When I say New York City, I mean Manhattan

Any NYer knows that, but people from outside the 5 boroughs (Brooklyn "Kings", Queens, Staten Island "Richmond", Da Bronx, and Manhattan) or the Tri-state area do not understand that distinction. Technically, when asked 'Are you from NYC, i could say yes - but i don't, I claim Brooklyn as home, although all my landmarks are gone and the sects of immigrants who inhabited the area there have changed and i know not a soul there any more. The VIP finds this affiliation strange, and i have no way to explain it other than to liken it as a well healed scar made in my formative years, forever a piece of my identity.

That is where I've been and hopefully you have missed my absence deeply. I took a real vacation where you leave some technology behind and stay busy with the outside world and it's inhabitants and maybe, just maybe some of your faith in humanity is restored.

The NY of my youth is long gone. No panhandlers, no being groped by homeless people, no 3 card monte or other hustlers and cons, no chicken hawks or heroin users with their junk still in their arm while they are passed out on the street, no pepk shows or sex shops or XXX rated theatres (people don't have to leave home for that kind of thing any more), no being offered rolled joints (when it was illegal of have any pot on ones person). Times Square is so PC it is a virtual Disneyworld. I guess it is not all bad but it saddens me to travel our great country and see it all becoming one big stripmall.

This trip we did a variety of touristy things we never would have done when we lived in the area:

We stayed at the UNION SQUARE INN. Economy and Essentials in this walk up with no heat controls and convenient subway access.

We went to an office party at 1 Roc. Center to watch the tree lighting and all the pre-recorded pomp and circumstance of the Jonas Brothers.

Admired the cleanliness of reliable public transportation.

Had Daisy drive us around Central Park

Admired the holiday windows on 5th -Bergdorf's was the best, where inside the sales staff scoffed at my request for wool knee highs and informed me that they have not carried socks 'for years'.

Luckily I have a sense of style that endures unlike fashion trends, however high priced they might be. I no longer have to travel to NYC for a pair of Wolford tights, they are available right here in Tampa! SO SPARE ME THE ATTITUDE LADY...

but the real reason is right here!

a reunion with friends reunited after too many years thanks to the glory of facebook!

mostly old college friends

who came early and stayed late at DEWEY'S FLATIRON.

went to E#llis Island

Listened to street performers

Enjoyed all of Manhattan before moving on to BROOKLYN:

CLEMENTE'S CRAB SALAD & ALL YOU CAN EAT...SHEEPSHEAD BAY

WHEN ONLY THE ORIGINAL WILL DO!

Technorati Tags: MANHATTAN,nyc,ny,NEW YORK,NEW YORK CITY,BROOKLYN,CLEMENTE'S CRAB,SHEEPSHEAD BAY,CONEY ISLAND,PETER LUGER,STEAKHOUSE,NATHAN'S FAMOUS,HOTDOGS,TIMES SQUARE,AQUARIUM,HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES,CENTRAL PARK,RADIO CITY,JONAS BROTHERS,ROCKAFELLER CENTER,TREE LIGHTING,UNION SQUARE INN,BERDORFF GOODMAN,DEWEY'S FLATIRON,SUNY STONYBROOK ALUMNI,FACEBOOK,ELLIS ISLAND,POLAR BEAR CLUB.

Liquid Lunch with the Personal Shopper

 

Today was a fun day. 

A couple weeks ago my friend *A* and I planned this day of shopping together to hunt for the perfect dress (and we did bag it, but she has asked me not to post it here yet and spoil the surprise) for her upcoming 20th reunion. 

We also found some slammin' accessories, but the perfect shoe evaded us to to *A*'s teeny tiny shoe size (e-shopping on Zappos tonite) and the perfect bag is at a location closer to my home (I will find it tomorrow) than hers where we were shopping today.  I do promise you a collage of 'the look" next week after it's unveiling on the red carpet.  What fun to pile on the glamour!

And while I can't dish about the fashion finds just yet, I can share the delish diva dining experience at The Wine Exchange, an old favorite that just relocated up the block to double the footprint.  They always have fresh, savory, well presented items paired with wine for you winos.  As many of you who know me better already know, I stick to the liquor (I have my reasons one, being that you must first buy me a drink before I will share them with you...). 

*A* had a pear and this was my Pomtini...after one of these you forget all about taking a photo of the cafe salad - assorted baby greens with hearts of palm and artichoke with a miso dressing and the delightful gnocchi (I <3 Carbs!) with sundried tomato....

Technorati Tags: Anna Molina-Wilkinson,The Wine Exchange,Zappos,Personal Shoppers,Martinis

WINOS-SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 11-8 5PM

I went to this for the first time last year to meet up with some friends who had volunteered to work the beer tent (not bad people to know, huh?) and when the second shift relief volunteers did not show up they asked if I would mind pulling the tap (who, me?  Obviously you have mistaken me for someone else....  let's see 1 for you, 2 for me...).  If you were there you might remember me - I was the one wearing the Navy T-shirt that said 'NAUGHTY" in silver glitter  (boy does the VIP hate that shirt!), taking tickets with my teeth and pouring the Blonde Ale asking why no one wanted a redhead that night...someone call me a cab home please...

