Quest into the north-east USA

[drron]

Having had a time share in NYC the problem is that the NYC dining scene is very competitive and restaurants change frequently so older recommendations may very well have changed. There is also such a wide range of food styles there. One of our favourites was a Goan Chinese restaurant - Chinese with a touch of Indian and Portugese flavours. Unfortunately it did not survive. So look up your favourite restaurant foods and then get up to date reviews.

 

[Drakecula]

Having had a time share in NYC the problem is that the NYC dining scene is very competitive and restaurants change frequently so older recommendations may very well have changed. There is also such a wide range of food styles there. One of our favourites was a Goan Chinese restaurant - Chinese with a touch of Indian and Portugese flavours. Unfortunately it did not survive. So look up your favourite restaurant foods and then get up to date reviews.

Good point. Especially since Covid I'm sure there's been a lot of changes in the restaurant scene.

 

[bPeteb]

we then head to Chicago and catching the California Zephyr to see if it’s any good

It's long, and a great experience, but good is hard to quantify. We broke the journey in SLC and flew to Jacksonville for Yellowstone.

Sorry Drakecula, back to normal programming

 

[bPeteb]

My phone must be watching my posts. I got a text today about Latitude (28 Degrees) wanting me back. They'll waive the monthly fee for two years apparently. I'll look into it. I liked the card and had it for years, and only cut it free earlier this year due to the monthly fee thing.

I had the fees waived last year and have just been sent an email saying they've been waived again. It's been such a good card over the years. We now just use our Suncorp debit card for cash withdrawals.

 

[VPS]

I didnt find it expensive, certainly less expensive than any restaurant near Times Square and have had no issue with service, but then I always get take-out as we stay with friends who live a couple of blocks away and tend to go late night after theatre. But as you say YMMV.

If you want a less touristy deli experience then Russ & Daughters is the go, and there is also the Russ & Daughter Cafe if sit down is preferred.

So many hidden gems in the LES, we like living like locals. Grabbing late night dumplings from Vanessas or Korean hot dogs at Oh K-Dog NYC or in the morning donuts from Doughnut Plant, their creme brulee donut is the best and coffee from Dudleys or other independent coffee shop near by with Aussie/Kiwi baristas.

Cantina Cubana is great for coughtails and share plates.

And for a little history the tours at the Tenement museum are quite interesting.

I did like my time in LES - I stayed about 100m from Katz - agree with Russ and Daughters

I did a tenement tour whcih was great.

I also went to the Transport museum in Brooklyn which I very much enjoyed

 

[bPeteb]

I did like my time in LES - I stayed about 100m from Katz - agree with Russ and Daughters

I did a tenement tour whcih was great.

I also went to the Transport museum in Brooklyn which I very much enjoyed

Another vote for both tenement tour and transport museum. Both excellent

 

[Drakecula]

It's been a while since I've checked in on this post. I'm not entirely sure why, but for some reason the excitement spiked then waned and we're just over a week out and it feels odd. I'm not as excited as I should be? I guess it could be because work has been very busy and I've not had the chance to look towards having time off.

It could also be because of everything that's going on in the US at the moment...

In any case, by way of minor update, some unfortunate news for my Broadway plans. Smash is closing (as predicted by my mega Broadway fan friend) before we get there, so we'll have to find another show to go to. And Megan Hilty (the one actress I wanted to see in Death Becomes Her) is injured and won't be returning to her role until a few days after we leave New York. *sigh* I'm still looking forward to the show, but I'm a little sad.

At least we have tickets to Maybe Happy Ending which swept up several Tony awards this year, so nothing better happen to anyone in that show. Darren Criss is a fantastic singer, so I'm looking forward to seeing him.

Also, turns out some of the things I wanted to see in Salem won't be open the day I'm trying to get there, so that's a bit frustrating too. Oh well. We'll still go and see what we can see. I think I'm just keen to say I've been to Salem more than anything.

 

[Drakecula]

It must be the night before a trip, the nerves are setting in. Taxi is booked for stupid o'clock, we're packed, and ready to go. I think. I hope. What more do you really need beyond your passport and credit card?

I've packed two books, a puzzle book, my Switch and tablet for in flight entertainment, along with my noise cancelling headphones. I should be set.

Next update probably from SYD once I wake up enough after our flight from CBR...

 

[Drakecula]

Have arrived in SYD from the pouring rain of CBR and settled into The House, a lounge available via Priority Pass (of which is complimentary from one of my credit cards).

It's small but quiet and there's a mini buffet with some breakfast selections you can help yourself to. There's also a bar for coffee and alcoholic drinks.

Not a bad start to our journey. MrD is accustomed to lounge access so he'll be sad to know this is the only lounge we'll get on this trip. No status for me at the moment...

 

[ellen10]

Glad the journey has finally started. Enjoy your travels, I will look forward to following along.
Safe flights.

 

[Drakecula]

Just our luck, our flight is delayed. They've got maintenance on the plane checking it out. Better safe than sorry for sure.

We had left the lounge to board, but decided to try our luck at re-entering in light of the delay. We luckily caught the host in the midst of a handover and he remembered us and let us back in with no extra cost.

 

[Drakecula]

To further our luck, the flight got cancelled. So we've been re-booked for tomorrow, but as SFO is not our destination, I'm hoping they can put us on the earlier LAX flight, so we aren't too far behind schedule. We'll wait and see. Currently in line to get a hotel sorted.

 

[ellen10]

Oh no! Good luck. Not an ideal start.

 

[I love to travel]

To further our luck, the flight got cancelled. So we've been re-booked for tomorrow, but as SFO is not our destination, I'm hoping they can put us on the earlier LAX flight, so we aren't too far behind schedule. We'll wait and see. Currently in line to get a hotel sorted.

Also ask to see whether they will be put you on a flight via DFW

 

[Drakecula]

Also ask to see whether they will be put you on a flight via DFW

We're flying United, do they fly direct to DFW from SYD?

 

[Aeryn]

We're flying United, do they fly direct to DFW from SYD?

No but they fly to IAH (Houston) daily which is a major hub for them.

So ask about LAX and IAH (or if they can put you on a Air NZ flight), noting they also fly AKL to IAH so they could put you on Air NZ to AKL and then IAH flight form there if the times align.

 

[I love to travel]

We're flying United, do they fly direct to DFW from SYD?

Sorry I misread your first post, I thought you were flying QF from Sydney. They do not fly to DFW. Good luck. And be assertive about what you want, just do it with a smile.

 

[Drakecula]

Success, we're on the 0930 to LAX, then on to BOS. So about a 24 delay all up really. Not too bad, not too bad.

Currently on shuttle bus to the Ibis for the night. Then I need lunch! I'm starving!

 

[Flyfrequently]

Success, we're on the 0930 to LAX, then on to BOS. So about a 24 delay all up really. Not too bad, not too bad.

Currently on shuttle bus to the Ibis for the night. Then I need lunch! I'm starving!

On board with you @Drakecula hopefully this is your only hiccup - enjoy !

 

[kookaburra75]

Safe travel too and have fun. We should have a coffee when you get back