By the seat of my pants I got a reservation at The Inn at Pound Ridge. A getaway to Greenwich and Bedford with only 2 nights to try restaurants that would leave me wanting to go back.
I called the day prior to our trip for a reservation. There were none available. I called again and left a message. I could not believe that they called me back asking me what time I wanted the reservation for. Don’t know if anyone canceled but a reservation I indeed had.
The Inn at Pound Ridge started as a residence back in 1833. Then, an inn, and now renowned International Chef Jean-Georges has it as a farm to table restaurant. It has an understated elegance that is palpable the moment you step in.
You can check the credentials of Jean-Georges. A Michelin Star winner, a businessman, a restauranteur, and a book publisher. Restaurant patrons all over the world appreciate his cooking style. http://www.jean-georges.com
“Soup to Nuts” comes to mind as I write this post. It means from beginning to end. Every aspect covered. The term can be attributed to many things and not just cooking.
Fireplaces were roaring, it was a cold night. The Inn at Pound Ridge is located at 258 Westchester Ave. http://www.theinnatpoundridge.com
They were taking us downstairs and I thought maybe our table was not going to be a prime table. Well, surprise, surprise, it certainly was. In an alcove next to the fire. Very private and cozy. Jess, our server, promptly came over. A shout to him. He was very attentive throughout our dining experience.
Drinks were ordered. Then, the soup. Butternut Squash Soup with Wild Mushrooms. A delicate soup, full of color and flavor.
The Kale Salad with a Parmesan Dressing, Croutons, and Mint. I tasted this salad. It was not my own. I would say that it was very good but not the best I have tasted before.
Look at that Steamed Black Seabass. It was the evening’s special and got a thumbs up review.
Every good restaurant offers beef. How it is prepared can make for a memorable experience. This Beef Tenderloin reflected that. It was eaten slowly because he did not want it to end. Those are smooth parsnips, with roasted Brussels sprouts and a Miso mustard.
My Faroe Island Salmon was amazing. That’s my description. It is a favorite entree at the restaurant and it came with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and a truffle vinaigrette.
A few after dinner drinks, a little coffee, and more conversation. No dessert was necessary even though for the purpose of a food post I should have had one.
What’s a memorable dining experience? Those chips, again, have to fall into place. The atmosphere, the food, and the company. Yes, the company makes it priceless!!
Until next time, I remain. AboutMyBeaches has its own FB Page if you would like to leave a message. Finding out about what’s going on, what events, what restaurants…reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.
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Always look forward to visiting churches on my travels. Not necessarily on a time when religious services are taking place. I like them when they are totally quiet. For me is a time for reflection; to pray for my family and friends. I usually stop at churches of all denominations, even though I am Catholic. I thank for our religious freedom. Historic churches and chapels…I am in awe of their beauty and of their strength.
Here are some of my favorite churches and the list is getting longer.
NEW YORK
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York Landmark. In 1785 there were only 200 Catholics and one priest in New York City. The doors opened in 1879. The newspapers hailed the New Cathedral as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick, and as the glory to Catholic America”. When I have visited New York with my friend, Shelley, who is Jewish…she always makes a point to stop at St. Patrick’s. So beautiful.
St. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It survived the Great Fire of 1776 and the attacks on 9/11. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration in 1789. It is located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton St. and Vesey St. Still standing against all odds, this church has been a place not only for spiritual healing but for physical refuge, as well.
PUERTO RICO
I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. When you see my posts from there is because that’s where my formative years took place. Old San Juan is the Capital and it is over 500 years old. La Catedral de San Juan is formally known as the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, named after the Puerto Rican Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista or Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Cristo St. between Luna St. and San Francisco St. It was built in 1540 and it is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. And, the mummified remains of Roman Christian Martyr, Saint Pio.
Capilla del Cristo or Christ’s Chapel is located at the end of Calle del Cristo, which is also where the Cathedral is located. The Chapel was built to commemorate a miracle. Local lore has it that as a young man lost control of his horse and galloped down Calle del Cristo over the cliff at the end of the road, he prayed to a Catholic saint and his prayers were answered.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis is located at San Francisco Street #301 in Old San Juan. The Crypt – As in old colonial churches, the remains of Christians were buried in catacombs. This can also be seen at the entrance of the Parish. They are called catacombs similar to the Roman catacombs but they are crypts. In the crypt are the remains of personalities of Puerto Rico. They are considered of important historical heritage.
Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesus is located in the town plaza of Humacao. This is where I grew up. It is on the eastern side of the island. I went to primary school at Academia San Jose which was across the street. My family went to church here, my parents were married in this church, and I also made my First Communion there. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a single structure built in 1769. A second church was built from 1825-1826. The present church was built in 1868-1877. It was designed by Don Evaristo de Churruca in the Gothic Revival style. Further renovations have taken place since then.
Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen is located at 33 Marina, in Punta Santiago near my hometown, Humacao. Punta Santiago is a fishing village. Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen. The official Feast Day is July 16th. I have fond memories of this church. It is always kept in pristine condition. My late husband, John, and I got married here. We chose this church because it was on the beach and it really is pretty, small and cozy. It was the second wedding….first one in Orlean, Virginia and then this one in 2 complete different years. One was not enough!!
SHOWELL, MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
Saint Martin’s Historic Church and the importance of historic preservation. For so many years it stood neglected, just waiting for those who would take over the mission of its restoration. It is considered by many historians “to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore”. It is an Architectural gem, built in 1756, and a museum located at 11413 Worcester Highway in Showell, Maryland. For more info., please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurg.org.
LEWES, DELAWARE
St. Peter’s Church is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Since 1680 this church has served this community. The early settlers who were members of the Church of England formed its first congregation. The graveyard which surrounds the Church has stones dating back to 1707. Stop by while strolling Lewes.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
The Baltimore Basilica’s is America’s First Cathedral. I have a deep connection to Baltimore. My late husband was from Baltimore and many years ago, I lived and worked in Baltimore. Love the City. The Basilica’s construction started in 1806. George Weigel, the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history inside its walls”. At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed in this Basilica. The Crypt inside the Basilica holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia has 4 Catholic shrines: St John Neumann, St. Katherine Drexel, Miraculous Medal and St. Rita of Cascia. Philadelphia is considered a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is located at 1166 S. Broad St. and it was built in 1907. I came to know it during my stay in Philadelphia the summer of 2013.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located at 71 Broad St. in Historic Charleston. A National Historic Landmark. Pewes are made of native cedar and remain the same as they have always been. The altar is Victorian. The chancel rail is made of wrought iron. It dates to 1772. George Washington worshipped at Governor’s Pew #43. This church is gorgeous and the docent was so amazingly inspiring.
St. Philip’s Protestan Episcopal Church is located at 142 Church St. in Historic Charleston. The original building was completed in 1724, destroyed by fire in 1835 and finished the rebuilding in 1838. Porticos and columns remind visitors of Roman porticos. This church is also a National Historic Landmark and has the tallest steeple in Historic Charleston. The docent was so nice and proud of her church.
I am looking forward to this list getting longer. These churches welcome us all. Many of them are so simple. Some are architectural wonders. You don’t really have to look for them, some times they find you.
Another magical Sunday….but waiting for summer is what I am doing.
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I was so happy to attend a very special evening with Chicks for Charity Southern Delaware. The charity picked for February’s dinner at Fish On in Lewes, Delaware, was Delmarva Puppy Raisers. It was such a neat evening with so many community residents in attendance, along with a couple of canines.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited guide school, providing greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity. It is a leading, nonprofit 501(3) guide school. Since 1954 they have provided thousands of blind and visually impaired people with specially bred and trained dogs that grant them greater independence. Their headquarters are located at 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Tel. 1-866-GEB-LABS. Website? http://www.guidingeyes.org.
I met Barbara and Randy. They have raised several puppies and have been involved with the company for quite some time. I believe Babara is the Director of the Delmarva Puppy Raisers. They meet in Milford, Delaware, a couple of times a month. Randy had Jagger with him last night. He was gorgeous and very well behaved 1 year old.
I was so curious to find out how they could give the dog up after spending 1 to 1 1/2 years with him or her. They said it is hard, but at the same time you know the person that receives the dog gets a special gift; a life changing gift. And, then, another puppy comes along and the process starts all over again. Puppy raisers have first choice on adopting a dog they have raised if the dog is retired or for whatever reasons the dog is not going into the program. Barbara and Randy have 2 of those dogs that in the past they have raised.
These dogs are so special. It costs over $45,000 to breed, raise, train, and match each Guiding Eyes dog with its visually impaired handler. These services are provided absolutely free of charge!! Each Guiding Eyes puppy is specially bred for superior health and temperament. They are born at their Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y. Immediately, after birth their training starts somewhat. Randy told me that when they get the puppies at 8 weeks, they already have basic commands down pat.
I asked Randy if they let him get on the bed….oh no. Not on the bed or sofa or eating human food. That simple.
And then I met Diamond. This little girl was only 10 weeks old and adorable. She is going to be great. Alert, fun, and very well behaved too.
