On Saturday we met up with my friend Destini, who’s studying law at NYU, for lunch and a little tour of the Village. Together we enjoyed a quaint breakfast at Sullivan Diner just south of the university, and grabbed a tremendous cannoli at Bruno Bakery before she had to return to studying. We cruised back uptown to Columbia to take another look at the campus and explore the area a bit, and I definitely learned a valuable lesson about uptown geography. For example, in taking the A train rather than the 1 Train up to 116th St., I learned that there is a huge valley that begins just east of Morningside Dr. Who does that? Also, that is officially the start of Harlem. As my cousin so subtly put it: Always stay west of the park. Below, for your convenience, is a map to illustrate. Find Morningside Park. See crime west of the park. See crime east of the park. Dear New York City: Don’t fucking disappoint me.
Saturday night, our last night in the city, was perhaps the most glorious of all. After savoring my first slice of New York pizza at Slicebun near the School of Social Work (do check out their menu), I got to experience the wonder that is Brooklyn, with Kevin (who you may remember once wrote for this blog) and his entourage of fine female companions. After wandering a bit through Williamsburg and practicing our map-reading skills, we ended up at Marlow & Sons, a small bodega-type eatery serving up quintessential New American cuisine. Known primarily for their meats, cheeses, and oysters, Marlow & Sons only offers 3 entrees a night and 3 beers a night. Nasya and I enjoyed the beer-braised spare rib atop polenta, served with a salad of fresh parsley, fennel and arugula. If I recall, Kevin and mom rocked the brick chicken, and Kate partook in the sea bass. Absolutely splendid, great atmosphere, good prices for the quality we got.
Not to be outdone by my Friday night, we escorted mom to a taxi back to Manhattan and cruised up Bedford to Zablozki’s, a much better dive bar than Whiskey Town. This place seriously kicked ass. $2 PBRs, other good beer, too, great music, lots of space, attractive people. No wonder Williamsburg is the new Greenwich Village. And what a perfect way to end my trip to New York.
