Updates!
1. I GOT INTO Le 55's (formerly Merkato 55) BRUNCH PARTY WITHOUT A RESERVATION! Despite the fact that the entire upper level was mostly empty, Merkato's (I call it Merkato as I happen to like that name better) brunch party was worth the wait and the food was better than expected.
2. The Sullivan Bakery (ironically not on Sullivan St. but on 47th between 10th & 11th ave) is a great place to go for good bread and pizza...except the location is awful.
3. I've realized why they call Hell's Kitchen Hell's Kitchen, its hell to get to and once you're there you want to leave.
4. Nespresso on 64th and Madison is a more elegant and upscale version of Starbucks.
5. Monkey Bar DOESN'T live up to its hype. The food is decent and the decor is like a 50s cabaret bar but there was practically no one there and everyone who was there was clearly over 60. Graydon Carter has some slack to pick up and you might as well go to Le Cirque.
6. I have a personal feud with NY Magazine. They often over hype restaurants (cough* Monkey Bar *cough) and base their reviews solely on public relations instead of quality. But on the other hand its a great tabloid!
7. Payard on Lexington Ave could care less about food allergies...but their chocolate mouse happens to be good if you're near a hospital.
8. The 42nd street pedestrian mall is a giant tourist trap and is a waste of any true New Yorker's time. Beach chairs + 42nd St = WASTE OF SPACE!!!!
9. The high line (about the 7th time I've been up there in the past 3 days) is spectacular even in the rain and is a quick way to get from Gansevoort St to 20th St & 10th ave.
10. As much as the New York Magazine has hyped up this restaurant, I still want to go to the Minetta Tavern before I leave for Africa as it's owned by the same owner of Pastis (Keith McNally).
11. Nero D'Avola's brunch didn't look like too much was going on over there. My next stop for a Saturday brunch party is Bagatelle.
12. Buddha Bar (25 Little West 12 St) officially hates me as every time I've made a reservation there, I've always had to cancel! I'd hate me too if I were them.
13. And finally, I leave for Rwanda in about 2 weeks!