I Love New York! | Fort Bend Focus Magazine

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

I love New York! This is not simply a marketing phrase to me. I sincerely love going to the Big Apple. I’m a happy girl when there. You’ve just got to love any city nicknamed after horse racing and jazz, right?

Mr. Kaminski graciously offered a trip to NYC to celebrate our 32^nd wedding anniversary. I was stunned. He is not a Concrete Jungle kind of guy. I was living my best life in a high rise in Houston when we first met. He could not wait to get me out of the concrete tower and into the burbs. It still hurts.

I honestly think him moving me out to Green Acres had something to do with the offer. Now I’m not one to complain. I don’t think that type of negativity accomplishes anything productive, so I’m by nature not a querulous individual. If I’m dissatisfied with my circumstances, I change them. Nuff said.

When Mr. Kaminski made the grand gesture, it was carpe diem for me. I was on the task like a duck on a Junebug. I began planning and plotting – my usual modus operandi when it comes to, well, basically anything. I had a complete two-page itinerary along with reservations at all locales – shopping, eating, shopping, touring, shopping and Broadway. Mr. Kaminski wanted to see MJ The Musical, so I jumped on Saturday night tickets, Saturday being prime time and all. He loved it!

Of course, I noted in all reservations that it was our anniversary, so the fanfare was real at each and every stop. It primarily revolved around desserts. Mr. Kaminski has a sweet tooth.

Through the years, Mr. Kaminski has regularly inquired why I love spending time in the City That Never Sleeps. He’s only been once with the kids in tow for a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so this trip was different. Now for those of you who are concerned that I attended a winter parade in NYC, don’t fret. I booked a hotel on the parade route and sat in my jammies sipping champagne as the floats went by at eye level. I’m not foolish.

Now that he’s spent some time there with my glorious itinerary, I think he now gets it. For the record, however, I’ll expound on my favs. Here are my five favorite things about the Big Apple:

Good Hair: Even though NYC is on the Atlantic coast, the humidity in fall and winter is virtually non-existent. What does that mean? Really good hair days, multiple days in a row. Now I understand summer can be an issue, but I tend to not leave Colorado in the summer, for the same reason: good hair.

Sweet People: I know the common adage is that NYC folks are rude, mean, ugly. I have found that to absolutely NOT be the case. I have found them to be kind, helpful and quite hospitable. Of course, you get what you give.

The Warwick: I have stayed at the Warwick in Manhattan three times now. It is by fair the most amazing hotel with the most amazing staff ever. I came in hot on Thursday night checking in as our flight was delayed, and the restaurant I made reservations with wouldn’t take us past 9:30. Thursday was D-Day – the actual anniversary date – and I hadn’t properly fed Mr. Kaminski all day with the to and fro of traveling. I was lamenting over our dinner situation, and the Warwick concierge overheard me, stepped up immediately, and declared, “I can fix this.” He did, and it was an amazing anniversary dinner – likely better than what I had planned!

Distinct and Unique: You are going to get the best of the best, the newest and brightest shiny things, the most exclusive, unique finds when shopping in NYC. Sorry Houston: You can’t compete where you don’t compare. And I am a die hard Neiman’s girl, so that’s saying a lot.

Pedicabs: Now I know folks lament about NYC traffic. With proper planning, you can stay in the heart of all you wish to do and easily walk there. Or, if you need wheels, pedicabs are everywhere in Manhattan and Broadway. Frighteningly fun and immensely entertaining, I highly recommend a pedicab ride.

All in all, this anniversary was one for the books. Can’t wait until next year! See y’all next week – on the porch!

Patti Parish-Kaminski