Second Street // Part Twenty Nine

     Second Street

   Part Twenty Nine

Charlie and Pam were in heaven, the Jacuzzi removing any stress they had and the cabernet making sure to take care of any residual. The Jacuzzi was raised so one could watch the river flow by, it was so peaceful. Pam was lying next to Charlie, one leg draped over his, her head on his chest and her arm around his torso. Charlie? Yes honey, he replied. What time is it, Pam asked? Not sure, not very late he told her. We have plenty of time before the Crawl. Wrong answer, she said. It’s time for this, she told him sliding her hand down his torso, kissing his neck and anything above water. She was like a little Piranha, come in for a quick nibble and be gone to a new site to before he knew it. Pam took his hand and placed it on her thigh. Charlie could be dense but not about this. His mouth found her breast, his hand her flower and was not long before that tub was hotter than it had been earlier. Pam was in ecstacy and moaned with great pleasure. This tub, the cabernet, the view and Charlie was all she could stand. She just let go and surrendered everything she had in her. It was as an explosion in Charlie’s mind. He heard her will bend and break, he felt her body collapse and give all she had. He had never experienced anything such as this and was awed by the feeling. They lay there totally spent. Charlie added more hot water and poured them each a new glass of Cabernet. Lover, Pam said, I’m not moving for at least a half an hour! Charlie leaned in and kissed her softly, that is just fine with me he told her.

The pub crawl was to be a walking tour of midtown pubs and some reached by train. Pam dressed in a pair of her favorite jeans, not to mention Charlie’s. She put on a green silk blouse and added some exquisite gold jewelry, not heavy and gaudy but refined and expensive. She left her hair down, those long curls dropping over her shoulders. Charlie just dressed in jeans and sweater, hoping he would be acceptable to Pam. Pam had become excited by this crawl. She even loved the name, Pub Crawl. Time was running short and they finished dressing, taking the elevator to the lobby, Jimmy at his post, smiled at them. Enjoy the wine and Jacuzzi he asked? Charlie had a momentary blush but Pam told him, simply fantastic! He grinned and said the crawl starts in about forty five minutes. I have your tickets here and will set you on the right path, after that it is up to you. I hope you enjoy yourselves completely. You’ll meet a lot of new people and have lots of new brews. You have reservations at Haru at midnight. I know you’ll love that place, it is really fantastic.  Jimmy handed them the tickets and pointed them on their way, wishing them a good evening. Jimmy thank you so much Pam said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Charlie shook his hand. Jimmy treasured this couple.

Their destination was Columbus Avenue, the home of Bin 71. They took the train Jimmy told them to and arrived shortly to a group of people waiting on the street. As they approached the group, one man came forward and asked if they were there for the crawl? Pam nodded affirmatively. My name is John and I’m the leader of the pack tonight so to speak. Have you your tickets? Charlie handed them to him. John explained that there were a number of bars and pubs on the tour but please do not feel it necessary to stay for all of them. Just enjoy the company and leave when you feel like it. They entered Bin 71. It was a cozy wine bar that served Italian Cusine. The bar was a horseshoe shape and made of marble. There were French doors. They all gathered around one another feeling more comfortable knowing they were part of a group. Several men approached Pam to chat her up but she quickly dispensed them. There were several obvious couples and Pam sought them out trying to make Charlie more comfortable. One of the couples were on their honeymoon and were just nonstop chattering. Pam and Charlie ordered some wines they had not yet tried and enjoyed them greatly.

Next on the tour was Barcibo Enoteca, just happened to be owned by the same folks as Bin. This place had dim lighting and served tapas. They had an Italian only wine list but served rare scotches and bourbons as well as craft beers. Charlie ordered a Macallan single malt scotch while Pam had a Patron Reposado Tequila. There was Jack Daniels single barrel American Whiskey, very highly prized. Charlie and Pam met a new couple, Brian and Pat. They were from the northeast, Massachusettes to be exact. They were closer to Charlie’s age and were easier to talk to. Charlie asked Brian, what are you drinking? His response was, I found this wonderful craft beer a hint of lemon. Charlie told him he should try the scotch soon. Pam was engaging and in full conversation mode with Pat. Charlie having no idea what they were speaking of. Must be mystical woman stuff, he thought. Charlie watched Pam warming all those around around her, this charming wonderful woman. How was he the recipient of such a gift he wondered.

