2019 A Swingin' Sinatra Suarez in da Big Apple!

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It is really just all about the swing , , ,, You gotta stay flexible to swing to the music, duck the fist, and swing the bottle to one's aged lips!

2019 is the year that Bone hit 60 and Mike 62, but really, only old in age. Mike and Bone decided to celebrate, not mourn their move into the silver age with a weekend Suarez Sinatra style in the Big Apple, going first class the whole way! Mostly, to celebrate the fact they had yet to kill themselves! For this soiree Sherrie joined the Boys for their New York State of Mind celebration!

The partee started with Mike and Sherrie flying in (on a late flight!) from Grand Rapids for Nuu Yooork. The trio trekked to the Upper Eastside from the venerable JFK to a jenuwine 5-Star Hotel.

The Very Swanky Peninsula Hotel!

The Peninsula Hotel is one of the poshest pads in the Big Apple. The hotel was built in 1905 as the Gotham Hotel and was designed in the neo-classical style. It went into bankruptcy in 1908, partly because it could not acquire a liquor license as it was too close to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Also, it was overshadowed by more luxurious hotels, like the St. Regis across the street and the Plaza Hotel just a few blocks north. The hotel was acquired in the 1930s by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. As they needed the maximum amount of leasable retail floor area, the company tore out many of the hotel's public rooms.

In 1979, the Swiss hotel owner Rene Hatt took over the hotel and started a long renovation process, intending to reopen it as the Nova Park Hotel. It was this renovation which added the hotel's rooftop pool and fitness center. The Nova Park plan eventually failed, collapsing in a bankruptcy, foreclosure and a series of lawsuits. The hotel was finally reopened in 1987, after $200 million of work, as the Hotel Maxim's de Paris, an outpost of the famed Parisian restaurant Maxim's. That enterprise quickly failed, and the hotel was sold in 1988 to its current owner, the Peninsula group. It spent $45 million on a second renovation in 1999.

One of the more interesting events to occur at the Hotel was the death of John William Warde John William Warde was a 26-year-old from Southampton, New York, who committed suicide on July 26, 1938, by jumping from a 17th-floor window ledge of the Gotham Hotel. An estimated crowd of 10,000 had gathered below to watch, and 400 police officers were present to try to convince him to come back inside. The 1951 motion picture Fourteen Hours is based on the events of that day, this was followed by a remake in 2019 called “Splat!” by Bunghole Movies, very limited.

It certainly has all the features of a 5 Star in that the hotel offers a limousine transfer service to New York's three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. For these transfers, there is a choice between limousines or Mini Club vans.

The hotel has three restaurants: the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Clement Restaurant and Bar (named after Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels' CEO, Clement Kwok), the Salon De Ning rooftop bar and terrace (which offers views of Fifth Avenue and the Manhattan skyline), and the Gotham Lounge (named after the hotel's original name), Mike, Sherrie, and Bone were keen to check that one out!

The fitness center at the hotel is located on the top floor. The pool is in a glass-enclosed room, and during the summer, a sundeck is available and has an amazing view of Central Park. The hotel's spa is one of the biggest in New York City, with a floor area of 35,000 sq ft over three floors, and it is one of only two Forbes Five Star-rated spas in the city.

Honest to Gosh Christmas Carolers!!

Mike, Sherrie, and Boney checked in in festive style! There were a group of Christmas carolers feting the guest, which was a lovely event, but the trio of Terror were hungry! What better way to celebrate a Mike and Bone New York trip then eatin' pizza!!!

Mike, Sherrie and Bone, heading for Little Italy!

It was fitting that the celebration of "old" started at the oldest (and one of the best) Pizza Places in New York. So the first tour stop of the evening was Little Italy!

Mike, Sherrie, and Bone went down in style, flagging a limo and heading down 2nd Avenue to venerable Spring Street to an old Pizzeria, Lombardi's!

The Oldest Pizza Place in America, Lombardi's!!

