Hotel: Marriott Marquis
I transferred via train from Newark to Penn Station without incident. I headed straight to Times Square to check into the Marriott Marquis. The lobby was bustling, as always, but I was able to figure out the elevator system easily and get to reception on the 8th floor. I had reserved a corner room, but it wasn't ready. The clerk offered me another room that was ready, and I readily accepted. I headed to my room on the 43rd floor, and it was huge! I actually looked down on the theater posters in Times Square! It was incredible! I unpacked my luggage and realized that I had forgotten my make up. Since I had theater tickets and dinner reservations, it was not going to work. I immediately headed to Bloomingdale's to get a few essentials. I ended up finding a few things in the make up department, as well as a new shirt to wear to the game, so I headed off to the Yankee game.
I got to Yankee stadium right before the opening pitch, and the excitement was INTOXICATING. It was quite possibly the most exciting event I've ever attended! I climbed/skipped my way up to the Upper Tier, and I had a great view of the third baseline! I was up there with the rowdy Yankee fans! I loved being able to see my team take on the Red Sox. It was SO MUCH FUN. I am so disappointed they are tearing down Yankee Stadium in favor of a new one. There is a feeling in the air of greatness. It's completely hallowed. You know all the greats have played here. It is the coolest feeling ever! I love the old ball parks. They have so much more character than the new ones.
Around 4, there was a rain delay on the game, so I decided to head back to Midtown to get ready for my dinner reservation at Ruth's Chris. I'm always dubious of chain restaurants, but I've heard a lot about their filet, so I decided to give it a try. I made reservations on Opentable.com, and I was seated as soon as I arrived. I do appreciate that the hostess did not even attempt to seat me at the bar, which is common for a single diner. I don't enjoy sitting at bars to enjoy my meal, and I am always a little put off when restaurants try and do that. Score one for Ruth's Chris. The restaurant is very dark and could be formal, but there were several people sporting ball caps and shorts. It ruins the 'business casual' ambiance, in my opinion... but tourists will be tourists. The waiter was very friendly and quick to make suggestions on everything from the potatoes to the different options for the steak. I ordered a petite filet au poivre and shoestring potatoes. The steak was EXCELLENT. The filet practically melted in my mouth and the au poivre sauce was flawless. The potatoes were good, too -- but they were very difficult to eat and the portion was MASSIVE. It is definitely meant to share -- 4 people could have easily shared this. The service was friendly, but not overbearing. I never once felt rushed throughout my meal. I really enjoyed it, and I would probably return, even though it is a chain restaurant. Midtown near Times Square isn't known for fabulous restaurants, but I don't have any qualms about recommending Ruth's Chris to someone looking for a good steak!
After my fabulous dinner, it was off to A Chorus Line. I wasn't sure about this show, but it is closing in August, and Mario Lopez had just taken a role in it. I was only able to get mezzanine tickets, but they were at least center. The theater was very small, so every seat in the house was a good seat. The show was GREAT. It really came alive. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't at all what I expected, and it's quite a bit better than the show that was produced as a movie in the early 80s. Mario Lopez did a fantastic job. The final scene was beautifully choreographed and executed. Well done for a revival cast.
I walked out of the theater and headed to Top of the Rock. I wanted to try and get better pictures of the New York skyline at night. Unfortunately, it was raining and some fog had rolled in at the high altitudes. I was able to get a few pictures, but I was disappointed. Top of the Rock was SO much more pleasant than the Empire State Building, and it had fantastic views of it. The staff was so friendly, and I literally walked up to the elevator and went straight up with my timed tickets. I was even a little early, and they let me go ahead and go up. There were also two observatory decks, and they used glass, rather than the fencing, so your views aren't as obstructed. I practically had the viewing platforms to myself. It was absolutely incredible. Avoid ESB and head to TOTR. You'll thank me. :)
From there, I headed over to the Waldorf Astoria to meet up with some friends from high school who were in NYC for the weekend. We tried to go down to the Cutting Room, but it was closed. We ended up bar-hopping in the Village, and it was so much fun. We went to Metro, Joshua Tree, a C&W bar that was playing some Willie, and an after hours club that was quite sketchy. I've never stayed out that late in my life, but I really enjoyed hanging out with my friends from high school.
I grabbed a cab back to the hotel and marveled at the number of the people still wandering the streets. I severely regretted my decision to stay out so late, since I had such a short time in NYC, but it was worth it seeing my friends.
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