Ottmar & Employees Only

We jumped back on the subway and the next stop is the Staten Island Ferry. An hour round trip to get a view of the city. After this trip, we will have to make our way back to the same area as brunch and then part ways again.

The girls have tickets to see Joan Osborne and Susanna Vega at The City Winery. I made last minute plans to see Ottmar Leibert at the Highline Ballroom.

The view of the Statue of Liberty was awesome as well as the New York skyline!

Once we got back on the train, Jess told me where I needed to get off in order to make my concert. It was close to Bathtub Gin and once again Siri guided me to my destination. A very small venue and no room to move.

He was amazing but the crowd was a bit overbearing. If you moved from your spot too damn bad. So I stood my ground and waited until after the show to get some food and beverages.

My show ended at 8:15 and I sent Tish a text letting her know I was on my way to meet them at our last stop. Their show would be another hour or longer. So I made my way toward Employees Only and figured I would find something along to the way to eat and drink.

One steak house quit serving at 8:30…really?  So I was just 4 blocks from our meet up and I smelled that wonderful aroma, cigars.

Hudson Bar & Books was a happy accident  and I had time.

They had everything on the cocktail menu and cigar menu. The eats menu not so much. Very limited but was able to find a snack to munch while I burned one in NYC.

I ordered an Old Cuban and selected the Arturo Fuente Short Story to burn. Several cocktails later and the girls texted me they were leaving soon. Perfect timing and I left this nice nugget of a find.

Being as fat as I am, I took a nice stroll through the city of NYC. Then I rolled up on a small building with a “Psychic” sign in the window. Texted Tish and Jess, they said it would be 15 minutes until they arrived. Okay I can hang.

The crowd control, okay…the days of bouncer is long gone. He was a big ole boy and had an impressive presence. We chatted about things from days gone by. The ole ‘80s and how you dealt with the A-holes at that time period. Many stories were shared and some were quite funny. Within 10 minutes, Tish and Jess arrived. At this point of the night, we were going to be just standing at the bar enjoying craft cocktails.

Little did I know my new friend was about to hook us up with a good evening. He said: “Follow ME!” Okay the fat man was ready to see what could be an epic night.

“Sit them at a good table.” Okay, redneck is down with that!

Menu’s were dropped off and I new what I wanted for a drink. Employee’s Only signature drink…

Mata Hari!

Remy Martin 1738 Cognac shaken with Chai-infused Martini Rosso & Pomegranate Juice. Served straight up.

A wonderful blend of flavors and amazing presentation. And I was very impressed with their wine list. Although this joint is known for its craft cocktails, many of the folks around us were ordering bottles of wine.

I have to say, E.O. & P.D.T. are tied as my favorite speakeasy thus far. Although, the Booze & Boobs at Bathtub Gin was another highlight of my trip.

We head home tomorrow and I’m already planning another visit and tour of the other speakeasies on my list.

I made my last visit to Hot & Crusty for coffee and croissants. The lady who took my order really took control:

Me: “Coffee & Croissant”
Chick: “You take cream?”
Me: “No.”
Chick: “Oh, you take cream today!”

Obviously she mistaken me for a regular. So I got to enjoy coffee with cream. How the hell do people do that to perfectly good coffee.

After Tish had her coffee, we went for a walk at Riverside Park before we packed up the car. A young lady riding a bike looks and smiles and that’s when I stop and turned to Tish. Her expression confirmed what I thought…it was Amy Schumer.

So, I ended my first official trip to the Big Apple with my first celebrity sighting.

It was an amazing time and I can’t wait to return. Thank you Jess for your hospitality and we will see you soon with more speakeasies and watering holes to visit.

My First Time…

…to New York City! You have a Dirty Mind!

A few months ago, I visited NYC for the very first time. Oh, I’ve been on a bus trip a to see the Orioles vs. Yankees a few years ago but this was my first time being a tourist.

And tour I did!

Tish and I stayed with our friend Jess in Upper Manhattan for a few days. We drove up and our trip was to only take about 5 hours but… if you know us, we always stop somewhere to taste the local fare and beverages.

Using the Vinowine app, the closest vineyard to our route was Spring Gate Vineyard. After Siri took us on a 45 minute tour of the back roads of Pennsylvania, we pulled into the parking lot and we were more than ready to try wine.  And to our surprise, beer & cider too.

The Riesling, Vidal and Chardonnay was nice. Their Chambourcin was the highlight of their reds. Their biggest surprise was the brewery. The pale ale was extremely good and I could have sat there all day emptying pints. But Jess was waiting.

Once we got back on the road, our sights were set on the Big Apple!

Jess was texting wondering about our ETA, it was going to be late so all was good. I sent her a few links to some possible outings. One peaked her interest and she quickly responded:
“Sunday Brunch reservations have been made for 2:30.”
This will be entertaining to say the least.

As we rolled into Upper Manhattan, Jess was informing us to double park in the street outside of her apartment so we could unload the car. This was new to me – hell if we did this in Strasburg, Johnny Law would have us towed and in bracelets. After we carried all the crap to Jess’ place it was time to find a place to park. 30 minutes later, we found free parking for the duration of our visit.
We walked to get a late dinner at the French Roast located at the corner of Broadway and W85 St. I ordered the 8 oz. burger with bacon and Gruyere on a Brioche bun, washed it down with a Left Hand Nitro.

It was well past 2 a.m. and to my surprise the bars were still open so we had a night cap at Prohibition.  The Paulaner Hefeweizen was a good way to end my first night in NYC.

Tomorrow we will see what kind of mischief this country boy gets into.