fred haas on the wanamaker organ 12/14/12

interesting flip!  posting on my blog a share on my fb page - usually do the opposite...

introducing two grannie clients to the LOCKHART ladies version of urban exploring. going into center city on friday for perhaps the most special concert of my life. training it from jenkintown station. after the long stroll through market street 

east, will rest & revive in the lobby of center city's marriott. restored, we'll head thru the marriott to reading terminal market. as john checks out the holiday model railroad, the olders & i will scope out best places for an early supper. well fed, return to market street via the marriott. cross market to loews hotel to rate comfort of lobby seating - ahhhh. onto macy's (nee john wanamaker's) for a bit of browsing before the 10-minute light show spectacular, followed by fred haas' 35-minute concert on the world famous wanamaker organ (the kimmel center houses the fred j. haas memorial organ).  ~  

then we head home!  ~ 

Tip of the Santa hat to HATBORO!

A tip of the Santa hat to HATBORO!

Hatboro is so close by, it’s easy to overlook.  Sure, it was the site of the Battle of Crooked Billet (alas, a British victory).  It’s got the wonderful Holiday Parade held the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  And boasts Daddypops, a diner whose breakfast scrapple won it national acclaim on Guy Fieri's  Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. 

It’s all that & way more!

Have kids? Head this Saturday to Hatboro's New Galaxy Diner  for Brunch with Santa, Saturday, Dec 15 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  In all my years as a diner afficiando, NEVER EVER have I come across a place with a more "Hail, fellow, well met!" staff. They're unbelievably generous with & shower oodles of attention on two of my grannie clients, who bask in their attention. Food's yummy too, with truly special Senior Specials that my grannie clients love. (We used to alternate restaurants; now, I’d get disappointed looks if I headed anywhere except New Galaxy.) HIGHLY recommend checking it out, especially this Saturday afternoon for the Brunch with Santa. For extra fab service, tell 'em, "We're friends of Marg's." 

Heading out of New Galaxy, turn right down York Road (Rt 263), to Moreland, then cross over.  Perhaps no store in Hatboro offers the step back in time that the Philadelphia AthleticsHistorical Society does, dedicated to honoring the exciting history of the Philadelphia A’s, baseball legends & Hall of Famers like “The Tall Tactician”, “The Beast”, and one of the most colorful people ever to play the game of baseball–”Rube” Waddell. These people are serious about honoring the A’s and preserving the memory of their important place in baseball history.    The Society’s Gift Shoppe includes unique collectibles, from figurines to autographed memorabilia to caps et al sporting the Society’s logo.

Thought that was testosterone heaven?  HA!  Get into some hardcore fix-it guy (ok, and gal) stuff at Village Hardware.  Do you have any idea how rare it is to find a genuinely independent hardware store these days?  And you’ve GOT to love a hardware store owned by someone named Al Wipplinger!!  Here we go again  – it’s small, seems out of another time PLUS it's  packed with wonderfully useful things, with a hobby corner to boot!  Perfect place to come if you have a fix-it guy or gal on your list.

If you have someone who can’t bear to stop talking to Al about getting your screens or lamps repaired or swooning over his sharpening services, remember that Lochel’s is just down the street, beckoning with their to-swoon-for cakes & pastries.  NO ONE in the area does wedding cakes & special occasion cakes as creatively as Lochel’s!!  Get your wedding cake there & they decorate a specially-sized, specially-decorated cake as a gift for your 1^st anniversary.  What’s not to love??  Right now, their bakery specialties include pumpkin cheesecake, butter cookies, florentine’s, rum balls, springerlees, holiday cookies, their pastries are my downfall (john’s is their brownies),   Check out their special occasion Christmas cakes.  Hard to find a family-run, over-the-top FABULOUS bakery like Lochel’s. 

Now that you’ve been refortified, head down a couple doors – past Gamburg’s Furniture (a rare independent furniture store, beautiful pieces, superb service – to the Sweater Mill.  I admit to longing for a shopping spree at Sweater Mill, with its wonderful sweaters & knit tops that do NOT look like they came from the mall.  The quality is great, the service is top notch, the prices aren’t low but they aren’t astronomical & when they have their seasonal sales you can walk away with a lot of great fashion for a very low investment.  This is one place where you can find that truly special sweater that will be ooooed & ahhhhhed over. 

