Westway diner NYC
Dec 9 2018
Westway Diner (Times Square NYC)

Westway Diner (Times Square, NYC)

The last diner I went too while in Times Square, New York is the Westway Diner. I arrived around 11:30 on a weekday, and it was fully packed.  It’s only a short walk from Times Square in New York, NY. It was one of the few diners I had to wait for a table. That means the Westway Diner (NYC) must be good, right?

Westway diner NYC

Westway Diner Atmosphere: A
The Westway Diner sticks out on the main road near Times Square.  It has a more authentic “diner feel” than many diners I’ve been too in NYC. The inside is one ample space with plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.  Atmosphere wise, the Westway Diner in Times Square is one of my favorite in all of New York City. You actually have space and room to breath.

Westway Diner Coffee: B
The coffee at the Westway Diner was brewed hot. I asked for whipped cream a couple of times, but it never came. Unfortunately neither did a refill.  Other than that the coffee was right, I just wanted more.

Westway diner NYC

Westway Diner Food: B
The Westway Diner menu has plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. They have all of the usual breakfast options from eggs to pancakes, and french toast. After a minute, I decided to order off the lunch menu. There are plenty of unique options from corned beef to salad sandwiches. I had no idea what I was in the mood for.

Westway diner NYC

One of the Westway Diner menu specials, the butternut ravioli sounded interested. I’ve never had butternut squash ravioli, let alone at a diner. The sauce was a little watery. The ravioli was stuffed with the butternut squash. It was good.

Westway Diner (Times Square) Service: B
The waiter was friendly, and our food came out quickly, but we could have used more drink refills. Or any drink refills.

Cost: $
For my food and drink at the Westway Diner in Times Square, it was $20. One of the cheaper options in New York City or Times Square.

Overall Thoughts/Would I come back to the Westway Diner (NYC)?
I enjoyed the Westway Diner, and it’s one of my more favorite diners so far in NYC. I would go back, and hopefully, the service is a little better next time. It’s an easy stop for anyone on their way to Times Square or Penn Station. It gives you an authentic diner experience in New York City.

You can see all diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
Do you like ravioli?
What is your favorite type of squash?
Been to Times Square before? 

Hollie 0 Comments
me running new york city
Dec 5 2018
November Recap

Can you believe it’s December? Have I posted “can you believe it’s X month,” every month?

November brought a big race, lots of downtime, and then a smaller race. I’m still getting back into fitness, while not trying to push the envelope too much.

Miles Run: Around 130
Shortest Run: 2 miles
Longest Run: New York City Marathon 
Workouts: 0
Rest Days: 16
Races:
New York City Marathon (3:07.15)
Medford Lakes Turkey Trot (20:24)

Thoughts:

Most of the running month revolved around the New York City Marathon. I have had a tough time typing this out, but I recovered rather rapidly from the marathon. I’ve had many 13.1s that it’s taken me longer to feel better.

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Some days are just made for running. 🌞 🏃‍♀️

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I knew taking 2 weeks off was the right call.  The other component is I never felt like I got into peak shape for the marathon.  When I ran, it almost felt like a tough workout versus a tough race. My legs fatigued towards the end, but there was never a time that I felt “in the hole or twilight zone.”  That’s very different from my previous marathon experiences when I haven’t wanted or felt up to running for at least a month.

Now that I’m a month out, I feel like I’m getting “back into shape again.”  I’m starting around where I started over the summer.  A 20:24 5k, and 1:30 range half. Over the winter and Spring, I want to build more speed and hopefully get back into sub 19 shape as well as at least 1:25 half marathon shape.

If the weather holds up, I plan to race most weekends in December. It will be a fun way to build fitness and keep me going strong.

Posts from the Month:

Running Related: 
Why Use Compression Socks
Marathon Recovery
Brooks Ghost 11 Shoe Review

Hiking:
Exploring Sandy Hook

Questions for you:
How was your month of December?
Do you have any goals for the rest of the year?

Hollie 0 Comments
Tick Tock diner nyc
Nov 11 2018
Tick Tock Diner (NYC)

Tick Tock Diner (NYC)

Before the New York City Marathon, I decided to go to the Tick Tock Diner. I’ve walked by the Tick Tock before, and this was a diner I wanted to go too before the marathon. I’ve been to the Tick Tock Diner in New Jersey, and it’s good.  This American Diner is located in midtown Manhattan on the corner of 34th street and 481 8th avenue.

Tick Tock diner NYC

Tick Tock Diner Atmosphere: A
When Tara and I arrived at the Tick Tock Diner around lunchtime, it was crowded, but we quickly got a seat. In fact, we got the most corner booth. It was nice to stay private.

Tick Tock diner NYC

The outside of the Tick Tock Diner is bright, shiny, and stands out. It’s directly across the street from Penn Station, and you can’t miss it.

The Tick Tock Diner is the most substantial diner in Manhattan. There are plenty of booths and tables, and even a full-length bar.

Tick Tock Diner Coffee: B
The coffee at the Tick Tock Diner was brewed hot and fresh, but I could have used more refills. I also appreciated the personalized mugs.

Tick Tock diner nyc

Tick Tock Diner Food: A
The Tick Tock Diner menu has plenty of options from breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. There are unique diner options like jumbo shrimp, tex mex, and breakfast burritos, but they also have staple comfort food items like eggs any style, Belgian waffles, and french toast. There are several healthy salad options and huge burgers too.

Tick Tock diner nyc

I decided to order the Tick Tock Pancake Trio, which came with a banana pancake, cinnamon, and chocolate chip. Plus there was delicious cream cheese frosting too. With the cream cheese frosting, it didn’t mean syrup at all. To be honest, they were some of the best pancakes I’ve ordered! I’ve mentioned before, but diner pancakes are one of the riskiest items to order: either they are delicious (in this case), or they are flat and thin, and you leave wanting more food.

