Like we usual do, we started our day in our neighborhood. We stopped by Yonah Schimmel (137 East Houston Street), where the first knishes of North America were made. Knishes are more or less baked, never fried, balls of mashed potatos. Hera had the mushroom knish, while I had the original potato knish. Of the two, we both prefered mine.
Then we hopped into the metro and headed off to Coney Island. Once again, as I have said before, do learn the transit system. Getting to Coney Island simply meant taking our usual train, this time into Brooklyn, and getting off at the last stop. Stepping out of the train, one can smell the fried food, we are there.
Coney Island has defintely seen better days, but it is the original grand-daddy of amusement parks. As long as you are not expecting the latest high tech amusement ride, and can take the kitchiness in stride, you will have a good time at Coney Island. If you enjoy going for a swim, bring your bathing suit as there is a large beach and a long board walk to enjoy as well.
Children run about laughing and screamining, as they race from ride to ride, while a church choir sang lovely songs.
Back in town, we head off to McSorley's (15 East 7th Street ), the oldest pub in New York, established in 1854, with saw dust strewn on the floor, the place is filled with history. Pepe our bartender informed us that there was only two beers on tap, McSorley's light and McSorley's dark. We ordered one of each, refreshing and delicious, it was happy hour so we ordered a few more.
Our neighborhood is such a cross section of the world. Food from a variety of cultures can be had here, from Thai to Polish, and everything in between. Not only is there a huge variety of various ethnic foods, they run the gamut of price ranges, from inexpensive eateries to pricey bistros. Something for everyone, and for anyone's budget.
We ended our day back on the Brooklyn Bridge, as the sun started to set. A few short days ago, the nights felt like an oven, but tonight, for the first time, we were sorry we did not bring our jackets. The view of Manhatten is spectacular from the bridge, and in the evening, New York takes on a different personality.
Cheers,
Anthony & Hera
