Uptown / Downtown

All the way up the isle of Manhattan at Fort Tryon Park in “Fort George,” adjacent to the The Met Cloisters which was way too crowded for us to partake in, is 8 miles of gorgeous, lush trails surrounded by extensive plant diversity–layers of green textures and wisps.  Overlooking Hudson River and with the George Washington Bridge peeking about, the grounds were peppered with park-goers enjoying the cool break from the sweltering temperatures.

It might be the prettiest place on Manhattan. I loved these striped leaves and these super tall irises. And that overcast sky…

Old Money Rockefeller Jr. collected a few estates to create the park.  There are many towering remnants around, like this archway which leads to a dead end overlooking the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Finally, Pocion Lounge in Washington Heights, an all-vegan Latin bar/eatery.  With hearty appetites, we ate four dishes altogether.  And dessert…  We were very hungry.

Their drinks are a pretty important part of their operation. And they’re served in beakers. Mine had vodka, cucumber and–shoot, I hate when an eatery’s website has an outdated menu on it! On the left, the salted margarita with “salt foam.” 

The Empanadas–“ground beef” & sofrito and portobello, curry & tofu.  The pocket was not so empanada-like–very thin and crisp and a bit empty.  

Niños Envueltos: Corn, brown rice & vegan “meat” (tvp?) wrapped in baked Spring rolls with a tomato curry sauce

Chimi Sliders: black bean, brown rice and chickpea patties topped with a delicious chili sauce… and 4 delicious starchy fries.  These were my favorite.

Pastel En Hoja: plantains, pumpkin, taro, and yam masa stuffed vegan “meat

House-made avocado ice cream on sweet potato cakes topped with candied ginger

Then, Manhattan views from a ramble along the ever-growing Brooklyn Bridge Park.  This was taken on the roof of the hotel we “snuck” into. 

Sleep tight, NYC.