Lombardi's is not only old, it is the oldest! Lombardi's is a pizzeria located at 32 Spring Street on the corner of Mott Street in the Nolita neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan, New York City. Opened in 1905, it has been recognized by the Pizza Hall of Fame as the first pizzeria in the United States. Gennaro Lombardi started the business in 1897 as a grocery store at 53½ Spring Street and began selling tomato pies wrapped in paper and tied with a string at lunchtime to workers from the area's factories. In 1905 Lombardi received a business license to operate a pizzeria restaurant, and soon had a clientele that included Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. He later passed the business on to his son, George. Lombardi's uses a coal oven to bake its pies like all the great old pie places! Like John's on Bleeker Street, it is unusual in not selling slices, highly popular throughout New York City. Only whole pies made to order are sold.

This was Mike and Sherrie's first visit to Lombardi's, and were amazed at the old restaurant. It was a Friday night but early enough to not be too busy so they got a good table upstairs, where they ordered two pies, an antipasto, and a good old fashion bottle of Chianti (no fava beans!).

Mike got a artichoke and mushroom pie and Bone a pepperoni (with fresh Basil leaves) well done. Everyone loved the salad, pies, and red wine. Mike particular like the pepperoni pie, the pepperoni was reminiscent of the pepperoni from their days slinging pies at Silas! Afterward, Bone suggested a little walk and a little desert!

A Royally Good Desert of Cannoli and Cappuccino

A few blocks south of Lombardi’s is the main artery of Little Italy, Mulberry Street. One of the best places for an old-fashioned Italian desert is Caffé Palermo, “Home of the Cannoli King® “. Baby John, the Cannoli King®, keeps up his reputation and the authenticity for his delightful creations, working on the desserts individually himself. Since the spring of 1973, Baby John has been visited and getting stamps of approvals time and time again by celebrities across Hollywood such as Danny DeVito, Clint Eastwood, Henry Winkler, Quincy Jones, ICE T, Ray Romano and Katie Holmes, and now Mike, Sherry, and Bone! After a delicious round of cannoli's and capp's everyone was sated and stuffed, they took a limo up town Times Square to check out the Book of the Mormon on the awesome Eugene O'Neil Theatre on 49th Street and Broadway!

Playing Around in Playwrights

They got awesome seats, 1st row dead center! The show was flawless, and split everyone's sides laughing so darn hard. After the show since they were already in Times Square, Mike and Bone thought they would show Sherrie some of their favorite haunts, so first stop, Playwrights right down the street on 49th and 7th.

Playing Around in Playwrights

One of the major themes of this trip was to check out places that the Boys had had a good time at in the past, one of which is definitely Playwrights! This is the Bar that Mike and Bone yelled down a bunch of drunken limeys who were chanting "Angleland!" with the very patriotic "USA! USA!! USA!!!" and won the battle! Playwrights is a great little Irish Bar. Mike, Sherrie, and Bone found a seat upstairs right next to a very gracious and friendly Irish Folk singer. Once settled the trio indulged in the traditional Irish fare of three Guinneys, and three shots of Bushmill's which warmed up the chilly evening! After another round, they headed out to check out some of the other local, lovely Irish Pubs in Times Square!

Clowning at Connolly's on 45th

By now it was pushing Midnight and Times Square (at Christmas!) was packed, next stop was a crowded stop was Connolly's, another local Irish Bar. Sliding up to a standing Bone cajoled a very busy waitress to load, then reload the three with the "brown creature" (Guinness !) and the Bushmills, adding to the trio's merriment! Pushing 1:00 AM, they decided to hit one more local for one more "Irish Round," which was easy since it was next door!

