As Anh & I strolled through the marketplace admiring the jaw-dropping assortment of goodies, a pastry chef stopped us and asked, "Are you two married?" We smiled and nodded, unsure of why she was asking because she looked really excited about our response. She asked with a big smile, "Were you on 'A Wedding Story?' You look just like a couple they featured?" She seemed so sad to learn that we weren't reality TV stars. She actually looked at us like she suspected we were fibbing to her and that we were actually on the show. Shoot...I wish!
Next stop, brunch at L'Ecole, the student restaurant at The French Culinary Institute.
The food and service were absolutely super. I would never have guessed that students are responsible for the entire operation. I guess performance could vary by semester though.
Every single dish we sampled was delicious, but we especially enjoyed Anh's appetizer, Steak Tartare accented with a quail egg.
My Croque Madame wasn't too shabby either.
After brunch, we made our way to the subway station. We were off to Central Park. Talk about an oasis in the middle of concrete jungle!
Thousands of tulips in bloom.
We made our way to world famous Tavern on the Green and enjoyed a few midday cocktails on the patio. It just oozes charm!
With our thirst quenched, we headed back into the park.
We could have spent the entire day there, but after a few hours, we decided to venture out to explore a different type of beauty, the lobby of The Plaza Hotel. We weren't the only with this idea. It was almost as packed as Central Park.
Next, 5th Avenue shopping!
Our only purchases were some souvenirs for the boys at FAO Schwarz. No, we didn't buy the piano from "Big." Although, it was for sale, only $250K. What a steal!
We made our way towards Rockefeller Center. The ice rink has been replaced with an outdoor cafe. We'll have to make a trip back during the winter to check out the holiday displays and festivities.
Times Square was next on the route. It's like Vegas, tacky yet beautiful in it's own way. You can see the New Year's ball in the picture below. I was surprised by how small it looks in person. Yes, I realize it's still massive, just dwarfed by surroundings.
By this point in the journey, our feet were aching. All we wanted to do was sit down and relax a bit so we made our way to Kelly's old office where we were able to put our feet up. I can see why she liked that job! Not only are the views absolutely amazing, the office seems like a pretty fun place to work. Oh well, her new opportunity has it's perks too.
The lounge area overlooks the Hudson River. A couple of co-workers actually saw the US Airways plane land in the river. Crazy!
Back on the ground, we headed for home and dinner at Las Ramblas. It's a teeny tiny little tapas bar. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to our day.
The winner is...Red Mango! It's creamy texture and soft consistency combined with a slightly less tart flavor made the perfect combination. Sooooooo good!
We took a window seat and enjoyed a little people-watching. Within a matter of minutes, Anh and I figured out the necessary wardrobe changes that we would need to implement if we were going to blend in with the young NY "hipsters."
Hence, the note that we found on Kelly's door. I'm not sure whether you can read the small print. The letter invites the resident to contact a location scout if they are interested in allowing a crew to use their apartment for filming during the production of Jennifer Aniston's and Gerard Butler's new movie, "Bounty Hunter."
Okay, the note wasn't actually on Kelly's door. She lives in the basement apartment! 
I don't think anyone is shoving Jennifer Aniston into a basement. The note was actually on the door of an awesome townhouse up the street. At least, Kelly can look forward to more celebrity sightings. By the way, I forgot to take a picture of Kelly's living room. She does have one...a kitchen too! Her place was actually larger than I expected.
I should have taken a picture of the sub because that was everyone's favorite, but there just wasn't time. It looked so good that we attacked it as soon as the plate hit the table!
Dessert was cupcakes from The Magnolia Bakery. It was featured in the "Sex And The City" movie which has made it a booming success. Sadly, we were all kind of disappointed. The cupcakes are beautiful, but that's about all I can say.
Our friends, Jay & Lisa, met up with us which meant that the boys got to hang out with their friends, Hayden & Hudson...always a good thing. Like usual, Hudson was completely content and accepted that he was just along for the ride in his stroller.
Baylor was not as cooperative. He played a long for a bit, but eventually Baylor demanded to walk like the big kids.
Even though it was the Shrimp Festival, most people were actually dressed like pirates. I guess dressing up like a prawn just isn't cool. Jax wore his pirate tee and then gathered some accessories along the way.
Here's Hudson giving us his best, "Arrrrg!"
Throughout the day, we encountered some interesting creatures. First, we ran into the Geico Gecko.
Then, we came across some visiting horseshoe and hermit crabs, courtesy of The University of Georgia Marine Extension. Jax really enjoyed getting up close and personal with them. He even let one of the horseshoe crabs pinch his fingers. Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt. They only look scary.
