December 2022 News from Elizabeth
NYC Mini Guide & open spots for Puglia Tours
Sorry for the delay, I know this newsletter is a week past due but hey! I took my first big trip in over 3 years and I’m still reeling. We had a fantastic time in New York, and I even managed a quick trip to North Carolina. Because I knew this trip would be a bit overwhelming, I kept our activities purely family related. I didn’t even get in touch with friends because it was just too much. Frankly I’m not sure how I did it in the before times: book tours, lunch and dinner dates, with drinks in between. I am so out of practice! Does anyone else feel this way?
This is not to say we didn’t do/see/eat a tremendous amount. In fact, the bulk of today’s newsletter will be a little guide to New York based on what we did. (see below).
In the meantime I realized that big trips make me very happy to a) take big trips and B) be back at home. December is just about my favorite month in Rome and I plan on sticking close to home and am decorating the tree this Thursday ( a holiday in Italy). Lights are already going up all over Rome and I’ve got my holidays tunes on constant repeat.
WHAT’S NEW
Sophie and I finished our last tour of the season in Umbria. We had a great time and I always love being able to host our guests at our home for our welcome dinner. We even got to share our newly pressed olive oil. Since our next tour isn’t until March, the winter is when Sophie and I travel a bit. Sophie is off to Spain this long holiday weeend, and is planning on a huge trip to Vietnam. Domenico and I haven’t quite decided yet, but I’m thinking a few days at a spa somewhere would be nice. I’m not sure I’m ready for another long trip just yet. But who knows?
I’ll also be working planning next years trips, as well as finalizing the dates for 2024. I’ll be announcing the new dates next week, through the Premium Newsletter.
I also have some good news: we’ve had a few spots open up for 2023!
Puglia and Basilicata with Sophie: March 13-18 : 4 spots
Puglia with Elizabeth and Sophie April 2-8: 1 single or 2 as double
Puglia with Sophie and Angelo: April 17-22: 3 spots
Puglia with Sophie and Angelo: May 7 - 13: 2 spots
To receive the brochures about these tours please send an email here.
Remember: New Tours for 2024 will be announced through my Premium Newsletter Susbscription.
WHAT I’M READING
I’m still deep into the Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, just mid way through the third book Obelisk Gate. I’m looking forward to her other books.
If you’re my age then chances are you still remember every word to Free to Be, You and Me. I loved this op-ed written about this children’s classic on its 50th anniversary.
What exactly does Gabagool mean? This article answers all of your gabagool and other New Jersey related Italian accent questions.
There were a lot of pieces written about Julie & Julia’s Julie Powell last month. This and this were two of my favorites which made me rethink things, especially in view of the fact that my own blog had a lot to do with her work.
WHERE I’VE BEEN: NYC MINI GUIDE
Since it was over three years since we had been in New York my daughter Emma (who lives there) wanted to make sure we ate and did as much as possible. For Sophie and me it was an extreme luxury having someone else take care of the culinary itinerary for a change. Emma did an amazing job and we ate so well! Be forewarned: it was not cheap. New York has gotten so expensive ( it always was, but even more so now). But since friends lent us their fabulous apartment for 10 days, I figured we could splurge for meals. Here is the where we ate, shopped and consumed culture. If you’d like to watch some of the videos I made, there is a New York Playlist on TikTok.
Restaurants
Peking Duck House - Our first night we went straight for Peking Duck. It’s the best. Order the Peking Duck, obviously. We usually order a couple of veggie sides, but the appetizers are just too much food (for us)
Edward’s - This is our friend Edward’s restaurant in Tribeca and I love the Frise’ Salad with lardons and poached egg, but it’s also great for a burger.
Pick A Bagel - This was near where we stayed, so was good for our bagel fix
Domenique Ansel: - Had to try a cronut . Wasn’t impressed. Way too sweet and heavy for my taste.
Pain Quotidien - Very convenient if you are on the upper East Side, for instance after the Met.
Han Dynasty New York - We got take out one night from this famous New York Chinese restaurant. Fabulous.
Veselka (Streecha) - We had meant to go to Streecha, a lesser known Ukrainian restaurant on the lower east side, but since it was closed we went to the more famous Veselka.
Yoon Haenundae Galbi (Cho Dang Gol) - We tried to go to the Korean Cho Dang Gol, but since there was a two hour wait we ended up at Yoon Haenundae Galbi instead, and it was great.
Empellon - This midtown Mexican restaurant is definitely on the fancy side, but good if you are in that neighborhood. Think tacos with a twist.
Estela - One of my favorite restaurants in New York. Worth trying to get a reservation and making your way here. Lunch is easier (and a bit quieter)
Shuko - We wanted to try an Omakase experience, where the chef makes each piece of sushi to order. It was amazing.
Jack’s Wife Freda - We stumbled onto this cute all day bistro and it was perfect for a late morning, pre-Whitney brunch. Usually has long lines, but mid week it was empty at 11:00.
Gentile - Our friends from Bari opened a gelateria so we had to try it!
CheLi - I loved this Chinese restaurant that features cuisine from the region of Jiangnan. Amazing food in a very atmospheric setting.
Corner Bar - This newly opened bistro is from Ignacio Mattos, the same chef as Estela. We had a delicious brunch here in their absolutely stunning restaurant.
Semma - Amazing Indian restaurant that features the cuisine of southern India. Very spicy and very hard to get reservation. Best meal we had in NYC.
Shopping: Here is a list of some of the cute boutiques Emma took us to
Il Buco Vita -Italian crafts imports.
John Derian - hard to describe, but I love everything.
Bonnie Slotnik Cook Books -Vintage cookbooks.
Jane New York - Very well curated design shop.
S.O.S. Chefs - Best spice shop in NYC.
November 19 - Beautifully crafted home and life style goods. I bought a gorgeous necklace there. Merry Christmas to me.
Sightseeing/Culture
Little Island - Very cool.
Highline - We walked it all the way from Hudson Yards (shopping mall) to little Island.
Whitney: Edward Hopper
Met: The Tudors
Donald Judd House - Hard to get reservations so book ahead.
AND FINALLY…
Despite some technical glitches (all on my part) it was fun chatting with Pasta Grannie’s Vicky Bennison about her new book.
Sophie had great fun showing Stanley Tucci around Bari. If you have Discovery+ or CNNgo you can watch it here.
If you are looking for a holiday gift for someone you know who loves Italy, have you thought about a subscription to this newsletter?
And whether you are a paying subscriber of enjoy the free version, thank you so much for your support this year. I love hearing all of you comments and thanks so much for sharing and supporting what I do here.
x,Elizabeth
Did you see the beautiful cocktail bar in same hotel as Corner Bar? All your stops were spot on .. makes me trust your Italy recommendations all the more😉
Which restaurants do you recommend the most if we're visiting New York?