Feb in NYC-the final shots

a few more favorites...

amidst the manic energy so distinctive to manhattan, we discovered a few places to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures.  visiting the union square farmer's market was a delight for the senses--the cozy aroma of freshly brewed apple cider envelops you as your eyes absorb the rich palette of the late winter greens and root vegetables. there's nothing like engaging with folks who spend their days on a farm to help settle you down from a frenetic pace in the city! 

we sampled some local winesaps and juicy mccouns at an apple stand to whet our appetite for lunch at Angelica Kitchen a few blocks away. 

though it's been in new york over thirty years, angelica's was new to us and a welcome respite from the intense flavors we had been consuming all week.  the kitchen showcases the freshest organic produce available and turns out vibrant, soul satisfying vegan meals.  other locavore, seasonal fare restaurants we've experienced during our visits (cookshop, prune, quartino bottega organica, savoy, spotted pig) have tantalized us, but none have approached the mastery of perfect, simple preparation like angelica's. 

to end on an esoteric note, our final new york moment was an afternoon spent ogling vintage wallpapers at secondhand rose in tribeca.  they claim to have the world's largest collection of original vintage wallpapers (damasks, toiles, flocked) and after spending hours there, we wouldn't dispute it.  what a wealth of inspiration... gorgeous colors, textures, and history. seeing the papers up close tempts you to incorporate these treasures in every room.  a definite stop if you're doing any kind of decorating.