Out of Sweater Mill, turn left, down to the light, carefully cross York Road (it’s a busy intersection).  Almost immediately to your left is the time-out-of-time Burdick’s News Agency.   Walk through the door & you’re suddenly zipped back in time.  A counter like Wally Cleaver or Ricky Nelson would have felt at home hanging out at, with folks who make honest-to-goodness milkshakes in a style thought to be lost in the fog of time.  And check out their “gee, I haven’t seen that in decades!” candy selection.  Spend some time checking out their magazine selection (hey, this IS Burdick’s NEWS Agency, remember?).  If your circle of friends & family includes cigar smokers (gag), they have a fine selection of stogies.  Did I mention the card selection in the back?  Small store that packs a lot into their square footage. I always come here to find that hard-to-find magazine to tuck into John’s stocking.

Walk down the steps, then turn right, heading past a few shops.  There, tucked back a bit is KP Kitchen Crafts, where you can find just about anything you need for baking up a storm.  Like so many Hatboro shops, it’s small, but packed with so marvels to stir the hearts of bakers.   Absolutely agree with the person who wrote, “I love this store and Kathy! She is wonderful. The few negative comments that I have seen are because people don't understand what a small town business is truly like. Kathy is a family person and very down to earth. I have been going to KP Kitchens for about 25 years. I moved away for a few years and now I am back. Love, love, love all of her supplies. Sometimes, I go in and walk around getting my creative tool going, then start my buying frenzy. Kathy has saved me on many occasions when I needed specific supplies and she was the only one in the area that had them. She also ordered a few supplies for me. Granted, the hours are irregular sometimes, but that's what comes with a small family business. She is a Godsend.”  Great place to find that unusual cookie cutter for a baker’s stocking, lots of other WOW Christmas gifts. 

That's just a sampling of this close-by must-see All-American town.  Is Hatboro a wonder, or what??!!!  

Dickens Festival - TOMORROW!!! Sat Dec 8

I love Narberth, a "Main Line" village that goes unnoticed by most folk.  It's smack dab on the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, but not on any main road - not on Lancaster or Montgomery Avenues.  You have to LOOK to find it.  It's well worth the bit of exploring.

It's been quite a few years since I was in Narberth, but will always remember trips there with Mom & Mim - we'd park the car, then just ramble around the small, cozy shopping area.  Special.

Almost missed posting about tomorrow's Dickens' Festival.  This free annual event, held on the streets of Narberth, draws thousands of visitors.  (The local boast is that it's the fastest-growing holiday festival in the Philadelphia area!)  It's colorful, festive & about as interactive as you're going to get.  

Each year, the two becomes sort of its own version of Brigadoon - for one afternoon a year, it transforms into 1840s London, with Scrooge, Bob Cratchitt, Little Tim & all the characters from The Christmas Carol walking about the streets.  

Activities for all ages include a scavenger hunt for children, sending them searching high & low for Dickens characters.  But the event is soooo much more!

The 2012 Narberth Dickens Festival includes:

• Ebeneezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol”
• dozens of period-authentic costumed performers
• free scavenger hunt & free prize for kids - 1pm to 3pm or while prize supplies last
• horse and carriage rides through the Narberth streets
• professional musicians
• authentic Victorian carolers
• free craft activities for kids 
• professional ice sculpting display
• free showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol - on two screens at 11am  at Narberth Stadium 2 on N. Narberth Ave  
• free "Nutcracker" dance performances from the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
• Dickens "tattoos" and face painting for kids 
• 3 free hot toddies from local establishments (one from each) in any souvenir mug
• free first cup of coffee or hot chocolate in any souvenir tin cup, plus drink and soup discounts all day 
• period-authentic vendors and street food 

Wonderful family fun!  

WEGMAN'S - Warrington

If I had to choose a place for one-stop-shopping, it would be Wegman's - the closest one around these parts is in Warrington.

My first Wegman's - the one where I signed up for my Wegman's frequent shopper's card - was out in Downingtown.  It was the ONLY Wegman's in the entire area.  Mom & I were coming home from a bop out to Lancaster County, taking the "southern" route (aka Rt 30) home.  The store caught my eye & in we went.

Can remember the awe I felt at what seemed like a smaller, American version of Harrods food halls.  

Mom & I would always drop into Wegman's whenever we were nearby - several times, Wegman's was its our only destination.  

What joy when I heard we were getting our very own, up the road a piece in Warrington!

