Well, it was more than a minute – closer to 5,700 minutes or an extended long weekend – of food debauchery in the gastronomic capital of New York City. What brought me here this time (not that one needs an excuse to be in this city) was primarily a reunion with dear friends from the old University days. Stories were told, bottles of wine were consumed and laughter all around while we reminisce and remember how we have always enjoyed each other’s company. [The food debauchery will be detailed in the next post.]

I tried out a different hotel for this trip, that was recommended to me by friends. Located on 38th Street and 6th Avenue in the Fashion District, the Refinery Hotel is both raw and understated built upon its industrial past. Service is friendly and swift — after I had difficulty sleeping the first night due to noise from guests coming out of the elevator, I was relocated to  another room with better sound attenuation, which just so happened to be bigger and an upgrade. I am now a happy camper.