Rockefeller Center

(The US spelling is deliberate!!)

On our first afternoon, after checking in (they very kindly found a room that was ready for occupation to let us in before the official check in time) we headed out to explore the neighbourhood and find some lunch.  We found a small deli that supplied water and wine for the room later.  And a branch of "Bread & Co" for lunch.  Supplies all sorts of bread, but also prepares fresh sandwiches and salads during the day, and breakfast early on.  Most people take out, but there were a few tables, so we had enormous salads for the first lunch, and had breakfast there every morning.  Buttermilk pancakes and syrup, bacon and egg, omelettes etc.  Yum.

On that first afternoon, after lunch, we headed north to explore.  St.Patrick's Cathedral was within view of Bread & Co - though we didn't visit that until the next day - and from there we headed north on Madison Avenue, and took a look at the Rockefeller Center.  It covers 22 acres!!  We didn't actually go inside, as that's shops and restaurants and we didn't want either at the time, but the outside is very grand.

There's an observation platform up there - "Top of the Rock" - but we decided the Empire State would be the views for us this trip

Last time I visited here (March 2006 with Helen) I bought Sarah a pair of reproduction gold & lapis earrings here (real gold/lapis, copy of ancient Egyptian earrings in the Met Museum of Art)

In the middle of the complex there's a large open area.  In winter this is where the famous ice rink is, now it was full of cafes.

 

Not a selfie this time!

Radio City is here, a music hall that apparently has a giant wurlitzer organ (we didn't pay to visit and see).  NBC studios are also based here.

We wandered on north via Fifth Avenue for the rest of the afternoon, taking a short turn in Central Park (shall blog another day).  And then returned to the Rockefeller for an early dinner - we had been up since 0415 after all.  There was a Greek place we liked the look of, quite posh inside (especially the loos!!), with lots of black tie people turning up.  But outside was more of a cafe.  Sarah had meatballs - unfortunately it seems one wasn't properly cooked, which was more than a little unfortunate overnight - and I had spicy sausage.  Both with Greek fries (fries with feta) and large beers.  And then large puds - New York cheesecake.  Well, had to be done.

By now the light was starting to go, and everything was lighting up.  Very pretty.