ny: the review.

- Dawat. If you have not eaten here, go. now. After becoming comfortably acquainted with Indian food in London, it's always a gamble as to whether a new place will live up to previous experiences. This place absolutely did. After the tikki masala, lamb rogan josh, coconut curry and a mouthful of other vibrant flavors, denten said, "my mouth has not disagreed with anything yet." The entire spread was fantastic. And the naan did wonders to temper the spicy flavors, and was oh so soft. It's so good that I think dad would contemplate a return trip simply for lunch.

- Daniel. The most exquisite French cuisine I've ever experienced. I'd been once before and nothing has ever come close in rivaling the flavors and textures this chef puts out. It had lots to live up to and did not disappoint. The atmosphere and ambiance is as formal and delectable as the menu. Katelyn, who has a history of avoiding anything closely resembling red meat was tempted with the rib eye and short rib combo and critiqued that it simply melted in her mouth, the tenderness of the meat was unbelievable. Denten is still trying to figure out how they cooked it. My black sea bass was paired with just the right flavors and the carmel chocolate molten cake was a little heaven to my tongue.

- Gabriel's. After the first two dinner experiences in the city, I was a little skeptical as to whether this one would be fantastic. I don't think it's the best dining experience I've ever had, but the food was delicious and interesting. I had a butternut squash ravioli with sage and burnt butter. It was so sweet, it could have been served for dessert! Katelyn's mushroom ravioli was a great compliment with a more savory flavor. D's appetizer of roasted sweet peppers served with buffalo milk mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with pesto was a combo of some of my favorite flavors and textures. Dad's veal took me back to one of my most memorable meals in London when I was introduced to the heavenly meat. The highlight was my "soft-hearted chocolate truffle cake flavored with grand marnier, served with vanilla gelato and raspberry sauce. My mouth was so happy. Although the pumpkin spiced creme brulee tasted just like fall and made me excited for more seasonal recipes.

- We headed from Gabriel's up to Lincoln Center for a production of "South Pacific." It was very entertaining, the leading lady was darling and the music terrific. We had prime seats, although the theater is arranged such that I don't think there were many bad seats. We had a peek into the pit and what goes on with the orchestra is sometimes as fascinating as what goes on up on the stage. The racial undertones in the play provided an interesting storyline as well as thoughtful breakfast conversation the next morning.

- There was the obligatory shopping, as my dad confirms that we have been indeed suckered into the consumerism that holds our society hostage. I figure my spending in fine places simply helps our economy pull out of its slump, correct? at the end of our days, I was ready for a fine hotel, a good book and sleep. all of which were at my disposal. the entire trip really was a treat.

this a very serious, strategic planning session- one of many where I thought mom would actually climb into her map, I pretended I had a better idea, Katelyn waited patiently, Wade did the obvious, Denten took pictures of all of us while Dad read in Central Park.




- As denten and I wandered up to the old hood late one evening, nostalgia overcame me. On Columbia's campus I told him I just wanted to cry, I missed it so badly. He wondered how on earth we ended up together. While life would be so different going back there today with a family than it was during our simple student life, I still think of the adventures the east coast holds and am so grateful for the opportunity to visit now and then, to fill my city cup and reluctantly return to the desert. I truly had a marvelous time.