Overtime at O'Lunney's

O'Lunney's is another great little Irish Bar that was a little less crazy then next door. Ordering a round of drinks left Mike, Sherrie, and Boney a little inebriated but glowing. Leaving O'Lunney's the trio walked the wrong way and ended up un-erringly in front of a Mike and Bone favourite , , , Famous Ray's Pizza slices!!

s pushing Midnight and Times Square (at Christmas!) was packed, next stop was a crowded stop was Connolly's, another local Irish Bar. Sliding up to a standing Bone cajoled a very busy waitress to load, then reload the three with the "brown creature" (Guinness !) and the Bushmills, adding to the trio's merriment! Pushing 1:00 AM, they decided to hit one more local for one more "Irish Round," which was easy since it was next door!

Nite Cap at Ray's?!

Famous Rays is a well known place to stagger to when one is over-served. Big greasy slices are an amazing drunk-modifier. Mike and Bone have prevented many a hangover by stopping by Famous Ray's and despite having dinner of pizza, more pizza made sense! Sherry enjoyed the big ole' greasy slice of heaven as a drunk mitigator before the three swayed back to the Peninsula!

Sun Rise on the Sun Deck

A glorious morning rose over the epic New York skyline with Mike and Bone meeting on the Sundeck for a coffee and a swim.

The Sun Deck Pool

"One too Many"

Sherrie came down and had a cup of coffee, at 9:00, all three had most of their neurons firing sufficiently to start the day. For Mike and Bone, it mean not cutting corners, especially when it comes to a shave! One of the ideas of a Sinatra Weekend was an old fashion Barbershop Shop shave. While the Peninsula did not have a Barbershop they did arrange for one with a Barbershop next door, Salon Fodera!

"Not so close a shave!"

For their old-fashion New Yorkey shave, Mike and Bone got one of the co-owner brothers, Vincent. The service includes a facial steam to soften the beard and open the pours, followed by a wet, straight-razor shave and multiple hot towels. Upon completion, you will enjoy a facial massage and citrus-scented aftershave application.

Vincent was a gracious host, provided both boys espresso's and regaled them with stories of growing up in Sicily. He steamed and moistened, shaved and sculpted deftly with dexterity both Boys for an hour. As the Boys left woozy from the experience. Bone noticed that he didn’t even shave his damned neck! So much for $200 bucks for a shave!

Regardless, it was an AWESOME experience and refreshed, the Boys picked up Sherrie and headed out to get something to eat since they hadn’t broken their fast that morning. What better way to experience New York then in the Lower East Side and a sandwich as the venerable place that gave Sally a big "O," and Mike and Bone many as well, Katz's Deli!

Breaking Their Fast at Katz's Deli

"I'll will have what She is having" - When Harry met Sally, saying "Senda Salami to your Boy in the Army", other movies such as Enchanted, Donnie Brasco, Across the Universe, and We Own the Night all conjure the smell of basting corned beef and pastrami, and fresh rye bread, or simply, Katz's Deli. Mike and Bone, Mike and Sherrie had all been there separately, but never together Katz’s has a long and storied history, founded in 1888, the Iceland brothers established what is now known as Katz's Delicatessen on Ludlow Street in New York's Lower East Side. Upon the arrival of Willy Katz in 1903, the establishment's name was changed from Iceland Brothers to Iceland & Katz. Willy's cousin Benny joined him in 1910, buying out the Iceland brothers to form Katz's delicatessen. Their landlord Harry Tarowsky bought into the partnership in April 1917.

The construction of the subway system required the deli to move to the present side of the street, although the entrance remained on Ludlow Street. The vacant lot on Houston Street was home to barrels of meat and pickles until the storefront facade was added in the period 1946–1949.

In the early part of the twentieth century, the Lower East Side was home to millions of newly immigrated families. This, along with the lack of public and private transportation, forged a solid community such that Katz's became a focal point for congregating. On Fridays, the neighborhood turned out for franks and beans, a long time Katz tradition.

During the peak of the Yiddish theater, the restaurant was frequently full of actors, singers and comedians from the many theaters on Second Avenue as well as the National Theater on Houston Street. During World War II, the two sons of the owners – Lenny Katz and Izzy Tarowsky – were both serving their country in the armed forces, and the family tradition of sending food to their sons became sealed as the company slogan "Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army". The slogan was coined by Izzy's mother Rose Tarowsky, whose son served in the South Pacific as a bomber pilot.

