FRESH FROM NEW YORK DECEMBER



I can't believe that it is December already! Where did November go? As some of you may know at the beginning each month Fresh Local and Best features a review of the seasonal offerings at the Union Square Farmers' Market. This month Heather from Girlichef has graciously let me to guest post this column on her blog. Heather Dar Girlchef, writes a very fun and exciting blog that details her cooking adventures from Indiana. So when you have a chance please visit her blog to see this month's Fresh From New York.





Meanwhile, I'll give you a glimpse of what New York City looks like right now. This is picture taken at Rockefeller Center, where well-lit angels are pointing their trumpets to the heavens. I'll be there again tonight to watch them light the Christmas tree.




Across the street from Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue is providing a spectacular and loud Christmas light show on the veneer of their store.



When I arrived in New York a few months ago, I wrote frequently to my very good friend Gloria  back home about my experience of settling into this city. Gloria has never been to New York, so she wrote to me, "Christine you are so funny, I always hear about how glamorous and exciting New York is but all you do is complain about how crowded and polluted it is." Well Gloria darling, you'll have to visit Manhattan in the muggiest of August to understand the pollution, and while you're here I'll take you grocery shopping and so that you too can wait in line with me at the checkout stand for 20 minutes. You'll quickly wise up to how routinely crowded it is here. This is a picture of the intersection of 5th Avenue and 58th Street. Yes, it's one of the more crowded corners in New York, but there are even more chaotic spots.




Show me, you say? Time Square is probably the densest and most dangerous traffic area because there are so many people crammed together and distracted by the larger than life advertisements. Combine this with the furiously impatient vehicles eager to move and you have a recipe for disaster. This is my least favorite part of town.


 


However, just two blocks away is Radio City, where some of my favorite performers have been featured.
 

And if you walk another block there is an oasis of tranquility for the eyes at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Across the street from the church is the bronze Atlas statue. 
 
In case you wanted to know, I spend most of my time at Grand Central because I live across the street. It's a lot for a gal from San Francisco to get used to, but I'm chugging along.






I hope you've enjoyed this visit through New York. Thanks for coming along! 

53 comments:

Sook said...

I want to fly over to New York right now! :)

Deb in Hawaii said...

I love New York, especially when it is decorated for the holidays. Although I like it in small doses--the crowds get to me too. ;-) Great pictures!

Anonymous said...

Awesome pictures! I visited NY once only few years back, wish I stayed more to see more of it, such a great city!! Thank's for sharing this fantastic pics.
(((Hugs)))

♥peachkins♥ said...

Oh my! It's Christmas time in the city! beautiful photos!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Christmas in Manhattan is always such a special occasion. It's as if the lady puts on her best attire and shows what she has. Thanks for the lovely tour of the city. I used to work for Saks and they do "do it up."

My first visit to NYC was many many years ago and I lived in Houston at the time. NY was so hot I couldn't believe it in the summer time. Of course Houston air-conditions everything so there you were only outside long enough to hop in your car and turn the air on. As we walked through the city that summer, we stopped in any place that was air-conditioned. However, the building were never as cool as Texas. I always found that strange. Guess that's why NYorkers leave in the summer when they can.

I love Girlichef's blog. What a nice honor. See you there.
Sam

Joanne said...

This makes me so very happy. It is all my favorite things about New York in winter - in pictures.

I try to avoid Times Square at ALL costs. At ALL times of the year. I just can't handle the crowds.

Your guest post is awesome, by the way.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Beautiful!! I'll be there next month :)

Angie's Recipes said...

Santa Claus is coming to town! So festive!

Patty said...

These are fantastic photos! I just visited another website with equally gorgeous photos of NYC. We are headed up there shortly (in about a month) and these photos are getting me super excited about our visit! Thanks for sharing the incredible pics!

Pam said...

I've always wanted to go to NYC - thanks for the pictures.

I love the huge snowflakes on that building.

Flour said...

Wow...and I thought the Mag Mile in Chicago was crowded!
Thanks for the tour Christine! Wonderful photos. Did you ever consider becoming a tour guide?! Lol
Have a great time at the tree lighting:)

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I enjoyed my visit. Thanks for sharing your new city with us. Great photos!

Sarah said...

I love New York and have visited on many occasions! I can understand your frustation with traffic and crowds. However the places you showed us more than make up for that :)

El said...

I cannot believe the Christmas crowds. You got some great shots - thanks for sharing!

Dolce said...

Good luck to you tonight! It's usually super crowded, you may want to go there no later than 4 pm if you actually want to see something!!

Beth said...

I really like the big christmas tree in Rockefeller Center without the lights on it! It's looks beautiful and festive without any adornment. Thanks for sharing!

The Diva on a Diet said...

You couldn't be more right about the, ahem, "joys" of grocery shopping here. Its not for the faint of heart!

I do so love New York, even after living here for 25 years ... though this time of year, the crowds get to me. I'm happy to view Rockefeller Center from your blog, rather than in person! LOL

Kitchen Butterfly said...

