I wanted to make sure we got out and about with mom visiting for the weekend. She's easy to please when she visits, but I wanted to experience some new adventures as well as introduce her to some of my favorites.
Sadly, when we woke up, it was pouring rain. The forecast had predicted rain all week, but I kept praying that it would miraculously clear once she got here. God is good, but I guess He decided it needed to rain that day.
The great thing about NYC is there are so many awesome indoor options. I had been wanting to check out a Bill Cunningham photography exhibit at the New-York Historical Society Museum, so after a sleep in and breakfast at home, we pulled on our ponchos, opened our umbrellas and stepped out into the spring rain shower.
The New-York Historical Society Museum is located on the Upper West Side at W 77th and Central Park West. It is just south of the Natural History Museum. It is the oldest museum in NYC, founded in 1804. It's goal is to explore the policital, cultural, and social history of New York City and State through research, presenting history and art exhibitions, and putting on public programs. The hope is to show the incredible influence New York has had througout history and today nationally and internationally.
This exhibit is titled New York Rising. It is an interactive historical artifact wall highlighting New York's influence during the American Revolution and founding of the United States. The touch screens allowed you zoom in on the different pieces and learn more details about their significance.
here is new york is a collection of images highlighting the events and aftermath of September 11th. The purpose is to echo themes of resilience, renewal, and transformation...which have been apart of New York City's journey since it was first colonized.
My mom was so excited to stumble upon Audubon's Aviary. It is a massive collection of watercolors by John James Audubon. She is facinated by birds and loves art containing them. Needless to say she really enjoyed it.
I particularly enjoyed this guy. His little owl face made me laugh.
These magnify glasses allowed us to view the details in the art more clearly.
The Bill Cunningham Facades exhibition was the real reason I wanted to come. I recently watched a documentary with the Frans about Bill Cunningham and was fascinated by him and his life. He's a photographer and writer here in NYC who is well know as a staple for the New York Times Style & Fashion section and his video commentary On The Street: Bill Cunningham. He is highly respected and honored throughout the fashion world.
The purpose of Facades, shot in 1968, was to document the architectural riches and fashion history of New York City. He shot models, including his muse Editta Sherman, in period pieces in front of historical settings.
We next stumbled upon the Luce Center. It basically is a massive floor of artifacts pertaining to New York History. The items are grouped by type and you can walk among them and learn about their historical significance. The collection is composed of over 40,000 pieces.
My favorite pieces were the Tiffany Lamps; there were hundreds and they were all so unique, vibrant, and beautiful.
Famished, we popped over to Piccolo Cafe for a bite to eat. Mer met up with us and after, we headed out to do some shopping.
Insert shopping here. I hope you conjure images of spring pastels, boyfriend jeans, bangles, and graphic tees.
After some freshening up and a short rest, mom and I set out for dinner at RedFarm.
RedFarm totes themselves on being "innovative, inspired Chinese cuisine with Greenmarket sensibility". The ambience is one of a farm to table new-American cuisine restaurant, but scents of soy sauce and pork belly provided a conundrum for the senses.
The Upper West Side location has been open almost a year, but I had yet to try it due to tales of massive wait times. Mom and I were not starving, so we decided to stick out the quoted hour and a half wait with a drink at the bar. Luckily, we were seated in less than twenty minutes!
We started with Katz's Pastrami Egg Roll. The mustard dipping sauce was an excellent compliment. I love the shout out to NYC and the fusion of old and new cuisine.
We then moved onto some Dim Sum. Gosh I love dumplings. Upon recommendation we ordered the Pork & Crab Soup Dumplings. They are delicately formed dumplings with broth and meat inside the noodle. You can eat them a number of ways, but we decided to poke a small hole at the top, sip out the broth, and then eat the dumpling. I love food that not only tastes good, but provides an experience as well.
Our second dim sum choice were the 'Pac Man' Shrimp Dumplings. The garnish is a pac-man shaped tempura sweet potato stuck in guacamole. It was a nice tasty surprise.
Next came the Lotus Root, Okra, Snap Peas, Pressed Dofu & Preserved Vegetables dish. Basically a vegetable stir-frye.
The final dish was Wild Rice Noodles with BBQ'd Duck Breast.
The food at RedFarm was absolutely incredible. I'm excited to return again and try totally new dishes. The menu provides a large variety for every type of eater. I highly recommend a visit.
Overall, this was an excellent day.
xoxo
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