.
My sweet husband, Alan Carmichael, right, and actor Mark Dacascos, who portrays "The Chairman" on Food Network's "Iron Chef America." This photo was taken in the lobby of the Hotel Gansevoort.
It was an Iron Chef weekend in New York City for us, thanks to a generous auction item donated by Scripps Networks at “Cork Savvy,” a wine-tasting event put on by the Urban League Young Professionals.
The package included round-trip airfare, three nights at the Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District (an interesting place), being in the audience at a taping of “Iron Chef America,” and dinner at two restaurants of our choice owned by Iron Chefs. And then, of course, we added two Broadway plays to the mix. It was a fantastic whirlwind of a three-night visit. We also discovered a new favorite little place that we definitely will return to on our next visit. You might want to include some of these stops in your next visit, too. Come along!
As an aside, let me just repeat something Chris Whittle told me in an interview a long time ago. He said that having a company with its headquarters in your town means so much more than just the actual jobs it provides. Having a headquarters really contributes to the fabric and character of your community. Scripps Networks is a good example of this. Not only do they provide hundreds of good jobs out there in west Knoxville, but they also support local charities and events with corporate contributions and donations such as this. And their employees and executives serve on dozens of boards of civic groups and contribute individually to causes they care about. And Knoxville is better for it. So, thanks again, Scripps folks!
A sign in the elevator of Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District claims that it is “the hippest hotel in the world.” I’m not sure I agree with that, but there is a definite vibe to the place. Clearly, the Food Network and the Cooking Channel make use of it because it is only two blocks from Chelsea Market, where both those organizations are located. And the Meatpacking District definitely is hip.
This is the shower curtain in our room at Hotel Gansevoort! We felt as if she were in the bathroom with us!
One of Hotel Gansevoort’s claims to fame is that a famous scene in the TV show “Sex and the City” was filmed there. You might remember it. It featured Carrie and her pals at the hotel’s rooftop pool.
Here's that scene.
The hotel was built in 2004 and has been remodeled once since then. The hotel’s restaurant is closed right now for another re-do with plans to open in the fall of this year. After 8 p.m., the pool area opens as a nightclub and the management sets up velvet ropes on the sidewalk outside the hotel to regulate the number of folks who get up there. (Very “Sex and the City”-like!)
Alan on the Hotel Gansevoort rooftop with the Hudson River in the background.
This is the bar that opens onto the pool deck. Large photographs of "beautiful people" like those above Alan are prominently displayed throughout the hotel. There are hundreds of them.
The Hotel Gansevoort by day.
After sunset, the lighting sets a party mood.
Here's the lobby bar by day. Yes, that's a purple pool table.
We had been looking forward to seeing Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” so after we checked in and had a bite in the pool lounge, we headed to the John Golden Theatre at 252 W. 45th Street. “Vanya and Sonia” won the Tony Award for Best Play this year. It is about three adult siblings and the varying choices they have made in their lives. We loved it and highly recommend it.
Alan outside "Vanya and Sonia."
In some ways, we are creatures of habit. And one of those habits is Sardi’s after a play. We seem to head there once during every New York visit.
Sardi's, where the Tony Awards originated, was founded in 1927 and is located at 234 W. 44th Street.
My Sardi's tradition. Doesn't it look wonderful?
Alan always orders Chicken Sardi's. It's not on the menu anymore, but they'll still make it. A casserole of tender chicken, mashed potatoes, cheese sauce and fresh asparagus, it is the richest dish I've ever eaten!
I ordered the steamed mussels and they were garlicky and delicious.
Hundreds of caricatures of celebrities are the Sardi's trademark. The restaurant is a true New York classic.
New York was scorching hot this past weekend. Perhaps it was the heat that gave Times Square a kind of misty, romantic look.
Believe it or not, we actually got back to Hotel Gansevoort at a reasonable hour and hit the hay. We had to be at Food Network for the taping of “Iron Chef America” by 9 a.m. on Friday. I have been a fan of the show for years and couldn’t wait to be inside “Kitchen Stadium” where it is set.
We made it!
Yay!
OK, so here’s the deal. We had to sign a confidentiality agreement to see the “Iron Chef America” taping. If we reveal anything about what happened before the show airs, we have to pay a big chunk of change. So, needless to say, we ain’t talking! I will tell you this, though. The show exceeded our expectations. Because Knoxville is home to several television production houses, we have seen our share of TV shows being taped. Moxley Carmichael also was selected to handle public relations when “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” came to town, and we saw a lot of behind the scenes action on that show. So we expected a lot of re-takes and delays and all that goes with making a reality TV show.
But, although there was a certain amount of that on “Iron Chef America,” those 60 minutes of cooking that are at the heart of the show are totally real – and in real time. It’s fast; it’s loud; it’s frantic; and it’s exciting. Host Alton Brown is simply amazing. He’s better than any newscaster I’ve ever seen in how he keeps up a steady commentary on what’s going on — and he turns on a dime and tapes cut-ins for the commercial breaks while the cameras are rolling. The confidentiality agreement expires when the show actually airs, so we will post some inside scoop when that happens later this year.
