Abandoned City Hall Station
City Hall Station, April 2023
City Hall Station, April 2023
I have waited for this day my whole New York life.
Postcard of City Hall Station in 1913
I finally got to go on a tour of the old, abandoned City Hall Station beneath NYC. Everyone has heard about it. The only glimpse you can get of it is when you stay on the downtown 6 train and look out the window as it loops around to become an uptown train.
City Hall Station, April 2023
The station opened in 1904 and it’s located right underneath City Hall Park and from certain areas in the park (that are now blocked off to the public), you can look down and see through the tops of the skylights in the station.
City Hall Station, April 2023
It closed in 1945 due to the increased subway ridership that led to longer trains, and thus longer platforms. The City Hall station (built on a tight curve) would have been difficult to lengthen, and it was also fairly close to the far busier Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station so the closure made sense at the time.
SIDE NOTE: I feel like I’m slowly realizing this in real time, but like… am I… into… history? When the hell did that happen?
City Hall Station, April 2023
The station was designed by Rafael Guastavino and is so unexpectedly refined for a subway station with its Romanesque Revival architectural style. (Yes I looked up what the name of the style is.)
City Hall Station, April 2023
Tours are arranged through the New York Transit Museum (you have to become a member for access to ticket sales), but it’s very much worth the price. Tickets go on sale usually twice a year for different blocks of time and absolutely always sell out.
City Hall Station, April 2023
This is, by far, one of the coolest things that you can see in New York. Equally as incredible as it was to walk around inside the crown of The Statue of Liberty.
City Hall Station, April 2023
It really did feel like walking into a time machine that shows you what old New York City would’ve felt like. Just an incredible experience.
I know that I only bought my New York Transit Museum membership solely for this tour, but of all the clubs to become a member to - this one really feels like a good fit for me. So excited to hear about what other tours will be offered throughout the year.
City Hall Station, April 2023
Keep Moving By Dick Van Dyke
How is it possible that I’ve never seen an episode of The Dick Van Dyke show? ‘Cause right now it’s at the top of my must-watch list based on how much I love this man after reading his book, Keep Moving.
And it isn’t even his memoir! It’s literally just tips about how he continues to live a good life after 65. Best parts ahead!
“These are Baby Boomers, the generation who screamed, “Hope I die before I get old.” That line should be rewritten, “Hope I die before I feel old.” That is the crux of the matter.”
“As you get older, you relax. You exhale. You quit worrying. You shake your head with an accepting disbelief as family members and friends disappear like photos in a yearbook, leaving empty spaces where there used to be familiar faces, and occasionally you wonder when it will be your turn and what that will be like. You go for a walk - not to get from point A to point B but just because you want to feel the warm sun on your skin and enjoy fresh air. You open your eyes in the morning with surprise and delight that you’re still here. You realize you’re playing with house money. You are ahead of the game. You eat whatever you want. You do what you like. You smile at strangers. You wave, “Have a nice day.” And if you don’t do that stuff, you should.”
“Do not forget to try new things - even a new flavor of ice cream will do.”
“It’s time people got over the jokes, the fears, and the discrimination. Old age isn’t catchy. I understand the media is obsessed with youth. Fine. But there isn’t anything wrong with getting older. It happens. It’s healthy. And it is a reality - our reality. As the ranks of seniors and elderly grow, we should think of it as the new normal - a desirable new normal that does away with ageism and commands respect. How does this happen? I think we may need a revolution. We have gone through the Women’s Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Gay Rights Movement. Why not the Gray Rights Movement?”
“As the instigator of the Grey Revolution, I suggest ignoring the anti-aging tips that are so prevalent in the media and search for pro-aging tips.”
Of course he loves Halloween, why do only great people love this holiday so much, I can’t explain it.
“I have never heard of an ailment for which there was not a medicine. It is almost un-American.” - Hahahahah, love this.
“For me, life has always been about accepting responsibility for the well-being and happiness of the people I love.”
Such a great read. Love this man.
April Activities 2023
Central Park, April 2023
Spring is in full force and I couldn’t be happier about it. It usually feels like the shortest season since summer arrives obnoxiously early, but this year it’s been magical. Chilly nights, sweaters instead of winter coats, tons of rain, birds chirping their asses off, there’s nothing better. Here’s what happened in April!
Baby Dog in Central Park
Baby Dog in Central Park, again
The best tweets of April can be found over here.
