happy birthday USA

I can't remember the last time I was in Manhattan for the 4th. But here it is Independence Day, and here I am on a cloudy day at home.

I leave the house at 10 this morning, expecting to be home by noon. But that's not how the day turns out.

The city is deserted.  But there's something kind of nice about being in NYC when few others are.

around Third and 59th

It's been years since I bought a new bathing suit. It's time, and Bloomingdales is having a big sale.  Surprisingly, I find a couple that I love, that fit, and that are on sale. My saleswoman, Betty, is patient and helpful, and gives honest answers to, "What do you think of this one?"

While I'm trying on bathing suits, Zelia calls. We decide to see the new documentary about Amy Winehouse, and rather than stay in the neighborhood, we opt to go downtown. It's an overcast day, and few people are out. Even on Houston.

around E. Houston and Eldridge

We have 45 minutes before the movie starts, and both of us are starving. Our criteria for lunch are simple: inexpensive, fast, reasonably healthy. We go to a nearby unappetizing looking place that is highly recommended by two people at the theater. 

Once inside, we decide it's too unhealthy and leave. Knishes aren't worth the calories.  Although the many in line must think otherwise.

Our next stop is Katz's, where pastrami sandwiches go for $19. The place is loud, crowded, and the line to be seated too long. We leave here too.

Eventually we find the perfect place. A little Greek restaurant on Stanton Street.

This quiet, unassuming restaurant is designed to look like Mykonos and does. The shrimp, feta and tomato sandwich is excellent and cheap. 

We make it to the movie in time. It seems that whomever is in Manhattan today is at this film. Every seat is taken.

The movie is excellent, though sad. So much talent and humanity extinguished too soon. And far too many enablers, feeding off Amy's fame.

It's too early to go home, so we decide to walk. Maybe stop for a drink. Zelia and I walk 50 blocks before we find the right place. Along the way we eliminate those places that are too crowded, too loud, too unappealing, or too near city traffic.  We end up at dos Caminos where we have a glass of wine and share an outstanding bowl of guacamole. Then we walk another 30 blocks home.

It's the 4th, and the city is celebrating. We even see a building honoring this great country. Usually I spend the 4th on a beach somewhere, but Manhattan today is a fine place to be.