Meet 41st Street
My walk across 41st Street began pleasantly as the easternmost point is ensconced in Tudor City, a secluded old garden-filled neighborhood, a bit disconnected from the busier city streets surrounding it. Brick buildings sit tranquilly a level above the street and offer a scenic overlook of the East River and the United Nations.
Blue Olive Market (Lost Gem), a newcomer to the East side was a terrific find. The concept is intriguing and the ambiance refreshing, but it was the magic of the delicious Greek frozen yogurt made with liquid nitrogen that won me over completely. Discovering yet another Num Pang (Lost Gem) on a side street was exciting as it is a favorite of the Manhattan Sideways team, both for its cool vibes and its culinary excellence.
Passing by the daunting view of Grand Central Station on Park Avenue, I found myself amid both intriguing buildings and businesses. The Dylan Hotel, once home to the Chemists’ Club, offers a luxurious hospitality experience and is well-served by its connection with ultra-fine Benjamin Steakhouse. At The Library Hotel, the rooms are organized according to the Dewey Decimal System, and there are books lining every wall with comfy reading armchairs spread throughout.
At this point, 41st Street is bisected by the imposing edifice that is the New York Public Library, a majestic marble building and National Historic Landmark. Its grandeur is, without a doubt, a point of pride for Manhattanites. Sitting in the shadow of the Library, Bryant Park is a pleasant cobblestoned space and hub for all sorts of activity. In the winter, an ice-skating rink plays host to romantic and playful scenes in the heart of the city, and in the warmer months, there is a carousel to delight the child in each of us. Bryant Park, no matter what the time of year, always allows me the opportunity to relax, smile, and watch life unfold.
The David Nederland Theater highlights this bustling area, as does the towering New York Times Building where the tantalizing Wolfgang’s Steakhouse has another home. It is a must for those who have been enjoying the discoveries on each side street, thus far, to continue the journey to Eleventh Avenue where the extraordinary Croatian Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius stands in the midst of the constant traffic coming from the Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority. One of the best endings to a day of walking that I have encountered.