Even at Madeleine Patisserie, I couldn't escape work entirely.
But first thing in the morning, we hadn't yet conceived of the idea of escaping. We had work to do. We arose early, met Caroline, took the subway to Midtown, and checked out the AKC's hospitality suite for dog writers. We had some coffee and fruit, and took a moment to consider the day and all we needed to do.
Then we shivered through the cold, across the street to the Garden.
Today, our mission (still secret) involved a special Toy Poodle and a noble Akita--plus enjoying all the other dogs, too. Tuesday is the day the Sporting, Toy, and Working dogs get their turn, first competing to determine the single best of each breed, then competing in the evening in the group ring. Tonight will end with the fabulous Best in Show event, but we aren't there yet.
We milled around the show again, talking to people and snapping pictures. Suddenly, we found ourselves with three hours before our next round of duties. Caroline wasn't around--having seen her beloved Saluki's, she had taken some much needed time off to be by herself and wander around the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ben suggested he and I head to Chelsea and walk around. If you've never been to a dog show--especially this dog show--you may be surprised to learn how exhausting it is. Today was shaping up to be even bigger, so taking a cue from Caroline, a break from the dog scene, we decided, would be rejuvenating.
Ben is familiar with this artist's area of the city since that's his background (he's spent many days manning the family business booth at gift shows at the Javits Center), so off we went, walking. The day was warming and the pleasant walk interested me because I hadn't been down these streets before. Without realizing where we were, we found ourselves suddenly in front of the Chelsea Hotel, where Dylan Thomas ended it all, and where other great writers, notably Thomas Wolfe, spent much time. I stood there in reverence for a moment. Ben, of course, took pictures. In case you can't see it in the photo, the plaque about Dylan Thomas says, "Dedicated to the memory of Dylan Thomas, who lived and labored last here at the Chelsea Hotel and from here sailed out to die." Maybe we will want to stay here next year.
After walking farther, I started to get cold and hungry so we looked for a place to stop for coffee. We saw a lot of shiny new places but that wasn't the experience I was seeking. Then we saw Madeleine Patisserie. "That's it! That's the place!"
This little French bakery is famous for its macaroons, and while I didn't know that at the time, I could easily have guessed from the display case.
I tried a sample (rose) at the counter but ordered a chocolate croissant instead, and a cafe au lait (both very good). We relaxed and warmed up and enjoyed the quaint atmosphere.
Down the street a bit, we saw Garden of Eden Gourmet Market. We didn't want or need to actually eat any more food, but we (I should say 'I,' Ben merely puts up with my food obsession) had to go inside. "Take pictures!" I demanded, overwhelmed by the sensory experience of the place.
After a few minutes, the place started to look like this:
So we moved on.
Now, quite frankly, we needed a bathroom break. but where to stop? We saw a little bar called East of Eighth, so we stopped in for a bathroom break and a drink (Ben had a martini but I was cold enough to warrant a small glass of Drambuie). We enjoyed the eccentric atmosphere and dramatic clientele. Ben appreciated the design of the faucets in the restroom.
For awhile, we watched a food network show all about making sausage. But then it got stomach-turning and the bartender turned the channel. The bartender enjoyed hearing about the dog show. And speaking of the dog show, it was time to get back to work...
On the subway back to the Garden, Ben was pleased to note a subway-car-length banner advertising his very favorite of vodkas, Stoli.
But you want to see the dogs, don't you? Of course you do. Some of our favorite Toy, Working, and Sporting dogs at the Garden that afternoon:
Here's a little bit of foreshadowing for this evening. Guess who this is:
The long afternoon finally wound down into dinnertime. Ben and I met Annamaria and Nikki in front of the Garden and we headed out to Nikki's favorite spot for Korean BBQ, Kang Suh, on Broadway. We walked a few blocks through suddenly driving snow but warmed up quickly with hot tea and beautiful food in this cozy restaurant that never closes. Yes, you can get Korean BBQ at 3:00 a.m. if you so desire. Annamaria and I ordered sushi rolls, while Nikki and Ben both indulged in bowls of vegetables and raw beef topped with an egg yolk and sweet sauce. Gorgeous food! Nice tea. Good service.
On the way back, Nikki had us detour into a small corner shop and bought us all pink heart cookies for Valentine's day. "They don't look like much, but they are beyond unbelievable," she said. I shared mine with Caroline at the press table during the evening show...and we both agreed Nikki was absolutely right. Unfortunately, Ben and I both gobbled up our cookies without remembering to take a picture first! (I hate it when that happens.)
Back at the Garden, we waited for the lights to dim and the final night of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to begin...the culmination of all our efforts.
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