NYC Bucket: #18 Visit the "Friends" Building

18. VISIT THE "FRIENDS" BUILDING

Original Bucket List: HERE

What a day of nostalgia! I finally got myself down to the corner of Bedford and Grove Street in Greenwich Village to visit my dear old Friends. As soon as I turned down this block, I'll Be There For You began instantly blasting in my head. THERE IT WAS. Just like I had always imagined. 

I've seen a lot of things on film and then later in person and thought, "really? that's it?" because it was either smaller than I expected, lamer than I expected, or just simply not at all what was portrayed on film. But! Experiencing the Friends building in real life is quite the contrary. Not only is it all that I hoped it would be, but it was also on the prettiest, tree-lined block! It made me happy to think that Monica and Rachel could have lived in such a cute part of the city. 

I chose to make this a Friends themed day by visiting the apartment right before going to the opening of Central Perk -- the Pop-Up Coffee Shop in Soho that is designed just like the "real" Central Perk from the show, celebrating Friends and their 20th Anniversary. 

I arrived at 199 Lafayette Street and could see a line wrapped around the block. I thought, "not that bad" and hopped in line. Unknowingly, I committed myself to a ninety minute wait, but I finally got in. And let me tell you, it was totally worth the wait! The space was designed with actual pieces of furniture from the show along with the infamous orange couch. Best yet, because I went on the first day I happened to catch (the real) Gunther just in time to get my coffee poured by the blondie. It was surreal. 

I was totally fanning out. Here is what I captured:

There was tons of memorabilia...

[autographs]

[The Big White Dog!]

[Phoebe's Porn Video]

[Ross's Science Boy]

[Joey's Soap Opera Digest]

[Smelly Cat Cat Litter - for purchase]

[Outfits from the Cast Members]

[When Monica sang karaoke with the See-through Shirt]

[Phoebe's Coat and Guitar]

[The Big Orange Couch]

[Monica and Chandler's Wedding Invite]

[Love note from Chandler to Monica]

"Monica, I thought this would be the most difficult thing I would ever have to do. But just now, when I saw you coming down the aisle, I realized how simple it is. I love you and no matter what little surprises are thrown at me, I will always love you."

...and last but not least, the infamous, laminated:

[List of celebrities it's OK for Ross to sleep with]

All in all, my experience at Central Perk Coffee Shop was totally enjoyable. I've been a fan of Friends since forever. I've seen every episode (admittedly), so it was a total trip down memory lane. I got to end the day by sitting on the infamous orange couch, which was super comfy! Thank you, New York City for being so cool.

NYC Bucket: #16 Game at Yankee Stadium

16. SEE A GAME AT YANKEE STADIUM

Original Bucket List: HERE

This was such an amazing day! The new Yankee Stadium is just incredible. It's MASSIVE. It's beautiful. It's the bees knees. My love's wonderful family got us tickets so the five of us could see a game together before we head out on our west coast adventure. 

It was a day game on a Saturday. The weather man was expecting thunderstorms, but we got nothing but sunshine. The only rain that came down happened on our drive over, which was actually kind of nice. Our seats were awesome (seen above) and I couldn't have been more excited about my new hat!

The Yankees were killing it. The beers were flowing, there was good energy in the air, and it was just one of those feel-good days. Oh, and the food options! Oh man. The food options were on point. I was super impressed with what was available. So many choices!

GATES 4 AND 6

Chicken and Waffles Cart.

Farmer's Market. Gate 4.

The Hard Rock Cafe. 161st Street and River Ave. Gate 6.

NYY Steak. Gate 6. 

Parm. Great Hall between Gates 4 and 6.

100 - 300 SECTIONS

Brother Jimmy's BBQ. Sections 133. 201, 214, and 320A.

Carl's Steaks. Sections 107, 223, and 311.

Fried Dough. Section 127A.

Garlic Fries. Sections 108, 205, and 331.