Wegman's aren't all that rare anymore, at least not in our neck of the woods.  You'll find them in Princeton & King of Prussia, Cherry Hill & Collegeville, Malvern & Mount Holly.  And, yes - there is still our FIRST Wegman's, out in Downingtown.  I've visited most of them - my Holy Grail is the trio of stores in Bethlehem, Nazareth & Allentown.  

The store isn't rare, but the shopping experience is, perhaps due in large measure to the fact it's still family owned & operated.  The first food market was opened by John Wegman, back in 1916 - the Rochester Fruit & Vegetable Company of Rochester, NY.  The Wegmans (John partnered up with his brother, Walter) were always innovative and they always focused on their employees, customers & community, a dedication still evident today.  Walter's son, the legendary Robert Wegman, set the bar for the innovation that's a company hallmark.  That same commitment to unsurpassed excellence was passed on to his son, Danny, and Danny's two daughters, Colleen & Nicole.  I've felt their personal touch in every Wegman's I've visited.  

They're up to date when it comes to online support.  Their website had loads of helpful information, tools for a simpler shopping experience, a well-presented blog, and so much more.

It still astonishes me to find a supermarket offering a fabulous beer selection ~AND~ a wine boutique!   You can mix & match bottles of beer and find a decent $6 bottle of wine.  As someone beleaguered by state-controlled liquor stores, that sort of freedom & selection is mind boggling.

Wegman's is especially fun at Christmas.  I always pamper John with one of a pretty spiffy selection of smoked salmon.  Linger longingly in the jaw-dropping cheese section, check out international foods for stocking stuffers, take a look up at the model training heading around a track set above the diary section.  Take your time browsing through their extensive magazine selection.  Marvel at all the different types of gluten-free, dairy-free & organic selections are available these days.  You need Christmas cards?  Something for the kitchen?  The newest best seller?  You'll find them here.  

Hungry?  Their baked goods are legendary.  They not only have someone constantly making fresh sushi and an above-average salad bar, they also offer a Chinese buffet and a yummy selection of hot entrees, along with a nifty dining area with a section for kids.  They even have live music on some evenings!

They say the proof is in the pudding.  In this case, the proof of Wegman's excellence is found in its impressive range of awards.  Most recently, company president, Danny Wegman, was named to Fitness Magazine's first Fit 50 List, celebrating 50 people who "effected real change in women's health and fitness."  Real Simple magazine named it a recipient of its Shopping-Made-Easy Award.  Danny W. was named to Ethispere magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics.   J.D.Powers & Associates ranked Wegman's pharmacy Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Supermarket Pharmacies.  Businessweek included Wegman's in its list of 25 Customer Service Superstars (included a wide range of companies).   The Food Marketing Institute gave him (how appropriate!) the inaugural Robert B. Wegman Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership, which honors the food retailer or wholesaler responsible for creating exceptional retail innovations.   Did I mention that it's consistently in the top 5 of Fortune magazine's annual Best Places to Work??

Whew!  And those accolades are just since 2008!

If you want a fun shopping experience, a place where you can literally indulge in one-stop-shopping for all your holiday needs, get thee going on over to Wegman's!  

WHOLE FOODS & TRADER JOE'S

We are so blessed to have a Whole Foods & a Trader Joe's that basically share a parking lot (if you head down from TJ's to WF, not in reverse).  They can't be beat when it comes to finding interesting goodies for holiday entertaining & spiffy gifts to please any foodie on your Christmas list!  

Go when you don't have any regular shopping to get done.  Personally, I'd finish up at Whole Foods, head up a few doors to grab a bagel & big cup of hot chocolate, then onto Trader Joe's.  Maybe when I finished at Trader Joe's, would nip right next door to pick up a nice bottle of wine or Blue Sapphire.

Yes, I live in foodie paradise!!

O Come, All Ye Faithful - TABLEAUX at Bryn Athyn Cathedral

It took me several years before I could bring myself to go to the Christmas Tableaux once they were moved to Bryn Athyn Cathedral.  

My heart still belonged to the ones I took such deep delight in at the Assembly Hall.  (Never could warm to them in Heilman Hall - felt disloyal.)  

But to put such a tale told in small, intimate scale in a stunning setting like the cathedral??  Surely, the  magnificent location would overpower the story.

Was I ever wrong!!  Think me crazy, but I can feel the joy of the building at holding the event in its very heart.  

And I thought that having "shepherds" with live animals outside, around a campfire, sounded hopelessly hokey.  

