US Summer 2012 Day 1 (P2): High Line & Katz Deli

The second half of the day saw us going to the new High Line (W 30th Street). The High Line was a public initiative to turn the old railway into a park that spams across around 20 Streets to around 1.6 Kilometers. The railway-turned-garden concept was conceived in 1999 and was opened in September 2005. The park itself has plenty of greenery and rest stops, making it the perfect place for the both tourists and locals to chill and enjoy a break away from the busy streets of New York (a good break away from Central Park too). Furthermore, its free for all to use.

Here are some highlights:

Start of the High Line at 30th Street

The old railway is still very visible

One of the few interesting exhibits along the way 

Another one: The Bird House

Its very interesting how they make use of the cityscape to be part of the garden-scape

Plenty of places for you to chill 

Ending the walk

It was lovely, having to stroll through the high line and admiring the city from afar. It kinds of give you the detached feeling, which brings you away from the stress of the streets, yet you are not too far off that you feel lost. I would recommend a stroll there if you happen to be in New York.

After the walk down High Line, we headed to our dinner place at Katz Delicatessen. This place is not only famous for its wonderful pastrami sandwich but also for its hollywood appearance in When Harry Meet Sally. The deli was the location of the famous "I'll have what she's having.." fake orgasm scene.

Entrance to the Katz Deli 

Your typical Deli interior design

Obviously, it didn't took us long to decide to order. However, it did take us a while to figure the ordering system. It was basically a ticket system (akin to Marche) and you had to queue behind individual cutter (instead of a dedicated line for sandwiches) to get your food. 

The Cutter who helped us

We tried the Pastrami Sandwich (USD$ 15.76) and it was so tasty. The meat was definitely the highlight. It was nicely seasoned (maybe a little too salty for some) and the fats around the meat was so good to bite into. The only downside is that it is as good as it is unhealthy. The bread was average, so nothing much to rave about here. We also ordered the Matzo Soup (USD $5.95), which was basically stuffing ball (akin to your Turkey stuffings) in broth. The broth was pretty tasty but the ball itself is something I would give a miss.

Pastrami Sandwich

Matzo Ball Soup

Dinner for the night

I would definitely recommend a visit to this Deli. Not just for its history in Hollywood but also for the Pastrami Sandwich. The portion's pretty big, so if you ain't a big eater, ordering one for two persons is more than enough.

Katz Delicatessen

205 East Houston Street (corner of Ludlow St)
New York City, 10002

Monday - Wednesday: 8:00am - 10:45 pm
Thursday: 8:00am-2:45am
Friday: 8:00am - Open all night!
Saturday: Open all day!
Sunday: Open until 10:45pm

(Friday & Saturday open till Late Night)

Nearby Subway stops:
F to Second Avenue Station 
F, M, J or Z to Delancey/Essex St Station

Price: USD $$

Celebrities Galore

After a hearty dinner, we took a short tour around Greenwich Village. We went by Washington Square (which was the location of Will Smith's I Am Legend House) and New York University (NYU). We managed to conclude our night with a Jazz performance (Music Charges $22 for Bar Area) at the Blue Note. We were, however, too tired to enjoy any of the jazz and left midway through the set.

NYU Library

Washington Square

Blue Note

For more pictures: http://on.fb.me/J2oDqO