Saying Goodbye To Winter In Manhattan

Is there anything more invigorating than a couple of days in Manhattan?
Yes, a couple of days to enjoy fine lodging, the arts, culture, music, people-watching and dining. And is there anything better (or more liberating) than the joy of exploring it all on foot amidst sun and blue skies?
OK, so it was a bit chilly at times but like the New Yorkers all around us we just bundled up a bit and walked a bit faster. Walking down Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue from the upper east side to midtown, the sun bathed everyone at an angle that proclaimed: "Take heart, spring will be here before you know it." And indeed, we're getting more and more daylight as the days go on.
Anyway, here are some photos that chronicle our welcome to February in the world's most exciting city:

Our midtown home-away-from home: The beautifully restored (and upgraded) lobby and Round Table Restaurant at the legendary Algonquin on 44th St. Steps from Broadway, Fifth Avenue and the city's most popular attractions, this storied hotel is now part of the Autograph Collection of esteemed addresses.

Lunch at SnAKS on the 5th floor at Saks Fifth Avenue.  We enjoyed the trio beef sliders and the chopped salad. Delightful!

The lights on the bare trees on Sixth Avenue near Fox News headquarters and a gayly decorated store window as Valentine on the upper east side.

Dinner at one of our favorite spots, Redeye Grill on 7th Avenue at 55th. One of the greatest seafood eateries we know: The spectacular lump crabcake on a bed of spinach with three glorious premium shrimp and the luscious grilled plump scallops. We added a side of rice pilaf -- seasoned brown rice with crunch nuts. Extraordinary!

Then it was off to City Center, a spectacular attraction that recently underwent a $56 million  redo and update. Here we saw a delightful revival of the 1959 musical FIORELLO! chronicling Fiorello LaGuardia's rise to power from 1912 to 1933 when he became Mayor of New York.

The next day was spent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art enjoying  the treasures of  this most-visited gem including the new Matisse exhibition, a display of Faberge eggs and other creations, manipulated photography in the digital age and the irresistible Sleeping Eros (above) from the Third Century, BC. 

BTW: Lest you think dining or lodging at The Algonquin is cost-prohibitive, think again. Look at the special menu (now in effect) above. The dining room also features a special Valentine's menu,