A night to remember

 

 

These timeless lines of Frank Sinatra’s classic were reverberating through my head as I boarded an underground from Newport (Jersey), which would take me from under the Hudson River and onto the New York side. There was a lot that I sought as I chugged along to Manhattan. You see, to the inhabitants of Jersey, New York always was, and still is, like an expensive exhibit at Sotheby’s; that can be looked at and be awed by, but can never be bought. The piers on Hudson from across Manhattan are dotted by scenery lovers and daydreamers every evening who come to take in the view of the magic that is New York…by the night.

New York City is essentially made up of five boroughs, namely – Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx. But when the sun goes down, and the spirits soar, New York, for all practical purposes, is and only is Manhattan. As soon as I set foot on Vessey Street off the WTC station, I could tell that I was in the city that never sleeps; thanks to the electricity in the air. And, since it was a Friday, almost the whole of New York was dressed and heading to where they could forget where they came from. But, having heard stories as tall as New York’s skyscrapers about the city’s food, I decided to settle for nothing less than a first hand experience. Twenty minutes later I was in Little Italy, which is a tiny corner of downtown that has been inhabited by Italians for centuries. It’s speckled with eateries and cafes that serve the most delectable Italian food outside of Italy. So I had a dig at pepperoni pinwheels and fusilli in red sauce...and with every bite I was planning a trip to Italy. Though, whole of Manhattan is full of speciality restaurants like Greek, Brazilian, Ethiopian et al. Since I wanted to get a brush of the night life next, I headed for the place I had heard of in almost every conversation about New York, called the meat packing district. I know, the name is a bit misleading but this area in The Village (remember where ‘Friends’ used to stay in the hit sitcom?) houses some of the best clubs and pubs. Every club is packed to the brim on weekends and, in fact overflows with people on the street outside.

After shaking a leg for a couple of hours, I decided it was time for a quiet cup of coffee and an aimless stroll in the night. So I headed for the gates of The Central Park and spotted a tucked away patisserie and its beaming proprietor at its doorstep. I bought a steaming brew and a pretzel and got a hearty conversation on the house.

It was almost 12 before I headed back home. And as I zipped past Times Square, which was lit up with its characteristic neons, I realised that the night was still young because there were still people who were headed somewhere, friendships were being forged over mugs of beer and occasions were being celebrated. As I blinked back to reality, I realised it was midnight, and the sky was ablaze over The Statue of Liberty with a million firecrackers. Just then, my cabbie turned to me and exclaimed, “Happy Fourth of July, sir.” THE DESTINATION

DOSSIER

Steering the course

It’s the best connected city in the world! If you’re still lost, there are flights to NY from Mumbai and Delhi.

The ‘season’ed traveller goes now

If you love the snow, there’s nothing like New York winters and Christmas. If summers beckon, then anytime between May and October.

Cozy corners

Ritz Carlton is frequented by Donald Trump and Hilton Towers by its rich heiress. You decide!

‘Savour’ faire

Authentic Chinese in China Town is a must. So are the world-famous Nathan’s Hotdogs. If Italian is your choice, then Little Italy it is. Seafood at Bubba Shrimp, Times Square will be an unforgettable treat.

Get to work

Take a stroll across 5th Avenue. It has the most expensive boutiques in the world. Also see a musical at Broadway for an unforgettable experience.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will give a glorious insight in New York’s history.

What’s the word?

Everyone understands English. The English spoken in cosmopolitan New York is quite different from the one spoken in the inlands. However, African-Americans have developed their own strong accent but it’s advisable to not try copying it.

Keepsake courtesies

Souvenirs like t-shirts, key-rings and magnets make the most characteristic giveaways. But whatever bought from New York will be a piece of its character.

Ashish Pratap Singh