Touring Greenwich Village and lunch with Adriana Trigiani

Me and Adriana

Throughout the week I have been sharing with you moments of last weeks BEA.  I probably could have bunched them up into fewer posts, but each topic I have posted on has required more of me than a few descriptive words.  I think even with this being my second year attending BEA, I have trouble believing such an event exists, as this is truly what I would have envisioned Heaven to be like….. books, books everywhere :D…

That said – forgive me as I gush out even more BEA posts….

On Thursday May 26, I had a wonderful opportunity to go on the tour of Greenwich Village as invited by one of my favorite authors, Adriana Trigiani.  Our event started with a taxi ride to Greenich Village (apparently called “The Village” by New Yorkers) where we met Nikki, who was our tour guide.  What was super cool is this is Adrianna’s own tour – Called Adriana Trigiani Tours.  The tour(s) is centered around places she mentions in her books and for a book lover and a big fan of Adriana Trigiani it is beyond AWESOME! 

There were 10 of us on the tour and it was so much fun.  Nikki was amazing and I soon learned she knew her stuff.  As we walked we learned not only the connections of the places to the books, but also the history they held in New York, as well as the history of Greenwich Village.  Our tour took us to the Church that is mentioned as a place you may have found two of Adriana’s favorite characters, Lucia Sartori and Valentine Roncalli (Lucia Lucia).

Gorgeous isn't it?

The oldest house in the village built in 1799, updated and expanded in 1836, and a third floor added in 1928 still remains at 77  Bedford Street.  The skinniest home in New York (I believe it was all of New York) is also in the Village, notably 9 1/2 feet on the outside, 8 1/2 feet wide on the inside and 32 feet deep. 

*groan* Where would I put my books?

We walked on and seen gorgeous homes and gardens, at one point our guide pointed out an apartment and said that we may recognize this as the outside of Monica’s apartment from the show Friends.  (I LOVED Friends!!!)

Monica's Apartment from the sitcom Friends

As we walked and took in the sights and learned the facts, we stopped at McNulty’s Rare Teas which was a delight for the senses!  Walking inside there were rows and rows on assorted teas with incredible names like Apple Pie, Cinnamon Stick, etc… I just INHALED. 

MMMM..... smelled delicious inside and out!

Of course there is so much more to this walking tour and I know I am not doing it justice but trust me – this is an experience you will not want to miss.  Check out Adriana’s Tour site and learn more AND for those of you going to Italy (I am jealous…. but that’s beside the point :D) be sure to see Adriana’s Italy tour as well which I here is just as divine!

As if that was not enough of a treat, we were then escorted into the Standard Grill which has a gorgeous floor tiled in pennies…. I kid you not.  PENNIES.  Check it out here.  We all sat at a long table in a room all set up for us and while we chatted with our group… in walked the lady we had all come to see…. Adriana Trigiani. 

“Hello Ladies!” she exclaimed and we instantly greeted her.

Adriana is always so down to earth and real.  She treats us like old friends, and once I stop pinching myself, I believe I am.  As the bread is passed around the table and the water glasses filled, Adriana starts sharing stories – which I LOVE to hear, from her early writing days, to how she came to live in the Village…  I could listen to her for days….

When it came time to order, we had little menus placed in front of us as and we chose a soup or salad starter, a main dish, and dessert.  I went with the orange squash soup, as I was intrigued that it said it had Yogurt in it.  It came served chilled and it was delicious!

Then came my main dish – I chose the grilled egg plant and I was so pleased I forgot to take a picture of it.  It was fantastic and I would definitely have that again and highly recommend it.

In the end came a lovely dessert, I went with the raspberry topped cheese cake that was… oh my gosh…. words can not describe but I can tell you my mouth is watering right now as I think about it….

The food and the company – SUPERB!  We talked and laughed and had pictures taken.  I adore my time with Adriana and this group of fantastic bloggers.  I can not wait for her next book to come out!!!

Left back: Julie (Booking Mama), Candace (Beth Fish Reads),Dawn (She's Too Fond Of Books), Reagan (Miss Remmers Reviews), Me, Adrianna Trigiani, Alison (Alison's Book Marks), Nikki our wonderful tour guide, Front left: Diane (BookChickDi), Lenore (Presenting Lenore), Kathy (Bermuda Onion), and Tanya (Dog Eared Copy).

As we gathered to leave, Adriana handed each of us two of her books, signed to each one of us. 

Hopefully I did not overdose on the pictures here but this was such a visual experience I had to share it.  😀