48 hours in NY: Diamond Shopping and lots of drinking
Jul 1, 2015, 7:38 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,792
Jul 2, 2015, 5:15 am
#21
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: US of A
Programs: Delta Diamond, United 1K, BA Blue, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,775
I don't have time to read the TP in full yet, but I skimmed the replies and no-one noticed that the thread title should say "...lots..." instead of "...lot's..". Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine 
Jul 2, 2015, 7:44 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,263
Jul 2, 2015, 10:22 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in a cabin
Posts: 6,522
Saturday early morning
As usual when traveling several time zones west my body clock refused to adjust the first few days. I mean even having been up 24 hours, going to bed at 6am CET the twitching started at 5am EST. My friend had no such problems and slept without issues. At 7am the sun was up and as promised by the forecasts it was a stunning spring day. 19/69 already at 7 and would peak at 25/77 during the day. ^
Yes, look at that. After 4-5 months of cold and darkness in Sweden, imagine waking up to this visiting your old Home Town which you still think is the greatest place on earth.
The choice was easy. Wait for the other dude to get ready before the day's maiden congratulatory toast, or go for a lovely morning run up to Central Park and stopping by Starbucks for a freshly brewed Pike Place, as we get ready for a long day (which turned out to be possibly the best Saturday ever). Further, me disappearing for an hour so would give us both some "me" time which is always nice.
So off I went up town, flying across the still fairly empty streets of New York this stunning Saturday morning, exchanging peachy glances with the other morning runners who were mostly 30 to 50 something's of the female variety. Sometimes I slowed down, adjusting pace to not miss any inspiring details in the foreground, before gearing up and congratulating myself and the inspiring subject. Around 60th turn west towards the park. Short loop before heading south on 5th, then Madison all the way down to 41st where a Starbucks sits that I have visited frequently over the years (when staying at the Andaz or earlier during school).
Pretty pleased with the pace considering the previous day's copious amounts of food, booze and lack of sleep.
Returning back friend was pleased with seeing my sweaty happy face, bringing a fresh coffee. No sign of Michelle in the lobby unfortunately. My room mate had also managed to nuke the toilet, as per bro-code...
We were on a schedule and needed to be in the district by 10:00am sharp when the Jeweler opened. This due to them being very busy on Saturdays. Brunch would be after business so to speak.
Short walk to 47th street between 5th and 6th avenue. The store we visited I have bought jewelry on an annual basis since 2007, when I lived in NYC. We've got a very good relationship and I send friends their way. Additionally I happen to be a trained Diamond Grader (not my work, but a hobby) so I know my way around this sector.
The primary purpose for traveling 4000 miles or so...
Deals were made, papers signed, greenbacks changed hands and it was mutually agreed a congratulatory toast was most pressing! We headed down south to Soho to one of my favourite brunch places, namely Cafe Select. Their Lobster Bisque and Avocado Sandwich are staples of my NY cuisine. It did not disappoint, neither did the beer (which arrived promptly for a long overdue toast on our excellence and success, pointing out in congratulatory fashion what great deals on Diamonds have been made, and this is turning out to be a legendary Saturday). It was now around 11:30am
Mmmm! Life is fantastic. Male bonding at it's finest.
Any thought of Michelle vanished when two lovely ladies sat down next to us. Accent gave it away; Dutch. We spoke Swedish, which they took interest in as it resembles dutch (well, which language doesn't have parts which sounds like Dutch?!) We started chatting and it was soon established they were fairly new in town, modelling... aaaah, but of course! (face palm). We toasted and congratulated ourselves on the endless successes.
After plenty of small talk, some of it meaningful, and lots of beer, my companion said that his brother also happened to be in town from Sweden with his longtime girlfriend. Dream. Let's hook up at the next bar.
Apparently they wished to have late Lunch at Balthazar (A NY Soho institution for those who don't know, and a superb place)... I explained that walking in a group of four early afternoon to get a table, you might as well play the lottery. But, we can always start at the bar and hopefully a few stools become available.
So around 2pm we all met outside Balthazar, and headed in for even more beer, Onion Soup and a few congratulatory toasts. Fantastic. To make this day more perfect my companions brother suggested we drop by the flat they stayed at on 32nd street, before heading to the Rangers game at 8pm. It would be a 10 minute walk to MSG from there. He claimed it had the nicest balcony he's ever seen. High up on the 40th floor something next to Empire State Building. Ok, that sounds like an excellent idea.
