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My precious daughter, Briana arranged an entire day filled with pure excitement for all of her dear friends and their Moms. We all started our journey by hopping on the train ride from Westport to Grand Central station. It is always so exciting to arrive in Grand Central and be able to gaze at the beauty. Some Moms were not used to the subway so there were a few kid leaders watching over those who felt a little uneasy.
We arrived at Union Square and ate lunch at one of Bri's and my favorites, Republic.
It is located at 37 Union Square West
212.627.7172 NY
Rating: 
Casual, a few small tables outside long tables with benches inside, always busy, a very hot spot
Blondee's Picks:
Fried wontons with plum sauce
Pad Thai noodles, grilled beef,
Seared marinated salmon
We walked by a restaurant in The Bowery that really got my attention.
Pearl and Ash.
220 Bowery NY
212.837.2370
Rating: 
This is a wow place, a dramatic place, it is a hot, sexy place. You feel as though you are eating in the middle of a fashion runway. The bar is gorgeous and is on the one side of the runway. Tables are lined up on the opposite side of the runway for dining.
Blondee Picks:
Diver scallops, cauliflower, cucumber and walnut skirt steak, heirloom tomatoes basil, carrots, snap peas
Dessert: concord grape white chocolate date cake
Next we hopped on another subway to go down to the ferry and rode over to Staten Island. This was such a great experience and loved driving so by closely to the Statue of Liberty.
When we all got off the ferry, we walked over to see the 9/11 Memorial. That was so so wonderful to see. It was extremely touching and gave all of us silence and respectful moments to reflect.
Our last visit was going to
The Eataly
There are several restaurants here and it is like being in a candy store for eating!
200 5th ave.NY
212.229.2560
The kids planned for us to eat upstairs in the famous and fun
Birreria
200 5th ave. NY
212.937.8910
Rating:
You feel as though you are eating in the sky!
It is noisy and happening!
Blondee Picks:
Grilled Lamb chops with fried artichokes and mint salsa
Beer and apricot beer braised pork,
Local market fish filet squash puree and corn
Huge selection of beers
Maybe if you are lucky you will bump into Mario or who knows who else!
January 2, 2023
