One of the wonderful things about this year is learning to embrace creativity. This adventure, my fiftieth, began when my daughter Cam told us she was coming up to NY to spend a weekend with her sister Ali. The four of us agreed to meet in the city and made reservations for dinner near Grand Central. However, NY is so much fun, that our little journey became not one adventure, but four!
100 Years of The New Yorker
It was a beautiful day and we had time in the afternoon, so we decided to take an early train and visit “100 years of the New Yorker” at the NY Public Library. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful building with each room displaying its own magnificent style.
The exhibit told a story of the magazine, showing perseverance, humor and incredible dedication by the staff of this amazing periodical. It even had a section dedicated to Seinfeld. It made me want to subscribe!
Whitestone Landing?
While viewing the display, I came across a cartoon commenting on the crowded Long Island Railroad with a curious destination of “Whitestone Landing.” I grew up in Whitestone during the 1970s. I was fascinated to know more. I found an excellent online history by Dave Keller. Apparently, the “Whitestone & Westchester RR” was initially built in 1873 with first trains running in 1886 with stops in College Point, Malba, Whitestone and Whitestone Landing. It is pretty clear that Conrad Poppenhusen had a goal of extending it north of the Bronx. The branch was electrified in 1912.
The line ran through what was later to become my backyard! That explains the railroad ties, stone post marker and spikes we found on our property!
Sadly, the railroad was abandoned in 1932, after a long debate over how to safely rebuild the road crossings and Whitestone was forever served only by bus. The right of way became the Cross Island Parkway and the terminal became Waldbaum’s supermarket, Tropicana facility and Beechurst Beach.
Omakase for the first time
We had heard about the Japanese style of dining called Omakase, where we would leave our meal entirely up to the chef. To enjoy this type of meal means really putting your trust in someone else – making a commitment to eating everything can be an adventure in overcoming your squeamishness.
Each of us ordered the 14 course option which included 13 types of sushi and a dessert. None of us had tried this before, and with a little trepidation we dove in, not sure of what we would be eating.
We started with an oyster appetizer followed by: salmon, cuttlefish, scallop, cod, sturgeon, black bass, eel, sea urchin, toro in an edible cup and tuna topped with caviar and gold flakes. The textures and taste combinations were absolutely wild, and it took some bravery to eat them all. Dessert was a delicious tiramisu.
Metropolitan Opera: Carmen
Following dinner we headed to Bryant Park to meet friends Steve, Gail and Daniella. The Metropolitan Opera was performing an outdoor version of Carmen and we caught part of the second act while enjoying their company.
This was our first time seeing any performance in Bryant Park, and our first opera outdoors!
The staging was simple, but the sound was magnificent, and even at the back tables we were able to hear every word. Simply wonderful.
