The sights and flavors of New York City
The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. New York City. If you have never been, or it has been a while since your last visit, then you need to put a visit to New York City on your Bucket List.
As you may know, we just returned from a long weekend in New York to attend the James Beard Foundation Awards. While Bunkycooks did not win in the Best Individual Blog category, to be included in such an esteemed list of culinary professionals is truly an honor that stays with you the rest of your life. I will share some highlights of the two JBF events I attended over the next few days. Today, however, I thought you might enjoy some photos of New York City and some culinary experiences we enjoyed while in the city.
A little shopping in SoHo
Flatiron Building
It has been several years since our last visit to New York. I am always impressed by the size of the city and the number of markets, stores and incredible restaurants that are at every turn. There are inviting aromas of food and baked goods as you walk past restaurants, bakeries and street vendors. And there are people. Lots and lots of people.
I also forget how much you walk in the city and why you can eat and drink the whole time you are there and never gain an ounce. A definite plus, if you ask me. Getting in shape while enjoying fabulous food, wine and drinks. It’s a win-win situation. 😉
Times Square
Only in New York
One of the highlights from our weekend was a delightful lunch and interview that I will be sharing in a few weeks. We were also invited to dine at Gotham Bar and Grill, a timeless classic in New York that is located just minutes from the Beard House. Chef Alfred Portale has been at the helm of this stunning restaurant since its opening in 1984. Combining fine dining with casual elegance, Gotham Bar and Grill breaks with tradition in white tablecloth dining, yet Chef Portale’s dishes of “modern American cuisine” are served beautifully with flawless service.
Cocktails before dinner at the 21 Club
I still enjoy a good Cosmopolitan every now and then
Gotham Bar and Grill
The dishes we chose were outstanding. The flavors and presentation were truly exceptional. Focusing on the best seasonal ingredients, even something like Spring Pea Soup was elevated to a new level. Combined with morel custard, carrot pearls, pickled ramps and fresh mint, the soup was silky smooth, sweet and luscious. The freshness and beauty of the peas burst through with each spoonful. This evening is one we will not soon forget. The next time we are in New York, we will most definitely return to Gotham Bar and Grill for dinner.
We did not take very many pictures while dining in New York. It felt uncomfortable, sometimes it was quite dark and we did not want to disturb others during their meals, so unfortunately, we do not have many food photos to show you how gorgeous these dishes were. You will just have to take my word for it and dine there next time you are in New York!
Navigating the subway system
The indoor markets are beautiful in the city
Flower vendor at an outdoor market
So glad you went! Everything looked like fun and I definitely want to visit hte 9/11 memorial one day. So glad you did that! The food at Ippudo looks amazing. So proud of you Gwen!!
Thank you, Julie. It was an honor to be a finalist this year. I think it is important for all of us to see the memorial, if possible. It is a true reminder of why we need to continue to protect our freedoms and our country.
You just made me more than a little homesick. Glad you had such a nice time!
What an honor to be nominated, indeed! Congratulations, Gwen! I loved getting a glimpse of your trip to the Big Apple. Would like to go back there myself someday soon. But like you, I agree: for a visit would be enough.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, visiting New York is the way to do it. A long weekend is just the right amount of time to see the city and enjoy some great food, shopping and the sights. Hope to see you in Atlanta some day soon! Gwen
It’s been years since I’ve been to New York! It looks like the weather was gorgeous for your trip. I too love that there is so much to eat, see and do while in the city, but I love coming home at the end of the day too!
Gwen, I have enjoyed your every word and photo. Your blog, reflection, about your journey is wonderful. Congratulations, again, on your nomination. Your work is filled with beauty, love, and inspiring taste. Thank you for your hard work and for meeting the constant challenges of travel and deadlines and so forth. It isn’t always easy to deliver such delectable words to your fans. You are appreciated.
Hi Sheryl,
I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. It means a lot to me to hear that from a reader.
Yes, we have fun traveling, but it is stressful to keep up the pace sometimes and to get posts out while trying to manage the rest of life, Beamer, etc. It is truly a labor of love, so it is good to know that others appreciate our efforts.
We have a number of very exciting things coming up in the next several months, so stay tuned.
Gwen
Such a colourful place! Love your pics, that baby is just so cute!
Congratulations on your nomination, it is well deserved. 🙂
I too marvel at New York City and have loved every visit there, though it is hard to take in all it has to offer in a short stint. We have not seen the memorial, it was not yet built the last time we were there, but I agree it is a somber, sacred place. Thank you for including us in your time there.
Hi Judy.
I hope you get back to NYC to see the memorial. I am glad that we took the time to pay our respects and make the visit. It was sad, but something we needed to do.
Gwen
Love the pictures! I’m heading up in June for a food photography & styling workshop and can’t wait to get back there! And congrats on being a finalist…..that’s wonderful.
Hi Stacey,
Thank you and enjoy your trip to NYC!
Gwen
Gwen, it was so good to finally meet you last weekend! I can’t tell you how much it meant to see a friendly face at the JBF events, and more so, our lunch with Ken, Christine and Sara was especially fun. I am still thinking of that broth, that ramen, wow. I loved your and hubby’s pictures of NYC – beautifully captured! I am really looking forward to the time our paths cross again – you are just as wonderful in person as your writing here on your blog. Till then, enjoy being home. I know I sure am 🙂 Sweet Beamer must be so happy to see his mama and papa again!