The next change in ownership took place with the death of Willy Katz, as his son Lenny took over. In 1980, both Lenny Katz and Harry Tarowsky died, leaving the store to Lenny's son-in-law Artie Makstein and Harry's son Izzy. In 1988, on the 100th anniversary of its establishment, with no offspring of their own to leave the business to, Lenny, Izzy and Arthur sold it to long-time restaurateur Martin Dell, his son Alan – who was a chef and a manager at a neighboring deli – and Martin's son-in-law Fred Austin. Alan’s son Jake joined the business in late 2009 and is in charge of major operations.

Regardless of owners, Katz’s Deli is still the classic, Lower Eastside Jewish Deli that is a great experience and great food. This is what Mike and Bone reflected on with Sherrie as they waited. There was a looong line to get in, but fortunately the line moved fast, the impossible crowd by the cutters magically opened up as it always does, food was delivered as tasty as always with amazing pastrami and corned beef sandwiches and quite amazing French fries. Soon the three were in the pastrami heaven haze and ready for something frothy and frosty!

Nancy Sinatra, Frank's daughter had two big hits: "These Boots are made for Walkin" and "Downtown." There really is no better way to check out New York then walking in your boots Downtown! so they caught a cab and headed downtown, to the oldest bar in New York!

Frosty Brew at Fraunces Tavern

Fraunces Tavern is one of the first bars in the City and one of its most famous. In 1762, Fraunces opened the Sign of Queen Charlotte (Queen’s Head Tavern), named for England’s Queen Charlotte, at 54 Pearl Street. In 1765, Fraunces leased management of the Tavern. He resumed proprietorship of the Tavern in 1770. It was a hotbed for both the patriot colonists and the English Army during the Revolution. George Washington himself furthered its fame when on December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern to bid them farewell. Benjamin Talmadge, a Revolutionary War Solider noted in his Biography,

"The time now drew near when General Washington intended to leave this part of the country for his beloved retreat at Mt. Vernon. On Tuesday the 4th of December it was made known to the officers then in New York that General Washington intended to commence his journey on that day. At 12 o’clock the officers repaired to Fraunces Tavern in Pearl Street where General Washington had appointed to meet them and to take his final leave of them. We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed which seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, ‘With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said ‘I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.’ General Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner, every officer in the room marched up and parted with his General-In-Chief."

Mike, Sherrie, and Bone in Bar in Fraunces Tavern!

Since Mike and Sherrie had already checked out the Museum and it was darn cold down by the Harbour, all three ducked into the Bar for a glass of wine and the delightful local craft beer porterhouse Porter. It was a lovely time with the Bar decorated for Christmas and a band playing old Revolutionary War songs. After warming up outside and inside the trio decided to walk around the Financial District.

The World Famous Delmonico's Steak House

Walking by Delmonico's Steakhouse the smell was overwhelming but still being stuffed from Katz's allayed the temptations, and continued on their way to Wall Street and Federal Hall.

Mike, Sherrie, and Bone in the Fraunces Tavern Bar

Walking around Mike, Sherrie, and Bone got to check out the iconic Christmas Tree of Wall Street, and the magnificent statue of the Father of our Republic is one of the most photographed places in New York. It was here at Federal Hall the George Washington first took the oath of office and conducted his presidency during his Term. It is also the place the very important legislation that was passed here.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Federal Hall is also where Congress signed the very important (especially to mid-westerners!) Northwest Ordinance of 1787. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a very early federal law passed by Congress meant to create a legal structure for the settlement of land gained from the British during the revolution that eventual made up five present day states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The need for this law was do to when the United States emerged as an independent nation, it immediately faced a crisis about how to handle the large tracts of lands to the west of the 13 states. This area, known as the Old Northwest, came into American possession at the end of the Revolutionary War.

