Saturday began with a picnic in Central Park. This wasn't just any ol' picnic, oh no.
It was, to put it mildly, a Middle Eastern extravaganza. We got takeout from this lovely little gem called Pyramida.
The fella behind the counter was more than happy to take our large order, and even recommended a white bean dip that turned out to be one of our favorite buys.
We got tabouli...
(very fresh and herbacious)
spanikopita...
(a unique take on the classic and pretty darn tasty)
white bean dip...
(soooo very creamy and not too garlicky, with plenty of paprika)
baba ghannouj...
(not my favorite, but still yummy)
hummus...
(a wonderful consistency and lovely flavor)
pitas...
(thick and soft and fabulous)
and of course, baklava...
(some of the best I've ever tasted)
(a baklava beginner...it's safe to say that she enjoyed it)
(it's safe to say we all enjoyed it)
We spent a good hunk of the day lingering over the picnic, reminiscing about the past and even learning a few new things about each other. It was really great.
(I love you gals!)(Yes, that's me on the right, not some random vagrant.)
Properly fed and enthusiastic, it was time to do some walking. We saw some awesome, almost So-You-Think-You-Can-Dance-worthy break dancing...
...some large jewels...
(Jamie claims she would be willing to sacrifice her education to own this ring from Tiffany's)
...and toys. Lots of toys.
FAO Schwartz is an amazing toy store. If I had visited as a child, I would've been beside myself with glee. As an adult (well...let's go with semi-adult), however, my main goal was to see The Big Piano:
James found a friend...
...and Katie found a fitting hat:
A couple of loons, these girls.
If you are a real hummus fan, the next time you visit go to Hummus Place:
ReplyDeletehttp://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/hummus-place01/
OH SO GOOD. You probably think, "a restaurant just for hummus?" Yes, and It Is Good.
And if you like Ethiopian food (and who doesn't), you'll have to visit Awash:
http://www.awashnyc.com/
Why do I do this to myself so early in the morning? Now I want Ethiopian food, or hummus. Guess I'll have a blueberry muffin.
Looks like ya'll had a great time! I am totally jealous and want to plan a girls trip to NYC now!
ReplyDeleteYep, I want to see that piano too! :) Looks like you had a delicious picnic, you're killing me with all this talk about baklava lately, I'll have to give in and try and make some!
ReplyDeleteYummy! It looks like you had a whale of a time. Or a plushy seal of a time, as it were.
ReplyDeletei love a picnic! it looks great! (jealous!)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun outing! Nothing's better than food, jewelry and toys.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, how awesome is that food...anything dip is definitely for me.
ReplyDeletei miss that ring!
ReplyDeletej
and you and katie too, of course!
ReplyDeleteHoly geez what a feast! That spanakopita looks so gooood.
ReplyDeleteAnd that food also looks amazing! Damn, now I'm off to have a mediocre lunch.
ReplyDeleteIt really sounds like you had a great time. I am glad you had such fun tour guides :)
ReplyDeleteA really great time. Is it still so hot in NY?
ReplyDeleteOh man, looks like you had a great meal and some fun times with your friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a tasty looking picnic.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in NYC, it was raining the day we went to the park. Your day looks a lot more successful!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! The food sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteThat's the best picnic EVER!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to seen the giant piano. That's the best scene in the whole movie.
Wow! I've missed out on a lot these days...been so busy baking up a storm :P. Sounds like you're having a ton of fun! I'm a HUGE FAO Schwartz fan. So far, I've only visited the one in San Francisco...I imagine the one in NY is even more exciting :D...can't wait to visit myself!
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up!
ReplyDeleteI have to say the best pic is your friend with the crown and the fish lips. I love that pic! And that Tiffany's ring... oh so lovely.
I love Middle Eastern and Greek food. My favs!