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.

NYC Bucket: #19 Escape the Room NYC!

19. Escape the Room NYC

Original Bucket List: HERE

I have pretty much always been a lover of puzzles. I love word games, mind games, crosswords, jigsaws, you name it. I love em. So when I found out about Escape the Room NYC, it sounded like a puzzler's dream come true and I knew that I had to experience it. 

WHAT IT IS:

60 minutes. You and a group of friends are trapped in a room that is adorned in puzzles and clues that are set up to help you eventually find your escape. Each room comes with a "Clue Master" who has three clues to give you throughout your hour of escape time. You can ask for each of your three clues at your leisure. If you don't escape by the time your sixty minutes are up, then they let you out (but you are a looooser!).

So on my twenty-seventh birthday this year, I gathered ten of my friends and decided it was time to escape. Escape the Room NYC has two locations -- Midtown (Herald Square) and the Lower East Side, which is where we decided to go. They gave us a few different types of rooms to choose from. 

The midtown Manhattan location offers:

The Office

The original game. For up to 10 players -- everyone's worst nightmare in real life; you're stuck at work and can't leave. You have one hour before the boss returns, or you will be in there forever!

The Agency

The second original game released. The agency is for up to 8 players. You've been selected for a top secret mission. You must complete your assignment in one hour or you are relieved of duty.

The Home

This Victorian themed mystery is for up to 6 players. 60 minutes to escape!

The downtown Manhattan (LES) location offers:

The Theater

For up to 12 players, you and your fellow theater goers are trapped inside of a theater. You have one hour to escape or it's curtains for everyone.

The Apartment

You are trapped inside what feels like your typical NYC apartment: small, intimate, and full of roommates (your fellow puzzlers). You usually just feel trapped inside of your NYC home, but now you are for real! This game is for up to 10 players. 

The room that we chose was actually a limited time offer room called "Project: Puppet". I chose this one because I thought a room full of talking puppets would really freak out my friends. To be honest, I don't think many of them really knew what they were getting themselves into when I invited them, but it turned out to be the best group of puzzlers I could have chosen. Who knew? My friends were all puzzle geniuses! We had a blast from start to finish.

We walked into our puzzle room; it was a small theatre with six or seven rows of seating. There were padlocks on various doors and cubbies all around the space along with a large glass case that contained four puppets with turn-key locks at their feet. Our clue master welcomed us and gave us each a program (like a playbill) before wishing us good luck. Before he left the room, he shut an open door and said, "Oh yeah, that room I just closed contains your air conditioning. Your first mission is to get that door unlocked or else it's going to get real hot in here."

Our game had begun.

Instant adrenaline! We were a group of big children spread out on all areas of the room just reading and touching everything as we yelled out possible codes to each other to unlock all of the locks. After about five minutes of punching in numbers, we unlocked our first lock! It was a padlock box that contained a key. YES. That key unlocked one of the puppets. This is where we learned that for each puppet we "unlock", we get a clue. When the key is turned, the puppet comes to life and speaks in rhyme to give us insight as to where to turn next. 

It was starting to get pretty warm in there without the AC, so getting that door open quickly became our next priority. Lock after lock, key after key, I think it was somewhere around the twenty minute mark that we finally got the air conditioning room open. Phew! At this point in the game, we were doing pretty well. I was impressed with everyone's commitment to this escape as well as their puzzle skills. Throughout our time inside, we did some serious detective work. We unlocked all four puppets, unveiled all the secrets, and not only did we escape... we escaped in record time! Seventeen minutes to spare. 

This was such a cool and unique way to kill an hour with friends. It was SUPER fun, and I would definitely go back to try to escape the other rooms. Thank you to my friends for making this birthday so special. 

I LOVE YOU, NEW YORK CITY.