![\"IMG_1037](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_1037-r2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSpending New Year\u2019s Eve and Day with a close friend in New York was a real treat. Shortly after arriving in the city Scott showed up at my hotel – he had wanted to check out the Park Hyatt. We made our way\u00a0to the hotel bar and spent our $50 credit rather quickly. Having a proper warmer we made our way onto the streets.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
New York for New Year’s – An unexpected invitation<\/a>
\nGetting There: Delta it is<\/a>
\nReview: Delta Regional First Class \u2013 Sacramento to Los Angeles<\/a>
\nReview: Delta Transcontinental Business Class \u2013 Los Angeles to New York<\/a>
\nReview: Park Hyatt New York, New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a>
\nInterlude: New York<\/a>
\nReview: LGA Centurion Lounge<\/a>
\nReview: Delta Domestic First Class \u2013 New York to Minneapolis<\/a>
\nReview: Delta Domestic First Class \u2013 Minneapolis to Sacramento<\/a><\/h4>\n <\/p>\n
We had a big event to attend the following day so we weren\u2019t doing anything wild for New Years, but it was really fun to be out walking around and watching the revelers prepare for the night. We walked around the Upper East Side checking out some of Scott\u2019s local spots. Most were closed for private parties and we didn\u2019t have reservation anywhere. We finally settled on Gina Mexicana. Who would think I would go to New York for Mexican, but the food and atmosphere were great.<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_4716\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_4716-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPolice line setting up for events later that night<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_4715\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_4715-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHoliday decorations in NY<\/p>\n
Much to my surprise the restaurant was quiet with only a couple other small groups present. After a good meal and some margaritas, we headed over to Scott\u2019s to say high to his family and a couple friends. It was about 10pm. Shortly after midnight I walked back to the Hyatt and called it a night.<\/p>\n
The following morning we prepared for the club party. Dress requirements were a jacket and tie, and this event was specifically for men to attend. I haven\u2019t been involved in an all men\u2019s event since my college days at the fraternity, so I was more than curious how this was going to go down. I would include pictures of the event, but photography and cell phone usage in the club is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n
Upon arriving at the clubhouse everyone gathers to socialize in a small parlor where eggnog and punch (as well as other drinks)\u00a0are served. The eggnog tasted like hot rum with a small amount of cream and spice added. It was perfect. Everyone really enjoyed catching up with each other, and also talked about the impending banquet. They mostly talked about the banquet and the food. I mean really, it was something to witness. Frequently little quips like \u201cHey I can hardly wait for lunch\u201d, \u201cMe too\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m loading up on oysters!\u201d\u00a0 was the talk of the pre-lunch gathering. I would soon see why.<\/p>\n
After an hour or so we made our way into the dining areas. This club is huge, and there were over 3 large rooms set up with multiple dining tables. I would guess as many as 300 men were ready to eat.\u00a0 The food spread was something to see. Tables filled with fresh oysters, shrimp, sushi, lobsters, turkey, roast beef, short rib, suckling pig, duck, many sides and multiple deserts packed the room. Food quality was excellent. Each table had multiple bottles of wine flowing. Talking to the different guests they had come especially for this event from all over the world. Many were from the east side of the U.S., but other members had also flown in from Europe. It was a blast.<\/p>\n
After this fantastic meal, there were multiple events going on. Billiards, cards, board games, the smoking room and a bar room just to name a few. Everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves. No agenda was at hand, except the agenda of celebration. It really was a lot of fun.<\/p>\n
About 5pm we made our way out of the club and started walking around the city. The weather on this visit was unusually warm (in the 60s) and we hit some local spots on our way home. We ate a light supper at the Meatball Shop which was tasty. Since the 1st fell on a Friday night and the weather was so mild, the outdoor activity level was very high. About 9pm we called it a day, and headed back to Scott\u2019s. On entering Scott\u2019s apartment his wife Michelle looked us over and proclaimed; \u201cI think you guys are drunk.\u201d Crap! It was a record fast call; and I thought we really were behaving. Scott did some fast talking while I retreated to the den. A few minutes later he came in, relatively unscathed. We watched the end of the Ole\u2019 Miss game. Perfect day.<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_4729\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_4729-1024x768.jpg?resize=940%2C705\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTypical bar on January 1st<\/p>\n
