New York: Habits and some new places

I've been in New York only since Friday night, but I've been noshing my way through the city.

My first stop was Kobeyaki, just around the corner from my hotel. After a superlong day, it was nice to have a salty bowl of ramen with pork. The founders hope to turn it into a national chain like Chipotle — how great would that be?

Incidentally, I might still try Ajisen, a noodle chain that started in Japan. It's right across the street. I'm staying in Chelsea this trip, again at a Hilton Garden Inn. I love the 5 p.m. cookies and the friendly service. Where else will someone rush to your room to help you work the remote?

As always, I'm having toasted bagels for breakfast. That's one of the things I love about New York: The around-the-block deli, no matter where you are, is always good.

Another thing I always try to do when I'm here: catch up with Leigh. After my class yesterday, I popped into McKenna's, an Irish pub near our dinner place. A glass of red wine and the smell of onion rings really take the chill out of a rainy day. Apparently their two-for-one happy hour runs for at least seven hours a day, so I'm saving my token for next year's trip.

Down the street at Crispo, Leigh and I caught up about the last two years of our lives and I ate too much bread and a shrimp and spinach dish. Then we were off to Bar Veloce for an Orangina.

So many places, so little time. But I always find something new. Yay!