I happen to love New York

Hispanic Times Magazine, Fall, 2003 by Robert Kendall

New York City has an exciting enchantment no other city in the world possesses, and with good reason. When the famous Flat Iron Building was constructed early in the twentieth century, it became the world's tallest building, which it remained for a few years. This was followed by the Chrysler Building with its art deco silver design topping it off. Forever fascinating, the Empire State Building offers fabulous views of Manhattan, the surrounding islands, and New Jersey.

Radio City Music Hall with its art deco design was the glittering showplace for Hollywood's Golden Era's movies, accompanied by the famous Radio City Rockettes stage shows. The spectacular Christmas and Easter shows are still nmning featuring the Rockettes, along with special event concerts.

For many visitors to New York, Times Square is still the most exciting place. Brilliant, imaginative signs advertise from billboards atop skyscrapers shows like Phantom of the Opera, 42nd Street and Man of La Mancha. Broadway's stage shows draw world-wide audiences. Off-Broadway shows feature off-beat productions catering to every taste.

I flew Delta Airlines from Fort Lauderdale to JFK Airport. Shuttle busses sped me to my Manhattan destination, a hotel overlooking Central Park. New York City is celebrating Central Park's 150th anniversary. In 1853, the New York Legislature set aside 843 acres for Central Park. The master plan included ponds, meadows, terraces and pedestrian walkways, carriage paths and concert lawns. Central Park has set the scene for over a hundred movies, such as When Harry Met Sa//y. Colorful flowers, white, red, and purple decorate the edge of Central Park's green lawns. Bordering the lake are more flower beds. The water on the lake shimmers in the sunlight, as it glides beneath a bridge which connects to a small forest In the distance Manhattan skyscrapers are outlined against a bright blue sky. At Central Park West and West End Avenue The Dakota stands, a fabled landmark hotel, still classy, where John Lennon and Yoki Ono once lived and where Lauren Bacall resides today.

As dappled sunlight filtered through the trees of Central Park I walked over to Tavern on the Green. The restaurant patio with its white linen-covered tables were pleasantly shaded by tall trees, providing the feeling of dining in a forest. Baskets with pink and white flowers hung from tree limbs, while the tree trunks were framed by white flower boxes containing yellow tulips.

The New York Public Library has one of the greatest book collections in the world The stately New York City Art Museum on the Upper East Side, across from the penthouse where Jackie Kennedy Onassis once lived, has a magnificent collection of rare and wonderful art masterpieces. The Guggenheim Museum at Lincoln Center is another remarkable art museum, while the Whitney Art Museum is dedicated to modem art.

Grand Central Station. where many movies have been filmed, has undergone a renovation. Grand Central is an awe inspiring wonder of New York City. On Fifth Avenue, St Patrick's great cathedral, with its incredible stained glass windows, is an inspiring place to stop and spiritually meditate. Across the street is Rockefeller Center, where NBC broadcasts. At Rockefeller Plaza an international display of flags was flying in a light afternoon breeze. International vendors were selling their wares. The golden sculpture at the center of Rockefeller Plaza was glistening in the afternoon sun.

Farther down Fifth Avenue is Madison Square Park, where they were shooting a new Spiderman movie. At one side of Madison Square Park are the New York Life and Metropolitan Life buildings. On a foggy night in Manhattan, the light in the tower of Metro Life shines like a beacon, reminding one of Metro Life's nostalgic slogan, "The Light That Never Fails." Straight ahead is the Flat Iron Building, now the home of St. Martin's Publishers.

Continuing down the streets of Manhattan, you reach Union Square. Beyond is Greenwich Village, with its many unique cafes. Nearby is Little Italy's Mulberry Street with a series of Italian restaurants. Even though it was raining lightly, crowds still came. In the past, my favorite Italian restaurant was S.P.Q.R However, S.P.Q.R. now has a newowner. The wood-paneled walls are still impressive along with white marble statues, chandeliers, and glowing candles on white linen tablecloths. However, the early dinner Prix Fixe Menu was unimpressive. It began with a single soup choice, a bland garbanzo, and miniature pieces of pasta. The Chicken Parmigiana was served with fried potatoes. I objected, scraping the fried potatoes on a side bread plate and taking them to the manager. I asked about a side of spaghetti, which I expected instead of potatoes. He did nothing. The Spumoni Ice Cream was delicious, but overall it was a disappointing dinner, nothing like the high quality food I previously enjoyed at this restaurant. The $54 price tag was exorbitant considering.

On another sunny day I headed for Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn via the subway. The last time I was in Sheepshead Bay, Lundy's Fish House restaurant was closed. However, I was delighted to find Lundy's making a comeback, utilizing one-half of its original block long building, which was billed as the biggest fish house in the world. Entering Lundy's Sheepshead Bay again was a walk into nostalgia. The food did not measure up toe the Lundy's of the past, but I was glad they were back in business.