New York is a big city, and it’s true: there’s a ton of stuff to do. Still, most of us who live here take a lot of it for granted. For example, I’ve only ridden the Staten Island Ferry once, and it was almost 15 years ago. I’ve been to the Statue of Liberty once as well, but that was closer to 20 years back. A visit to the Empire State Building? Again, only once. There’s a pattern here, too: most of what people consider to be quintessentially “New York” sights are usually only seen by tourists. And so, when friends and family are in from out of town, tagging along with them is the perfect excuse visit some of these spots.
B’s family is in from out of town, so on Monday night, we checked one of those Big New York Things off their list: grab a pizza at Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun sets. I’d walked across the bridge before- again, about 20 years ago- but Grimaldi’s was a first for me. Meanwhile B, who’s only been in New York a year, has been twice!
At Grimaldi’s, you have to expect a bit of a wait. There’s always a line outside the restaurant; small groups of people are ushered in at a time, so while the restaurant is bustling, it’s never packed. Eat a small snack before you go, and you won’t be a hungry cranky puss!
We ordered a large pizza to split four ways, and it was just the right amount of food.
Classic pizza (crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, basil) with olives and mushrooms. Delish! I should also point out that this was actually our second pizza meal of the day (#1 was at Two Boots, for lunch).
Brooklyn Lager to get in the spirit.
B ushered us along just in time to catch the sunset as we walked across the bridge. Sometimes all it takes is a nonnative’s fresh eyes to be reminded of just how amazing my hometown can be. Breathtaking, really.
What tourist-y things have you done near your home lately? Any fun local events coming up?