I visited a tulip farm in New Jersey and had the greatest meatballs from the Your Sister’s Balls food truck.
Holland Ridge Farms with Diana in New Jersey
I toured the gorgeous Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
The lobby of Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York
Mirrors + me = BFF
I went to the Museum of Failure with my friend Casey in Industry City.
I helped review some Last Crumb cookies on my friend Paul’s TikTok.
I made one of my favourite steak recipes for the first time (steak Diane) and it was really, really good. I didn’t really ignite it properly since that’s the part that scares me the most, but there were partial flames so I’m counting this as a success.
Steak Diane ingredients
Notice: you’re using your potato peeler wrong.
The Alison Roman chocolate chip shortbread cookies are fast becoming a staple in our home.
Chocolate chip shortbread cookies
I physically cannot stop making this asparagus soup (the cream is optional), it’s so good. Best to double up the recipe if you’re making it for more than two people.
When will I learn that fancy coffee shops simply don’t do it for me? I went to Ten Thousand Coffee and it was fine, but definitely overrated. One day we’ll all revolt against coffee costing over $5 and I vow to lead the revolution.
Speaking of coffee, have I already mentioned the incredible hazelnut beans we order from San Francisco Bay Coffee? Best beans I’ve ever used for iced coffee at home, by far. All you need is a french press, a small spice grinder and beans. The fact that we’re not all making iced coffee at home each day is mind boggling.
Some things I watched:
Surviving R. Kelly (the newest season): Nathan and I watched two episodes and then abandoned it. It’s so hard to watch and really makes you wonder, “Why the hell am I watching this if it makes me feel this way?”
Dave (newest season): Words can’t express how much I love this show. Every episode is better than the last.
Succession: Okay, yes I already complained about this show. But the thing is - I haven’t hate-watched a new show in a really long time, so I think that’s why I keep going with it. The dialogue is objectively bad and I think the real appeal of the show is the fact that you can’t binge it all at once, we’re all so desperate for the days of cable and once-a-week viewing. And small side note: Adrian Brody is not a good actor, so of course he had to appear in an episode.
The Intern: What is wrong with me? Why was this on my list of movies to watch? It was so bad, but IT LOOKED BAD. Hated Anne Hathaway’s character. There was ZERO chemistry between her and De Niro. And it’s a mind-numbingly boring script. Christ.
Who Done It: The Clue Documentary: Okay, if you even kind of liked the movie Clue (1985), then you really have to watch this. It’s fan-made, but it’s so good. I didn’t know that so many playwrights attempted to write it, I had no idea that Carrie Fisher was supposed to be Miss Scarlett but couldn’t because of her drug problem?? Absolutely adored Jonathan Lynn. And loved all of Michael McKean’s anecdotes.
How many beach blankets does one person need? And why is this Target one so damn perfect?
I’ve made so much green garlic butter, I’m considering starting a butter stand outside my building.
Green garlic from the Union Square Greenmarket, NYC
This month in good-but-nothing-special restaurants I’ve tried: Hawksmoor (flashy and beautiful inside, but no real substance) and Pete’s Tavern (space is great, food is fine and service was attentive but odd).
That being said, I also ate at some wonderful places! Saint George Bistro in Hastings had great escargot even if the service wasn’t great, Figlia in Astoria was as good as everyone says it is so I’ll definitely return, Sunken Harbor Club was beautiful and had great drinks and it felt like you weren’t in NYC but in a good way, Amelie Wine Bar was perfect and had $13 wine flights with stellar service, and finally Satis Bistro in Jersey City which was so lovely (the duck croquettes, my god, I’ll dream about those until I return).
Outside Saint George Bistro in Hastings, New York with Diana & Crystal
Amelie Wine Bar with Jessie, West Village
I got a facial at Glow Bar and I really don’t see the big deal with facials. This sounds psychotic, but maybe my face doesn’t… need… facials…?
My brother Gary sent me this Happy & Polly stamp of Baby Dog’s face and I can’t get over it. It’s horrifyingly perfect.
I went to a sample sale for Rent The Runway put on by 260 and it was depressing as hell, it was all so disorganized and chaotic. Think that might be the last sample sale for me.
I visited the exterior of Alder Manor since I was in the area and it’s so beautiful from the outside, I can’t imagine how gorgeous the interior must be.