Highlanders. Hotdogs and other game staples. Sections 111, 233A, 305, 311, 318, and 325.

Johnny Rockets. Sections 132, 212, and 326.

Lobel's of New York. Section 134.

Malibu Rooftop Deck. All-you-can-eat ballpark favorites. View of Manhattan skyline.

New York Pretzel, Section 239.

Noodle Bowls/Sushi Stand. Section 127.

NYY Steak Express. Sections 109 and 221B.

Otis Spunkmeyer. Fresh baked cookies. Sections 125, and 233.

Papa John's. Sections 125, 212, and 309.

Taco's and Empanadas Cart. Section 321.

Triple Play Grill. Sections 115, 205, and 334.

Sweetfrog Frozen Yogurt Stand. Section 224.

Wholly Guacamole. Build-your-own nachos. Sections 104, 233A, and 327.

Locations of Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, Hebrew National, Strictly Kosher Inc. hot dogs, Boar's Head sandwiches, Premio sausages, Carvel ice cream, Fresh Lemonade, and Beers of the World can also be found throughout the park.

I went for a Nathan's dog and some cheese fries.

Yum!

This game felt extra special for a couple reasons. I was with my second family, for one. But also, it was one of the last times that anyone would ever see Derek Jeter play. He announced his final season earlier this year, so it seemed extra sweet to watch Jeter and the rest of the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals, six to two. 

9 - 6 - 2014

NYC Bucket: #11 Eat at Fette Sau

11. EAT AT FETTE SAU

Original Bucket List: HERE

Simply. Delicious.

I have been wanting to come here for YEARS. I used to live in the neighborhood, and the topic of coming here came up often, but it somehow took me five actual years to do it. (Such a procrastinator) Anyway, if you love BBQ and are ever in Williamsburg Brooklyn, go to Fette Sau! The brisket and pork shoulder will not disappoint.

On most summer nights, it is likely that you will find this spot with a line out the door. However, a group of friends and I came on a Wednesday night around 7:30 pm and had a pretty minimal wait. All of the indoor/outdoor seating is offered on a first come, first served basis. No reservations!

I couldn't help but notice the sweet beer taps.

MMMEEEEEEAAAAAATT.

All of their meats are smoked in-house with a variety of homemade dry rubs. Mmmmm, Mmm! It smelled sooo good when we walked in. I was also starving. Ready to feast! Fette Sau serves only six different meats at a time, with the menu changing daily. 

The mouthwatering meats include:

PORK

Hand Pulled Berkshire Shoulder

Berkshire Belly

Berkshire St. Louis Style Ribs

Duroc Pork Spare Ribs

Berkshire Ham

Berkshire Sausage

Berkshire Cheeks

Berkshire Country Loin Chops

BEEF

Brisket

House Cured Pastrami (3 day brine)

Boneless Ribs

Ribs w/ Bone

Heritage Farm Wagyu Cheeks

Black Angus Sirloin Tip

and the SIDES:

Dante's German Potato Salad

Cora's Broccoli Salad

Guss' Half-Sour Kosher Pickles

Guss' Sauerkraut

Burnt End Baked Beans

Also:

Beer on Tap served in Growlers

pint - court - half gallon - gallon

Wine

Full Bar

My order (shared with my guy): 1/2 lb. Black Angus Beef Brisket, 1/2 lb. Duroc Pork Spare Ribs, 1/4 lb. Berkshire Pulled Pork, and a side of Potato Salad and Burnt End Baked Beans. 

I mean...

First of all, DELICIOUS. Everything. All of it. (Except maybe the Potato Salad, sorry Dante). The Brisket was definitely my favorite. The Ribs were my boyfriend's favorite. Also, every order comes with those soft, buttery rolls so you can make little meaty sandwiches. Oh, and the Burnt End Baked Beans? Mmmmm-mmm! They were some of the best that I've ever had.

