We love visitors!

Erika's parents just stayed with us for a few days, and it was delightful. Mostly because I got all of that extra attention, but Erika enjoyed it not only because she actually likes spending time with her parents, but because she got to do all of those things that we only do when tourists are in town.

Mostly we just went from meal to meal - there is nothing Erika enjoys more than partaking in and showing off the bounty, variety, and high quality of eating out in New York City. After a valiant effort to cook and stay in on Saturday (with the exception of a brief visit to Katz's Deli for a pastrami sandwich), the rest of the visit was about eating out. Starting with Jack's coffee and delicious muffin/bagel/scone/pain au chocolat almost every single morning. On Sunday we had Dim Sum at our new favorite place (Ping's - thanks Wendy) followed by green apple, grapefruit, and ginger gelato at Il Laboratorio del Gelato AND a Viennese torte with plenty of whipped cream at the Neue Galerie to fill in the gap before an amazing dining experience at Gramercy Tavern in honor of Erika and Martin's 1-year wedding anniversary (thanks Parents!). Erika's favorite part of that meal - the diminutive "pre-dessert" serving of panna cotta with fresh nutmeg and rhubarb. That was the course BEFORE the main dessert and the "post-dessert" truffles. Monday we restrained ourselves and just grabbed a burrito during a quick lunch break from shopping at Century 21. In reality, we were saving ourselves for the Best Steak Ever at Peter Luger's in Brooklyn. That place knows how to cook meat like nothing I've ever tasted. By Tuesday we were looking for something a little lighter, so we stopped by the Dosa Man's cart in Washington Square Park for a little al fresco south Indian dining. At dinner we showed equal self-restraint, dining in the garden at our local southeast Asian place - Cafe Asean.

There was art, too! We didn't just eat. The Tiffany show and "From Gaudi to Dali" at the Met - always a treat. Van Gogh and his Austrian counterparts at the Neue Galerie - equally fantastic. And we fit in a few galleries as well. Erika's favorite was Tim Hawkinson's brilliant, funny and whimsical works at Pace-Wildenstein. That guy never ceases to amaze and elicit a giggle or two. And, of course, there was shopping. Erika introduced mom to H&M - her wardrobe will never be the same.

So, consider this an open call for visitors! We need an excuse to go to the top of the Empire State Building, take the free ferry to Staten Island, see a show or two...and, as Erika is starting her New Job on June 4, I will need extra attention to make up for being alone all day long. Summer is a lovely time to be in New York City - we look forward to more guests.