I flew into NYC the day before boarding for the Vogue Knitting Cruise. On the non-stop Portland to JFK flight, I inhaled a book called The Boys by Katie Hafner. It’s about relationships, pandemic isolation, parenthood, and more…with a great twist that I never saw coming. This is Katie Hafner’s fiction debut; she’s the author of several non-fiction books, and when I met her at Sonata piano camp in 2002 she was writing for the NY Times. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it.
Late in the book, the protagonist has dinner in New York city at a ramen restaurant that is known for solo dining. I was alone, so I googled and found Ichiran. The restaurant has long counters with folding side panels, so you are alone at a booth with your food. If you’re with a friend, you can fold the panel back and be side by side, together. The curtain goes up, you place your order (written), and never see the server’s face. The ramen shows up, and the curtain goes back down. The idea is to concentrate on your food, but I think for introverts and solo diners, the point is to be alone without feeling like a weirdo! At least it was for me. And the tonkotsu ramen was delicious.
I had time for a bit of a walkabout on Sunday morning before boarding, so I’ll share some favorite sights.
I loved this dress. I want it. Dolce & Gabbana. $7800. I don’t want it that badly, and it would have to be shortened, anyway. Nope. But isn’t it gorgeous?
Don’t forget, I’m giving away my Knit Fit kit on this post over here. Leave a comment there to enter!
PDXKnitterati 
OMG, I wish I was with you on the cruise
You did NYC so well. I’ve added solo ramen to my list
It was quick! But I got to spend a few days there when we came back, and then it was on to Maine. The ramen was fun! NYC prices, but delicious, and an interesting setting/experience.
Great NYC pics! Looks like your having fun!
Enjoy your cruise!
It feels like a lifetime ago! It was August 28-September 4, and I’m just now catching up with blog posts.
It feels like a lifetime ago! August 28-September 4. I’m just now catching up on blog posts…because I went to Maine right after that for Knit Maine.
Fantastic pix of NY!! Thanks so much for sharing.
That restaurant sounds amazing! Glad you got to spend some time seeing sights and having a little fun before your cruise 🙂
A little fun before more fun! Not a bad gig!
Not bad at all!!
I tried to comment on your other post, but it didn’t work. I love the travel posts. Thank you for sharing the beauty you encounter.