Was I ever wrong!  The sight feels so right, instilling a palpable sense of innocence - am always awed by its impact on my husband, who was not raised with a strong background in the spiritual aspects of Christmas.

Tableaux  are "living pictures" portraying the birth of Jesus through reverent participants, beautifully costumed, accompanied by inspiring music and words of Scripture.  It is an experience that enters the heart, forming memories that that transcend distance and time.  

They are early this year  ~ ~ Sunday, December 9.  Services are at 3:30 (the favorite of families with small children), 5, 7 and 8:15 p.m.   On your way in, take time to notice the shepherds & animals, include sheep, a donkey, and a young camel experiencing his first visit.  Enter into the innocence of the moment.

All are welcome.  Share the joy of this holiday celebration.  

Children's Tableaux - Heilman Hall:   Few, if any, people loved the Tableaux more than my mother, but in her final years it was too taxing to go even to the 3:30 cathedral service.  We found that the Children's Tableaux, at Heilman Hall, were perfect for her.  Portrayed by elementary school-aged children, the four Advent scenes are part of a worship service enjoyed by all ages.  Services are at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the Bryn Athyn Society Building.

All are welcome to either Tableaux service.  Because they are worship services,  you're requested to not take pictures at any time before, during or after the service.

Come & share the joy of this holiday celebration!  

 

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Lockhart Ladies' Holiday Trip to the Big Apple UPDATED

It’s possible to write a blog posting about the Christmas shopping joys of Chicago, Philadelphia, D.C., and even San Francisco – all places I love at Christmastime.  

But one blog to describe the high revels that’s Christmas shopping in NYC?  
No way!  
Can’t be done.  
Too many places, too little time.  
Today, my NYC meanders are dedicated to an area of interest - a certain item, a certain location, even a certain food.  

Not so back when the Lockhart Ladies hit Manhattan.  We did our best to do it all.  The classic holiday jaunt (often with Margaret York, now Gladish) started with parking across from the Algonquin, reviving with a cuppa in that hallowed hostelry, then off on a glorious hike up 5^th Avenue!  First Scribner, then Rockefeller Center, nip across to Saks, then onto Fortunoff, Asprey’s (in Trump Tower), Tiffany, and FAO Schwartz.  We'd top off our 5^th Ave jaunt by cutting through The Plaza, turning left on Central Park South to our beloved Rumpelmeyer's Ice Cream for a bit of decadence.  Refueled, we'd taxi back to the car and nip over to Kitchen Arts & Letters and (if we had the time), Bloomingdale’s – especially if Margaret was with us.  Our last shop stop was Zabar’s, then it was back in car & head down to dinner at Panchito’s.  Alas, some of our best beloveds are either long gone or transformed out of anything we would have recognized.  But I digress!  Will write up memories of times past under Sneezing Chickens - - this blog is about things to do NOW!

A  Holiday Trip to the Big Apple is still a great destination.  So, strap on some walking shoes & let’s get hiking!

The Algonquin ~ ~ My preferred parking garage is across the street from the legendary Algonquin.  Be sure to continue the tradition with a quick nip in to give holiday greetings to Matilda, the famous Algonquin Cat.  Too much to do to stop for a cuppa!  

NYYC ~ ~ Cross over 44th St, turning ever-so-briefly left toward 5^th Avenue.  Stop!  Look back across the street, at 37 West 44^th Street.  The architectural embellishments of the NewYork Yacht Club are so sublime, perfect for the club it houses.  Soak it in – NYC at its best!

NBA Store ~ ~ The next stop is heaven for basketball lovers - the NBA Store, between 47^th & 48^th Streets.  (lots of WNBA goodies, too)  Think FAO Schwartz or World of Disney, only for basketball fans.  How to entice them away from a sales staff steeped in basketball stats?  

Scribner Building ~ ~ The next stop is actually a long look.  From the west side of 5th Avenue, look across to the Scribner Building, one of my favorite bits of NYC architecture.  Scribner Books relocated years ago, but take a few moments to contemplate & appreciate the beautiful Beaux Arts architecture of the building still proudly emblazoned “Charles Scribner & Sons.” 