On beer number 6 or 7 of the day in the bar at Balthazar it was decided to head west and slightly north to meet up with the friends from last night. There is a lovely little place in Chelsea Market called Cull&Pistol. Amazing oysters. So we met there just after 4pm. Lovely. More toasting.
It was splendid. We were running out of superlatives. Everything this day was pure awesome and bromance.
Chelsea on a busy afternoon. Happily day drunk.
Back to the hotel to pick up tickets and polish our appearance and drink of the beers from Michelle (congratulating ourselves obviously), before heading south a few blocks to verify the claims of the nice balcony. Around 6:30 pm we arrived at said address. Things seemed promising. Doorman confirmed the name and told us to press 45, which was the top floor. OK, this is excellent. Nice 1br apartment, with epic views and a large literally fantastic balcony. As seen by the photos below, this was truly awesome. 25 degrees, sun setting over The Garden State, Vodka on the rocks, great company, best vibe. We really deserved to congratulate ourselves on our success at this stage. The woman staying in the flat was a close friend of my companions brothers girlfriend (just so you understand the connection).
In short, we had such a good time we seriously considered skipping the game altogether and just stay there until late and join them at the club at midnight. But, the tickets cost us 300USD each and it would be a shame missing a Play-off game. In the end we chalked it down to just being one of those brilliant days that will never fade from memory.
From the balcony, view towards Southwest.
Yeah, a great day!
Totally bro. I hear you.
Reluctantly we said our goodbyes just before 8pm and headed for our next stop; MSG and the New York Rangers against Cindy Crosby and The Penguins. But we also very much looked forward to this!
Coming up next...
Thanks for looking and all the very kind feedback.
As usual when traveling several time zones west my body clock refused to adjust the first few days. I mean even having been up 24 hours, going to bed at 6am CET the twitching started at 5am EST. My friend had no such problems and slept without issues. At 7am the sun was up and as promised by the forecasts it was a stunning spring day. 19/69 already at 7 and would peak at 25/77 during the day. ^
Yes, look at that. After 4-5 months of cold and darkness in Sweden, imagine waking up to this visiting your old Home Town which you still think is the greatest place on earth.
The choice was easy. Wait for the other dude to get ready before the day's maiden congratulatory toast, or go for a lovely morning run up to Central Park and stopping by Starbucks for a freshly brewed Pike Place, as we get ready for a long day (which turned out to be possibly the best Saturday ever). Further, me disappearing for an hour so would give us both some "me" time which is always nice.
So off I went up town, flying across the still fairly empty streets of New York this stunning Saturday morning, exchanging peachy glances with the other morning runners who were mostly 30 to 50 something's of the female variety. Sometimes I slowed down, adjusting pace to not miss any inspiring details in the foreground, before gearing up and congratulating myself and the inspiring subject. Around 60th turn west towards the park. Short loop before heading south on 5th, then Madison all the way down to 41st where a Starbucks sits that I have visited frequently over the years (when staying at the Andaz or earlier during school).
Pretty pleased with the pace considering the previous day's copious amounts of food, booze and lack of sleep.
Returning back friend was pleased with seeing my sweaty happy face, bringing a fresh coffee. No sign of Michelle in the lobby unfortunately. My room mate had also managed to nuke the toilet, as per bro-code...
We were on a schedule and needed to be in the district by 10:00am sharp when the Jeweler opened. This due to them being very busy on Saturdays. Brunch would be after business so to speak.
Short walk to 47th street between 5th and 6th avenue. The store we visited I have bought jewelry on an annual basis since 2007, when I lived in NYC. We've got a very good relationship and I send friends their way. Additionally I happen to be a trained Diamond Grader (not my work, but a hobby) so I know my way around this sector.
The primary purpose for traveling 4000 miles or so...