I am CONVINCED it cannot be as much fun this year but it won't stop me from trying!  Who's IN?

7th Annual Safety Harbor Wine Festival Presented by Dimmitt Cadillac
Saturday November 8, 2008 from 5-11pm

Description:
Enjoy a night of live entertainment throughout Downtown along with delectable foods, arts and crafts and of course, wines from all over the world. Proceeds benefit 5 local charitable organizations. Sponsorships and vendors booths available.  Admission to the festival is free. There is a nominal charge for wine samples, beer, other beverages and food from area restaurants. Proceeds from the event will benefit local civic and charitable organizations including the Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center, Safety Harbor Lion’s Club, Safety Harbor Fire Fighters, Safety Harbor Scholarship Fund and The Safety Harbor Kiwanis Club.

Downtown Safety Harbor
Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

The City of Safety Harbor and the Wine Festival Committee announced plans for the 7th Annual Safety Harbor Wine Festival Presented by Dimmitt Cadillac. The Festival will take place on Main Street between Bayshore Boulevard and 8th Avenue on Saturday November 8, 2007. Festival hours will be from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The evening’s events will include wine sampling from wineries all over the world, food vending from area restaurants, live entertainment on three stages and arts & crafts vendors. Admission and parking are free. Wines will range from $3 to $5 per glass.

The 2006 event raised over $36,000 for 5 local organizations. Over the past 5 years the Annual Wine Festival event has donated over $115,000 to local charitable organizations.

Included in the past festivities have been three stages of local Jazz, Rock, Blues and R&B bands at the main stage at the Gazebo in John Wilson Park on 4th Avenue and Main Street, a  2nd stage of entertainment located in the Brie Garden near 7th Avenue and Main Street and a 3rd stage of entertainment stage will be located in the courtyard of the new Harbour Pointe building on the Corner of Main Street and Bayshore Boulevard. Fine Arts & Crafts vendors  display their wares along Main Street during the event as well as other sponsors booths.

Technorati Tags: Safety harbor,florida,wine,festival,main street,november 8th 2008,beer,music,charitable event

Ban Thai

What better way to end a perfect holiday weekend then a delicious meal with a special somebody at a favorite local spot...

I tend to enjoy the ambiance of the privately run places over the chains.  The place is wonderfully decorated with imported objects, the staff is dressed in traditional attire, and the background music will have you feeling like you have left the country.  This family owns 2 places:  The Chiang Mei in St. Pete and Ban Thai in north county:

1100 Central Ave
St Petersburg, FL 33705

2519 N McMullen Booth Rd # 505 at the N/E intersection with Enterprise,
Clearwater, FL 33761, (727) 724-2992‎ - Ban Thai does take away and sushi

I wish I were a vegan, but the Amazing Beef if just too good - I must succumb to it's powers over my tatebuds!

When there I was lucky enough to witness the monks, praying/chanting and performing a blessing.  For a fun outdoor adventure, visit the Thai Temple on the other side of Tampa (near Brandon).

Really should have a photo for you - you will have to go see it for yourselves.

Technorati Tags: thai food,safety harbor,st. petersburg Florida,Ban Thai,Chiang Mei

Things I like...

One of the things I very much like to do is experience high tea.  I make a lot of tea at home, although as much coffee is also consumed.  The VIP has been to tea in Rotterdam and very much enjoyed himself but felt that was an exception rather than a rule.  These men, they just do not catch on....HINT:  you can enjoy the company of a bevy of ladies here!

So, that leaves to me alone enjoy myself in the company of those ladies,  and today that enjoyable company was none other than *A* and the owner of Sophia's Tea Room (that being none other than Ms. Sophia herself, who had the most strikingly beautiful alabaster skin - completely devoid of melanin she explained).

Sophia loves to entertain, so this business is a natural for her.  She makes everything herself but the bread.  Let me tell you that her recipes are a delicious twist on traditions.  If you cannot make it to Sophia's but have been inspired - check Here for a location close to you wherever you go.

We sat at a table for 2 close to the window as seen here: 

The incorrigible Ms. A M-W:

She looks like a genie coming out of the pot!  Make your three wishes!

Sadly we realized only too late that we hunger had overtaken us and neither one took a photo of the tiered server of food before it was devoured.  I'll spare you the crumbs.

Now, more people to do and places to see  (you know what I mean!), my holiday weekend has officially begun.

Technorati Tags: Labor Day,weekend plans,tea,Anna molina-wilkinson,Sophia's Tea House,Tampa,Florida

Sushi

Technorati Tags: sushi,photography

I still remember my first sushi experience.  Bleeker Street in The Village with a certain someone who introduced me to some other firsts. Tomorrow my girl   *A* and i were planning on heading to Shiki for some.  I love this place.  The service can be slow but I'm not the type that likes to hurry.  The family closes and goes to Japan for a time.  Authentic.  The price is right - some of the places are serving up a single roll that is coming undone for what I can buy a meal for elsewhere.

And a REAL funny story about the VIP that I will have to keep to myself, not matter how may of you try to pry it out of me.  You will have to catch me, pin me down and try to tickle it out of me. If you know my tickle spot!

Shit Anna, what if we find out you are allergic to sushi?