuff but that was about it. I left pretty quick though cause I didn't fully like it that much. I then excited walked a little around Upper East Side and down 5th avenue, walking past the Plaza, and FAO Schwarz. I then went down to the Burger Joint, a hole in the hotel wall place. Delicious burger, good chips better atmosphere. I sat at the communion table and enjoy my meal even had a chat to a couple of other lone diners.

I then continued walking down 5th Avenue to check out the Union Square Markets. I walked to LA Burdick to get a hot chocolate and then sat at Madison Square Park sipping my hot chocolate whilst people watching and taking in the Flatiron and other buildings. I then caught the train down to the 9/11 memorial. It was definitely surreal standing there where there was once previously two massive buildings. I talked to the security guard who was very nice and just talked abit about it from his perspective. One thing he did mention that around the memorials the white roses in the names signified that it was their birthdays. I then went and walked around the 9/11 memorial museum, taking in the audio tour. It was very informative about the events of the day and what happened at the pentagon and the other plane that crashed. There were parts of the museum about the people who died in the towers that made my eyes abit heavy, it just made it more real that these people were all just living their normal lives and happened to be there.

Day 10
I started my day with ramen at Ippudo, which was delicious and really good. Today I had a federal reserve bank tour at 1pm so I made my way to the financial district to walk around wall street and other places. The tour itself wasn't that good, I thought it was more about the gold. It ended up being more about the federal reserve bank system in New York and America. I still learnt something though, and it was free and something different. After that I continued to walk around, saw the 9/11 memorials in the daylight. After this I went to the South Street Seaport and walked all the way up the East River to the East Village. I was a bit early so most things were still closed, so that ruined my dinner plans. Fortunately I trained to Williamsburg and stuff was open already there. I got a bacon wrapped hot dog with avo and mayo at Crif Dogs which was awesome. I would have had more but I wanted to try Fette Sau BBQ down the road. I went to Fette Sau got a quarter pound of pork belly and pork ribs, and a side of collard greens. Delicious, so flavourful and juicy, and you get small buns with your meal, so you can make mini Pork Belly sliders with their BBQ sauce.

Day 5 and my first weekend

So day 5 was a great sunny day, I had Statue of Liberty booked for 9am so it was an early rise. Because I was a bit early I went to see the charging bull just a couple minutes from battery park. And cause I was so early there were no tourists around so I got a great solo pic.

From here it was to the boarding/security area for the statue cruises. One thing about New York is they are pretty full on with the security screenings, which is warranted given what has happened in the past. Just being on the top deck of the boat you get a magnificent view of lower Manhattan and once the boat starts leaving this view grows bigger and you just marvel at what a city New York is. We arrived at Liberty Island, went through security and up towards the pedestal (I was too slow on getting crown tickets). It's amazing the history behind Lady Liberty, and her symbolism in the past and present. I spent the better part of two hours exploring the museum and the island before heading to Ellis Island. I personally didn't know much about Ellis Island before going, apart from its role in immigration in New York. The information in the exhibits were very informative, not only about the island but as well immigration in the whole USA. One thing I found out was that Chinese were restricted via law in entering the country . 

I returned to Manhattan and wandered up to Hudson Eats, a fancier food court with a variety of options and great views to New Jersey and the Hudson. I had umami burger which was pretty good. From this I walked up the Hudson, passing the different piers and seeing all the apartments along the side. Oh what I would give to stay one night in one of those places. That night I went to the nets vs 76ers game, which I got a ticket for only $17. Yep an nba game for $17 I was stoked. Barclay centre is amazing, great stadium, very posh with lots of food options. I was three rows from the back, which meant that I was obstructed at times, but for $17 I ain't complaining.

Woke up to a brilliant Saturday morning, sun out in force and another big walking day planned. First was a stop at the Brooklyn flea/smorgasburg/bergn. The flea is a really cool place to get old, vintage knick knacks, clothes or books. If I was living here it would definitely be on my list of places to shop. Bergn is like a food court that is always there with loads of interesting options. Smorgasburg was also there which is normally an outdoor food market but relocated indoor during winter. Not as much selection as what would have been when it was outdoors but was still very cool nonetheless. Here at this place I had my best meal so far, an amazing Sisig from adobo kitchen. It was just a perfect combination of flavours and textures, all in this bowl. 

After this I went to walk over the iconic brooklyn bridge. It was busy as to be expected but it is definitely something that must be done. Great spectacular views 360 degrees, and really shows the growth of the city. I walked down to dumbo along the piers and up towards brooklyn heights. I popped into Pop2 Brooklyn which was a tiny flea market. Walked down to Caputos in cobble hill to get lard bread. Walked past Carroll Gardens and down to Red Hook. That night I had a pub crawl organised with New York Pub Crawl. Just in general it was a good places good deals but the setup was a bit lacking. There was no ice breakers or anything to get the group together, the places were good but at the end of the night the organiser disappeared. 

Sunday woke up and needed to eat momofuku. I walked past it the night before so it was always gonna happen. Pork buns and momofuku ramen, delicious food and no wait cause I was a solo eater. From there I was so full I had to go walk it off so highline it was. Really cool place, can imagine the summer time would be a spectacle. It crosses over the meat packing district, chelsea markets and numerous busy intersections so gives you great views. Chelsea market is busy, packed full with people but loads of places to eat. If I wasn't so full I would have got something to eat, this place has everything, even pies (aussie/kiwi ones :D). From this I went to East towards Times Square, walked around a few streets and different avenues. I then went to a pub just to have a beer watch some sunday footy and eat some wings. It was just so I could use some time before going to the knicks vs raptors that night. I got decent tickets, top level but the first row so an unblocked view. Great game, went into overtime, and the atmosphere was going off. Unfortunately I was knackered and drifting off in the final quarter. But it was awesome to watch Melo play live and to be at Madison Square Garden. 

