Grand Central Station

DAY 6

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

Ciao Bella Triple Espresso Gelato, mmm…

One of my favorite places in New York City is Grand Central Station, which may come as a surprise given how I feel about Times Square. Both tourist spots can get very crowded, but for some reason, with Grand Central, I couldn't care less. Perhaps it's because of the sprawling food court at the basement, or that the main concourse looks like an airport.

Grand Central is where the Metro North Railroad and MTA Subways converge. If you need to go somewhere or find yourself lost, this busy hub would be your "reset" button. If you're meeting up with a friend, Grand Central Market would be a convenient place to wait and browse (the cheese counter is a must-see).

Personally, I love going to GC, again, for the Dining Concourse. Ciao Bella is a regular stopover, for the gelato and blue cheese and mushroom crepe. I've had the triple espresso gelato for two consecutive weekends now. If you're craving something a little more salty and savory, try Chirping Chicken, Brother Jimmy's Barbecue, or Zarro's Bread Basket. If you like warm, pressed paninis, Paninoteca is your place (don't forget to ask for the balsamic vinaigrette to dip your sandwich in). Back to dessert, Magnolia Bakery has an outpost there as well.

If you're hanging out for a bit with your computer/iPad, expect to just find a few homeless people taking a breather in any of the seats. It's a come-one-come-all place after all, and they don't bother you if you don't bother them. And, if anybody gets extra rambunctious, I've seen the NYPD arrive within minutes, after a drunk person started hurling expletives(?) at another person.

So, if you're ever in the city, you know where to meet up :) Ciao for now!