So far, we’ve averaged about $50  a day for our “big meal.”  This wasn’t a conscious decision, although we’re not big spenders on certain things anyway.  This is not including the little snacks along the way but for the main meal of the day.  Here’s what I can recall so far.  After this I’ll try to do better to give you a better update.

Airport Food: Saturday, of course, we ate while in flight.  That meant getting through the airport security in time to buy a Panini each along with a healthy organic drink to take on the plane.  Good for that because it was a long trip.  The total was almost 27.00 becuase two half rotten bananas cost $2.75.

Ritz Diner, 1133 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065: That night, we experiened the subway and riding a taxi to get to our hotel by 11:00 p.m. EST. We were hungry and very tired by the time we got to our room.  It was delightful to know there was a 24/hour restaurant that would deliver.  We order grilled salmon with steamed spinach, baked potato, salad with vinegarette dressing.  To drink; four bottles of water.  The total with delivery and tip was $57.00.  It was actually very tasty.  Opps, forgot, we also order a slice of lemon meringue pie and carrot cake. Neither of those were very good so we took a bit and tossed them.  

Organic Hotdog Cart, Central Park: Sunday was our first day on the ground in NY.  We walked to Central Park wtih the idea that we were going to stop along the way to get some breakfast or lunch.  By the time we got going from the late night before, it was about 2:00 by the time we reached the Park.  My husband wanted to climb the big rock overlooking the pond and I started wandering around and found a hotdog cart selling organic hotdogs.  What made them organic I don’t know but they looked good at the time. So I ordered a beef and chicken hotdog, one on a whole wheat bun, the other on a Pita bun, both with spicy mustard and sauercrawt. Two organic drinks rounded out the meal.  Total $12.00 and just enough food to give us some energy until later.

The Pressor, Across from Grand Central Station: Sunday evening we decided to take the subway to Grand Central Station. This is a little City underground in NY.  Wandering through the food courts and shops amazes the senses that such activity and so many people are congregating underground while people upstairs go about their business.  We were so busy taking pictures and being amazed we couldn’t decide on a restaurant to eat in.  So we came out on 42nd and started walking.  Realizing we were too tired and hungry to move on, we entered the Grand Central Diner across from the Grand Central Station. My husband ordered organic free-range chicken with mushrooms, and sliced potatoes.  I had French Onion Soup and a Fresh Beet Salad with Crunchy Goat Cheese.  The rolls were obviousy freshly baked with a crispy crust and soft inside.  I splurged and ate two with butter.  Total approximately $54.00.

Organic Tea Shop, Across from Central Park:  On Monday once again, we “forgot” to eat and found ourselves famished walking around Central Park area around 1:00.  I ducked into a Chai tea shop, ordered a mini tomota, spinach and cheese panani.  It was truly teeny, tiny but I had them warm it and cut it in half.  Came out to about four bits for each of us.  I also order two of the pumpkin chai teas, hot for me, iced for my husband.  Total $12.75.

Sylvia’s Soul Food, Harlem: We took the Grey Lines Uptown City Tour and hopped off to go to the Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant for lunch.  I bought the cookbook from this location years ago so it was great to be there in person.  We love finding soul food restaurants in different locations trying to see if the food really tastes authentic.  I order fried cat fish, vegetarian greens and potato salad.  My husband had the Chicken and Waffles.  We brought a slice of sweet potato pie and red velvet cake with us to enjoy later.  Water was the drink and the was approximately $56.00.  

Whole Foods Market, Times Warner Center: It was raining and thunderstorming Monday night when we had expected to do the Night Tour by Double decker bus. Instead we caught a taxi to the Times Warner Center to go to Whole Foods.  We got our dinner from the deli area.  I had a Morrocan Bean Soup and Corn Chowder (8 oz. sizes of each).  My husband had a side of chicken and collard greens with a green salad and vinegrete. It’s difficult to say what our dinner cost becuase we also purchased red grapes and bananas and a trail mix to have int he room along with other items.  Funny how the total once again came to about $50.00. At least wtih the suppplie purchased we’ll have some fruit to enjoy before leaving for our early City Tour in the morning. Dinner was good and just enough to satisfy.

The first time I came here was after returning from Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer.  That was truly a culture shock after almost three years in a developing African nation.  I was thrust into the excitement of the City at that time because my friend had just started a new job the day I arrived in town.  I remember that it was February so very cold.  I arrived in a cotton dress and sandals.  My dear friend had the foresight to bring a faux fur coat for wrap me in although my poor toes had to freeze. 

Taking the subway from JFK Airport then walking the streets to her apartment had me fascinated.  But nothing was as wonderful as exploring Central Park, the Museum of Natural History and Times Square. That was 30 years ago.  Now I’ve returned as a Baby Boomer; older and hopefully much wiser. Still, I’m wide-eyed and excited as I see this City all over again.

So far, I’ve had the chance to ride the subway, catch a taxi and Central Park.  On a double decker bus tour today, I went to Times Square, saw the Lincoln Center, where Jackie Kennedy Onassis had lived and had a soul food lunch at Sylvia’s in Harlem. I expected to go on the Night tour tonight but it’s raining with a thunderstorm and lightning.  Instead, it was back to a taxi to visit the Times Warner Center to visit Whole Foods to attend to my welneess and health goals.  Tomorrow it’s up early to get to the Statue of Liberty and more sites.

Being able to walk so much is exciting.  I wouldn’t try to drive a car here for anything (unless I became a permenant resident with a lot of practice).  Walking and looking are fine for me.  I’m loving New York; the energy, the sites, the food, the people.