Highlights of New York

Inspiring, dynamic and wonderful, I never tire of visiting New York and enjoying the unique energy the city has in abundance.  There is always so much that's new to discover, as well as the chance to return to favourite places, providing welcome continuity in an ever-changing world.  This time I had the privilege of being there with a small group of six Australians, four of whom had never been to the USA before.  We had an adventure and loved every moment, from taking in the impressive views from the observation deck of the Empire State building, to riding the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, exploring Brooklyn, walking the impressive High Line gardens, and a wonderful day in the Hamptons, despite really dire weather. 

Having taken the Jitney coach service from mid-Manhattan to Southampton we began our day out of the city with a restorative coffee at the excellent East Hampton Coffee Company, where they serve the most delicious cinnamon rolls ever.

Perhaps the premium wine tasting at the impressive Wolffer Estate Vineyard also helped... 

Followed by lunch of lobster rolls at Bostwick's chowder house, which were truly superb and worth the trip alone. That dining experience had been on my bucket list for years and now very happily fulfilled.

New York city's restaurant scene was a daily indulgence, thankfully balanced with walking miles, but even so some corrective diet action back home is the order of the day.  From the iconic pastrami on rye at Katz's delicatessen - famed for the Meg Ryan scene from the film 'When Harry met Sally', to our final night dinner at the fabulous Union Square Cafe, my vote for the most amazing dessert on the trip goes to the totally decadent S'mores concoction at The Smith opposite the Lincoln Center.  Featuring rich creamy chocolate mousse, delicious toasted marshmallow and Graham cracker biscuit crunch this definitely created a 'wow' response at the table and was the perfect taste to finish with.  New York, I will be back!