American Girl Place ~ ~ Continuing up the avenue, you come to American Girl Place!  Barbie marketing is piddly compared to American Girl.  Mattel never built a palatial emporium dedicated to a doll – okay, a hug of dolls, each set in a particular period of American history, complete with stories, books & an ever-expanding wardrobe.  You’ll find versions of the store coast to coast, from the Big Apple to the Big D, Atlanta to Chicago, D.C. to K.C., in the Colorado mountains to Minnesota’s prairies – even Boston Brahmins aren’t immune to the charms of these lasses.  But the 5^th Avenue store is the ultimate American Girl paradise!   Shopping is just the beginning - so many other things enchant girls of all ages – dining (brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), a photo studio (have your real life American girl’s photo on a mock cover of  - of course, American Girl magazine), even a doll hair salon!  Sounds outrageous, but every moment in this temple to merchandising is unforgettable fun for girls from toddler to ancient!  (Dads & uncles & even big brothers have been known to be swept into the charm, too!)

  

Saks ~ ~ A hop, skip & jump from American Girl Place gets you to another holiday shopping mecca – Saks 5th Ave.  Yes, there are Saks locations all over the world, but the 5^th Ave location is the utter real deal.  I love to go there to be reminded of what shopping was like 30, 40 years ago, when stores knew it mattered that they maintain a high level of service.  It speaks volumes that Saks was honored this year by J.D. Powers with a Customer Service Champion - one of only 50 U.S. companies to be so honored.  

THE Tree ~ ~ By now, you need a breather.  Head across the street to Rockefeller Center to ooo & ahhhh over the epic Christmas tree, presiding over an iconic setting, skaters doing their thing on the rink below.  A must-see NYC sight! 

Be strong & press pass all the stores beckoning you – Cartier,  Fortunoff,  Takashimaya,  Lindt (be strong!),  even World of Disney (gasp!), the Apple Store &  Trump Tower.  You’re heading to the most iconic of all NYC jewelry stores – Tiffany. 

Tiffany ~ ~ ~ There is something special about getting a gift wrapped in that iconic (there’s that word again!) blue with white satin ribbon.  Tiffany & Co. has been part of the Lockhart Ladies holiday shop since Mim first introduced us to the elegantly cavernous sale floors eons ago.  My sister could find shockingly affordable gifts, from ornaments to beautiful wine glasses to whimsical Santa mugs – she was a wonder!  Even if you don’t go in – and I heartily suggest you do – do not miss their always exquisite windows.

Which says “Manhattan” more – Tiffany or FAO Schwartz??  Gotta go with the latter.  

FAO Schwartz ~ ~ The Toys R Us store in Times Square gives it a run for its money, but to me FAO Schwartz is the ultimate U.S. toy store (for me, THE ultimate will always be Hamley’s, although I might have to start saying “Je l’adore”).  Neither store really cares, since they’re both owned by the same company!!  Wander the halls, enjoy being a kid again.  Glory in the tradition & joy that is FAO Schwartz.   Interesting tidbit:  despite what we all saw in Big, FAO Schwartz had NO oversized keyboard – it was designed for the movie;  demand to see it became so great, the store had to get one made!! 

Time Warner Center ~ ~ Tired?  Good.  One last trek before getting something substantial to eat.  Across Central Park South to the Time Warner Center.  There are two reasons for heading to this tres elite urban mall – bathrooms & Bouchon Bakery/Café (at last - food!).  (Learned at an early age to never ever use public restrooms, not when grand hotels & fabulous shops have way better facilities.)  TWC offers surprisingly little in the way of food choices that are delectable & affordable.  Bouchon Bakery/Café is one of the few (maybe the only) place that fits the bill.  I confess to being addicted to their quiche, although tempted by their yummy looking salads & sandwiches.  Not cheap, but excellent value for the money. 

Mandarin Oriental ~ ~ Little would you guess in the hubbub of the stores that TWC hosts is one of the best of all Manhattan hotels – the AAA 5-star Mandarin Oriental, 202 guestrooms & 46 suites occupying floors 35 to 54, with knock-out views of Central Park and the Hudson River.  My “first” Mandarin Oriental was in San Francison – love at first sight!  Being way beyond my price bracket has never meant being outside my experience, since I can at least take a ramble through even the grandest hotel lobbies.  But my first Mandarin Oriental NYC experience went waaaay beyond a simple ramble. 

