New York Moments

Maybe native New Yorkers don't particularly notice the things I call New York moments. Those times aren't necessarily pleasant. New Yorkers will argue about anything.
One day when I was exiting the Herald Square subway station I could hear, and then see, a pretty good-sized jazz band. They were pretty good and somewhat captivating. Tacked high on the wall behind them was homemade sign- "If you would like a CD, please wait until the trombone solo is over"- as the trombone player was also the CD seller.
There's a great quilt shop a couple of blocks from the culinary school. It's the only quilt shop I've ever been buzzed into.
I watched a hustler close to the Empire State Building work his card game. He had a small group of young men playing with him. The hustler had an accomplice who made appeals to the young men's manhood. I'm sure she was also the lookout. I didn't watch long enough (I was astonished that anyone would still fall for that), but I'm sure the guy made some decent money before the cops showed up.
Every afternoon when I would get back, before going into the hotel, I'd sit in Greeley Square, Horace looking over all of us, and people watch. There just isn't a better city to watch humanity going about their business.

I made no restaurant reservations. I was really having a hard time deciding exactly what I wanted. Jim and I had been travelling a lot, and we always eat very well when we travel. I was feeling somewhat satiated by fancy food, but I found my place, right up the street from my hotel on Broadway. It was an old-school Jewish deli, complete with very functional chairs and tables and bright lights. One afternoon I was the only customer without a yarmulke. When you sat down you were brought a bowl of cole slaw and a plate of homemade dill pickles. Oh yeah. Matzo ball soup. Roast beef and gravy with mashed potaoes. Latkes. Pastrami. Knishes.
My heart was broken when, the Saturday before I was leaving, I was all set to have my Last Supper there and they were, of course, closed. Seriously old-school. I went to Macy's instead.