This Looks Familiar

While we probably visit the New York City area at least once a year, our visits usually revolve around Hoboken NJ or Manhattan to visit family or go to a major tourist destination.  However, during a recent visit to our daughter Molly in New York City I got the chance to see some sites for the first time since living there during grad school.

We took the train from Boston so the first surprise was Penn Station.  In my day the station had two dive restaurants and a newsstand.  Getting off the train I was amazed to see some fun looking bars, specialty food stores, and retail shops.  Hanging out in Penn Station and/or shopping were NOT things one did back in the day, but the bars and restaurants were packed with commuters getting an early start to their weekend.

The original dinner reservation for Friday night did not work out so we pivoted to a favorite restaurant of Molly’s near Greenwich Village, which was fantastic.  As we walked off our dinner I saw a bar, the Peculiar Pub, which was a regular watering hole after classes.  I forgot how much energy the neighborhood had with such a fun vibe.

On Saturday our destination was Brooklyn, where I lived both years of school.  While there are far more gourmet coffee establishments than when I lived there, I was amazed to see that my favorite Chinese restaurant was still in business.  Of course, further research was required and I’m happy to report that they have not changed their dumpling recipe.  A lot of walking the streets and a trek across the Brooklyn Bridge completed the afternoon.  We wrapped up the day with another restaurant recommendation from Molly.

It was fun to show Molly a glimpse into my time in New York that she can now better appreciate (or she at least did a nice job politely expressing interest).  Scarily she is only a few years younger than when I lived here!  While it was fun going down memory lane it was also interesting to see the city from Molly’s perspective.  I’m looking forward to more NYC outings, and please let me know if you have any restaurant recommendations.