The Northwest Ordinance, ratified by Congress on July 13, 1787, was the first law to create a structure by which new territories could follow a three-step legal path to become a state equal to the original 13 states, and was the first substantial action by Congress to deal with the issue of slavery.

In addition, the law contained a version of a Bill of Rights, which set out individual rights in the new territories. The Bill of Rights, which was later added to the U.S. Constitution, contained some of those e rights.

The Northwest Ordinance was written, debated, and passed in New York City during the same summer that the U.S. Constitution was being debated at a convention in Philadelphia. Decades later, Abraham Lincoln prominently cited the law in an important anti-slavery speech in February 1860, which made him a credible presidential contender. As Lincoln noted, the law was proof that some of the nation's founders accepted that the federal government could play a role in regulating slavery. So after thanking the founding fathers for the great lake state of Meeechigan, Mike, Sherrie, and Bone decided to stay outta cabs and cavort up NYC's main artery, Broadway!

Walking around Trinity Church

The first stop was to try to check out Trinity Church of Wall Street. Trinity Church Wall Street is an active Episcopal Parish that has been an integral part of New York City’s history for more than 300 years that that has been highly influential in terms of its members and its role in the American Revolution.

In 1696, a small group of Anglicans (members of the Church of England) petitioned the Royal Governor Benjamin Fletcher of New York, then a mercantile colony, for a charter granting the church legal status. Fletcher granted the charter in 1697 and the first Trinity Church was erected at the head of Wall Street facing the Hudson River. Although Anglican services had been held in the colony’s fort chapel, the building was the first Anglican Church on the island of Manhattan. To ensure the church's success, the governor granted Trinity a six-year lease on a tract of land north of Trinity known as the King's Farm. In 1705, Queen Anne made this land grant permanent by giving 215 acres, which Trinity has used over the years to support the mission and ministry of Trinity and Anglican Church.

The first Trinity Church building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776 during the Revolutionary War. St. Paul’s Chapel was saved by a bucket brigade that ran from the Hudson River up to the chapel’s roof. After the war Trinity, and all Anglican churches in the former colonies, legally separated from the Church of England and became the Episcopal Church, though both remain part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Following his inauguration as President of the United States in 1789, George Washington prayed in St. Paul’s Chapel. The next year, the second Trinity Church was completed. This church faced Wall Street and was both longer and wider than the first. The new steeple soared to a height of 200 feet. President Washington and members of his government were regular worshipers in the new Trinity building during the brief period New York City was the capital of the United States. Notable parishioners from this time include John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, in fact they are both buried in the Graveyard.

Sherrie has not seen the graveyard and unfortunately it was closed for construction. They were able to check out one of the chapels, that was beautifully decorated for Christmas, then they headed up town!

The Objective: Macy's

It was exactly 20 blocks, or 2 miles from Downtown by Trinity Church up to the miracle on 34th Street, Macy's. The amazing thing about New York is that it is not really a City! (?) Nope, it is a collection of villages and neighborhoods It is amazing to walk up those short 20 blocks to see exactly how different and how many different neighborhoods you walk through on that short hike.

A New York Landmark: The Flatiron Building

Sherrie marveled at the very cool Flatiron Build and the original Madison Square Gardens as they walk up towards Mid-Town and were soon at the steps of .... Macy's!

Macy's Massive Christmas Decorations

Macy's, the iconic Department Store has been known for almost 100 years, They walked into the store to check out the amazing displays, but only for a little while, but it was getting close to 4:00 and they had to get ready for Radio City Music Hall !

Frank and Dean? Nope ! Mike and Bone!

Mike and Bone have been and still are many, many things: pizza men, Midwesterners, occasionally over-served, but rarely mistaken as gentlemen! So it was quite the change to see the Boys in Tux's together (last time was Bone's Wedding to Sherry Ann in 1995!). Posing as gentlemen, Mike and Bone met Sherrie in the venerable Gotham Lounge for a cocktail.

