tapas and tourists

I'm back from NYC, much more civilized (ha--I laugh) and sophisticated (no, not really), very well-fed (that's the truth) and glad to have good friends (amen). I'm spreading my trip recap out over a few posts, beginning with Friday night.


I took my first train ride into the city, and I have to say, I'm a fan. It's much roomier than a plane, and the chances of having a double seat to oneself are much greater. After three hours, I was there.

Penn Station on a Friday evening is quite a sight to behold. People of every shape, size, color, and flavor are hustling and bustling around. It was like the Tower of Babel, a din composed of just about every language known to man (except, say, Bantu clicking). I might've gotten swept away if my friend wasn't there to greet me.

After a lovely hugs-all-around reunion with my girls...


(Jamie and Katie, for future reference)

...we set out for our dinner. We had reservations at Pipa, a place for Spanish tapas (and more).


We got a real smorgasbord of tapas to share, starting with some of their famous Crispy Calamari. I'm not exactly sure what was slathered all over the little squidies, but it almost made them tasty enough to earn the description "good squid," which I personally didn't think was possible. Katie and James loved it and the chewy little critters disappeared from the table rather quickly.


lightly breaded calamari rings, served with a smoked paprika aioli

Next came the Jumbo Crab Coca (or flatbread). As an anti-crabber, I didn't try this one, but I did notice that it wasn't devoured by my buds as quickly as the calamari.


jumbo lump crab meat with goat cheese, tomatoes, baby spinach, jalapeno, and mustard oil

Mushroom Croquettes came out next. I'm sorry, but they look like little turds to me, and that's that.


mixed wild mushrooms flavored with rosemary, thyme, and garlic and served with truffle trumpet aioli

The next dish was my favorite of the night--the Veggie Coca. 'Twas fresh, crisp, savory, and delicious.


broccoli, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, corn, pureed eggplant and manchego cheese all drizzled with a truffle trumpet oil

I also enjoyed some chicken skewers. They were nicely-spiced and very moist.


My friends were excited by these Stuffed Piquillos. Oh, how I wish I liked crab.


oven-baked stuffed piquillo peppers filled with delicate jumbo lump crabmeat and shrimp with a paprika aioli

We partook of some sangria throughout the meal. It was my first taste of the fruity delight, and I really enjoyed it.


Gran Torres orange liquor, Chambord, apricot brandy, Cointreau, with fresh apples and peaches

After that wonderful dinner, we headed off to visit Times Square. Good googa mooga, the place was swarming with tourists. Swarming, I tell you. The lights were mesmerizing, as was the Hershey's store...


It was a dazzling evening, and I slept like a rock despite the never-ending street noise and a frisky feline named Oscar...