Broadway | Melanie Woods

It finally happened. I finally made it to NYC! Work brought me there, but I was able to tack on a few extra days and definitely made the most of it.

The office

One thing I appreciate about our offices is that they have the same décor and general layout so no matter where you are in the world, you know what to expect and instantly feel comfortable. What makes them unique is the literal location, and our NYC tower certainly stands out being across from Bryant Park and a block away from Times Square. The view from the top floor was just a little different from the one back home in Indiana.

The eats

I didn’t research any restaurants since I knew the work dinners would be fire (shout out to Sarah and Donna who planned our team onsite!) and figured whatever I stumbled upon after that would be, too.

Zucker’s and Bagel to Sandwich (BTS) checked all the boxes of what I hoped for with my first (and second) NYC bagel sandwich
Keen’s Steakhouse has been around since 1885 and is steeped in history and tradition. The food was great and it was a fun atmosphere for our first night together.
Barn Joo had one of my favorite bites of the trip – soy garlic wings!
Connolly’s was convenient for drinks and a quick bite before a show
Los Tacos No. 1 had tasty post-show tacos
The Tipsy Baker is a “bakery by day, bar by night” so naturally I got a flight of pastries and a glass of wine for a late breakfast
Carnegie Pizza was my fist, and regrettably only, slice of the trip
Boqueria was in my hotel and the tabla de quesos y embutidos and cuvee were perfect
Cafe Un Deux Trois had me with steak frites, though I was also intrigued by the pre fixe theatre dinner
O’Donoghue’s was a solid option for killing time between dinner and a show

The sights

I focused on my top bucket list items and left very happy but motivated to get back soon. Luckily Dwight grew up in the Bronx and still has family there so it’ll happen and I’ll enjoy seeing a different borough.

Our team visited the Empire State Building which took the office tower views to the literal next level with both observation decks.
I loved The Museum of Modern Art (Starry Night! The Persistence of Memory!) but had mixed thoughts on The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The collection was incredible—I especially liked seeing progression and planning in the studies—but I was distracted by the confusing layout. And I wasn’t alone based on how many heads were buried in the maps and how many questions people asked the docents.
I ran (and later walked) in Central Park, which was one of the most iconic ways to check off a state.
I also walked along the High Line, which is accurately described as an urban oasis.
And I was literally on Broadway!!!! I can’t count the number of shows I’ve been to over my life but none have had this level of starpower.
- The Cottage was over-the-top humor that resulted in non-stop laughs. I do wish I had gotten to hear Laura Bell Bundy sing but her acting is just as good. And Dana Steingold was an absolute scene stealer as Deirdre.
- Sweeney Todd ‘s powerful chorus was thrilling and Josh Groban was great as Sweeney, but Annaleigh Ashford was incredible as Mrs. Lovett. The obvious physical comedy was hilarious, but I was more impressed by the subtle points of her performance.
- Merrily We Roll Along was a hit. I admittedly didn’t know anything about the show’s history nor was I familiar with any of the songs going in. But I would have watched anything with Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe in it. The chemistry between the three leads (we had the understudy for Mary) was so pure and genuine and wonderful. And Daniel absolutely crushed Franklin Shepard, Inc.