Having a Cocktail in the Luxurious Gotham Lounge

The Lounge was packed with holiday guest, like, well Mike, Sherrie, and Bone! The drinks were great but the show was only 90 minutes to start so next, was a quick, and I mean quick bite, before the big show at Radio City Music Hall!

Mike at Michaels (with Sherrie and Bone)

Frank and Dean, err Mike and Bone, took the dazzling dressed Sherrie out for a gentlemen's evening on the town for that quick bite and glass of wine at the Bar of a little restaurant on 55th called Michaels. Realizing that the terrifically coiffed trio was on their way to a Show, Michael (the owner!) fast tracked salads, and small-stuff appetizers Frank and Dean, err Mike and Bone, took the dazzling dressed Sherrie out for a gentlemen's evening on the town with the first stop a quick bite and glass of wine at the Bar of a little restaurant on 55th called Michaels. Realizing that the terrifically coiffed trio was on their way to a Show, Michael (the owner!) fast tracked salads, and small-stuff appetizers that were both quick and delicious! Thanking Michael, Mike, Sherrie, and Bone walked up the next few blocks to the iconic Rockefeller Center and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular!

Bone, Sherrie, and Mike in the Radio City Music Hall Lobby

Despite the long lines, Mike, Sherrie, and Bone essentially walked right into the Radio City Music Hall, one of the most iconic venues in the country! Radio City Music resides within Rockefeller Center, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation, it is the headquarters for the world famous Rockettes.

Radio City Music Hall was built on a plot of land that was originally intended for a Metropolitan Opera House. The opera house plans were canceled in 1929, leading to the construction of Rockefeller Center.

Bone, Sherrie, and Mike in the Radio City Music Hall Lobby

Radio City Music Hall was designed by Edward Durell Stone and Donald Deskey in the Art Deco style. One of the more notable parts of the Music Hall is its large auditorium, which was the world's largest when the Hall first opened. The new complex included two theaters, the "International Music Hall" and the Center Theatre, as part of the "Radio City" portion of Rockefeller Center. The 5,960-seat Music Hall was the larger of the two venues. It was largely successful until the 1970s, when declining patronage nearly drove the Music Hall to bankruptcy. Radio City Music Hall was designated a New York City Landmark in May 1978, and the Music Hall was restored and allowed to remain open. The hall was extensively renovated in 1999.

It now primarily hosts concerts, including by leading pop and rock musicians, and live stage shows such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Music Hall has also hosted televised events including the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the NFL Draft. Grabbing a adult beverages, the three sat down with 5 minutes to go before show time!

And, oh, what a show it was!

"The spectacular, (well it is!)"Radio City Christmas Spectacular!

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes has been an annual musical holiday event at Radio City Music Hall.

The "Christmas Spectacular" began in 1933 when the Music Hall presented lavish live stage shows along with the latest Hollywood feature films. The first Christmas show was produced December 21, 1933, along with the RKO musical movie Flying Down to Rio and The Night Before Christmas, a Walt Disney Silly Symphony, and ran for two weeks. This was just one year after the opening of the Music Hall in 1932. The show was created by the Music Hall's stage producer Leon Leonidoff and designer Vincente Minnelli.

It consisted of an overture with Ernö Rapée and the Radio City Symphony; a solo on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ; a performance by Jan Peerce; a Toy Shop Ballet; The Rockettes' performance of "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", choreographed by their founder, Russell Markert; and "The Living Nativity". These last two scenes have continued in every edition of the annual show up to the present day. The Christmas show, like all the Radio City stage shows, continued to be produced and choreographed by Leonidoff and Markert through the early decades of the Music Hall's history. Later, Peter Gennaro and others produced the annual show.

In 2011, the production featured an updated 3DLIVE scene and new musical numbers in addition to "The Parade of Wooden Soldier" and "The Living Nativity. "Rag Dolls" has been updated with a subplot surrounding Ben and Patrick, two young boys trying to find a Christmas present for their younger sister with Santa Claus. The music, the special effects, the Rockettes are simply awesome, incredible, and yet spectacular!