Chelsea Market itself is an interesting experience for any food lover. When we arrived there to get our passes and wait to be admitted to the taping, the place was deserted.
Chelsea Market at 9 a.m.
But by the time we left the television studio four hours later, it was bustling.
Chelsea Market in the afternoon.
Chelsea Market once was home to the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), which, starting in the 1890s, baked everything from Saltines to Oreos there. Those ovens have been cold for more than 50 years when the company moved out, but plenty of other ovens have taken their place. Chelsea Market contains scores of restaurants, bars, bakeries, wine shops, produce and spice vendors and kitchen supply stores.
For lunch, we picked a seafood spot called the Cull and Pistol and boy are we glad we did!
Haha! Cute seafood fork!
Alan ordered a lobster roll. If you can believe it, there's a hot dog bun in there somewhere!
I had some crab claws, steamed shrimp and these awesomely good baked oysters.
I also had bok choy, stir-fried with soy sauce, sesame oil, jalapenos and garlic. Going to try to reproduce it at home with bok choy from Market Square Farmers' Market.
The folks at the next table got this very enticing sampler platter.
Chelsea Market is visually very interesting.
It is filled with funky historic touches.
I am crazy about exposed brick like that in the wall behind this busker.
One of many very cool retailers, this is Ruthy's Bakery.
Loved, loved, loved this minion cake at Ruthy's. Also loved his movie, "Despicable Me 2."
We went back to the hotel for a nap. And to try to get hungry for our evening visit to our first Iron Chef restaurant of the trip: Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain, located at 152 W. 52nd Street. We had been several times to one of Flay’s other eateries, Mesa Grill, but this was our first time at Bar Americain, a place several of our friends had raved about.
The visit did not disappoint. This dining experience turned out to rank among our top ten of all time, including some pretty great ones in Italy and France. And the service was equal to the food. Although Scripps had supplied us with a $200 gift card, Bar Americain’s general manager, Orlando Ramos, went even further by sending out complimentary courses and sitting with us to chat for a few minutes. He said he loves working for Bobby Flay and that when Flay drops by the restaurant, he engages easily with the staff and customers.
Oh my God! This is one of those "extra" courses Mr. Ramos sent out. Homemade potato chips with blue cheese dipping sauce. That dipping sauce would be good on anything.
Alan had snapper prepared "Florida-style." Those are thinly sliced green plantains coating it.
Cioppino for me.
This wine, a Sancerre recommended by the sommelier, was a perfect complement to our entrees.
I didn’t want to use my flash, so the pictures are not as good as they should be. I wish I had taken a photo of one of the appetizers we received. Imagine this, if you will: crispy squash blossoms stuffed with barbecued pork and ricotta cheese served in a black pepper vinegar. Worth the trip to New York! Alan, a total dessert aficionado, loved the triple cherry cobbler he ordered.
The restaurant design is stunning.
Looking into the kitchen from the dining room.
I adore sunflowers.
It was, all-in-all, an unforgettable dinner. And an unforgettable day.
The next morning, we made another culinary discovery in the Meatpacking District: a French bistro called Pastis, located at 9 Ninth Avenue, right across from the Hotel Gansevoort. We had brunch there: an omelet and a salad Nicoise. Both were fabulous, as was the Sancerre we ordered at the server’s recommendation. (This is quickly overtaking pinot grigio as my current wine of choice.)
Brunch at Pastis
The opening set of "Kinky Boots," at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. We caught the matinee.
“Kinky Boots” is the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The music was written by Cyndi Lauper and it was so much fun. It is the story of a floundering shoe factory that is saved when it switches its production to create very special boots that appeal to a narrow niche market. Please do try to see it if you get to New York.
Alan outside the Hirschfeld Theatre at 302 W. 45th Street.
Hahaha!
With time to kill before our reservation at our second Iron Chef restaurant, Morimoto, we hung around midtown for awhile.
We got this shot of Times Square from the ninth floor of the Marriott Marquis.
Then it was back to Chelsea Market to dine at Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto‘s chic Japanese eatery.
Morimoto is located on the 10th Avenue side of Chelsea Market.
The decor at Morimoto is very sleek and ultra modern.
Very interesting wall treatment
I don't normally take pictures inside the women's restroom, but I had to make an exception here. I don't know how they did this, but what a beautiful view behind the toilet! Another surprise: the seat was heated!
The food was excellent at Morimoto but the server did not make a very good wine recommendation. We realized later that the restaurant has an extensive sake menu. That’s what we should have gotten. Next time.
We split a California roll as an appetizer. Yum.
I ordered seabass and was not disappointed. That is an avocado tempura in front. The fish was prepared with sweet sake kasu, Japanese eggplant and miso.
Alan ordered halibut in black bean sauce with shaved ginger and hot oil. He thought it was stellar.
