days off

Yesterday we had the day of from work, so we decided to tackle NYC. What better than the Museum of NYC (http://www.mcny.org). This museum is

The Museum of the City of New York: Where the Past Informs the Future

The Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It serves the people of New York and visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.

Above is from their website...

Ed, Krysten and I...

They have a few exhibits right now that are really cool. The first is Kevin Roche-who basically designed every building in NYC that you know of as well as buildings in several other nations. He uses architecture to build incorporate the environment.

There was an exhibit about police here and what they see/do/how they live. All through photographs from one man.

There was the big exhibit on "the grid" of NYC and how it was created and established. Only city to have numbers going both directions. Central park was supposed to be east, but the rocky land in the center was cheaper-so they bought that instead! They have photos of things from the past, drawings of life in the 1800's here, they have legal documents, architectural drawings of the plan-it was all amazing!

BUT-my favorite exhibit was of Cecil Beaton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Beaton). I had never heard of him, but now I am consumed. This man was amazing. He was a photographer (vogue/conde nast), artist, costume maker (my fair lady), journalist (vogue), self promoter and had a crazy social life. He dated Greta Garbo for a bit-one of his few heterosexual relationships, fought with Truman Capote, photographed Marilyn Monroe. All absolutely fascinating! I think I may even try to read his diaries...

These old buildings are amazing! The stair case was 5 feet wide and made completely of marble. Here is one of the foyers.

 Cute little foreign couple!

Here's a view of Central Park from the museum's window.

After scouring the museum, we of course had to eat a hearty lunch. So we headed to Fig and Olive (http://www.figandolive.com/). This place is really cute, and very mediterranean, and there is even one in LA.

 So we had the tuna tartare and fig app plate to start. The fig spread was by far my fav. It was sweet and tart and oh so smooth. Plus, mixed with goat cheese-almost the perfect combo!

 Check out all the olive oil

Here's my fig and olive salad. Thought I got a pic of the figs in it, they are huge-bigger than quarter size. This salad was a great mix of lightness, filling and taste explosion- all in one. I am a big fan of this place, figure I'll take a few of you here! Definitely worth checking out their website at least, but don't look when you are hungry...

So after a full day of city life, we had to take a break. Mike and Gaby and one of their friends-Ben, and I all met at Manny's on Second.

This upper east sports bar is a hidden gem. It is huge for NYC standards. (i didn't bump into my neighbors) It has a bazillion t.v's that are not too big that the pic looks terrible. And, great patrons.

They had so many tvs that they could have the football games on, the hockey games on and a few other random choices of the people in the bar and everyone was satisfied. The best part of Manny's were the wings and beer. 20 wings for around $10 and $12 pitchers. What a steal in this town. We watched the entire 49ers game and last minute victory. Stayed for a bit of the Patriot route, and then we headed home to call it a day! Just another fun filled day here