(While waiting at the SF airport for a flight to Oregon.)
3 really good places to eat:
-Cookshop, 156 10th Ave (at 26th St.)
-Rosie’s (Mexican), 29 E. 2nd
-Saigon Shack, 114 Macdougal
Great brewpub: Cooper’s 8th Ave. between 18th and 19th
On Monday night I was at W. 4th and W. 11th and it was surprisingly quiet.
“Cheers” in Irish is “”Slainte,” pronounced “schlancha.”
China had a huge presence at Book Expo America. Over 500 people, and their extensive stand seemed to take up 20% of all the space in the hall. They had ongoing, well-attended author appearances.
Good, inexpensive classical Chinese massage, China Tai Ji, 57 W. 8th St, betw. 5th & 6th Aves. Great way to loosen up after a flight.
Citymapper is a free phone app for NYC (and other select cities). You punch in where you want to go, and it gives you directions for walking or public transport, as well as Uber rates. For subways, iTrans NYC is good and costs a few dollars.
Eric Leemon, a TV producer living in the West Village says that NewYorkers are friendly and I agree. Spaces in restaurants and bars are so tight that you sit very close to others and it’s easy to get into conversations. Everyone is helpful if you need directions. Good vibes my whole week there.
The East River Ferry is a great way to get to Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Terminal at East 34th Street on the river. Sure beats the subway on a hot day.
One bartender to another at Cookshop: “I mean, he was off. I don’t know what he was on to be so off.”
When I get to Portland, first stop will be Stumptown Roastery, then Mt. Tabor to skate. Then I’ll head out to the coast.