We held off on dessert because we wanted to go back to Pastis for that.
This peach melba at Pastis was right up Alan's alley!
A glass of port for me and a glass of Sauterne for Alan closed out a great night and an extremely memorable New York visit.
Thanks again to Scripps Networks and the Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals.
Click here for an interesting New York Times story about my new favorite wine, Sancerre.
Click here for an update on what Chris Whittle is doing these days.
Mox, next time email this out after lunch — YUM!! Looks like you all had a great time. And, we absolutely adore Sancerre. Unfortunately it’s hard to find in Knoxville and when you do it’s expensive. Sigh. So, it makes traveling around the country (and elsewhere) all the more fun!
Oh my gosh, Cynthia. That looks like a fabulous trip.
Great trip; I totally agree that we are so fortunate to have Scripps here! Pastis is one of our favorites!
Darn it, Ellen, is that true about Sancerre being hard to find? I wonder why. It really goes great with fish dishes and it seems everyone was recommending it in NYC.
Monique: It was a great trip. Perhaps the most fun we’ve ever had in New York — and we always have fun!
Hey, Meg! We are so glad to have discovered Pastis. The food is good, and I also just love the atmosphere and the friendly servers.
Fun read! Can’t wait for the inside scoop after this episode of Iron Chef airs.
Thanks, Charley. Alan and I wrote down some things from the taping so we won’t forget them when it does air.
Alan is a sly ol’ devil. If not for the Big Orange hat, I might not have recognized him poolside with the ladies!
Looks like so much fun! Just wanted to let you know we(Echo Bistro) have a great Sancerre on our wine list. It’s pacual jolivet Sancerre, and goes great with the soft shell crab and frog legs we have on special this weekend!
Jim: Hahaha! That’s funny!
Lisa: Thanks, friend! That is good information to have! (Can’t do frog, though!)
Jeeze – was posting info about my theatre trip to London – and it went away?? – did it post? Part of my bucket list ;-0)
Mox, we’re into dry as a bone rose this summer — delish and inexpensive. Bought them from Thad.
There is no place like The Big Apple!!! Well, let’s try this again!!!!!! Hooked up with theatre friends in NYC and traveled to London for pure theatre – Judi Dench in Peter and Alice (friends are friends with Dame Judi so met her, had champagne in her suite, fabulous actress and gracious lady), Helen Mirren in The Audience (met her at stage door, truly talented people are gracious and grateful), The Tempest at The Globe (fabulous!!!!!!), Othello at National Theatre, believe it or not To Kill a Mockingbird at Regents Park outdoor theatre (it rained but in tradition of NYC Shakespeare in the Park – it rains, they delay – it stops, they continue!) Adicus was played by the guy who accomplishes suicide in Dead Poet’s Society – can’t remember his name but I do remember his sucking face outside of Barrymore’s in NY!. Spent better part of 2 days at The British Museum about 3 blocks from delightful bed and breakfast where we stayed, good food, climbed 530 steps to Golden Dome at St. Paul’s and lots o’ fun in West End theatre district . Also saw revival of 60s comedy of manners – Relatively Speaking – sooooo British — yet I am in love with all Brits!! — charming people! Anyway cross 1 off of my bucket list!
Ellen: We’ve had some of that dry rose, too. I really like it. Alan, not so much.
Jim: What a wonderful trip for you! So glad you could cross one off your bucket list. It sounds absolutely fabulous. You go!
I don’t like seafood, but I’d follow you anywhere in NYC — you make me miss it more everytime you write about it!! Thanks for sharing. We like Iron Chef, too.
Thanks, Katie. I forgot about your seafood aversion. But, believe me, there were plenty of other things to select! And get this: at another auction we bought another New York trip courtesy of Scripps. This one includes a private lunch and wine in The Food Network Kitchen. Woo-hoo! Can’t wait to get that one scheduled.
Oh, this whole post makes me happy! I’m glad you had such a good trip and a good experience with ICA (obviously, I’m biased, but I love the show too!) Chelsea Market is one of my favorite places on Earth, especially when it’s that empty.
P.S. I think (but I may be wrong about this) Pastis had a SATC moment too, but I can’t seem to place it off the top of my head.
Wow. What a fun trip and what amazing food. Love all the seafood choices!
Hey, Modern Gal: I believe you and I share the same tastes in a number of things! Hope you had a good trip, too!
Gay: You need to go, you foodie, you!
Sancere is amazing. Around the corner on First Avenue is a rose for twenty-four dollars that is killer. (Makes Rose fine for me, otherwise I pass.) Though, Sancere is always a fine dinner wine. My first taste was at Windows On The World in 1982 and it is a fitting tribute taste to a top of the world experience. So happy to see that you guys get all that life offers and for a good cause, too. Excellent.
Thanks, John. I only like very dry rose. Especially in the summer.
Pingback:Blue Streak » Whiskey time in Tennessee
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives