Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations!

I’m sure most of you have heard of Hoboken, New Jersey…. And yes, we actually went here for a delightful weekend getaway.  We had stayed at the “W Hoboken” Hotel a couple of years ago and fell in love with everything about it (www.starwoodhotels.com).  The rooms are gorgeous, and with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline – especially at night.

Our original visit was in February a couple of years ago, and I’m positive we experienced their coldest wind chill ever.  When we viewed all the great walking paths from our room high above the Hudson River, we vowed that we would come back in warmer weather!  AND, as you know, I’m always scouting out great yummy restaurants; and Hoboken has so many wonderful little bistros all along Washington Street and beyond.

Our “delightful destination” adventure really got in full swing, (after a great night sleep from our room at the W on the 9^th floor), with getting up at 5 a.m.  We took an Uber to the dock at 14^th Street to travel by ferry over to New York City (www.uber.com).   The ferry runs every 20 minutes and it takes about that same time to reach the shores of the Big Apple.  Once we arrived, we hopped off the ferry and caught another Uber (unfortunately because it was raining) to The Avenue of the Americas.  This is where FOX and Friends have their Friday cookouts during the summer months with Famous Dave’s fabulous BBQ (yes – at 8:00 in the morning!).  And today we were looking forward to a free concert featuring Trace Adkins!

Fortunately, as we paid our Uber driver, the rain was just about over and the line of people was starting to form to partake of some mouthwatering ribs and BBQ chicken and fixings (for free!) outside the Fox Studio.  Did I say it was free?  Trace Adkins entertained the crowd, singing about 5 songs, including a favorite, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”, which was definitely a foot-stomping treat.  Some of the Fox and Friends “stars” came out to do part of the show with the crowds and we got some great pictures!  Thanks Fox & Friends for an outstanding Friday.  You’re the best!

After that fun experience, it was time to travel the streets of New York City on foot – Central Park, Time Square, Rockefeller Center and more.   A great place to have lunch (or any meal) is “Ellen’s Stardust Diner” at 1650 Broadway at 51^st Street in the Theater District.  If you want to experience something fun and different, this is the place to go.  It’s the home of the world famous singing waiters and future stars of stage and screen, with some yummy diner food too!  It’s also great to support up and coming Broadway stars.

After all the walking and sightseeing, we were ready to head back to the quiet town of Hoboken, catching another ferry back across the Hudson.  Because the sun had come out, we sat up top and enjoyed all the views surrounding us.  By the time we WALKED back to The W Hotel from the pier, we had travelled by foot about 10 miles that day.   But we now were looking forward to a nice, relaxing dinner in Hoboken!  What a great way to wind down.

We selected “The Cuban” Restaurant & Bar, on Washington Street – Check out their website at http://www.thecubannj.com.  I must confess, this is the restaurant where we had eaten previously.   I loved the warmth and style of the inside, but was excited this time to enjoy the outside patio!   Our waiter was very attentive, as we started off with ordering drinks (homemade sangria, of course) and enjoyed people watching as we selected our meals.  We decided, instead of main courses, to order tapas (small meals) this time.  It was definitely a good decision!  We were also excited when they brought rolls to our table and learned they were gluten free AND delicious.

Our food selections were “Agucate Con Cangrejo”, which is Cuban guacamole, lump crabmeat served with Plantain chips, “Platano Maduro Con Tocino”, smoked bacon wrapped sweet plantain, with a sherry spiced glaze and farmers cheese, in addition to a couple more “did not disappoint” appetizers, including salad.  Here is a little sampling of their artistic style.  And trust me, it tastes a good as it looks.

So the next time you want to experience the best of both worlds – the craziness of New York City but the serenity and quaintness of Hoboken – add this to your list of delightful destinations.  Another big plus is that we drove up to Hoboken with no worries of fighting all the traffic in New York City, or bus/train schedules.   The only thing you need to pay for is parking at the hotel and your ferry.  And, guess what – if you stay in New York, you don’t get to experience this million dollar view!