Alder Manor in Yonkers, New York
Dying over the entire Adidas x Farm Rio collaboration (thanks Marla for telling me about it!).
Speaking of my friend Marla, she mentioned how she gives her young sons a small amount of money for birthday gifts for people in their lives and then each kid comes up with an idea based on what that person enjoys and buys the gift. And honestly, what a perfect idea. Gift giving is a skill and absolutely should be taught to young kids (especially boys) since it’s such an important part of living. Love this so, so much. Every parent should be doing this.
I am so in love with the rhubarb and strawberry soda from Trader Joe’s that I think I might finally be ready to try rhubarb for real.
Rhubarb and strawberry soda from Trader Joe’s
I’d never heard about the children’s book In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak but it was mentioned in that performance about Philip Glass I saw last month, so I bought the book and it’s incredible.
And finally, behold my new favourite photo of Baby Dog.
Hahahahah this expression! She’s so sick of my shit I love it.
Things I’m looking forward to this month: I’m going to do a post about my recent visit to the abandoned City Hall subway station, I’m definitely going to go see the new fashion exhibit that opens at The Met, I know that H&M is shit now but I’m gonna have to take a look at this Mugler collab in person, I kinda need to eat these duck fries in Toronto and I absolutely need to track down these Lichtenstein stamps ASAP.
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in March over here.
She brought her boyfriend (Walrus) beside her to get some sun
The Best Tweets of April 2023
Tulip Farm in New Jersey
Tulip farm in New Jersey? YES PLEASE. The tulip farm I went to near Seattle a few years ago was so breathtaking, I jumped at the chance to go again.
I’d never even heard of Holland Ridge Farms until recently (it’s about 90 minutes from NYC by car) and I’m so glad I got to visit it this year. There are typically two weeks in April each year when the tulips bloom and you pay $15 to come and pick your own to take home ($1 per tulip you pick).
Since the bloom dates are never set in stone, it’s best to sign up for the farm’s text alerts which let you know when tickets go on sale. (Text VIP to (855) 363-2843 to sign up to their VIP text list.)
What’s really shocking is how massive the grounds are. I was expecting an insane amount of people since it’s so popular, but the farm is so huge you rarely feel overcrowded.
Obviously the bathroom situation is bad (portable toilets) since it’s outdoors, but it’s best to come to terms with that before you arrive.
There are a ton of food trucks and the best thing we ate were the meatballs from Your Sister’s Balls. I don’t know if we were just starving, but they were incredible.
GENTLE TIP: if you do really want to go here, may I recommend going with a friend and not a partner? Only because 90% of the men I saw looked absolutely miserable. The children looked pretty exhausted, too, now that I think of it. All the photo-taking and walking, it’s sort of a kid’s nightmare. Definitely go with someone who doesn’t complain and can take a decent photo of you, ie. a close friend.
It was such a perfect way to spend a spring afternoon, I can’t recommend it enough.
Kings Theatre in Brooklyn
Here she is… Kings Theatre (formerly known as Loew's Kings Theatre) in Brooklyn. I have known about this place for years and have always dreamt of seeing its interior. The venue originally opened as a “movie palace” (can we please bring back that term?) that did vaudeville theatre in 1929 and then closed down in 1977 so the theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation was initiated in 2010. The theater reopened to the public on January 23, 2015 as a performing arts venue and she. is. MAJESTIC.
I found out that they offer historic tours of the building once in awhile, so I had no choice but to go. It’s a little bit of a trek to get to, but entirely worth it once you arrive.
Take a look at this lobby.
This is where you wait for the tour to begin and it’s breathtaking. The restoration cost 95 million dollars and it really does feel like you’re walking into the past.
It was one of the five “wonder theatres” and yes of course it’s now my mission to visit the remaining four that I haven’t.
The design of the theatre was heavily influenced by the Palace of Versailles as well as the Paris Opera House.
This (below) is from inside the ladies lounge area. BRING BACK DECADENT LADIES LOUNGE AREAS.
Are we kidding with this level of detail on the seating (below)? I want to meet and hug every person involved with this restoration. It’s pristine.
The area with all of the gold statues (below) was a designated area for any lost children, which I love. Not the idea of lost children, but the forethought of knowing that kids would get lost in a place this huge and having a specific, beautiful area to find them.