I was asking Randy if he follows the dog once they give him or her back. He said that it is up to the person that receives the dog. Some do keep in touch and others, don’t.
If you are interested in becoming a puppy raiser, the first thing to do is complete the application at http://www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer. A Guiding Eyes representative will contact you to discuss the next steps, which will be to attend pre-placement classes, meet your puppy, classes..etc. etc.
After puppy raising, the puppy will return to Guiding Eyes for evaluation by their professional staff. Most dogs will continue on to formal guide dog training.
In 2007, Guiding Eyes for The Blind launched Heeling Autism, which is a service dog program in which they train select Guiding Eyes dogs to provide safety for children with autism. The puppy you raised might be one of those.
If you want to talk to Barbara Byle, please call her at 302-422-3522. There are Puppy Raising regions in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
I was so amazed and pleased to hear that in December there were about 50 of those puppies being raised by Delmarva Puppy Raisers.
Have a good one!!
Note: Information for this post was taken from their brochures.
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I cannot believe that it has already been 6 months since I last visited New York with my cousins. New York did look so good.
Some things never change…street food…the horse drawn carriages, its people. Everyone rushing from one place to another. Not us, we were on vacation time.
Towards the end of our stay we decided that we better go down to the 9/11 Memorial and see if, by chance, we could get in. That was not to be. The line wrapped around to get the tickets that were going to be available for the day.
We could get into the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, though.
At the time this site was an exhibit. Plenty to see. The flag made out of all the names of the victims of 9/11. You could also see pieces of what would eventually go into the Memorial.
Across this preview site and also across from where the Twin Towers stood is a magnificent historic church.
Courtesy of Leo Sore/Trinity Wall Street
It is called St. Paul’s Chapel. The address is: 211 Broadway, between Fulton St. & Vesey St. In March they were doing some renovations; plenty of people were going inside.
St. Paul’s Chapel opened its doors in 1766. Trinity Church was founded in 1697. It is an Episcopal parish and home to St. Paul’s Chapel. St. Paul’s Chapel is also Manhattan’s oldest public building. George Washington worshiped at this chapel after his inauguration.
It is known as “The Little Chapel that Stood” because nothing happened to this chapel; most buildings around it were damaged when the Twin Towers came down. Plenty of debris all around its surroundings, though. It also survived the Great Fire of 1776.
St. Paul’s Chapel had a purpose on 9/11. It opened its doors to all 9/11 recovery workers. It was a place to get round-the-clock care, food, shelter, counseling and worship.
St. Paul’s Chapel became a place of peace, rest and reconciliation.
We went inside to see the Exhibit “Unwavering Spirit”. Everyone visiting was quiet. It was total peace. All of us were deep in thought.
Many of the exhibit pieces were left by recovery workers, police, and doctors.
If you get the chance, please do visit. Then, go out back where the cemetery is located. You will be overcome with deep feelings. It is that kind of place; a sanctuary.
Never forget, right? Talk to you later.
Note: Information for this post was taken from the St. Paul’s Chapel website and a few other internet sites.
My expectations of our ferry trip to Bear Mountain were that we would be traveling on the Hudson, on a calm sunny day, and from left to right you would be seeing colors; oranges, fiery reds, yellows and purples. You know; autumn at its best.
Well, it was freezing, windy and white caps on the Hudson. Oh, well Cindi and I did not care. That’s what happens when you travel. Take it as it comes, right? We just had to take it for 2 1/2 hours up the Hudson and 2 1/2 hours back.
We lined up at Pier 83 and on the Circle Line we went. The boat was packed with a diverse group of people. The young people were already celebrating; afterall, we were all going to an Oktoberfest celebration on Bear Mountain.
I kept thinking, how could I have forgotten my parka? Everybody was practically wearing one, except Cindi and I. We sat outdoors and for some time everyone was pretty quiet.
I started noticing that besides the Circle Line ferry, the only other boats on the Hudson were container ships.
At one point we had only a long hour to wait and so we decided to go inside and get some coffee. We did not last long; too many people; too stuffy and from the bow of the boat every time someone opened the door water would splash in and out with the mops they went.
Finally at a distance we saw Bear Mountain. Not too imposing, though, but I saw my first tree. All they way there the leaves were greener than in Delaware.
Bear Mountain is the flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System; 45 miles north of NYC, in the Hudson Highlands.
It is accessible by car and bus, or like we did, this time of the year by ferry. It is used primarily during the day. The Bear Mountain Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but at present is under renovation.
All kinds of amenities including hiking trails; the first segment of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and a key segment of the Long Path. For more info. please visit www.palisadesparksconservancy.org/parks/5/. Or, call 845-786-2701.
