Two Sisters Hit the Big Apple

By Pamela Canning

This summer, my sister and I planned a weekend away to New York City; it was a gift to the two of us.  Our planning began long before we took off, we were going to eat, drink and play through the city that doesn’t sleep; enjoying all that this melting pot has to offer.  We knew that for our trip we wanted to stay in Times Square, smack in the middle of everything, the Marriott was the place.  I secretly couldn’t stop thinking about how luxurious that bed was going to feel that night.  As we headed over to our evening show, Wicked, we watched Project Runway set up for their live show.  The excitement was energizing, such a sense of people living their dreams. The night was warm as we walked by people going this way and that, constant movement.   That night the soft pillows did not disappoint, solid sleep was had by all.

The next day my husband flew in to join us and we began our tour of this city that brings such emotion since 9/11 to this big strong man.  We walked down to the World Trade Center Memorial with a heavy heart, the thoughts and feelings rushed in coupled with a deep respect for our country. Tears flowed for those who lost their lives that fateful day and we were proud of those who selflessly stood strong for those in need, so many lost……

We slowly moved ourselves to 5th Avenue, a place I have come to know, having spent part of a summer their studying writing at NYU. There was great pride showing my family where I had lived for a period of time with an amazing group of writers.   Just happens around the corner is Mario Batali’s restaurant, OTTO. We bellied up to the bar and began our feast of sensational flavors that only Batali can do.  Starting with his Antipasti and ending with a mouth watering olive oil gelato with sea salt.  I know, sounds funky, but if you ever find yourself there, try it.  It is a vanilla gelato drizzled with the most fragrant flavorful olive oil and then sprinkled with sea salt; a culinary party in your mouth.  I looked to my right and there was this striking woman who had a strong presence, I knew this woman.  As I began to Google it came to me, it was Gloria Reuben from the television show ER, she played Dr. Jeanie Boulet.  For me, a notorious celebrity watcher, she was the cherry to my ice cream sundae weekend.  We then traveled over to Crumbs Bakery, truly a piece of heaven on earth, luscious delicate smooth bites of deliciousness.

We ended our day with many laughs (again, that pillow was calling my name).  As I drifted off to dream land, I mistakenly assumed my sister and husband would follow suit, yeah, didn’t work out that the way.  The following picture was taken while I was tucked in covered by the most enticing comforter, my head being supported by a cloud.

A yearly dose of the Big Apple is in the picture for these two sisters!