The tour guide I had, Peggy, was perfect. She knew every single detail about the space and wasn’t dull at all. You hear the words “historic tour” and your eyelids may get droopy, but I promise you she made it a wondrous afternoon.
They offer tours every so often and the next ones are on May 27th and June 20th, tickets are available over here. Can’t recommend it enough.
Museum of Failure in NYC
Some highlights from the Museum of Failure in NYC.
Read MoreLast Crumb Cookies
I’m not on TikTok but I do make appearances.
March Magic 2023
Nothing better than this view.
I do a million things the month of my birthday and I never regret it. Some people roll their eyes at the phrase “birthday week” or “birthday month” but those people tend to be supremely unhappy and I express my sympathy towards them. Here’s what happened in the birthday month!
The best tweets of the month can be found over here.
I recapped how I did with my winter list of things to do.
I made my new seasonal spring list of things I’d like to do.
Loving the new tomato leaf candle from Trader Joe’s as well as the great new sweet carrot cake from Bath & Body Works.
Tomato leaf candle from Trader Joe’s, March 2023
Sweet carrot cake candle from Bath & Body Works, March 2023
Ice skating in March with friends? Always a good idea.
75% of us bought skates for this hahahah, it’s called FRIENDSHIP
You know the food blog Grandbaby Cakes? She just put out a new cookbook and the two main things I want to make from it? The salted butterscotch apple whiskey snacking cake as well as the chocolate pecan pie shortbread bars.
If you have a NYC/Queens/Brooklyn library card, are you aware that you can get free tickets to museums all over the city?
I have made this chicken marsala at least three times this month, it might be my favourite way to eat chicken.
Chicken marsala should legally be eaten once a week
I bought this Banana Republic Factory funnel-neck sweater in black as well as white because it legit makes me feel like I have a 401k.
I know zero about coffee, but I’ve done this heating-the-press up method a few times now when I make iced coffee and I think it might taste better when you do it?? Nathan claims there’s no difference, so I might just be argumentative?
In love with the tomato potato chips from Eataly.
Available at Eataly, NYC
Will I ever use this pasta mold from Zara Home - or will I watch it sit on a kitchen shelf each day for twenty years while I yearn to be the type of person who uses a pasta mold?
Love this short article: Want to Lead a Better Life? The Secret Is in the Cemetery.
I had brunch at Quality Eats and the short rib hash was great, but really just inspired me to make it at home.
Short rib hash, Quality Eats
In birthday discount news…
Are you aware that Target gives you a measly 5% off one item on your birthday?! It’s so insulting, I wish they’d just do away with it altogether, it’s pathetic. Why are brands becoming such ingrates when it comes to customer loyalty?
I went to Ulta for my free March birthday gift and they were “out of stock” at TWO locations. And nothing was offered in its place. SWEET.
Milk Bar is supposed to offer some kind of birthday something, but since their loyalty “program” is so new, none of the employees have been taught what the benefits of the program even are. WHAT IS HAPPENING?? (Sidenote: am I the only one who think their cookies suck?)
You know the bra store I love, Journelle? They got rid of their birthday month discount, too! So I guess all these companies have decided that our collective slow march towards death with include ZERO BIRTHDAY PERKS. Cool cool cool.
I tried the crab rangoon March special at Mimi Cheng’s and they were only all right, why is everything disappointing me lately? They weren’t terrible, just too cream-cheesy. While we’re on the topic, on what planet does crab need cheese to accompany it? Seems dumb.
March Special (crab rangoon dumplings), Mimi Cheng’s
I also tried this newish Croatian restaurant in Astoria, Selo, and it was absolutely nothing special. I may have to stop giving such credence to the critics at Eater.
My niece Layla got me an incredible birthday gift - a ticket to Tao of Glass, which the New York Times called “a fantastical and often moving tribute to the composer Philip Glass and the power of art to flow through our lives.” IT WAS SO GOOD. Philip Glass was even there on opening night, which was too exciting and I was floored by the whole evening. God, I love it when someone knows you so well and can arrange the most perfect gift.
March 2023
I bought new jeans after maybe a decade and I can’t be more in love with these ribcage straight ankle Levi’s I got.
Some things I’ve watched:
Tusk: I absolutely hate when American directors talk about Canada in their films, it’s always embarrassing. And jesus, the dialogue in the scene with the girlfriend: has Kevin Smith ever spoke to a girlfriend before? Needless to say, I severely hated the entire movie. I hate torture stuff. Weird that even needs to be said because doesn’t everyone? Johnny Depp was terrible. One of the most originally awful movies I’ve ever seen.