A really great weekend was stoked I ticked off more things on my list. 

Days 2,3 and 4

So I was feeling pretty tired all week cause of jet lag but I managed to get a decent nights sleep last night. That being said I haven't let that ruin my week. On Tuesday it was miserable and raining, so I decided it would be best spent walking around in the rain. So I went to the Flatiron Building and Eataly cause it was right next to it. Pretty cool place, loads of different stuff, and variety of eating options. I opted though to go up the street to Eisenbergs Sandwich Shop, the famous place where loads of famous people have eaten. I ate the Reuben with a lime rickey, really good, but my lack of appetite meant I couldn't finish it :(

After this I went to see the Empire Building to have a look. I plan to go up when its night, so I saved that for later. I then went to Grand Central Station, what an amazing place. I sat in the ahll with the markets and just chilled and enjoyed the music and looking up and the roof. I then wondered around the main station area, Grand Central Market and the lower foodcourt. I bought a cheesecake from Juniors to enjoy at home as well. That night I had choc chip pancakes delivered for dinner, which was awesome.

Day 3 It was a miserable day but I learnt from my mistake and went to the American Natural Museum of History. Wow this place is massive. I bought all the shows and exhibit passes and saw everything but I think I still missed some things. My favourite exhibit/area was the Ocean Animals. The giant whale is something else, its massive and the soundtrack sets the mood of the room. After AMNH I walked outside to a snowing New York. I was so happy I went to Central Park and just enjoyed it all. I walked down to 74th to Levain Bakery to buy their famous cookies. They were amazing, and so good totally worth it. I then walked down to 72nd to eat at Gray's Papaya, got the recession special with papaya juice. It wasn't the best thing Ive eaten or drank but for $5 its a bloody good deal.

Day 4 Today was the first good day since I arrived. Was very cold still but at least there was glimmers of sunlight throughout the day. I had arranged to be part of the Free Tours by Foot for SOHO, Little Italy and Chinatown. I thought this tour was excellent, katherine was a great speaker and really described the history or the areas and how they have changed in the modern day. We stopped for canolis at Ferreras Bakery, which happened to be on my list. This was my first canoli, and it was amazing. The cream wrapped in that outer shell, great breakfast. We walked through towards chinatown and had some dumplings 5 for $1 which were pretty good. Its always amazing to see hole in the wall kind of shops. This one you could see the dumplings sitting there made in the morning ready to be fried. Not store bought or in a packet which was cool. We concluded the tour in Chinatown, but I continued to walk it. I had to go to prosperity dumplings, on eldridge street. Amazing $2.50 10 fried pork dumplings. I mean they were big, full of meat (i was expecting very little) and the price was so good. I will definitely be back for this one.

After this I just walked around China town seeing how different and busy it was compared to back home. I then decided to walk all the way up to Times Square on 7th ave. it was a great opportunity to see how it went from quieter downtown to more busy as you get up there. I walked past penn station and Madison square garden, where I will hopefully get tickets to a Knicks game. I then made it to Times Square, the Times Square with all its lights and glory. It was amazing, It was busy but amazing. All the billboards, the lights, the ads, the characters getting photos. It all added towards what that area is. I loved it and will definitely be back to visit it at night.

Flying and my first meal

As I lie in bed awake at 4am wide awake I thought I'd post up again. So yesterday I flew from brissy to lax on Virgin. Good flight, no real trouble only thing was not enough food, yep not enough airplane food was so hungry. 

The transit in lax was something I was really nervous about but I had no issues. I got through everything within 30-45mins, so got really lucky compared to some other stories I read online. I then flew delta to jfk, good entertainment for a domestic service. Paid $10 for some beef sliders, chips and a chocolate bite. Was so hungry I had to and it wasn't too bad. JFK was super simple to get through and got my luggage and got to the car preorganised. Im staying on Brooklyn so it wasn't a massive journey. Here was where I did my first tip, didn't really know how much so I have him $5. 

Now for my first meal. I had wanted to go to eat tacos as my first thing so I went to a popular store. Paid $7.50 for three tacos Sausage, spicy pork and steak . Wow so different to what we get at home, the double tortillas really make it filling too. 

Super excited to the following days, I'll probably be posting a few days together from now on :D

My adventure background

So this is the start of my food travel blog in which I hope to share my travels with you.

My travel adventure is beginning in New York the megacity. With its 5 boroughs and New Jersey there is no shortage on what I will see, do, taste and drink. It is the one place I had to go before I die, so I am super excited for it. From there I will travel to Philadelphia to sample the famous cheesesteak. I then go to Baltimore to sample crab cakes. Washington DC was a highly recommended stop to visit. Apparently loads of free museums and activities, the White House and of course Bens's Chilli. I then go to the Carolinas, North and South. I want to try both versions of BBQ and the southern food I hear often about.  I then will be stopping in Miami to visit the  famous South Beach, soaking up the rays. I will then venture into the heart of little Cuba and little Haiti to sample the cuisine of the carribeans. I am then going to NOLA for the creole and Cajun inspired food there. So happens though that I have planned to be there as Mardi Gras is starting so I'm excited to see how the city transforms. From this I am travelling to Austin and one of the places I am most looking forward to, Franklins BBQ. I have read and watched this place and how it is so different and better than its competitors, my mouth waters just thinking about it. 

I then head to Las Vegas where I shall be partaking in one of the many high class, modern buffets of the casinos. I finish in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Much like in NYC I think I'll be sampling quite a variety in these two locations. But also because of the bigger spaces, their food truck scene is one that I will definitely sample. 

That's my predicted trip, whether it happens as planned or changes drastically doesn't matter. It's all going to be a big adventure to me and I can't wait for it!