French Cannoli (from Rocco’s, NYC)

Way back in 1986, I came across Rocco’s Pastry Shop on Bleeker Street in New York City. We’ve had a close relationship ever since because I love pastry and Rocco’s makes some of the best. My favorite quick and ready item is the French Cannoli with almonds you see here:

French Cannoli with almonds from Rocco's Pastry Shop, NYC.

French Cannoli with almonds from Rocco’s Pastry Shop, NYC.

The pastry is incredibly light, the custard filling cool and balanced, the toasted, shaved almonds the perfect crunch counterpoint. Yes, it’s that good and you should go get one right away to see for yourself. Of course, there are many other baked items to enjoy at Rocco’s, where they also serve various Italian coffees. Enjoy every meal.

Published in: on January 15, 2014 at 12:46 pm  Leave a Comment  
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McSorely’s Old Ale House, NYC

McSorely’s Old Ale House has been an New York City institution for more than 150 years. It’s on East 7th Street, and not hard to find. Certainly worth a stop for a glass of ale.

McSorely's Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

McSorely’s Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

The place has quite a history, having been visited by presidents and other dignitaries. Sorry for the shabby photo, but the interior is old-school barroom as you can kind of see here:

Interior corner of McSorley's Old Ale House.

Interior corner of McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Plenty of old photos, newspapers, even record albums hanging on the wall, meaning there is plenty of eye candy to keep you busy. You can order light ale or dark and you get two glasses per round as you see next:

Light ale at McSorley's Old Ale House.

Light ale at McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Two at a time also keeps you busy. Then there’s a short menu of food items chalked on the board:

Menu at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Menu at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

After all that drinking, you may need the toilet, and it’s old school as well. Check out these urinals:

Urinals at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Urinals at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

All in all, quite an establishment. Worth your visit for a drink or to linger with friends and chat. Maybe you’ll meet someone new or find a piece of memorabilia that fills in an historical blank. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on January 14, 2014 at 12:18 am  Leave a Comment  
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36,000 feet +/-

Commercial air travel takes you high above the surface. On a recent flight, are cruising altitude was 36,000 feet, give or take. At any rate, in the comfort of the cabin, I enjoyed an ice-cold Coca-Cola as you see here.

Enjoying Coca-Cola at 36,000 feet.

Enjoying Coca-Cola at 36,000 feet.

I have the protective cover on my phone coordinated with my choice of beverages. This was another great flight aboard American Airlines, with friendly cabin staff. No matter what you’re flying, ALWAYS do your checklist and follow crew instructions.

Published in: on January 2, 2014 at 1:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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American Airlines (meals) December 2013

Took a couple of American Airlines flights recently, my carrier of choice. The airline has instituted a “select your meal” type of plan, which I find very helpful. You get to make a choice between a couple of entrees, which certainly leads to a more satisfied customer. So, on the first leg, I chose the “tortilla soup.” Below you see the whole tray:

American Airlines tortilla soup.

American Airlines tortilla soup.

This was a tasty, lighter selection. A couple of small cheese wedges came with the grapes and crackers. Nice treat! During the second flight, I went with the chicken salad that you see here:

American Airlines chicken salad.

American Airlines chicken salad.

Again, I found this to be tasty, lighter fare when it comes to airlines meals. The salad was packed with pecans, slices of pear, and plenty of greens. In general, I think airline food has been improving recently. At least, I have found the food to be better than it was. Sit back, relax, enjoy the flight, and please follow ALL crew member instructions. They are there to make your trip safe.

Published in: on December 31, 2013 at 11:58 am  Leave a Comment  
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