Tick Tock diner nyc

Tick Tock Diner Service: C
I was happy the food came out quickly, but the waiter barely came over, and it took a long time to get the check.

Cost: $$
For my coffee and pancakes, the cost was $15.

Overall Thoughts/Would I come back to the Tick Tock Diner (NYC)?
I liked the Tick Tock Diner, and it’s one of my favorite diners in New York City.  I’ve been back a few times and never had a bad meal. It’s an easy stop for anyone getting on or off at Penn Station.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: A
Service: C
Price: $12-20
Overall: A-

You can see all diners here.

Other Diners I’ve Been to in NYC: Cosmic, Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Questions for you:
What are your favorite pancakes?
Have you been to New York? What is your favorite diner in the city?  I’m looking for more

Hollie 0 Comments
Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC
Jul 17 2018
Hiking High Mountain Preserve with a View of NYC

High Mountain Preserve

Recently, I took a short trip to Passaic County in Northern New Jersey.  While in town for the day, I decided to hike a short trail at High Mountain Preserve and Nature Preserve in Passaic County. Even though it was cloudy, there was a faint view of NYC, Watchung Mountains, and North Haledon. The High Mountain Park Preserve is part of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

I was surprised by how quiet the trails were at High Mountain Preserve in the middle of the populated area.  In fact, I didn’t hear any car traffic and only saw two people on the neighboring golf course at the very end.  (That’s right, no one on the trail!).  There are a few loops you can do at High Mountain Preserve. By combing several trails on the trail map, you get a hike of about 6 miles if you desire.

I will say, there are sections of trail at High Mountain Preserve that can get muddy after heavy rainfall and I was glad I had my Goretex (waterproof) Brooks Cascadia.

While the trails at High Mountain Preserve are well marked, finding the path, in the beginning, was tough. It starts right near the traffic circle.  Once you get on the trail, it’s easy to follow.

In order to see the New York City skyline, the hike at High Mountain Preserve is only about 1.6 miles.  It’s somewhat steep but nothing rigorous. Once you get to the summit of High Mountain Preserve, you can see a great view, but you can also stand on the rock nearby and get an even better view.  It was cloudy when I went so I didn’t have a picture-perfect view.

Here are a few photos of High Mountain Preserve:

Here is the start from the traffic circle at High Mountain Preserve.  Since there is no “trailhead” at High Mountain Preserve if you can’t find it just walk around the entire traffic circle.

High mountain passaic county nyc

Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

Even had some deer spotting at High Mountain Preserve

Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

Overturned tree

Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

View of NYC

Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

Neighboring Golf Course where I saw the only people of the trek.
Hiking High Mountain with a View of NYC

In all, if you’re looking for a local hike with a good view of NYC, High Mountain Preserve in Passaic County is a good one.

I had a great time and would definitely go back to High Mountain Preserve.  Hopefully when it’s a little bit more clear!  High Mountain Preserve is great if you are looking for something with a view, or even with pets, or kids.

Here are other hikes I’ve done this Spring and Summer:

Hiking Turkey Swamp in Freehold
Exploring Cattus Island in Toms River
Exploring Hartshorne Park in the Highlands
Hiking to the Cape May Lighthouse
Hiking Bear Mountain in a Downpour
Hiking through Belleplain State Forest

You can see all hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever hiked with a view of a City? Have you been to High Mountain Preserve? 

What is your favorite hiking shoe?

Hollie 0 Comments
Orangetown Classic Diner NY
Jul 1 2018
Orangetown Classic Diner (Orangetown, NY)

Orangetown Classic Diner (Orangetown, NY)

Last month I had the opportunity to go to the Orangetown Classic Diner in Orangetown, NY.  I know, occasionally I make it to the other states for diners too.  In fact, for the next few Sundays, I have several out of state diners.  We were up that way for the weekend, and I heard that the Orangetown Classic Diner was a good stop.  It did not disappoint.

Orangetown Classic Diner Atmosphere: A
The Orangetown Classic Diner is everything you expect in a classic diner.  The outside is large, metallic, and shiny.  The inside has plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.  There is a massive dessert case and dessert bar that I stared at for my entire meal.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Orangetown Classic Diner Coffee: B
The coffee was good but not great.  With all of the homemade desserts, I expected homemade whipped cream.  Other then that, it was good coffee.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Orangetown Classic Diner Food: B
The Orangetown Classic Diner menu is relatively standard for many diners. There are plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for and ultimately decided to order a Reuben. I can’t remember ever ordering one at a diner, so it seemed like a good idea.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

When it came out, it had plenty of meat. It wasn’t the best or the worst Rueben, but it was filling.

Service: C
Our waitress was friendly, but she was loud, and she was having issues with another employee.  We could hear across the restaurant.  She was always friendly to us. However, it was just a strange situation.

Orangetown Classic Diner Dessert: A
Orangetown Classic Diner is well known for their desserts, so I wanted to get something. Ultimately I chose the rainbow cake with ice cream.  I do not have any regrets.  The cake was one of the best diner cakes I’ve had in a while.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

There was a fruity topping underneath which tasted great.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Cost: $
For my sandwich, coffee, and dessert, the cost was about $25.

Overall Thoughts/Summary of the Orangetown Classic Diner:
I liked the Orangetown Classic Diner, and if I’m ever in the area again, I would go back. I would go to the Orangetown for the desserts alone.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: B
Service: C
Dessert: A
Cost: $15-25
Overall: B

You can see all the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
What is your favorite type of sandwich?
What is your favorite type of cake?

 

Hollie 0 Comments
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