April 3rd, 2012

The Blakely New York, Hotel, Mid-Town, Manhattan, La Bonne Soupe, Restaurant, Reviews, New York City

This time of the year was a little tricky finding a hotel in New York.  I remembered a hotel that I had stayed with my friend, Cindi, called The Blakely New York.  I was impressed then by their attention to their guests.  On this particular trip, they excelled on their service.  It is located at 136 West 55th St., New York, NY 10019.  Tel. 212-245-1800  Website? www.blakelynewyork.com.

I was able to get a suite for my cousins and I who were traveling from Spain en route to Puerto Rico; New York would be our meeting place after not seeing each other for about 1 1/2 years. And, we wanted to be within walking distance to most everything.

The Blakely has 16 floors with 8 rooms in each floor.  It reminds me of a European hotel; understated.  The entrance is welcoming and warm; the elevators are small.  The hotel has a restaurant called the Abbocato.  Our stay included Continental breakfast.  The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

For anyone that likes to drive into New York City, right next to the Blakely there is parking; very convenient.

The Blakely is so centrally located; 2 blocks from Central Park, 1 block from Fifth Ave., a block from the MOMA, Rockefeller Center, Columbus Circle, and many others.

Through our stay we got great service.  Everyone was so pleasant and ready to help and guide.

Ariel was one of those.  For example, after he brought to our room all the luggage my cousins had I thought he would stay away from us.  But no.  We were looking for some place to eat and it was close to 10 p.m.  He suggested La Bonne Soupe.

I had seen La Bonne Soupe on a prior visit and thought it looked really cute.  It is a French Bistro located at 48 W 55th St.  Tel. 212-586-7650.  Website? www.labonnesoupe.com

It was less than a block from The Blakely.  Their motto?  “Good Life, With Health, Wealth and Happiness”.

When we arrived it was crowded and they asked us if we had just made a reservation for 3.  No, we answered, but that the hotel had sent us.

We sat down and really all we wanted was a warm soup and I also wanted a crepe.

That’s exactly what we ordered.  In the meantime, the doors opened and there was Ariel, our Concierge from The Blakely.  I thought he was coming to have dinner too.  Surprise!! He had 3 umbrellas for us.  It had started raining and he brought them so we would not get wet.

Everyone around us, including the Manager…and, where are you staying? St. Regis, perhaps?  No, The Blakely….the Manager said: “That’s what I call service.” 

My cousins enjoyed a delicious tomato soup; creamy and very well seasoned.

I loved my crepe with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Le Bonne Soup also offers a great brunch…that’s what I have been told.  Very good lunches, as well.  They also have their own cookbook, so check out their website.

So, what a way to start our girls trip in New York!!

You know what?  Ariel had made that reservation for 3 upon us walking to La Bonne Soupe.  He wanted to make sure they had a table for us.  Need I say more?

Note:  Later, I will tell you about Abbocato, the restaurant at The Blakely.  One thing at a time, don’t you think.

Talk to you later.  Back in Delaware!!

October 18th, 2010

New York City, Road Trip, MOMA, Museum of Modern Art, Rue 57, Restaurant, Review

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….

Talk to you later…