So after all the planning and back and forth email exchanges, our NYC weekend was finally upon us! I think we had picked a perfect weekend to go to the States, since there were no major snow storms that weekend affecting our travel plans. Our only bit of sad news prior to going was Tomomi cancelling her trip after she caught the flu. So our ladies weekend was down to three people. Regardless, we still had an awesome time touring the city and we made sure to take lots of photos for Tomomi. 

On Saturday morning Krista and I met up at the airport. Luckily it wasn’t too busy, so we got through customs and security relatively early. (I of course, got another big ‘X’ across my customs form, so I got expediated to the next line. LOL.) As we were waiting to board at the gates, I spotted Jessica Chastain sitting directly in front of us. I wasn’t 100% sure it was her and I didn’t want to verbally ask Krista since we were literally a few metres away from her, so Krista and I texted back and forth before we finally decided to approach her. I was glad we did because she was extremely nice in person! That was my ‘celebrity’ moment for the entire trip. =P

Our flight to LGA was smooth and we made it to our hotel with lots of time to spare before our lunch reservations. After dropping off our bags, Krista and I decided to explore around Times Square. It was pretty chilly out and it felt even cooler in between the tall buildings, but otherwise it was pretty comfortable walking on the streets.

For lunch we stopped by Havana Central for Cuban food. I’ve never had Cuban food before, so it was new for me. Krista and I shared a plate of empanadas, while I ordered their pulled pork dish. Even though our food was yummy I was kind of jealous of the couple beside us who ordered the paella. Maybe I was so engrossed starring at their food that I accidentally picked up Krista’s fork and started using it. I don’t think we’ll ever figure out how that happened. 

After lunch we ventured out onto the notorious NYC subway. I think we spent 10 minutes buying our cards and somehow even helped an older woman reload her card. Hehe. Anyway, it wasn’t too scary taking the subway and we made it to the 9/11 Memorial in one piece. We had to go through a security check before entering the memorial site. There were signs telling us to take off our coats while we waited in line and we were a little worried that the security check would be held outdoors in the freezing cold. Luckily it was done inside. =)

The 9/11 Memorial was very tranquil. We spent time walking by both reflecting pools and took a peek inside the museum, which is scheduled to open later this year. After we left we walked around trying to find the subway to take us to Soho. Soho was pretty much a last minute inclusion in our itinerary, partly because I was curious about the Marc Jacobs pop up store. There were line ups everywhere once we made it inside. It was so packed that I had no idea what I was actually standing in line for. Good thing Krista went and checked, cause I was in line for a latte. =P

After we picked up a free sample of their Daisy perfume, we slowly made our way back to the subway. Krista got some shopping done, so it was a good decision to stop by Soho. We also randomly went inside a soup(?) store, since we overhead a couple Japanese customers exclaiming how ‘kawaii’ it was inside. We are soooo nosy. Hehe.

The one thing we did end up in line for were for macarons from Ladurée. We totally had no intentions of buying any and I had no idea there was even a store in Soho, so it was a lucky find on our part. It was kind of interesting buying macarons in NYC since I never even bought them when I was in Paris. =)

After a couple detours, we were finally on our way to Brooklyn. It was getting dark by the time we stepped out of the subway, so we first made our way over to the Brooklyn bridge to view the skyline. Brooklyn wasn’t on my list of places to visit (it was Tomomi’s idea), but I’m glad we went because the skyline was so beautiful at night. 

Later on we blindly made our way around the DUMBO area as we tried to locate Jane’s Carousel. Brooklyn is way sketchier than Manhattan, so I was glad we didn’t get mugged while we were trying to navigate the streets. We stopped by Jacques Torres for some hot chocolate to get warmed up. It was definitely one of the thickest cups of hot chocolate I ever had. After sitting inside for longer than we should have, we made our way outside again to head back towards Manhattan. Krista and I pretty much walked in circles before we managed to locate the station. (T__T)

After that delay and an even longer delay with the train, we finally made it to East Village. We were a little late getting to SakaMai for dinner, but thankfully they kept our table for us. Krista and I were both famished by the time we got seated. It was nice that we could splurge on one meal, especially since we didn’t have to worry about accommodating Tomomi by avoiding Japanese food. 

Krista and I ordered shishito to start, plus this ‘egg on egg on egg’ dish that was delicious. It took about 50 mins for our Tasmanian ocean trout and mushroom rice pot to come. I was debating whether or not to order something in between, but I’m glad we didn’t cause the pot was humongous. The trout + ikura combination was just heavenly. <3

After a really long night in NYC, our last stop was by St. Marks Pl to take a pic of Japadog, since Krista was so amused by its existence. Then we hopped on a taxi back to the hotel and called it a night. More to come day 2!