When I first found out I would be traveling to New York City, one of the first things that popped into my head was, “I have to see Merri!”
Merri and I met in college and have stayed close even though thousands of miles separate us now that she moved to New York City. (Merri was actually the one who made us our surprise wedding video!)
Merri is one of the most positive, bubbly people I know and I could spend hours and hours with her and we’d never shut up. She’s basically the best, so I was really excited to have a whole evening with her last night.
We met up right when I got off the plane. We wanted to grab dinner and keep things casual, so when Merri suggested checking out a local food cart, I was more than game.
Merri never tried the food from The Halal Guys food cart before but heard amazing things. When she looked it up online, it actually had more than 2,500 reviews on Yelp with a 4 1/2 star rating so we were awfully intrigued!
When we walked up, there was a short line and the food smelled unbelievable. We were both quite hungry, so I was excited to see that the portions were nice and big.
I got the rice and pita bread bowl topped with chicken and added BBQ sauce and their white sauce before digging in.
Underneath all that chicken was a hearty layer of yellow rice. Normally I don’t really like yellow rice, but this rice was very good.
Both Merri and I ate almost our entire bowls of food and were absolutely stuffed. The food was so good that even when we both said we knew we were full, we just kept going and going.
With the food sitting like a rock in our stomachs, we welcomed the long walk back to my hotel!
The walk through the city brought out the tourist in me and I literally stopped and stared as we passed by Bryant Park because it looked so beautiful. The little café chairs reminded me a lot of Paris. Doesn’t it look like such a romantic place for a fun date night in the summer?
We made it back to my hotel around 8:30 p.m. and Merri ended up staying until 11 p.m. which was so wonderful. I miss her so much! We used to go on morning walks with Sadie around Lake Eola in Orlando when we both lived there and I miss seeing her all the time.
Sometimes seeing friends I haven’t seen in a while makes it feel even harder when we part because I miss them like crazy all over again. Long distance friendships tug at my heartstrings! Thanks for such a great night, Mer!
This morning I awoke at 5 a.m. to meet up with Ashley to try out a new workout class, but I’ll be back to talk about that soon. I need a shower!
I really want to go to NYC someday. It is on my top list of places to visit. Have a great time!
krystal@coffeecardiogoddess(Quote)
I tried that same food cart when I was in New York last fall and it was amazing!! Next time I go back I will certainly get it again 🙂
Brenna(Quote)
awww so much fun! i’m prob gonna be hitting up the city in a few weeks to catch a show, i’ll need to possibly stop by that delicious food cart 🙂
Theresa(Quote)
Last night was SO MUCH FUN!!! Wish it never ended!! LYMY!!! xoxoxoxoxo Have a FANTASTIC time at your Meet and Tweet my little blogger-roo!
Merri(Quote)
One of my best friends and I have a dream to open a food truck. I swear we’re going to do it one day! That looks like a delicious meal 🙂
Yellow Haired Girl(Quote)
My dream is to go on a food truck tour of NYC (okay just a food tour in general) but everything looks and sounds so delicious!!
Hayley C @ Running Down the Runway(Quote)
This makes me miss NYC!!!!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Kaella (MrsNeithercut)(Quote)
Sounds fun! I love Bryant Park. It’s a great place to ice skate in the winter!
Jamie @ Don’t Forget the Cinnamon(Quote)
I used to work right around the corner from Bryant Part. They show outdoor movies there in the summer. And then there is Fashion Week.
The Kidless Kronicles
Nicole(Quote)
Gorgeous park!!!
That food sounds amazing!
Annette@FitnessPerks(Quote)
I get the same way after seeing long distance friends. It makes me miss them that much more!!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie(Quote)
That picture makes me want to visit NYC now! I have never been… Portland(just across the river from me) is known for their food carts – I can only imagine what they are like in NY! Reconnecting with your friend = perfect first day!
Amy @Health Hungry(Quote)
My boyfriend just began a new career right across the street from Bryant Park! Since I am a teacher and off during the summer we are planning date nights or lunches where I can come meet him there. Glad you had such a great time!
Angela @ Health, Happiness & Harmony(Quote)
love the pics! bryant park looks like a great place for a date night!
Sarah @ RunningChickago(Quote)
Aw, sounds like a great date night!
I’m too scared to try real food from a cart. (Dessert items are ok for me!) I need to get over that fear, as they always smell so good.
Abby @ Change of Pace(Quote)
We don’t really have food trucks here. I can think of three, maybe four. But one is incredible with mostly organic, local, fresh, homemade dishes. So good! Their menu rotates weekly and they feature a couple lunch items each day for only $5. And it’s posted online so you can check it the specials and find their location.
Beautiful park photo! I would love to hang out there with on a date.
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More(Quote)
I have to eat in a food cart soon!
Brianna @ Don’t Eat Crap(Quote)
It’s so great to see friends, I totally know how you feel as my best girlfriends are scattered all across the country…it makes it so special when you can get together! Have a fabulous time in NYC! I absolutely love that city, my sister lives there and I’m dying to go back for another visit soon! xoxo
Jane {In the Pink and Green}(Quote)
Aww how fun that you were able to meet up with your friend while you were in NYC! I love food trucks and that particular one sounds fantastic! Bryant Park is gorgeous too- I was just there in January and walked through late in the evening when it was still bustling with people, there is def something special about it!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola(Quote)
The park looks so beautiful, it actually kind of looks like Paris haha. Random, but it does. I love when I get to see my friends when I haven’t seen them in so long, glad you got to reconnect and enjoy yourself!
Lisa(Quote)
It does remind me of Paris! Sooo pretty! I think it’s the lights.
Alicia @ ellenbcookery(Quote)
WAHHHH! I miss Merri too 🙁 Glad you girls had fun!
Laurel(Quote)
Your picture of the park is great! My sister and I are in NYC for the first time and just ate at Bryant park grill for lunch! You should check it out if you have time! Maybe we are staying at the same place, If so, we will keep an eye out for you at the gym 😉 we both adore your blog!
Laura(Quote)
LOVE Bryant park! I not only had a romantic date night there but I was proposed to there, it was magical!
Karen(Quote)
Oh yeah, the chicken and rice cart! That stuff is GOOD!
Kim(Quote)