Deals were made, papers signed, greenbacks changed hands and it was mutually agreed a congratulatory toast was most pressing! We headed down south to Soho to one of my favourite brunch places, namely Cafe Select. Their Lobster Bisque and Avocado Sandwich are staples of my NY cuisine. It did not disappoint, neither did the beer (which arrived promptly for a long overdue toast on our excellence and success, pointing out in congratulatory fashion what great deals on Diamonds have been made, and this is turning out to be a legendary Saturday). It was now around 11:30am
Mmmm! Life is fantastic. Male bonding at it's finest.
Any thought of Michelle vanished when two lovely ladies sat down next to us. Accent gave it away; Dutch. We spoke Swedish, which they took interest in as it resembles dutch (well, which language doesn't have parts which sounds like Dutch?!) We started chatting and it was soon established they were fairly new in town, modelling... aaaah, but of course! (face palm). We toasted and congratulated ourselves on the endless successes.
After plenty of small talk, some of it meaningful, and lots of beer, my companion said that his brother also happened to be in town from Sweden with his longtime girlfriend. Dream. Let's hook up at the next bar.
Apparently they wished to have late Lunch at Balthazar (A NY Soho institution for those who don't know, and a superb place)... I explained that walking in a group of four early afternoon to get a table, you might as well play the lottery. But, we can always start at the bar and hopefully a few stools become available.
So around 2pm we all met outside Balthazar, and headed in for even more beer, Onion Soup and a few congratulatory toasts. Fantastic. To make this day more perfect my companions brother suggested we drop by the flat they stayed at on 32nd street, before heading to the Rangers game at 8pm. It would be a 10 minute walk to MSG from there. He claimed it had the nicest balcony he's ever seen. High up on the 40th floor something next to Empire State Building. Ok, that sounds like an excellent idea.
On beer number 6 or 7 of the day in the bar at Balthazar it was decided to head west and slightly north to meet up with the friends from last night. There is a lovely little place in Chelsea Market called Cull&Pistol. Amazing oysters. So we met there just after 4pm. Lovely. More toasting.
It was splendid. We were running out of superlatives. Everything this day was pure awesome and bromance.
Chelsea on a busy afternoon. Happily day drunk.
Back to the hotel to pick up tickets and polish our appearance and drink of the beers from Michelle (congratulating ourselves obviously), before heading south a few blocks to verify the claims of the nice balcony. Around 6:30 pm we arrived at said address. Things seemed promising. Doorman confirmed the name and told us to press 45, which was the top floor. OK, this is excellent. Nice 1br apartment, with epic views and a large literally fantastic balcony. As seen by the photos below, this was truly awesome. 25 degrees, sun setting over The Garden State, Vodka on the rocks, great company, best vibe. We really deserved to congratulate ourselves on our success at this stage. The woman staying in the flat was a close friend of my companions brothers girlfriend (just so you understand the connection).
In short, we had such a good time we seriously considered skipping the game altogether and just stay there until late and join them at the club at midnight. But, the tickets cost us 300USD each and it would be a shame missing a Play-off game. In the end we chalked it down to just being one of those brilliant days that will never fade from memory.
From the balcony, view towards Southwest.
Yeah, a great day!
Totally bro. I hear you.
Reluctantly we said our goodbyes just before 8pm and headed for our next stop; MSG and the New York Rangers against Cindy Crosby and The Penguins. But we also very much looked forward to this!
Coming up next...
Thanks for looking and all the very kind feedback.
Jul 2, 2015, 11:04 am
#26
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,263
Great follow-up...(and nice IWC)!
Also, good call on Balthazar...I was just there a couple months ago. The French Onion soup is by far one of the best renditions I have ever had. Fantastic frites as well!
Also, good call on Balthazar...I was just there a couple months ago. The French Onion soup is by far one of the best renditions I have ever had. Fantastic frites as well!
Last edited by bmrisko; Jul 2, 2015 at 11:18 am
Jul 2, 2015, 2:40 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Any thought of Michelle vanished when two lovely ladies sat down next to us. Accent gave it away; Dutch. We spoke Swedish, which they took interest in as it resembles dutch (well, which language doesn't have parts which sounds like Dutch?!) We started chatting and it was soon established they were fairly new in town, modelling... aaaah, but of course! (face palm). We toasted and congratulated ourselves on the endless successes.
Jul 4, 2015, 4:02 am
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in a cabin
Posts: 6,522
And well spotted re the IWC.Cheers!
I'll get in trouble
Exactly.