Blessed are those who dwell in NYC....My dream. I love the Atlas statue. Wow

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

visiting from girlichef's site... I used to live in NYC your blog is a wonderful tribute!

will be back

The Blonde Duck said...

Isn't it amazing there's only 23 days until Christmas!

TKW said...

Popping in from Girlichef...I think your pictures are amazing; it makes me yearn for the energy of a big city.

I will be back!

le ricette del glutine scomparso said...

Hello Christine, I'd like to see the windows of New York City is a spectacular and fascinating ... will have showcase beautiful .... lights Christmas there should be dedicated to the magic ....
anna

Simply Life said...

WOw, I love your photos of the city! They're all so clear and beautiful!

The Cooking Photographer said...

Wow. I want to live there when I grow up. Heading over to read Heather's blog now!

Laura

Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog said...

What a marvelous and colorful images of NY!!! I must run the marathon there :)

Cheers!

Gera

chow and chatter said...

see you friday in NYC!!!!

3 hungry tummies said...

Where has the year gone!!
wonderful photos of NYC! They really showcase the spirit and beauty of your adopted home!!

Heather S-G said...

Thanks for showing us some many awesome photos! I've never been to NY city, but really hope to be able to visit one day :)

El said...

Christine,
Any idea how long you're planning to stay in NYC? I can't imagine how difficult the adjustment is after S.F.!

Fresh Local and Best said...

El,

It feels like I'll be here for years, probably another half decade or so. The thing I miss most is having great organic produce and free outdoor space. On the flip side, I'm meeting interesting and energetic people. And when I return to work, I'll probably be so busy that I'll be in the office 80 hours/week (like old times) and before I know it, those five years will just fly by. :)

Christine

Chef E said...

Wow, how funny Rebecca just called me and then I saw your comment...I look forward to meeting you, and I married a New Yorker born and raised, but he came to Texas and swept me off my feet. Now we are in New Jersey and come in as often as we can...what wonderful pictures you have posted here...

Chef E said...

Wow, how funny Rebecca just called me and then I saw your comment...I look forward to meeting you, and I married a New Yorker born and raised, but he came to Texas and swept me off my feet. Now we are in New Jersey and come in as often as we can...what wonderful pictures you have posted here...

Vicky said...

I bought the same kind of cauliflower from Union Square... tasted pretty good!

Erica said...

BEAUTIFUL pictures! I am so going to see your guest post now- I want to know what to buy!!

Reeni said...

What great pictures. Parts of NY can be magical for the holidays!

Tina said...

Thank you for coming by my blog and leaving such nice comments :-)

I love the photos you have here and saw them on Girlichef's blog this morning. Great shots!

zenchef said...

Ahh New York. I love this town. The good and the bad. You won't see me around Times Square though. hehe. I enjoyed looking at the pictures. Thanks for sharing! :)

Lyndas recipe box said...

New York looks very festive! I've been there only once.
Your photos are beautiful, by the way!

Michelle said...

Just love the photo of the giant snowflakes on the exterior of the building. Such a cool idea for Christmas!

lorenabr said...

Love NY, just great. Fab post:)

Julia said...

Love that cauliflower! Those things are amazing. (I'm told they're a cross between cauliflower and broccoli, actually, is that true?)
Time Square is mayhem; my husband used to work there, but now I'm long gone I wouldn't mind a walk through it.

Joy said...

I can really feel the holiday spirit in NY all the way from Texas! I am happy to hear you are enjoying New York, I always have such a wonderful time every time I visit there :)

Jennie said...

You've just reminded me of how much I love NYC! I'm planning a trip there just before Christmas. Great post! Fantastic pictures!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pictures of New York, it's so great to visit there this time of the year, wish I could go!

HoustonWok said...

"NEW YORK,These type of streets will make you feel brand new big lights will in inspire you right here in New York" Christine wow,you live across the street from Grand Central?Wow I can only imagine how pricey it is to live there, however being from San Fran, it's pretty pricey there too. I love the Big NY at this time of the year. "sigh" I'll make back out there someday.

pigpigscorner said...

Nice shots! I've always wanted to visit New York, hopefully soon!

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

I have never been to NYC, and I loved the tour you took us on! Thanks! :)

Unknown said...

What amazing pictures. NY is really looking magical, and I really feel like I am missing out. You are so lucky to live in such and awesome city. Was there last feb, hope to go again soon.
Have a fantastic weekend.
*kisses* HH

Tricia said...

What amazing photos of New York! I love the holiday season, especially decorating for it and seeing lights on houses on buildings! So great you live there:)

NKP said...

You make New York sound so wonderful! This Canadian is almost not afraid of it when you describe it...! ;-)

Mardi Michels said...

Christine - these are simply stunning photos! And you live near Grand Central?? We will be staying in Murray Hill during our visit in May 2010. We will have to go to the Campbell Apartment for drinks!!!!

we are never full said...

glad you enjoyed your time in our hometown. it's always nice to be reminded that we should appreciate where we live instead of complaining! happy holidays.

we are never full said...

glad you enjoyed your time in our hometown. it's always nice to be reminded that we should appreciate where we live instead of complaining! happy holidays.