379. 48 HOURS IN THE BIG APPLE

“What would you like to do while you are in New York?” I ask Possible-Mate-From-Chicago. He is coming into town on Friday and I want to get an idea, an entertainment game plan together. While I never tire and bore of New York, I never know what non-New Yorkers want to do in their 48 hours in the Big Apple. Well – other than Desi Brother. He is more of an urban explorer than me, the type of person who hits all five boros in 48 hours. He is one of the few people who comes to New York and drags me around my own City.

“I’d like to see a show,” he says. Okay – cool, I am down with 3 hours on Broadway. “Which show?” I ask. “Uhm, I don’t know – let me investigate and let you know,” he replies. “Sure thing. Any place special you want to eat?” I ask. “Hhhmm – well I like American food. Steak and Indian, too,” Possible-Mate-From-Chicago says.

Okay – we are not eating Indian food in New York, unless it is from Kati Roll or from the halal vendor outside his hotel. The expensive places like Mint and Tabla, are good, don’t get me wrong. But why would I pay $70 for something my mother makes that tastes WAY better and FOR WAY LESS money? “Hhhmm, I am sure we can find some nice Americana place for you.  I think we should ride the ferry to Staten Island, too,” I suggest. “Did I tell you? I am staying at the Hilton on the Avenue of the Americas," Possible-Mate-From-Chicago asks. "Yep," I reply. "Is that near you?" he asks. SOOOO NOT anywhere near me – but you know what, nothing is near me other than the GWB. “Don’t worry I can get there in about 30-40 minutes,” I reply.

“Holy smokes! Forty minutes?” he asks incredulously. “I thought you lived in Manhattan!” “I do,” I reply slowly. “Why does it take so long to get around? I can get to downtown Chicago in that much time.” “It just does,” I reply. “Now I am really interested in seeing what you love about it so much,” Possible-Mate-From-Chicago says.

Yes, and I am looking forward to showing him why I love New York so much!