Saturday Night in Times Square, New York

Times Square has changed a lot over the past few years. Long gone are the days of seedy sex shops, pickpockets and drug dealers. Now in can easily be a family affair or a place to fall in love all over again. There is no need to plan a detailed itinerary. Times Sqaure is a festival of sights, sounds, and smells. Both Emily and I had our fair share of memorable experiences. She will boast of the huge selection of cosmetics at Sephora. I, on the other hand, enjoyed strapping on the feed bag at Virgil's BBQ.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

As any New Yorker will tell you, the best way to see the city is always on foot although there are plenty of taxis and subway options.

The Hotel Sofitel is a Paris based chain of luxury hotels. Before we arrived, we were put off by the idea of a franchised hotel fearing that it might lack the charm and originality of an independently owned hotel. However, upon entering the tastful art deco lobby, we were immediately rid of our concerns.

We received a very warm welcome by Jose the doorman who wished us 'great stay in New York' as we entered the lobby. Willie quickly grabbed our bags as he explained all of the ammenities we could indulge in during our stay. For example, Sofitel offers a fully equipped exercise facility (however, no steam room), 24 hour room service, a fully stocked mini bar, and, if that mini bar doesn't hold you, there is a bar in the lobby and another in the full service resturaunt.

The rooms are suprisingly spacious by New York standards. The bathroom includes a separate bathtub and shower, hairdryer, speaker system, and, for the very important conference calls, a speakerphone by the toilet. There is a queen sized bed and while lounging with your bottle of Evian, you can surf the Internet with WebTV.

Sofitel is located just east of the heart of Times Square. It is next door to the famous Algonquin Hotel where the likes of Dororthy Parker, Gertrude Stein and their cronies would pontificate and share their witticisms in the lobby bar.

It is a three minute walk to all of the Broadway theaters and to all of the restaurants in the theater district.

The Sofitel staff was always eager to help and their gracious hospitality made us want to extend our hometown vacation just a little bit longer.

Virgil's BBQ is an institution in New York City. You will be hard pressed to find even the most pretentious New Yorker who has not been to Virgil's. Though we were in the Big Apple, as soon as we tasted the Carolina pulled pork, we could have sworn we were in the deep South. At one point Emily even let out a rebel yell which, unbelievably, went unnoticed.

Virgil's offers every type of BBQ from pulled pork to ribs. The portions are enormous so be prepared to take home a doggie bag, although we cleaned our plates.

The environment is very casual and the noise level is high. They welcome large groups and are very kid friendly.

We recommend the southern greens and hush puppies. Vegetarian options are clearly identified on the menu. So, strap on the bib, unbutton your trousers, and hold on for a real chow-fest.

If you think that all Broadway musicals are simply a montage of jazz hands, high kicks, sentimental lyrics, Hollywood-like effects, and furry felines, you are mostly correct. However, Les Miserables is a theater experience that can move even the most jaded hearts.

If you don't already know, LM is a story of love, war, and redemption set in 19th century France (please forgive the melodrama). At one point during the dramatic climax, Emily found herself sitting between two grown men weeping like babies.

Don't make the same mistake we did by paying full price. Try your luck at the discount booth TKTS located in Times Square for same day, half price tickets. The lines are long but the value is worth the wait.

So bring you hankies, grab the one you love, leave reality at the door and submerge yourself in the French Revolution!! WHOOOOOO!!!