Weekend in NYC, Part 2

On Sunday morning, we headed back to the Lower East Side for brunch at Little Giant. Although they don't normally do large groups (we were almost 20), the owner agreed to accommodate us. I quite enjoyed the selection of baked goods, especially the melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk biscuit (emphasis on the butter).

After our meal, we went on a walking tour of the Lower East Side, guided by a friend of Dr. S' family. As we listened to our guide describe the history of the area, we stopped outside the Tenement Museum and almost missed noticing that we were right outside a gelato shop. Not just a gelato shop, a gelato lab. Unfortunately, I was so stuffed from the morning that I couldn't even indulge in a sample. Another item for the next trip.

We made our way towards Seward Park, stopping in at Kossar's Bialys for a warm, oniony bread snack. Our guide described the history of The Forward, a Jewish-American newspaper as we stood outside the Forward Building, the former office of the publication. Walking in this part of the Lower East Side, you can't help but notice all of the Chinese stores and signs everywhere. It reminded me of an essay I read a while ago about New York Jews and Chinese food.

Our next stop was the Museum at Eldridge Street, a restored synagogue. We attended a special concert called The Mystical Trumpeter in the synagogue to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Four performers played from different parts of the sanctuary, sometimes together, often solo. The avant-garde and improvised pieces were largely atonal, often just breathy sounds and squeaks. We left after the first half and had drinks at Les Enfants Terribles, where most of the wait staff spoke French, and the menu had many interesting African-inspired selections.

We had a whirlwind of a weekend, packed with activities and it all went by so quickly. What impressed me most about New York City was the density of the buildings and stores, and the vibrancy of the people on the streets. I didn't plan to do or see anything in particular on this trip, but I would love to explore more of the neighbourhoods and eat more of the food next time I am here.