still New Yorking

First, a big happy birthday to Smartie, who turned 30 today (or has begun his 31st year, as Flash puts it).

We finished off Friday with Ethiopean food with my college buddies. There was some sort of spicy bean thing that was amazing, and the lamb and chicken were both amazing. I could take or leave the collard greens, but with enough flat bread I could wrap up pretty much anything. I plan on trying to make advocado and tomato salad when I get home (or maybe just a trip to the Blue Nile). We then took off for a little wine bar by their apartment and drank white sangria. It was very light, possibly because without a full liquor license they can't put in any brandy. Once I have some time I want ot check out Oveheard in New York, one of my friends' favorite sites, which they contribute to all the time.

The next morning, we took the subway to the tiny remains of Little Italy and the growing neighborhood that is Chinatown. There's really only a few Italian restaurants left, mostly with pictures of James Gandolfini in the window. I bought a few trinkets in Chinatown, but no purses, although they were desperate to sell us purses.

Next we walked to Battery Park and checked out the street sellers, then took the Staten Island Ferry. I've learned I like the top of the ferry better than the bottom, and nearly threw up on the way back to Manhattan. We split a pretzel and bottleof water while I settled and then walked through the financial district and over to Ground Zero.

I'm glad to say I sw the site, where most people were silent and staring. A man was sitting on the street playing "Amazing Grace" on a flute, and the music was an eerie background. But we also saw people hawking 9/11 pamphlets and Osama brochures. Even worse, on the far end were the protestors who believe that the White House was behind the attack, marching about with banners. Which ever side a person takes, cashing in on 9/11 for political reasons is wrong.

Later we went to dinner at Sushi Rose. We were for the most part the only non-Japanese in there, a sign of a good restaurant. The meal wasn't terribly expensive, and the sushi was amazing. We realized the difference in California Rolls is the real crab versus the imitation that goes in the ones at home, and the fatty tuna was quite possibly one of the best pieces of fish I have ever eaten. Smartie decided we need to eat nothing but sushi dinners from hear on out, since we can't get pieces like this at home.

We grabbed a drink in the hotel bar, then came up and watched a movie in our room, "Good Night and Good Luck." Nothing to say about this other than I see why the conservatives hate it.

Now it's time to get ready for brunch. Today we hit the UN, Chrystler Building, Public Library, New York Times Building, Grand Central Station, and buying kitchy junk at Times Square. Tonight, possibly some roomservice sushi, a bottle of wine, and a private birthday party for two.