Today found me biking around Governors Island, seeing another Broadway show, and of course indulging in some delicious food.
In keeping with my commitment to trying new food establishments on this trip, I knew I needed to pay a visit to Golden Diner in Chinatown to try their viral honey butter pancakes. Or pancake in the singular, as one is plenty big. I opted for a table outdoors. The restaurant is almost directly under the Manhattan Bridge, but somehow the noise from the traffic and trains passing overhead just added to the ambiance. But let’s talk about the pancake. You might be thinking, “it’s just a pancake.” I can promise you, this is more than just a pancake. It’s an experience. From now on, when someone asks me about the best pancake(s) I’ve ever had, I will tell them about this. The pancake was rich and fluffy, and the honey butter syrup on top provided just enough sweetness, offset by the sprinkle of lemon zest. I will be thinking about (and likely talking about) this for a long time to come.
After savoring every last bite of my pancake, I made my way on foot down to Pier 6 to catch the ferry over to Governors Island. Governors Island is situated just 800 yards away from Manhattan in New York Harbor. The short 10-minute ferry ride provides sweeping views of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty. The island is 172 acres in size and is home to three military fortifications (Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and South Battery), along with former officer’s quarters, a hammock grove, some interesting outdoor artwork, and multiple restaurants and food trucks. I walked around Castle Williams for a few minutes and then rented a bike from Blazing Saddles for the next two hours. I circled the island, stopped for a few pictures, got a watermelon mint lemonade in the shade, and just enjoyed being a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I was tired after my morning but took a walk around Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and reflecting pools, and the Oculus on the way back to my hotel. I relaxed, showered, and got ready for my night out on the town.
Dinner tonight was at La Pecora Bianca. It is a small chain of Italian restaurants that gets consistently good reviews. I chose the location next to Bryant Park as it was in the direction of the theater. I had a strawberry limoncello spritz and chicken parmesan. Both were excellent. I don’t know that it was the best chicken parm I’ve ever had, but it was right up there. The vodka sauce was to die for, with just a little bit of a spicy kick.
I had been looking forward to seeing “Every Brilliant Thing”, currently starring Mariska Hargitay of Law and Order: SVU fame. It’s a one-person show about a list the actor creates of every brilliant thing in the world to help deal with the struggles of life. I have to say, I left the show disappointed. The show involves some audience interaction and participation and Mariska did a good job of pulling people into the show to fit their roles. It just didn’t feel authentic. It felt like she was acting and I didn’t feel myself being drawn into the show as I usually am. It wasn’t bad; I just don’t think it’s a show that will stick with me much after tonight.
I’ll be heading home tomorrow, but not until I have one more viral breakfast food on my way out of town…
Traveling with Laura 