Scream VI: THE WORST SCREAM OF THE ENTIRE SERIES. I vowed not to even see this because I remain #teamneve but Nathan insisted so I begrudgingly went. What a shit show. It was terrible. I’ll never go to another one again, which is a little sad but also fuck everyone involved who thought it was an acceptable idea to move forward without Neve Campbell.
Frantic: I didn’t even know it was a Polanski movie until the end since Harrison Ford was the main draw here. It’s actually a great idea for a movie, but it just trails off midway through so I can understand why no one talks about this movie.
Succession: So I’ve only seen the first few episodes and here’s the thing… it’s legitimately a bad show. The dialogue is so terribly written, I’m actually confused why people praise it so much. NOBODY CALLS THEIR SIBLING SIS. Words can’t express how much I hate the camera work. Shiv’s American accent is wildly bad. I know we’re all desperate for a good show to watch, but the lies need to stop. This is unwatchable.
I’m not sure that I can even speak about it, but I went to a private rehearsal of a play with Michael McKean and good god, I love that man. I met him afterward and he was so kind and lovely, it was unreal. I mean, it’s Mr. Green for god’s sake.
So in love with these new USPS railroad station stamps. I may or may not have made a list of where each station is incase I ever find myself in that city so I can see it in real life.
Can I meet and hug the person who came up with this stamp idea?
I’ve been looking for a real fur coat for a few years now and I finally found her at Exile Vintage in Toronto. It was such a steal because the inner lining was shred, but my mom sewed it all up and it’s absolutely perfect now. So excited to throw out my faux-fur teddy bear coat from Marshalls that every. single. woman. owns.
There was an insane sale at Steve Madden in Soho and I got these new wedge heels for $16. To be clear, that’s $8 PER SHOE.
But can they replace my Terminators? Time will tell.
I saw the new Broadway play Shucked and… yikes. Yes, it was corniness taken to a whole new level, but parts of it were okay. If you love Rodney Dangerfield jokes, then this production was made for you.
March 2023
I also saw Pictures From Home with Nathan Lane and it was slow at first, but really picked up and got good. Love that man.
March 2023
I made a tres leches cake and words cannot describe how heavenly it was. Even if you suffer from dairy issues, I’d recommend that you pound a few Lactaids and eat this immediately.
Tres leche cake
I finally had lunch at Wayan (Jean-Georges’ son’s place) and I can’t wait to return. Best dishes: the corn fritters, the spring rolls (maybe my favourite at any restaurant ever), the lamb kebabs and the chocolate chip cookie with cheddar ice cream. The crab fried rice (which I was most excited for) actually wasn’t anything that special, though.
I had my birthday dinner at The Grill in the Seagram Building (the office building from Scrooged) and it was so great, if not insanely priced. The pasta appetizer was the most incredible thing we ate - they used this crank-type machine table-side to make the broth for the pasta sauce out of MEAT BONES and I can’t stop thinking about it. The other highlight was the gluten-free zucchini cornbread, which was magical. The only downside? Do not get the crab cake - $50+ for the most underwhelming appetizer of your life.
Pasta appetizer, The Grill (a must order)
Vowing to wear more tulle on a daily basis
The Mets promotional giveaways were announced if you care!
Some spring recipes I’d love to make:
Cadbury Egg Blondies (I’ve never even made a blondie before, but the urge is strong this season)
Lemon Almond Pudding Cake (love a texturally weird cake)
Carrot Cake Ice Cream (no ice cream maker needed)
Spring Couscous Bowls with Lemon Feta Vinaigrette (I made this last year and it’s spring in a bowl)
Things I’m looking forward to: I visited the insanely gorgeous Kings Theatre in Brooklyn so I’ll do a post about it this week, finally trying the bone marrow gravy at Hawksmoor, I have to get my hands on the Easter Dove Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Eggs, I’m trying to get a last minute lottery to see the Phantom of the Opera in its final days, I will find all of the NYC cherry blossoms, seeing the rooftop exhibit when it opens at The Met on the 18th, and finally going on a tour of the old City Hall subway station (this has been a dream of mine for years).
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in February over here.
Baby Dog witnesses snow, March 2023