Arriving in New York for Fun, Family, Friends & Food

 

I am a New Yorker, who didn’t move to the Midwest until my late 40s. I have never regretted the decision. It’s much more affordable here and I prefer the lifestyle. After years of living near the ocean, I’m also more than happy to enjoy beautiful Great Lakes, with no hurricanes, sharks, jellyfish, or Nor’easters. 

What I do miss a lot about New York is family and friends. It’s also nice to check out what there is to offer in the big city and my former home of Long Island. I decided to arrange a trip that would encompass all of this: time with loved ones and discovering some of New York I didn’t know before. For the latter, I worked with the ILoveNY team to create an itinerary.

The trip did not start off well. American Airlines cancelled my flight from Champaign to Chicago. I didn’t want to delay the trip a day so I had someone take me to Chicago so I could still catch my flight to LaGuardia. Unfortunately, he was late picking me up and I missed my flight!

This was made worse by the fact that it was my very first trip alone in a wheelchair. I was unable to go anywhere without hoping someone would come by and hear me call. I managed to accomplish that for one trip to the nearby Starbucks for food, and another to the bathroom. After five hours sitting at the gate, I finally was able to get on the plane.

Things were hectic on the other end too. My scooter had been damaged on my previous trip by the airlines. It had not been fixed yet, so they were renting one for me.( My new power chair hadn’t come in yet.)

The scooter that they had waiting at LGA baggage claim was not what we discussed, and it wasn’t easy getting in my cousin Marissa’s van, but she was a trooper and managed to do it.

We were off to Manhattan, aka the most famous borough in New York City. I had decided to check out the Chelsea neighborhood on this trip. I had never been and had a few offers in the area that sounded perfect.

My home for the night was Hyatt Place Chelsea. Marissa dropped me off so she could run some family errands, and I could get some rest.

The Chelsea area is around the Hudson River and is known for its waterfront eateries and walkways, and the Chelsea Market (on my schedule for day two). The hotel was near where I wanted to be and had a spacious accessible room ready for me, with a view that included the Empire State Building.

Although the Hyatt Place Chelsea has a rooftop restaurant, I was invited to a special dinner. Marissa and I were going to Hav & Mar, a Marcus Samuelsson eatery with a James Beard nominated chef.

I soon found out that what the New York tourism group told me was true, there were plenty of options to get around the city in a wheelchair. I used my app for a Lyft and a van with a ramp was there within 10 minutes. The cost was comparable to any other car service ride, about $15.

From my description, you might think Hav & Mar was pretentious, but it definitely is not. It’s modern and friendly, with an open kitchen. Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi greeted me and made sure to note my seafood allergy and Marissa’s gluten intolerance.

 

It’s hard to define the food at Hav & Mar. The menu is predominantly seafood, and there are a lot of Mediterranean dishes, there are also hints of other cultures, such as an Indian curry, and a French crème brulee. The only thing in common was that they were all delicious!

 

We wanted to sample as much as possible and, since most items are small plates, it worked out well. I had the cornbread, sweet and savory, with tomato jam and humus , vegetable curry and rice, and a chocolate cake that was so large I had more than enough for breakfast the next day.

Marissa went all out with the fish theme, starting with a spinach salad and continuing with oysters, scallops, a whole grilled fish, and the crème brulee.

 

I can say this was one of the best restaurants I’ve been to, and I’ve certainly had my share around the world. I was disappointed Chef Abdullahi didn’t win the James Beard Award, but she did truly seem to appreciate the nomination.

We easily caught another accessible Lyft back to the Hyatt Place, where Marissa left me for the night. I had been up since four in the morning and was ready for some sleep. I quickly drifted off with the New York City Skyline in the background.

I was hosted on this trip by ILoveNY, but opinions are my own.

Furry Fun at StayPineapple in Chicago

I've been to many Chicago hotels, but StayPineapple is one of my best discoveries in years.

I love pineapple and was very intrigued about a hotel built around the fruit. When I heard they were very dog friendly, I knew I had to go. I brought my friend Kim and my Yorkie Teddy along to enjoy the fun for a quick trip.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and is welcome everywhere, I try to take him to pet friendly places so he gets the dog perks. We received welcome drinks (Sauvignon Blanc for me and pineapple beer for Kim), pineapple shaped cookies, pineapple water, and, of course, dog biscuits for Teddy, as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

My corner suite was perfect, with a king bed in the large bedroom, and a couch, chair, and second television in the living room. Kim had the room next door to herself. We had a beautiful view from the window. 

Teddy had a bed set up for him and bowls for water and food next to it. In his goodie bag was also a yellow container with a clip, filled with poop bags (there are areas nearby where you can walk your dog).

 

Both rooms had the consistent pineapple theme throughout. Our robes were yellow with pineapples. Even the bathroom had toilet paper designed as a pineapple! I could detect the faint smell of pineapple in the air. 

I enjoyed my wine while I was spread out on the couch with my feet up. It was nice to chill in this environment. Teddy was happy he wasn't needed and ran around and explored the entire place. He finally settled in comfortably on my bed, between all the pillows with pineapple pictures.

 The hotel amenities are definitely more than you see in most Chicago hotels. In addition to what I’ve mentioned, all guests get complimentary internet, unlimited bottled water and coffee/tea in the room, and bikes for borrowing. The cookies and pineapple water are also always available free of charge in the lobby.

After the rest, we went downstairs to have dinner at the hotel’s Atwood Restaurant. We took full advantage of the pineapple filled menu, starting with a Naked Experience cocktail (brown sugar bourbon, pineapple, lemonade & Luxardo cherry) for Kim, served in a pineapple shaped container, and a tequila and pineapple juice for me.

We had shared the  Pineapple Teriyaki Wings, which had chunks of pineapple, and cheese-filled Nachos with a pineapple salsa for our appetizers. The kitchen also sent us the spicy wings to try. Kim had the steak and polenta special for a main course, and I did the BBQ Pork Sliders, which had a sweet and tangy pineapple Cole slaw.

 

Dessert was a dark chocolate skillet brownie with raspberry sauce and a Pineapple Whip, a soft serve that would definitely make Walt Disney jealous. Everything we had was delicious and obviously made with fresh ingredients.

 Teddy had plenty of bones – and a few morsels that might have fallen on the floor, where he sat during our dinner. After he went for a walk, he was content to go back to the room to rest, though he didn’t prefer my bed over his.

 

After a good night’s sleep, we were back at Atwood for brunch. Kim had the Loaded Breakfast Potatoes, with bacon, sausage, and sunny side eggs over crispy potatoes. I had a tomato and cheese omelet, with the potatoes. We were as pleased with breakfast as we have dinner.

As for accessibility, inside it was incredibly good, and the staff was very accommodating. The doors were too heavy for me to manage on my own, though. I am looking forward to seeing more Chicago establishments installing automatic doors.

 

StayPineapple is just a few blocks between Millennium Park and Grant Park. It is also a short walk to the Chicago Theater District so the location is a good one.

It’s rarely I get to relax, eat, and drink all in one place. It was a short getaway, but I really good one I would definitely do again