Doubting Decisions

After such an incredible start to our Spring Break vacation, we could not wait to see what this day had in store for us. Our first stop would be Clinton Street Baking Company – home to some of the best pancakes in NYC, covered and smothered with butter already mixed into real maple syrup. The kids were salivating over just the very thought of it. When we arrived, our dreams of dining on this carb-overload creation were crushed. The wait – an hour, which would make breakfast, brunch – but with two starving kids, that was not an option. Just a brief walk up the street was another place Scott had discovered via the web: Russ and Daughters – a New York tradition since 1914. Their lox cream cheese bagel was voted New York City’s best last year. When Mason asked what a “lox” was, I knew we were in trouble. Our picky eater was appalled by the mere thought (and smell) of eating “fish” for breakfast. They did have some pastries for the kids to eat, but Mason reached his culinary breaking point. To add insult to injury, there were no tables in this establishment forcing us to sit on a cold, wet bench. Even with our bench for four being located in the middle of a playground, it did not break the will of our selective son. On the other hand, “Breakfast Fish” was not an issue for our Morgan. This girl has already tasted and enjoyed kangaroo, octopus, emu and venison just name a few. We were not surprised when she devoured half of my bagel. Plus she thoroughly took advantage of exploring the playground while Mason slowly and unwillingly ate his pastry. (YES, PASTRY! Scott has amazing patience with that child!)


Our next item on the agenda was to leisurely walk to Chinatown. We had mutiny within thirty minutes of our excursion which actually worked out quite well since we were lost. All we could find were a plethora of commercial kitchen appliance stores. We grabbed a taxi to Grand Central Station. By this time, Scott and I were agitated with the children, but determined to make a good day out of it all. One of the kids favorite movies is Madagascar, and what better place to take them to see some of the inspiration for the film. Not even two seconds into the station, our movie buffs had pointed out every single scene including where each character had entered. We then proceeded to the lower level of the dining concourse to discover one of Grand Central’s secrets – the “Whispering Gallery” located in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Due to the acoustics of the low ceramic arches, a whisper can sound like a shout. To make this work, Scott and I stood in opposite corners of the large arched entryway and faced the corners. I could hear my husband, but it did not work for Scott. I’m not surprised since a high school tour group was congregating in the same area. And by this time, we had lost the kid’s interest yet again. Complaining became their war cry. Threatening became ours!

Grand Central Station

Our last hope was Central Park. There our little demons, oops – I mean, cherubs could run and play… maybe even check out the zoo and see “Alex, the Lion”. We were sidetracked by street performers and merchandise lined up against the park’s walls. We noticed a few portrait artists and decided to take the cheesy tourist plunge. Morgan was our first subject. She did quite well considering the amount of time she had to stay still. I unwillingly became the final subject for our souvenir since the grumpy boy vetoed becoming a live model. Let me add here two crucial points of advice when it comes to a NYC street artist: (1) Just because they show you incredible samples doesn’t mean that it is theirs. And (2) you are in New York, there is a high probability you will be scammed. All I could say when our artist turned the drawing around was “Oh, interesting background…”. His work was NOTHING like his samples. Scott and I watched two other artists nearby with amazing talent. Then the best part – since the medium of choice was charcoal, we still had to purchase a matte (hence – SCAM). So we paid way too much for an ugly drawing, but lesson learned. Still, we had two miserable offspring on our hands.

Samples of his Work

Outside Central Park

Central Park

We did not last in Central Park very long. The belligerent progeny had devoured our last nerve! Doubts of our decision for almost a week’s stay became the discussion. As we dragged the kids back to the hotel, their silence only confirmed they were contemplating their fate once we entered the room. Their lives were spared by a simple phone call. Not from pleading grandparents, but from Scott’s Baltimore project in desire of assistance. While our bread winner worked his magic, the kids and I enjoyed some time to ourselves. Morgan colored. Mason read. I photographed.

Outside Our Hotel Window...

Determined to turn the day around, I got the idea of a girls’ night out and a guys’ night in. How can you come to NYC and NOT see a play on Broadway. Morgan and I got tickets to see “The Little Mermaid”. The boys would have a nice evening in watching the 2009 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. But none of this would happen before dinner. To ensure a pleasant evening, we dined in one of the very numerous Ray’s Pizza joints. Please do not get me wrong (especially if you are a born and bred New Yorker). The pizza was good, but since we live in Florida with so many New York style pizzerias - well, it tasted the same as back home. As we left Ray’s, we were shocked to see this sight! So glad we got in when we did!