Weekend with the Parents-March 9-12, 2006

Ann and Greg arrived early Thursday morning. While I was at work, they checked into the hotel and took a nap. I met the parents for lunch at Ben and Jack's Steakhouse where they were FINALLY able to see the ring.

I've had some requests for a picture of the ring. How is this one?

That evening the four of us went to dinner at Bar Americain, one of Bobby Flay's famous restaurants. Everything about the restaurant--from the decor to the service--was phenomenal. After studying the menu for hours (pre-dinner of course), we finally made decisions. Our appetizers included: sweet potato clam chowder, and fresh oysters. The following were our delectable entrees: duck, wild salmon, smoked chicken and red snapper. On the side we had sweet potatoes and goat cheese cauliflower. For dessert, chocolate mousse and éclairs with caramel sauce satisfied our pallets. I receommend Bar Americain to any food lover.

Friday was a half work day for me. I met the parents in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day--in the 70's--so we strolled around 5th avenue and enjoyed the nice weather. We had an early dinner at the Burger Joint, the best burger joint in Manhattan. It was the best kept secret, but word got out and now it's a happening place. And an increase in prices always indicates success. What used to be a $4 burger is now $6. Ugh.

Post dinner, we made our way to Times Square and the Theater District to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. We looked at the playbill and realized it was a musical...but, it ended up being a good one. As Steve said, "there was cursing and singing" which made it that much more enjoyable.

After the play, we went up to "The View" ontop of the Marriot for a quick drink and to see the view of the city. It was a great night.

Saturday morning rolled around and it was time for the big meet and greet between the Tichy- Schwartz parents. We went to brunch at Willy's. Then walked down to Steve's apartment to show the parents the picnic table (minus the tent...may it rest in peace). From there we strolled through Central Park. We took a quick pit stop at the boathouse. Perfect timing for a photo-op.

We made our way to the west side and caught a cab, which was quite the experience, to our dinner destination. We went to Dinosaur BBQ, the best BBQ joint I've ever been to.

Here's the group left to right: Annie, Greg, Barbara, Jaren, Steve, Erin, Drew, Maria and Bob.

...and the sweethearts enjoying the "Sweetheart Platter", which is a rack of ribs and 4 sides. Delicious. Sorry Kyriakos.


Sunday, Steve and I made our way down to the hotel to meet the parents. We had a nice brunch at Moonstruck Cafe. Then it was time for the Schwartzs to catch the train. We said our goodbyes and headed to Buttercup Bakery. The rest of the afternoon was spent killing time buying cupcakes for Jadyn and watching the bakers frost cakes.

Steve and I finally said our goodbyes to Ann and Greg.

It was a great weekend!