apodo77

Always a fun read.

If that was artichoke ravioli my US Airways PHL-PBI on Thursday had the exact same meal choices for dinner (all the way down to the yellow and green beans).

I passed as neither sounded appetizing and didn't look appetizing either when served.

DanielW

Wow, what at an awesome trip, SFO777! From the exquisite dining to the sombre memories at the WTC, great stuff. Feels like being there, and reminds me of all the movies you see on the big screen of this very photogenic city.

UA_Flyer

I have been spending either the first or second week in December for the past five years on business. I was there around the same time as OP this year.

New York Hotel prices are just outrageous in December. I had my usual walk around of Midtown area as usual to soak up the Xmas atmosphere.

Great trip as it catptures the spirit and atmosphere of NYC during the pre-Xmas period.^

avneeshj

SFO777, I'm loving the way you've been reviewing restaurants. As someone for whom the food plays a major part of any trip, it's great to see these reviews.

Seat 2A

Thanks once again for this fascinating glimpse into the Good Life. As always, it was a real tour de force! ^^

SFO777

Yeah, I believe it's from the fused scrap part.
And hard to go wrong with Tortas Frontera.

Thank you AKCuisine. We had such a good time that we're already trying to figure out when we can go back.

Thanks brooklynflyer82. I'll give Carmel a try next time.

And a +1 on that.

Thanks CMK10.

I think you made a wise decision.

Thanks very much DanielW. I showed Mrs. SFO some of your amazing pics and told her I wanted to get a 5D Mark III like you. She "lovingly" replied "what's the point when you just use the Auto function".

Thank you very much UA_Flyer. NYC is a special place at Christmas, and the hotels know it.

Thanks so much avneeshj. I appreciate it.

Thanks very much Seat 2A for your very kind comments. Now that winter is upon us, what wonderful trip are you planning?

Seat 2A

I'm trying to put together another rail odyssey around the U.S. and maybe a quick side trip to Argentina, Chile and South Africa. If there's any time left over, I'd like to take my usual spin around Colorado and the Desert Southwest. At present however, that trip's only in the conceptual stage.

I have managed to book First Class travel to Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit and Lafayette, Indiana in January. Hoo-boy!

I'm sure I speak for many when I say we'll all be looking much more forward to your next trip report! ^ ^

DanielW

Yes, a 5D3 would be in its element in NYC. Maybe Santa has a surprise for you under the tree next week?

SFO777

Wow, now that sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading that TR. Still trying in vain so far to convince Mrs. SFO to do a luxury train trip. Sigh. Thanks again Seat2A.

Yeah, if Santa won't I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and treat myself.

Genius1

New York at Christmas is on my to-do list, so thanks for the appetizer, SFO777!

The 9/11 memorial pictures were very humbling. I last visited NY in 2008, so missed out on this. I remember vividly standing looking out at the WTC site from the Winter Garden area, and seeing the bridge that once connected the two complexes ending in thin air. It was very moving then, so to see the memorial must be even more thought-provoking.

How did you sneak the picture of the play in progress at The Book of Mormon?

I am astounded that your lunch at Nougatine only cost US38 for three courses!

It's sad to hear about the decline of AA domestic meals - I never thought they looked very appetising before September. I'm taking my first AA transcon flight in J in a few months' time, so it will be interesting to compare this to normal domestic flights in F.

Linda VH

Thank you!! ^

SFO777

Thanks very much Genius1 and for your comments. My pics don't do the museum justice. The most memorable part of the museum is the Historical area where no pics were allowed. As for The Book of Mormon pic, that was during the curtain call when it was easy to sneak a pic or two.

Indeed US$38 for three courses was amazing. Although with wine, tax and tip, the total tab came to around $240.
Good luck on your AA transcon. If you weren't chasing BA points, I'd go with Delta whose transcon service is far superior.

Thank you Linda VH!

Moving Chicane

Wonderful and happy trip report - thanks!

For any other Otto lovers our there (simple, tasty meals) the Battali joint in The Venetian (was Enoteca San Marcos) has become an Otto as well. Joy! (A few years ago actually, but I thought I would stick it in here regardless).