jeff's new york

Wednesday, March 12 - Alice Aycock lands on Park Avenue.

Tuesday, February 18 - Taking out-of-towners to Chinatown's Nom Wah for dim sum.

Friday, February 14 - Evolution of a Valentine's Day Cookie, from my kitchen.  Hoping you find your sweetheart today!

January 17, 2014 - My actual destination was Dumbo.  On the F train.

January 17, 2014 - Me, at the Marcy Street station.  Even after over 20 years as a New Yorker, I still occasionally get on the wrong train.

January 13, 2014 - An afternoon spent among the Asian art treasures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  

January 4, 2014 - Enjoying the industrial beauty of Jersey City in the bleak winter sun.

Sacred.  The Nativity.  Courtesy of St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City.  Merry Christmas from Jeff's New York.

Dramatic.  The Living Nativity, courtesy of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Tradition.  Over 20 years ago, I moved to New York from Memphis.  And ever since then, when I go home to Memphis for the holidays, our Christmas dinner has been from Corky's.  Pulled pork, beans, slaw and potato salad.  It's our tradition.  Order Saturday, pick up today, feast on Wednesday.  

Yummy.  There is nothing like a ham biscuit from Bryant’s in Memphis. You non-Southerners just don’t know what you’re missing.  It’s my once-a-year treat!

Joyous.  Who doesn’t love a giant faux greenery and red light candy cane for Christmas?!  Or a glittering snake courtesy of Bulgari.  Or Cartier wrapped up in a bright red bow.  But the best is the snowflake over 5th Avenue and 57th Street.

Spiritual.  St. Patrick’s is always one of my favorite places, at any time of the year.  Even under renovation, the scaffolding seems to emphasize the beauty of the architecture.

Baroque.  The Neapolitan Christmas Tree at the Metropolitan Museum is really beautiful and special.  It’s worth the trip uptown for a visit.

Magical.  I think I’ve seen the Christmas Spectacular fifteen times or more. I’ve gone almost every year since I moved to New York.  And I am not ashamed to admit I love it!  The multiplying Santas is my favorite number. When they started the living Nativity, the small child behind me asked loudly, “where’s the baby Jesus?”

Dark.  Bergdorf’s “Holiday’s on Ice”, specifically the Halloween window.  Cobwebs.  Icicles.  A black raven.  Perfect for the holidays.

Religious.  If you’ve never been to The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, go now.  Indescribably beautiful, full of the most amazing medieval art and architecture.  I could move right in.