
xoxo, New York is a series of posts about the different corners of New York City that I absolutely am in love with. The first place I’ll take you to is from my most recent city visit: Central Park.
I started off my day with lunch at Tavern on the Green for NYC Restaurant Week. The restaurant had three different rooms of different styles. Mine was very old-fashioned: dark wood, marble tablet tops, dark emerald green cushions.
My meal consisted of:
- Appetizer: Watermelon, Feta, & Air Dried Proscuitto with balsamic reduction and mache
- Entrée: Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon with smoked bacon and grilled corn chowder sauce
- Dessert: Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with almond tuile crumble, black and white chocolate sauce, and a raspberry
Afterwards, I strolled through Strawberry Fields and found myself in a world of John Lennon. Imagine all the people who’ve taken photos here! Although the musicians singing around the mosaic tiles were average, it was peaceful to listen to as I rested between strolls.
Afterwards, I headed towards Cherry Hill and eventually made my way to The Lake and the Bow Bridge. It’s one of the most romantic places I have ever seen. So many couples were rowing on little boats all around The Lake. I highly recommend it for a date spot. The time alone on the lake secluded in your boat gives you and your boo a chance to relax in peace or chat about the depths of your heart and mind. Grab your significant other, a boat at The Loeb Boathouse, and row your hearts out!
We can’t forget about the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace! The gorgeous fountain make a perfect background for countless weddings, including Chuck & Blair’s in Gossip Girl. How can you blame them for not loving the view? The pool of water at the bottom of the fountain has giant lilies and water plants sprouting out, giving the dark statue a kiss of life.
Second to last stop on our mid-Central Park stroll: Conservatory Water. Many people like to sail miniature sailboats here. If you’re a die-hard Gossip Girl fan like me, you’ll find this familiar. It’s where Damien Dalgaard makes his first drug deal with Jenny Humphrey. For those of you who have never watched Gossip Girl, watch it. Then watch it again. I tend to mention it a lot.

Conservatory Water
Last but not least, the Alice in Wonderland statue. Alice in Wonderland became one of my favorite stories once I learned what Lewis Carroll was alluding to through the story. The way he symbolizes ideas through the characters and their actions is immortal.
As I was posing for the photo, I wanted to give Nivens McTwisp (the rabbit) a big kiss, but nearly skinned myself on the hot metal that was roasting under the 95 degree sky. So, I ended up settling for the classic hand-on-hip pose. I know right? Contain the excitement, it’s overwhelming!
There are still many places in Central Park that I have yet to explore, but don’t worry! In time, you will hear all about it. Until then, bon voyage, mes chéries!
-E.