Hi Liren,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I feel the same about you and everyone that we met at lunch. What a delightful group of talented and thoughtful bloggers. I am excited to have finally met you in person and call you a friend.
We most definitely need to return to Ippudo on the next trip to NYC. Everything was incredible there!
Gwen
Gwen – Congratulations on being nominated for the JBA – like you mentioned, this will be a lifetime memory! Really enjoyed your recap post of your adventures and will look forward to seeing more. Have a great rest of the weekend!!!!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your comment. I just posted the recap on the awards themselves. Now it’s back to regular food and travel.
Have a great week!
Gwen
I LOVE NYC and that’s nice that you get to meet food blogger friends! NYC really has some of the world’s exceptional food experiences! Love it there!
Hi Jen,
Yes, it was great to finally friends I have known online for a few years. We had a great time and Ippudo’s food was worth the trip to NYC!
Gwen
I dream of visiting New York. Hopefully one day I will get to go! Congrats again on your nomination and I am so happy you had a fabulous time on your visit to the Big Apple 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
NYC should definitely be on your bucket list. Everyone should go there at least once. There is no city quite like it. I hope you get to visit soon!
Gwen
This post made me see NYC in a new light. I wish I could have joined you guys for lunch, but the travel time plus a 1 hour lunch break, made it impossible to even sit down with you all. I love the photos, and your description of some of the food you ate made me hungry again after a huge dinner. I wish I still lived in the city…the walking ‘off’ was always a bonus.
That said, I still think you should have won, but like I always say..you’re a nominee for life! You will win one soon..I know ir 🙂
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. 🙂
I wish you had been able to meet us for lunch. It was fun to meet everyone and oh, the pork buns. And the ramen. Such a great restaurant.
I am sure we will make a return trip at some point, so let’s not miss getting together then!
Gwen
By the way – Beamer looks fantastic!! 😀
Yes, he is doing so much better. We love seeing him close to his normal self. Yay!
It was great to meet you and Mr. B in person. Mr. B is a charming southern gentleman and so obviously in love with you. Congratulations again on being a finalist for the James Beard award. Their vote speaks to your commitment to sharing quality insights on a diverse range of food experiences.
Hi Christine,
Thank you so much or your kind words. It means a lot to me. It was so wonderful to meet you in NYC. I appreciate that you rearranged your schedule to meet us for lunch. You are just as delightful as I thought you would be and Alex is truly precious.
BTW, Mr. B was originally from Long Island, so I guess he has adapted to the South well. 🙂
Hope to see you again soon!
Gwen
You look FABULOUS by the 21 Club:)NYC is just amazing. I feel my heart skipping faster as I look at these wonderful photos. There’s such an energy there that I have never felt in any other city. Love the photos of you, Ken, Liren, and Sara. You all look like you had a wonderful lunch:)Beamer is incredible and you know how I feel about JBF awards;)
Hi Lora,
NYC is definitely exciting. Love that you can enjoy all the amazing food and wine and walk it all off! We should do a girl’s weekend there! Wouldn’t that be a kick?! Better bring the big checkbook! 😉
Gwen
Gwen,
It still feels like a dream that I met you! I had the most WONDERFUL time with you, your hubby, Ken, Liren, & Christine! Ramen place was fab and it was so much to walk to Eataly with you guys!
You are truly a gem and am so glad that I met you! love you! I hope we can meet again SOON! xoxoxo
Hi Sara,
You are so cute! Thank you so much for your kind words. I feel the same about you and it was such a pleasure to finally meet in person! I want to thank you for coming from Philly to meet for lunch. I really appreciate that you did that to join us.
Eataly is just amazing and so was Ippudo. Thinking about both make me miss New York! I hope you had a great dinner with friends and a fun afternoon browsing at Eataly!
Hope to see you again very soon.
xoxo
Gwen
Congrats on being nominated, Gwen – truly an honor that’s well deserved! Love NYC and enjoyed your photos – I rarely take photos when dining in other cities because we’re often with clients, and for the reasons you mentioned. We visited the WTC memorial this past October – a somber, thoughtful remembrance of those who perished.
Hi Priscilla,
Thank you, Priscilla. I appreciate your comment.
It felt very uncomfortable to shoot food in NYC. It was surprising. I never like to do it when dining out and feel like I am disturbing other diners, especially in finer restaurants in the evening. The food was gorgeous and definitely photo worthy, so it was unfortunate. We did take pictures at lunch, however. 🙂
I agree with you on the memorial. It was a very powerful and moving experience to see those fountains.
Gwen
Though short, it was truly a pleasure to meet you and Mr B. I’m so glad you, along with Sara, Liren and Christine enjoyed the meal. Please come back to visit so we can have many more memorable meals.
Hi Ken,
Yes, it was definitely a pleasure to meet at last! Thank you for putting lunch together. What a treat it was to see you, Liren, Sara and Christine and Alex! We look forward to doing it again some day. The food in NYC was SO incredible, it may have to be very soon! 🙂
Gwen