A hike up the mountain; I did not know how the older people were going to do it; slowly they did. We were warned that we needed to be back on the ferry by 3 p.m. sharp or you were staying at Bear Mountain.
We found an art fair first and Cindi was hoping that there was more to that; and yes there was. A big tent with entertainment; the Continentals. Different stations to get beer. The majority of the people got beer steins and that was a good thing because the lines were very long.
Then we made the line for our German fare. I don’t know if it was the long trip, the cold weather, or what, but we got so much food for just the 2 of us; Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Sauerbraten with pickled beets, Pierogies with caramelized onions and sour cream, stuffed cabbage and more pickled beet salad. We had enough pickled beets to feed an army. We, actually, gave some away. For dessert there was a plate full of cookies, but enough, please.
Then a walk where we found the next tree. Great color. We stopped right in front of Hessian Lake and I could not help but take the picture of Cindi looking for the leaves as the wind pounded her face.
Leaves, anywhere?
Back to the tent to see what was going on and there was dancing and drinking and music by the Continentals.
Soon it was time to hike down the trails to our ferry and the crowd was a little more rowdy; those lacrosse players and those girls were having a great time.
And so for the next 2 1/2 hours we heard:
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be
‘Cause your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends
The more we get together the happier we’ll be
We bonded with them, knowing personally, one of them. Another one, Bryan talked to us the whole way; about his girlfriend, his very demanding job in the City, his family, and life in general.
We arrived at the pier as the sun was setting. We did have a lot of laughs and got off that ferrry singing:
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be…..
Cindi and I walked to The Blakely. We needed to walk off some of those carbs. Then off to have Indian food, with Ryan, at Mint. This Indian restaurant is located at 150 East 50th St., tel. 212-644-8888, website www.mintny.com.
We had chicken samosas, chicken tikka masala, chicken curry and lamb nilgiri. Unfortunately, I could not take pictures; this time it did not seem appropriate, but check the website because it has pictures and it is very self explanatory. I had eaten there before and it was just as good.
A walk checking Rockefeller Center and other places completed the evening.
Sunday was gorgeous; the day we needed on Saturday. People were out and about walking for breast cancer or just enjoying a beautiful day in the City.
And for us, it was, on the road again…
Until next time…..talk to you later…..
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Months ago Cindi and I decided we were going to take a road trip to New York City; then take a day cruise up the Hudson River to watch the fall splendor at its best from that advantage point. Bear Mountain was the destination.
The drive from Rehoboth Beach took 4 hours. Not bad and it went so fast; you know, bla, bla, bla the whole way through. We stayed at The Blakely on 136 West 55th St., www.blakelynewyork.com. It was the perfect location; a block and a half from Central Park and walking distance to everywhere else.
We went to explore the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), which is located at 11 West 53rd St. It was the first museum devoted to the modern era; about 150,000 objects offering an unparallel overview of modern and contemporary art.
In one of the rooms, as you entered the museum there was a microphone courtesy of Yoko Ono and visitors could just go up to it and scream. In another room right on the wall there were one liners by her, as well.
I don’t understand the majority of the art at the MOMA, but still enjoyed very much going through every exhibit. Some of them were too far out but others quite interesting; Picasso, Miro, Warhol, Matisse and van Gogh.
By the time we left, the museum was completely full. Early drinks at the W and then to Rue 57 (Brasserie Parisienne et Sushi Bar) for something to eat. This restaurant is located on 60 West 57th Ave., www.rue57.com. It had been a long day so we enjoyed our dinner very much. Rue 57 had a good atmosphere and the service was great. We started with an appetizer of truffle pomme frites.
Cindi and Ryan ordered the salmon. Cindi thought hers should have been cooked less, but liked it very much.
I ordered the steak and I wanted it medium rare. It really was very rare so I would have cooked it a bit more.
If you are visiting New York City, one of the most enjoyable activities is walking, day or night. You never know what is around the corner.
On Friday evening, as we were walking we saw the cameras and lights right at Trump Tower. A filming of next year’s Apprentice was what we encountered. LaToya Jackson, Diane Warwick, Meatloaf and Gary Busey among others.
Gary Busey
A long day was awaiting on Saturday so off to The Blakely we went.
At the beginning of this post I mentioned that the purpose of the trip was to see the changing colors of the leaves at this time of the year. Well, we certainly drove a long way to see 2 gorgeous trees….gale force winds, a ferry ride with 60 plus athletes, most of them lacrosse players, Oktoberfest, beer steins…. and German fare….to be continued tomorrow….
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