Italy, China and Casablanca, each place tickles the imagination.
“I go to Paris, I go to London, I go to Rome, and I always say, “There’s no place like New York. It’s the most exciting city in the world now. That’s the way it is. That’s it.” Robert De Niro
Italy, China & Casablanca
Mr. De Niro might be on to something because while in New York City I experienced moments in each day when I was reminded of Paris. The city squares lined with trees, park benches and patio tables where people sat eating lunch or playing chess. The food carts on just about every corner and the open air markets selling fruit, vegetables and flowers – all very reminiscent of Paris. And, it didn’t matter the time of day.
On any given day in New York City, you’d be hard pressed to keep track of how many non-English languages you’ll hear spoken. I gave up. But, if I had to guess I’d say I heard French and German the most often with a whole lot of others splattered in. And those speaking diverse languages were not all tourists, actually, I would say that most were not. I think New York City has got to be one of the most diverse cities in the US. In one day, we had lunch in Italy, dinner in China and we spent the night in Casablanca. How often can you say that?
Lunch in Italy
The way we looked at it, if we were going to eat pizza in New York, then we needed to eat pizza in Little Italy and that meant lunch at Lombardi’s. Established in 1905, Lombardi’s lays claim to being the first pizzeria in the US. I’m not sure of the validity of that claim, but I can attest to the pizza being probably one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had. The fact that we sat at a small corner table covered with a red/white checkered table cloth while Frank Sinatra serenaded the patrons, made for the perfect lunch in Little Italy experience. That, and the cannoli we found at an Italian Bakery.
Dinner in China
You’d think after polishing off an entire pizza, salad and cannoli, dinner would not be on the day’s agenda. But, between lunch and dinner we managed to walk from Little Italy to One World Trade Center, tour the museum, and walk back to Chinatown. Having noodles in Chinatown was on my list, so that’s exactly what we did. I had done my homework and we found our way to Great N.Y. Noodletown and it did not disappoint.
A Night in Casablanca
Say the word, Casablanca, and I can’t imagine anyone not thinking of Bogart & Bergman, a.k.a. Rick & Illsa, and the timeless classic film of the ultimate sacrifice for love.
Okay, we didn’t really spend the night in Morocco, but it sure felt like it. From the moment we stepped into the foyer of the Casablanca Hotel we were dreamily carried away to another era.
The Casablanca Hotel has the prime location just steps away from Times Square, all thewhile offering guests the unique experience of feeling as if they’ll see Rick and Illsa sitting at a quiet corner in Rick’s Cafe.
An all inclusive boutique hotel, guests enjoy a lovely continental breakfast served with espresso and a selection of tea. Each evening, a wine and cheese reception in Rick’s Cafe is the perfect way to relax followed by an evening on the town. Although, one can just sit back and enjoy a glass of wine before retiring for the evening.
Everyone enjoys a luxury hotel, right? A beautiful room with the exotic ambiance of Casablanca where you can feel pampered by slipping into a plush robe and comfortable slippers, to soothe you’re tired feet, is just the ticket.
You will in fact find Rick and Illsa, if you look in just the right place.
Here’s looking at you kid.
- Casablanca Hotel
- 147 West 43rd Street
- New York, NY 10036
- rooms@casablancahotel.com
- +212 869 1212
* We were writers in residence at the Casablanca Hotel and the Library Hotel Collection.
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NY a place we want to visit – Spanky is from there yet somehow our only visit was about 10 years ago for 3 days enroute to Brazil. She always says that it’s the one city that never sleeps, you can go somewhere or eat something 24 hours a day…
Frank (bbqboy)
Frank recently posted…Wild, Wacky Skopje (Macedonia). One of the Strangest Places we’ve been
Although we didn’t stay awake for 24 hours, I thoroughly believe it is in fact the city that never sleeps.
That hotel looks amazing! I agree about New York, it reminds me of elements from other cities I’ve visited. I loved our time in NY and there’s still so much for us to explore there, I can’t wait to return one day!
Amy recently posted…Preparing to Move to Thailand!
We’d like to return as well, Amy, to visit the less known sites. There is so much going on!
I believe I’d only enjoy NYC with a knowledgeable person leading me around. The food all sounds delightful.
Gaelyn recently posted…Foto Friday Fun 175
NYC is definitely a foodie haven, you can eat really well! Think of the skyscrapers as canyon walls! 🙂 But, most large cities now, such as NYC, have free walking tours. You get a great tour for just tipping the guide. We’ve done quite a few.
It’s brilliant to be a traveller in your own city, isn’t it! I love Moroccan food in particular
Suze – Luxury Columnist recently posted…A Sparkling Italian Banquet with S.Pellegrino and James Lowe
Thanks for stopping by, Suze. NYC is not our home city, but it’s just a few states away so definitely in our backyard. And, I agree, it’s super fun to explore one’s own country.
What a great day! We have never taken the time to explore the Big Apple but I think we need to.
Rhonda recently posted…The Ties that Bind
It was a great day – actually, we had a really good time in the city – so much fun!
I would love to visit NY again, it is a melting pot of so many cultures. Your Casablanca hotel looks very charming and in a great location, I will keep it in my mind for when I next visit NY.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…La Digue, a Brief Love Affair
New York City is well-worth another visit!