If you've ever been to New York, you know that on every corner of Manhattan there is at least one street food vendor. Typically they either offer hot dogs, pretzels, and Snapple or they are serving some type of Mediterranean/Mexican/Anything-else-that-can-be-served-from-a-cart cuisine. You never really know what you're going to get or if it's going to be tasty, but the food carts can be your saving grace when you're starving and on the run. On the other hand, sometimes the food carts are so tasty that they can be worth a journey into the city specifically to partake in the tasty treats they offer. The latter was the case last Sunday as Angie informed me of "The Halal Guys"- a well-known food cart in midtown near Rockefeller Center. She told me it was the best chicken and rice she'd ever had in her life. I already had my coat half on after she said food cart, so we were soon on our way.
It was raining outside so we hurried into the city as quickly as possible. We arrived at Rockefeller and realized we didn't have any cash so we began the search for an ATM. We went into the Apple Savings Bank (Anyone ever heard of this?? It looks super fancy but I swear it's the only one of its kind) and tried the ATM there, but it was out of order. We had to search for a bit but were finally able to get some cash and scurried back, following the scents of wonder and awe that were being emitted by The Halal Guys food cart.
We didn't exactly think through the fact that it was raining outside and our dining destination was a food cart. This wasn't fully realized until we were standing holding our umbrellas with one hand and our chicken and rice with the other, sandwiched between holiday shoppers and Rockettes spectators. We slowly shuffled over to a nearby Starbucks hoping to eat in there after purchasing some type of beverage to earn our spot. However, there were no available tables. So much for frequent customer perks. We looked at each other with looks of panic, as we realized we had no idea how we were going to enjoy the feast that was so close, yet SO far away from being consumed. My eyes wandered over to the Apple Savings Bank and I felt the empty ATM booth calling our name. Why not? I mean the ATM was out of order. It was just this big empty room that no one was using! So yep.. we wandered on over and settled onto the ledge and consumed what was correctly described as the best chicken and rice EVER.
Do I think it was wrong? Nope. Do I have any regrets? Nope. Will I eat street food again in an ATM? Highly possible. We made sure to wave to the security cameras to express our thanks and we cleaned up our mess so I think the Apple Savings Bank people will be pleased to know that even though their ATM was useless at providing people with cash, it did provide a very effective shelter and dining experience last Sunday evening. Perhaps more ATM booths should take note and start adding tables and chairs and put in a cafe. Just a thought-- perhaps I'll make it a business venture if this whole social work thing doesn't work out. :)
COUNTDOWN TO TEXAS: 4 DAYS!!!!
1. "Gum would be perfection." is what you should have said to the security tapes.
ReplyDelete2. You totally sounded like Liz Lemon when you said, "I already had my coat half on after she said food cart." Very proud and laughed literally out loud :)
3. Ugh, you look SO cute. I'm really glad the playing field will be even when you're here in four days and have to go back to your summer clothes. hehe