Today we set out for some real culture. After grabbing a quick breakfast we headed north to the upper westside to “The Cloisters” a museum created in the style of a medieval monastery. It is situated just off the Hudson River in a lovely pastoral landscape with rolling hills leading up to the museum. Inside are scores of medieval artifacts. Many of the columns are over seven hundred years old and are incorporated into the structure of the building. Frescos are on the walls and have been transferred there from their places of origin in Europe. How such works could be moved without destroying them is beyond me.
After the museum we headed south to a restaurant called The Red Rooster. It was recommended by someone at the hotel who told us it is President Obama’s favorite in New York. When we got off the subway we found ourselves on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. At that time all I could think of were the words of comedian Chris Rock, “If you find yourself on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in ANY city GET OUT OF THERE!” We walked east past Frederick Douglass Blvd then Adam Clayton Powell Blvd then after passing the famous Apollo Theater (see attached) we arrived at our destination located on Malcolm X Blvd. With me being an inner city kid and graduate of Dorsey High I felt right at home but I was a little worried about my West LA, University High School bride. As we entered the restaurant I was a bit concerned about what kind of culture shock awaited my wife.
In the restaurant we were greeted by a lovely hostess who sat us quickly between two other couples and culture shock was indeed the order of the day. On my left were two women speaking French and on my right were two gents speaking Swedish. We wound up having a very wonderful conversation with the Swedes. One of them told us that the Red Rooster is owned and operated by a man from Sweden. After all what was I expecting in the heart of Harlem?
After lunch (which was quite tasty) we headed back to Broadway and decided to go to one last show. After our meal at the Red Rooster what could be more appropriate than, no, not Motown, but rather Abba’s, “Mama Mia”.
Tomorrow we leave for Spain.
Hasta luego,
Roberto
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 