placing a bottle of single malt scotch on the table and tapping a keg of Bass Ale
Join me in a beverage to celebrate my 100th and read my tale of travel.
Having finally fully recovered from the brain cell massacre formally named Whiskyfest, I can happily report that, as best as I can recall, a good time was had by all involved. As a few might recall, my buddy and I headed into NYC last Wednesday morning (Samhain, All Saints Day, Day of the Dead), yes, an auspicious day indeed, to attend Whiskyfest. Held deep in the heart of Manhattan, the event promised, to those in the know, a spectacular evening to sample excellent single malt Scotch whiskys, as well as quite a few American bourbons and ryes.
However, no men about town were we, not at all. But, having asked urban dopers for advice, NYC cracked open a wiew of some of its delights for a pair of out of towners. My many thanks to SwimmingRiddles, delphica, Zebra, Ankh_Too, Stuyguy, U.Ike and Saxface for all their good words. Our twenty four hours in the city wasn’t nearly enough, by any stretch, but we did attempt to make the best use of our time. I’m still very disappointed that I couldn’t make time to hang with the locals, but at only two hours out, I feel certain a return trip in inevitable.
NYC highlights. Moments after arrival and check-in at the Marriott Marquis (site of the fest) we stopped at Katen, a sushi bar in the hotel lobby for a combo plate of sushi and a combo plate of sushumi washed down by a Ichiban. (sheese- we’re not even out of the hotel yet). The hinderlands are no place to find some foods such as these, so we were forced to stop right away. Soon afterwards, we hit the streets. Walked south on Broadway down to the Empire State building and did the observation deck. Stunningly beautiful afternoon weather didn’t hurt and we were treated to an excellent view of the city. (Man, the Statue of Liberty looks small from there.) Leaving there, walked uptown on Fifth, stopping at Nat Shermans to pick up a cigar. (Preparations for the fest). Found Commonwealth Brew pub around 48th between 5th and 6th and stopped and had a good burger with two bitters. Lingered longer than we should have (there were a few beautiful women at the bar) and just made it back to the hotel as whiskyfest opened.
Whiskyfest highlights. Ok, so we were late. Just slipped into one of the smaller rooms in time to listen to Jim MacEwen from Bowmore Distillery give a great talk on tastings that included five different samples of Bowmores. Each sample was about an ounce and by the time the 45 minutes were up, well so was I. MacEwen finished with a Gaelic toast, which of course I can’t remember, but it started with these directions. “Alright everyone, left foot on the chair, right foot on the table”. It must have been a test.
Spent the rest of my time at the fest between the main room sampling various spirits and a nice little buffet to keep my strength up. 
I had split up from my friend, and it appeared he was able to try quite a few more samples than I had, judging from his condition toward the end. Had the chance to try a good Balvenie 15 yr old. Good stuff.
The aftermath. We agreed to meet at the room directly after the event ended, with the intent to head out to listen to some celtic music. I should have known better as soon as I saw my friend, but my judgment was cloudy. We made it to the street and were thinking ‘taxi’ but it seemed that a good walk might clear our heads. Destination-Paddy Reillys pub at 29th and 2nd. We made it near halfway before a curb took down my friend. At 38th and 3rd we were coming off the street and I turned to see my friend on his knees, having failed to negotiate the step up. After some discussion that included sign language and head nodding, it was deemed impossible for him to finish the journey. “Taxi” Back to the hotel, dropping my friend off at the room with these instructions. “Don’t go anywhere. Stay here”. Compliance was apparently not an issue. As for me, bound and determined, back downstairs to catch a cab, finally arriving at said bar approx. 1145 pm.
Enjoyed the second set of some unidentified band that was not playing anything close to celtic. They opened the set with ‘Any major dude’ by Steely Dan (?). Still, good tunes all around.
Thursday morn. Took a cab downtown. Walked through St Pauls chapel and cemetary, built in 1766, now, literally in the shadow of the World Trade Center. Walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. Made it back uptown just in time to check out and make our escape.
Didn’t get anywhere close to doing all (or even some) of things I wanted to do, but I gotta get back there again.