On January 2nd we both woke up feeling pretty good, and that was a major win in and of itself. After a lazy morning we took the subway to Brooklyn and headed over to \u201cThe Smoke Joint\u201d.<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_1037](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_1037-r2-1024x303.jpg?resize=940%2C278\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Smoke Joint<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_4734\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.drd4sevenr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/IMG_4734-1024x768.jpg?resize=940%2C705\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Smoke Joint Menu<\/p>\n
The Smoke Joint is a BBQ restaurant in Brooklyn and having seen a review by Guy Fieri we wanted to try it out. The specialty is the Smoke Joint short rib, and there is nothing short about it. Add a side of “Smoky Greens” and you have the perfect recovery meal.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nPolice line setting up for events later that night<\/p>\n
Holiday decorations in NY<\/p>\n Much to my surprise the restaurant was quiet with only a couple other small groups present. After a good meal and some margaritas, we headed over to Scott\u2019s to say high to his family and a couple friends. It was about 10pm. Shortly after midnight I walked back to the Hyatt and called it a night.<\/p>\n The following morning we prepared for the club party. Dress requirements were a jacket and tie, and this event was specifically for men to attend. I haven\u2019t been involved in an all men\u2019s event since my college days at the fraternity, so I was more than curious how this was going to go down. I would include pictures of the event, but photography and cell phone usage in the club is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n Upon arriving at the clubhouse everyone gathers to socialize in a small parlor where eggnog and punch (as well as other drinks)\u00a0are served. The eggnog tasted like hot rum with a small amount of cream and spice added. It was perfect. Everyone really enjoyed catching up with each other, and also talked about the impending banquet. They mostly talked about the banquet and the food. I mean really, it was something to witness. Frequently little quips like \u201cHey I can hardly wait for lunch\u201d, \u201cMe too\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m loading up on oysters!\u201d\u00a0 was the talk of the pre-lunch gathering. I would soon see why.<\/p>\n After an hour or so we made our way into the dining areas. This club is huge, and there were over 3 large rooms set up with multiple dining tables. I would guess as many as 300 men were ready to eat.\u00a0 The food spread was something to see. Tables filled with fresh oysters, shrimp, sushi, lobsters, turkey, roast beef, short rib, suckling pig, duck, many sides and multiple deserts packed the room. Food quality was excellent. Each table had multiple bottles of wine flowing. Talking to the different guests they had come especially for this event from all over the world. Many were from the east side of the U.S., but other members had also flown in from Europe. It was a blast.<\/p>\n After this fantastic meal, there were multiple events going on. Billiards, cards, board games, the smoking room and a bar room just to name a few. Everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves. No agenda was at hand, except the agenda of celebration. It really was a lot of fun.<\/p>\n About 5pm we made our way out of the club and started walking around the city. The weather on this visit was unusually warm (in the 60s) and we hit some local spots on our way home. We ate a light supper at the Meatball Shop which was tasty. Since the 1st fell on a Friday night and the weather was so mild, the outdoor activity level was very high. About 9pm we called it a day, and headed back to Scott\u2019s. On entering Scott\u2019s apartment his wife Michelle looked us over and proclaimed; \u201cI think you guys are drunk.\u201d Crap! It was a record fast call; and I thought we really were behaving. Scott did some fast talking while I retreated to the den. A few minutes later he came in, relatively unscathed. We watched the end of the Ole\u2019 Miss game. Perfect day.<\/p>\n Typical bar on January 1st<\/p>\n On January 2nd we both woke up feeling pretty good, and that was a major win in and of itself. After a lazy morning we took the subway to Brooklyn and headed over to \u201cThe Smoke Joint\u201d.<\/p>\n The Smoke Joint<\/p>\n The Smoke Joint Menu<\/p>\n The Smoke Joint is a BBQ restaurant in Brooklyn and having seen a review by Guy Fieri we wanted to try it out. The specialty is the Smoke Joint short rib, and there is nothing short about it. Add a side of “Smoky Greens” and you have the perfect recovery meal.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n