NYC Day Three

Friday was another glorious day in NYC (rain? so what? We were in New York)  Breakfast at the best place for such — City Bakery (18th off 5th Ave) where we just happened to be sitting next to the founder, owner, and chief baker, Maury (Ralph) Rubin, with his Powerbook.  Then to the Union Square Farmer's to find Beth"s Jams & Jellies to get some more of her "Blazing Tomato Chutney" and two new ones; and, we got to meet owner and founder Beth who was there to do a cooking demo!  Lots of root veggies now at the market.  Then off to Strand and spent a few hours there.  I was really tempted to buy a copy of the 5th edition (now POP) of Janson's "History of Art," but it would have been too cumbersome to carry home.  I currently have a 1st edition which, of course, I will keep.  After Strand we went to the fairly new Skyscraper Museum which was very elucidating.  It was fascinating to see the incredible buildings that have been and are being built in the Middle East and China designed, interestedly, mostly bet American firms.  Then it was lunch at Smörgas at 12th and 4th (W. Village).  We found this place last summer on the hottest day of the year and just spent such a wonderful leisurely lunch there we decided to do it again this time.  Just a wonderfully relaxing with exquisite food and service.  Of course, right after we left to go back Uptown the heavens opened up.  Fortunately, we came prepared with our little bumbershoots.  We managed to find the F train (thanks to some locals passing by:  I swear, unless you've lived in either the East or West Village for a number of years, it's impossible to find anything on your own Metro Maps be damned), which took us to the Essex Market so that we could re-stock up on Roni-Sue"s chocolates, and this time we got to meet — Roni-Sue!  Then back to the hotel for the free wine hour back to the room to change and off 59E59 Theatre to "Any Given Monday" $35 tickets we got for the $4 (each) cost of reservations.  Late night dinner at the The Hudson (36th & 3rd).  God I love this city!