Steaking a Place for Dinner in Times Square

9:30 at night was probably not a good time to find a place to for dinner without a reservation in Christmas season in Mid-Town New York. Everything was booked, in addition the shoes Sherrie wore were fitting for the dress and the Show, not so much for walking around Times Square. So Sherrie went to change her shoes and the Boys were tasked with finding a joint for dinner. Which would be a problem for mere mortals, but not Mike and Bone!

There are a number of good steak houses all within 3 blocks of one another. So the Boys tried an old favorite Rosie O'Gradys (2 hour wait!) then tried the Capital Grille Bingo! they were on the list. When they noticed tables in the bar where they were showing the Big 10 Title Game of Wisconsin and the Team from Hell in Columbus. They were sat with a bottle of wine on its way in less than 10 minutes!

Sherrie found the Boys just as they were serving a nice red wine. While the meal was amazing the Game was not, Ohio Hate was blowing out the Badgers despite leading in the first half. After a loong eventful day the three headed back to crash at the Peninsula around 12:30.

Sun Rise on the Sun Deck, Part 2

Sunday morning was a similar start with a visit for coffee and a swim in the Sun Deck. Sherrie soon joined the Boys and they checked out the very nice saunas. Refreshed they decided to grab a special breakfast before they headed back to the Airport. It was a real "yada-yada-yada" place!

A Seinfield Kind of Breakfast

(Not that there is anything wrong with it!

The Upper West Side is considered one of Manhattan's cultural and intellectual hubs, with Columbia University and Barnard College located just to the north of the neighborhood, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School located at the south end. The Upper West Side is among New York City's wealthiest neighborhoods. There are a lot of Jewish Deli's and university diners. One of those diners is the focal point where another trio talked about "mastering their domains!." Tom's Restaurant at 112th on Broadway is the basis for the diner in "Seinfeld", where Jerry, George, Elaine, and yes Kramer came up with many if not all of their crazy hijinks were plotted and hatched.

In reality it is a great little university joint with the only nod to "Seinfield" is the large portrait of Kramer, that was in one of the episodes. The food is standard campus fare, fast and fairly good. Afterwards Bone took Mike and Sherrie 2 blocks north on Broadway to the halls of Ivy League, Columbia University!

Bone, Mike and Sherrie on Campus in Columbia!

Columbia University Columbia University, a private Ivy League research university, was established in 1754 on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan. Columbia is the college in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It is one of nine colonial colleges founded prior to the Declaration of Independence, seven of which belong to the Ivy League.

Columbia was established as King's College by royal charter of George II of Great Britain in reaction to the founding of Princeton University. It was renamed Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolution, and in 1787 was placed under a private board of trustees headed by former students Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. In 1896, the campus was moved to its current location in Morningside Heights and renamed Columbia University.

As of 2018, Columbia's alumni and affiliates include: five Founding Fathers of the United States—among them an author of the United States Constitution and a co-author of the Declaration of Independence; three U.S. presidents; 29 foreign heads of state; ten justices of the United States Supreme Court, two of whom currently serve; 96 Nobel laureates; 101 National Academy members; 53 living billionaires; eleven Olympic medalists; 33 Academy Award winners; and 125 Pulitzer Prize recipients.

But the most famous, didn’t even attend there. Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, and Ray Stantz. Who you say? The Ghostbusters! It was when they were kicked out that Ray (Dan Ackroyd) told Venkman (Bill Murray) “that in the Private Sector, they expect you to produce!” A none too subtle jab at academia. Similar to the jab from Sherrie to Mike and Bone, they were gonna miss their flights home! Grabbing a cab, the trio returned to the Hotel just in time to pack up and head to the Airport, arriving just in time to go through security and board.

Trip, Postscript

After the tense cab ride to JFK, the trip back was uneventful and everyone was comfortably back home by 5:00 with warm memories of celebrating Mike and Bones crossing into their 60's New York Style!