Have enjoyed a special relationship with several of our local elementary school classes – gave each member the same 8^th grade graduation present:  a trip to NYC, chauffeured  & chaperoned (until they turn 18 & are out of high school) by yours truly, good to the end of time. They get to set the theme, I research & serve as guide.  Two young lasses who took me up on the offer asked for a “Bling Tour” of Manhattan.  We hit Fortunoff, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany, then headed over to TWC    I kept mum about the actual reason for our foray across Central Park South.  Once there, headed straight up to the Mandarin Oriental.  The girls couldn’t figure out what was happening, as I headed straight for the Concierge.  “Hello,” I greeted the young woman.  “I am Deev Murphy.”

The woman broke out into a huge smile – “Ms. Murphy!  We’re so glad to meet you.  We received your e-mail.  Are these the young ladies?”  She looked at the two girls, then turned back to me – “Did they bring bathing suits?”  

I’d contacted the hotel ahead of time, letting them know about the girls’ request for the Bling Tour & that the Mandarin Oriental would be the one hotel spotlighted on our excursion.  No idea if they'd even gotten the e-mail, let alone if they'd care.  They certainly had & did!  From the concierge to staff throughout the hotel, they practically went through barrel loops for us.  Their brochure says, “We always love to welcome our Younger Fans.  Let us know if you have any special needs or requirements and we’ll endeavour to help.”  Yes -  if the girls had brought bathing suits, they could have enjoyed a swim in a swimming pool with a wow view of the West Side, the Hudson & the New Jersey Palisades!!  I can say, from experience, they live by the marketing adage to under-promise & over-deliver.  The girls & I had the run of the hotel, from inspecting a guest room to checking out the afore-mentioned spa swimming pool to peeking into the hotel's restaurants & soaking in the epic view of Columbus Circle/Central Park/NYC skyline from the lobby lounge.  Will always think of  Jazz & Aven whenever I’m at TWC and the INCREDIBLE  memory the staff of the Mandarin Oriental gave three non-paying voyeurs. 

Rambling Back Roads (not for the faint of heart) ~ ~ After getting refreshed & revived at the Time Warner Center, grab a cab back to the Algonquin & pick up the car.  This is my favorite part of the drive in Manhattan – driving over toward Madison, heading east to the funky roads around Grand Central Station, nipping up Park Avenue past the Waldorf Astoria, bopping over to then up up up Madison, heading west on 79^th, across Central Park,  across Central Park W, to Broadway.  Start looking for on-street parking (used to be easy; not now, with a mega Barnes & Noble at 82^nd St), but settle – if we must – for a parking garage.  And off we head to that fabled shrine to kitchenware & incredible eats – ZABAR’S.  

Zabar's ~ ~ Immortalized in You’ve Got Mail, Zabar's is the place where Meg Ryan’s character didn’t realize she was in a cash only lane & her arch nemesis (or so she thought) Tom Hanks ended up saving her bacon when she only had a credit card.  Yes – do not make the same mistake!!  Neither the staff nor the loyal clientele suffer fools gladly.  

Forever thanks to Margaret for introducing us to foodie heaven!!  Whoever described Zabar’s as “Old School soul food” almost got it right – I would have said “Old World.”   It’s like you stepped back in time & across at least one ocean.  My favorite sections are cheese & fish, although the whole place is awesome.   Check upstairs for terrific kitchenware.

Cafe Eighty Two ~ ~ Unlike my sister, I can resist the lure of driving down to the Village & Panchitos (now that I think about it, she never did the driving).  These days, if we have dinner in the city after Zabar's and before heading home, it's at Cafe Eighty Two, just a block or so up Broadway.  Great food, friendly service, reasonable prices AND gluten-free options!  

If we want to head back to hearth & home, we stock up on goodies for the road from Zabar's next-door bakery/coffee shop ~ ~ an assortment of their totally toothsome pastries, a bagel “with smear” for each of us, and a cup of coffee (be sure to order “black” as some New Yorkers think “with cream” when they hear just “regular”).  Then, it’s back to the car, a short nip up the Henry Hudson Parkway to the George Washington Bridge (taking care to be on the top level, not the closed-in bottom), over to NJ, then southward. 

I rarely take the NJ Turnpike to Manhattan (am a back roads gal), but it’s great to take home, especially at night.  Love the area around Newark Airport – lots going on.  If you do get off at the I-78 exit (an option, if you’re interested), chances are a passenger jet will roar over your car as you pay the toll!

You’re going to want or need to stop along the way –  there are some nice rest stops along the turnpike.  I’d LOVE to find a dandy diner off one of the exits – any suggestions greatly appreciated.