Winter in New York
I knew it wouldn’t be long before I was back in New York. It was just a month when I found myself on a plane, in a train and automobiling to the city. This time, I went with my dear friend Carolyn, who’s a pro, since she grew up not too far away (New Jersey). Together we embarked on a girl’s weekend trip where we perused bookstores with floor to ceiling vintage cookbooks; dined at some of our dream restaurants (including il Buco and La Mercerie); wandered through Grand Central; waited in line for Cronuts; caught the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular; and so much more. What brought us to NYC (scroll to the end to find out) turned into a lovely bonding adventure for two friends.
Old ticket booth in Grand Central Station.
On our way from Grand Central station to our next adventure.
The Food
I’d go back to NYC just for the food. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy and cherish many aspects of the city, but the food has won my heart. It’s not just about the food either. It’s about the atmosphere, the comfort, the mood each restaurant creates. We popped in line at Buvette around 8AM—there was a chill in the air as we waited outside. “Would you like a table inside for a 20-30 minute wait, or outside on the back patio right now?” Carolyn and I had luckily bundled up. We both replied, “outside”. The brisk, early-winter air didn’t deter us from enjoying a comforting breakfast as we sipped our hot coffee off the balcony of Buvette in West Village. It was one of my favorite meals… next to the glorious evening dining experiences we had at il Buco and La Mercerie… two words: Dream Kitchens.
The Sights & Shopping
Cook Books was one of those shops that brought light to my eyes. Just a few steps down, we found ourselves surrounded by the smell of used, vintage books with original recipes and leftover handwritten notes from previous owners, and a lovely older woman sharing her knowledge and recommendations. Not too far away, we wandered into Il Buco Vita—Il Buco restaurant’s cook/kitchenware shop—a dangerous place for both me and Carolyn to be, but one we thoroughly enjoyed. We stood and just looked around admiring the incredible craftsmanship of the handmade Italian cookware. My favorite part was the hand painted note at the bottom of the dishes. It wasn’t just proof of authenticity… it was proof of the artistry and talent of another human being from across the ocean.
Bonnie Slotnick Cook Books on 2nd Street
il Buco Vita on 2nd Street
What Brought Me Back
What was the original inspiration for this spur-of-the-moment girl’s weekend in New York?
My favorite photographer, Jamie Beck, was in town from France to sell her new book, An American in Provence, and new jewelry collaboration. She’s been an inspiration to me through her approach to her photography, and the beauty she creates with natural light and the elements that surround her. A chance to meet her and express my gratitude for what she’s taught me as a growing photographer wasn’t a chance I wanted to miss.
And the rest is history.
Photographs by Stephanie Snyder documented on iPhone 12 Pro & Minolta X-700 (travel) & Sony a7iii (Jamie Beck’s book & GIF). A few travel photos courtesy of Carolyn Mandl.
P.S. The Sony a7iii is the newest camera addition to my gear. Stay tuned for more photos.