Thank you Fette Sau for allowing me to fully indulge :) leaving me happy, fat, and with a nice buzz.

Until next time!

NYC Bucket: #3 Obtain a NY State ID

4. OBTAIN A NY STATE ID

Original Bucket List: HERE

I did it! I did it! Some people may think that this is kind of a weird item to have on a bucket list, but to me, this was a really important one. Let me explain. I have been a New York state resident for almost FIVE whole years now. (woah). For whatever reason, throughout my five year stint it has never occurred to me to get myself some New York identification. (sorry Mom!) In all fairness, I have never really needed any. The first two years that I lived here, I had a valid (California) state driver's license that I used for ID and the rest of my time here, I've been using my Passport.

Now, with only three weeks left in this state, I'm kicking myself for not having done this sooner. I realize now that I'm leaving, how nice it would be to have something solid and tangible that I could take with me that says that I lived here. I guess my reasoning behind getting a New York ID is pretty sentimental. It's a special souvenir, in a way. Not only does it have my face on something 'New York official' but it also has my address -- the last address I ever will have had here, and the first address that my boyfriend and I had together. (Awwwww). It's the little things that mean the most.

I am still in limbo for getting my NYS Driver's License. However, my OFFICIAL NEW YORK STATE (learner's permit) ID came in the mail today. Sidenote: I got 100% on my driving test, WOO! When I opened this little card today, I couldn't help but feel proud of myself. I did it! Just in time. 

Double whammy. A New York ID and now I can legally drive again!

2014 Cross-country road trip, here I come :-)

NYC Bucket: #15 Top of the Rock

15. TOP OF THE ROCK

Original Bucket List: HERE

Okay, this was seriously cool. I made it to the top! Seventy floors upward. I kept hearing more and more good things about Top of the Rock (aka the top of Rockefeller Center), so I was so excited to finally take on this experience. There's an observation deck at the top which overlooks Central Park as well as a pretty unbelievable 360 degree view of the city and all its surroundings. 

I asked a girlfriend of mine if she wanted to come with me, and it turned out that she had a friend who worked there. So, not only did I get to check this one off my bucket list -- I was able to do it for FREE. :)

We arrived at 5pm on a Thursday, and the weather couldn't be more fitting for this adventure. The skies were blue and clear as can be. I really had no major expectations going into this other than just hoping for some cool views of the city. But! Let me tell you. This was an experience from the moment we arrived. 

Everyone who worked at Top of the Rock was so nice! Like, extra nice. I don't know if they just took a liking to us, but we were escorted down a red carpet and through two doors before picking up our tickets at Will Call. We were waved off with smiles and told, "have a great time! Stay up there as long as you like! I hope you enjoy!" I thought, wow... great people here. This is going to be awesome. 

We were then led to the elevators. And OH, THE ELEVATORS. A woman dressed in uniform tells us before the doors close, "You are about to enjoy a forty-three second ride to the top. Enjoy!" The doors shut and dance music instantly started playing. I looked up and could see almost all the way to the top through the transparent glass ceiling that was lined with TV screens. Blue and red lights were lined within and without. It was an instant elevator party. By the time our forty-three seconds were up, we were SUPER hyped. Ready for the top of the rock!

These photos don't really do the experience justice, but just so you have an idea:

View from the bottom looking up.

When the doors opened, we were welcomed into a museum-like area. There were walls with cool photos and information about Top of the Rock. We did a little looksy and then took these photos before heading up to the main event. 

We were three New Yorkers masquerading as tourists. It feels so good to be a tourist in your own city sometimes. It's fun to re-appreciate why you moved there in the first place, ya know? At the Top of the Rock, there are three levels of observation decks, so of course we went to the TOP top. The only word I can think of to describe what I saw once I got up there: breathtaking. 

And it was. It really was...

(Central Park!)

If you ever get the chance, GO! Top of the Rock is definitely a NYC must-do.