A Tourist in NYC

Having my friend Birgit Koopsen visit me a couple weeks ago brought the opportunity to play tourist in NYC. Living so close to Manhattan (a 10 minute path ride) makes you often just go in for your goals and chores and forget to explore it the way you would if you wouldn’t live to so close. Since Birgit was already here a couple years ago – I was able to show her some different things. Here are some fun highlights :)

Last time Birgit was here the WTC station wasn’t yet finished …I always rush through it …On the first day we went to the Russian Vodka Room for dinner  (it is a fun place – piano player, good food and drinks included- a great place when you are around the Broadway for a show) before

going to a MoMA Party with my friend Kim and we had the galleries almost to ourselves – so cool. It was great to go to the Picabia show for a third time :) I still saw new things and it is always awesome to talk with artsy friends about art.

The party was ok – young rich NYC kids – meh … but you know – look at the gallery above – ALL OURS

On another day we explored the East Village a bit (ok ok …I got lost …but hey…it is the best way to get to know a hood- LOL)

and went to Russ & Daughters – ohhhh yummie. The store exists for over 100 years – the Cafe offering their yummie delicatessen was opened a couple years ago.

We couldn’t stop eating (as we both love pickled fish and fish and pickles and potatoes latkes and dessert)  and we bought loads of their fish in store too which we indulged throughout the week at home …heaven :)

We went to Kremer’s Pigment– oh still my heart. A gem open since 1977 in the middle of a buzzing city- a candy store for artists

you can buy pigments there and they make their own watercolors. But they also offer workshops on how to make your own watercolors and gesso. I heard those classes are fantastic.

We went one day downtown

saw the Fearless Girl facing the Wall Street Bull (tons of people there- CRAZY!- that was the moment I turned back into a Jersey/NY girl and had to contain myself from just pushing through the crowd to be able to walk)

We took a Staten Island Ferry Ride- free and with the best picture opportunities of Manhattan, Jersey City, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

And just enjoyed the sun and glorious day

Another day we meet a friend of mine in Brooklyn – Bushwick

strolled around

and had Pizza at the Roberta’s – sitting outside in the garden – yummie!

And then went to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to visit my friend and artist Adam in his studio to see some of his amazing artwork .

and then walked through Vinegar Hill to the Brooklyn Bridge which we crossed at the perfect time of the day with beautiful light

And who says New Yorkers have now humor ;)

We also did a Cheese Tasting in our local cheese store- all cheeses made by female cheese makers in the U.S. and spent some time in my hood. I really enjoyed having Birgit here and I miss her already :)

Hope you enjoyed the little sightseeing tour, I know we did !

Comments (10)

  • Torsa Saha

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    Love the small sightseeing through NYC !! Love you both !! Hugs !!

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    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thanks for joining Torsa! Huge hugs back to you and a wonderful start into the week!

      Reply

  • susan debourguignon

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    oh, thanks so much for my armchair visit! i will get there someday. we will definitely visit Kremer Pigments and then have a lovely meal at Russ & Daughters. i don’t eat fish (just don’t care for it) but i will still have to make tough choices for lunch or dinner. and what a treasure of a trip to MoMA! Nathalie, thanks again for all that you share with us … we appreciate your nourishing art information!!!
    s

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    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you for coming with us Susan :) There are loads of yummie things on the menu at Russ&Daughters – their Potato Latkes- yumm and …hey…their sweets ….delicious :) Have a wonderful rest of your week!

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  • Sue Clarke

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    Love Fearless Girl and looks like you had a great visit with Birgit. I can’t believe that you are that close to NYC.
    Thanks so much for sharing our pics Nat.

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    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you Sue – yeah it was a fantastic time with her. It pays off to live so close (15min with public transportation) – as I always say ” it is awesome to be quick in and awesome to be quick out” ;)

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  • Cindy Langston

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    Ohhh…thank you so much for this post Nat! My husband and I will be making our annual trip to NYC in a couple of weeks and we are always on the look out for new things to see. You have definitely added to our list with your post. Would love more off the beaten path ideas if you want to share!

    Thanks…Cindy

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    • nathalie-kalbach

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      thank you Cindy, I am glad you enjoyed the post and wish you and your husband an amazing time in NYC!

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  • Joi@RR

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    Loved every INCH of this post Nat. The art, the food, the sights and best of all… the story of your time together. Never having been to that part of the country – it’s all just AMAZING. Thanks so much for sharing. Xj.

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    • nathalie-kalbach

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      thank you Joi – it was a super fun time! NYC is a great place to visit :)

      Reply

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