30 Hudson Street

It’s with maximum relief that I declare ‘The search is over!’

Yes, it took near on 42 years to find it, however now it has been identified and experienced.

Brushstroke in Tribeca, New York City, you did it. Not only did you provide me with the Best Restaurant Experience of My Life, you made me see why it was worth the wait.

Also a big call-out to Mr Wallpaper Guide for alerting me to the fact, your ‘What to do if you have only 24hrs in NYC’ advice, never failed to impress.

To the restaurant then…

It’s Japanese (so immediately you know it’s going to be better than great) and if attended on a weekend (which we did), you can choose from one of their several options, all based on a Taster Menu style – either six course, eight courses etc.

We opted for a six course and started with Cocktails.

I shan’t provide you with a blow by blow description, however look at these images and see how long it takes for you to call in sick, take that flight and immerse yourself in the Ultimate.

As you have already detected, it not just the food that’s fantastic, it’s that handmade radish candle and the cherry blossom. It’s the ceramics.

It’s the out-of-this-world service. It’s your fellow diners. It’s the tastefully appointed restaurant. It’s that little creature sitting under my husband’s plate.

It was my pudding.

Everything worked and was thoroughly enjoyed.

New York City

Regeneration Projects don’t get any better than this.

Picture – decommissioned above ground railway tracks; light planting (almost Japanese in appearance); cool concrete and wood benches; a pathway occasionally occupied by coffee carts and ice-cream vendors; healthy looking joggers; not too many other wanderers; a unique view of approximately 1 mile of NYC starting in the Meatpacking district and heading up towards Midtown (though staying west); on a clear and blue skied day – now go – for this is the ideal way to launch your first morning in a city that deserves little sleep and lots of dedication to having the time of your life.

Imaged sourced at http://www.thehighline.org

Wallpaper guide takes credit for this choice of ours last Friday – for when I purchased their mini-manual approximately five months ago, I paid particular attention to their recommendations ‘if you only have 24hrs’ and am incredibly pleased I did, for doing as suggested, resulted in me securing the most exciting day of my life…however more detail on that later.

Image sourced at http://www.fun4kidsnyc.com

It’s open from 7.00am – 7.00pm daily

Image sourced at http://www.thehighline.org

Additionally, once visited you don’t stop thinking about it, raving about it and planning ways to finance another visit. Yes sadly, I’ve returned from my mini adventure and am now spending considerable time fantasying about purchasing a one bedroom apartment in West Village.

‘People Are Strange’
at the Lawrence Alken Gallery, London

Knowing Mr Noah Taylor is a pretty terrific actor I was all fired up to discover what kind of a painter he’d be post a little alert in the Evening Standard – advertising his current show, in London.

Thus threw the car into hyper-drive and headed straight towards Covent Garden to inspect.

And…happily found to my severe liking approximately 50 black and white paintings for me (and you), to get your eyes and head into. Some made me laugh (I’m not too sure if that was the intention, however art is very personal isn’t it?) and others, made me feel a little upset for the person in the noose. Although only for a moment…and now look down as this is an example of one of the treats you will find.

Furthermore…I found many paintings that should post 5 April, come and live with me, however sadly have found other parents already.

Additionally, all the works on display are his and the gallery assistant kindly chatted us through different aspect of his art without me feeling like ‘But I don’t understand’. So, if you make the decision to go – you definitely won’t be intimidated – or have to pay entry – rather just dawdle through and enjoy at your own pace.

It’s a concise and entertaining show.

Opening times: 11.00- 7.00pm until 5 April and for further details head to: http://www.lawrencealkingallery.com
(and please note, above image sourced from this web address as well)