Monday, October 1, 2012

Restless about Manhattan...


I mentioned in an earlier post about my recent trip to NYC.  Aside from the "Monster in 24E" which we covered earlier, my trip was amazing!  Just another reminder of why I so enjoy my business trips to the Big Apple.  Haven't been in awhile?  Well read on to learn why NY should be on everybody's "must do" list...

I was in town for meetings with Amy Anson, my counterpart from London.  It was a great opportunity to compare and contrast our different markets, approaches, team structures, and processes for recruiting in the professional services arena.  During her visit, we spent some time in our Secaucus, NJ and NYC (Times Square) offices.  It was also an opportunity to hit some amazing restaurants while in town.  This leads me to my first "Why NY is awesome!!" observation:

The Food

In my humble opinion you can't find better quality ingredients or food anywhere else in the world (including my beloved South).  And the variety of restaurants is beyond compare!  If you can think it, you can find it in NY.  Whether you're looking for intimate and family-owned or something right out of Zagats, you better come hungry!  A few of the places I sampled are below:
Amy Anson at Osteria al Doge (Italian)
Churrascaria PlataForma
Sushi/Sashimi from Haru
And don't think you need to hit a fancy swanky restaurant to find good eating.  Some of the best food in town can be found in the small cafes and shops on practically every corner and side-street.

The Views

Another unique aspect of NYC is the skyline and the city streets.  I've been to so many large cities within the US and around the world.  And I gotta tell you - there's just something magical about NY.  I still get goosebumps every time the city comes into view on one of my countless flights to LaGuardia.  And every city block has tremendous potential for a unique and interesting photograph.  I guess it's the anticipation of what you might find next!
Times Square at daybreak...
Typical Manhattan side street...
I love New York at night!

The X-Factor

Another unbelievable and amazing quality of New York is the fact that a place that is so large can often be so small.  Not following me?  Let me offer an example.  During this recent business trip once meetings and appointments were all finished, I found myself with a free night.  For me, that's a no-brainer: dinner out followed by a show on Broadway.  I ran to the TKTS kiosk and secured myself a ticket for "Grace" a new play starring Paul Rudd and Ed Asner.  There were easily a dozen other choices that would have been equally satisfying but I'm a huge fan of both Rudd and Asner so my decision was easy.
Outside waiting for Grace
Following dinner at Haru (sushi!), I zipped over a few blocks to the theater.  Got to see Ed Asner and say hello as his car dropped him right in front and he spent a few minutes saying hi to the crowd and shaking hands (only in NY!).  I entered the theater and struck up a conversation with the person seated next to me.  Low and behold, it turns out she's just recently moved to NY from Nashville with a dream of breaking into the NY acting scene.  I offer to introduce her to the one person I know on Broadway (my favorite Mormon in Manhattan, Natalie Hill).  Well wouldn't you know it turns out this girl is originally from Orem, UT and used to dance with Natalie's younger sisters (again, only in NY!).  She doesn't know Natalie (except through reputation) but would love the chance to connect with her.  So, a few text messages later a dinner meeting is arranged and this total stranger is now a new friend.  I love this city!!!
My new friend!
Not feeling the x-factor yet??  Well, right before the show I texted a former work colleague from Atlanta, Danny Palmer to see if we could connect.  Danny and I worked together (in recruiting) at Sapient and he made the move several years later to NY to break into the stand-up comedy circuit (he's a funny guy).  In any event, I get a confirmation from Danny that he's hoping to get some stage-time later that evening at Comic Strip Live.  He shoots me the address and we confirm to meet following my play.
Danny and I at Comic Strip Live
I leave the theater around 10pm and get to Comic Strip Live in about 15 minutes.  Danny is hanging out in the bar area and we get to catching up on old times, people we know, etc.  And because Danny is a regular, drinks are free (too bad I don't drink the "expensive stuff") and I'm introduced to some of the other "regulars" that Danny spends time with (you guys were awesome!).  Ready for the cool part? We're sitting there for about 15-20 minutes when in walks none other than...Chris Rock!!  Cool as you please as if he's just another regular.  He and several of his entourage want to secure Chris a little "microphone time" to work on some new material and would the club mind if he hops on stage for a bit.  That's right, folks - only in NY!!!  Danny gets me into the theater area where we and about 30 other patrons are treated to a 45 minute stand-up routine by the man behind Nat X who entertained on SNL from 90-93.  And he didn't disappoint (unless of course you were the poor heckling woman who failingly attempted to record his bit that ended up reduced to tears once he worked his art).
Chris Rock performing...
So take it from the Restless Recruiter.  There's no place quite like New York for culinary creations, photographic beauty, and the best of the unexpected!  If you need a traveling companion, I'm only a phone call away...

RR



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