A Little Bit of Italy in New York City

Last weekend I went to New York City and had a great time. Everything was all decorated for Christmas and the streets were crowded with excited travelers who  were there for the same reason that I was. Despite the rain and 40 degree temperatures the city was  alive and I took full advantage!

Rockefeller Center  2012
Rockefeller Center 2012
Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

Although most of the time was spent running around  and sightseeing like true tourists with my long-time  and dear friend Carol, I also got to spend an afternoon with my son and his girlfriend.

Margie and Carol at Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
Margie and Carol at Rockefeller Center Ice Rink

Carol met her niece for lunch and Brian and Candace and I wandered around the East Village.

With my son Brian in NYC
With my son Brian in NYC
Brian and Candace
Brian and Candace

Probably the best pasticceria outside  of Italy is Veniero’s on East 11th Street and First Avenue. This pastry shop has been here since 1894 and is on its fourth generation of family owners. The place is huge and we decided to sit down and casually enjoy a cup of cappuccino and something sweet.

Veniero's Cappuccino
Veniero’s Cappuccino

I knew I was going to have a cannoli while I was in New York and this was definitely the perfect places to have one. However after checking out the gelato counter in the back of the store I was very tempted. So I solved the problem by ordering a stracciatella gelato and a cannoli to take home.

Veniero's gelato
Veniero’s gelato

This had to be to best gelato I have had in the U.S. hands down. I usually am disappointed since it never is quite as good or sometimes doesn’t even come close to what I experienced in Italy. This was so creamy and delicious. It was perfetto!

When I left I talked to the man at the gelato counter, complimenting him on the gelato. When he informed me that a man named Angelo makes the gelato, and  that Angelo is from Sicily, then it all made sense. It takes an Italian from Sicily to make great gelato in the U.S.!

Veniero’s is open from 8am till midnight every day and on the weekends till 1am! One time I was there close to 1am with my son a few years ago , and the place was packed. That’s another thing I love about NYC! It never closes and it never sleeps!

10 Responses

  1. 500daysofitaly

    I absolutely adore NYC… not as much as I do Italy though! Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog, it’s always daunting to start a new blog so your comments are much appreciated!

  2. michele starkey

    It has been years since we drove in to NYC for the holidays (and we’re only about an hour north of the City!)
    Thanks for sharing this, cheers 🙂

  3. adinparadise

    Thanks for reminding me to take really warm clothes when we head up to New York later this week. Looks like you had so much delicious fun. 🙂

  4. Debra Kolkka

    I love New York! I am hoping to go in March. My son is working on Long Island for a year…a good excuse to visit one of my favourite cities.
    That is a good looking boy you have there.

  5. Mitzie Mee

    So funny! We must have been in New York at the same time. Looks like you enjoyed the city just as much as I did:) I’ll definitely visit Veniero’s next time I’m in NY:)

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