Next on the list was Blarney Rock, a working man’s bar. This was a union joint and there was no mistaking that. You would find electricians, cops, carpenters and the like. This was a great commuter bar and filled at five every day. They had great burgers and comfort food.

Asa Lounge came next. It occupied the Penthouse of the Dream Hotel. There were amazing views of the city and Times Square. There was a rooftop bar in season. This place did not allow large groups in so the party was separated into couples. And then were fine. The drinks were incredibly expensive but ever so good!

On to the prize of the evening was Annie Moore’s. This was a large Irish bar. At the sidewalk one was greeted with a massive mahogany facia. Massive Double doors of mahogany, the face of the restaurant curved in compliance with the sidewalk. Lamps posted on either side of the doors seemed to come right from London a hundred years past. Oval cut glass allowing light in and customers an attempt at a view in. Once inside, the bar was massive, all mahogany and as heavy as could be imagined. They had typical American cusine and lots of single malts. Charlie loved this place, he was right at home. Pam at his side, the world could never be better than this moment. They chatted with Brian and Pat as well as the newlyweds, Charlie enjoying a single malt, Pam sticking to her top shelf tequila.

It was eleven thirty and time to make it to dinner, Pam starving as usual, not having eaten in many hours. They bade their company goodnight and found a train to take them to Wall Street where Haru was located. Pam and Charlie climbed the stairs from the train emerging onto Wall Street. It was not a long walk to the restaurant, they held hands and were happy. Just before they reached their destination they came upon the Bull of Wall Street. This was a marvelous bronze sculpture, it’s head lowered in a charging stance. This sculpture was massive and the creature’s fierce look designed to impress. Pam ran her hand over the Bull and said, Charlie this is incredible. She took her phone and snapped a picture of Charlie standing, glaring back at the creature and another of them on either side of the head. They spotted Haru and were off, Pam starving of course. The street was quiet and they felt as though it was just for them. They opened the door and were greeted by a very stunning Japanese hostess. She was very demure and dressed in a beautiful silk kimono, her hair jet black and so shiny, her smile so fetching. Pam gave the woman their name and told her of the reservation. The hostess nodded and led them to a wonderful table. The restaurant was very modern and immaculate. The ceiling of this main room was maybe twenty feet in height. There were banners hanging from the ceiling covering the walls. Each had a different Japanese word or design some in a bold red and some in black. As they looked around they saw two private rooms and on the far side of the room was a long bar where they would cook for you right there. They were seated in the main area overlooking a Shinto temple inspired design. It was gorgeous.

Their waiter appeared, introducing himself as Eric. He clearly was Asian but spoke perfect English and must have been born here. Would you care for drinks he inquired? Pam looked at Charlie and said, when in Rome, Charlie nodding in agreement. We’ll have Saki she told Eric. Very good Ma’am he replied, and turned to retrieve their drinks. Pam was pouring over the menus when he returned setting their drinks down on the crisp white table cloth. Pam asked him if he would recommend anything in particular. Eric smiled and told her everything on the menu was excellent and any dish she picked would be enjoyed. I am partial to the sauteed Scallops with black truffle salsa though, he whispered. Pam smiled and told him thank you. Charlie, I am so very hungry and everything looks so wonderful. Charlie picked up his glass of Saki in a toast, to our weekend in the city he said. Pam clinked his glass and took a sip. Eric returned and asked if they were ready to order. Charlie said, I believe so and motioned towards Pam. I’ll have a Kiss of Fire roll for an appetizer and maybe a Spicey Crab Caviar roll. I’ll take your suggestion and have The Scallops. Eric nodded and turned to Charlie. I think I would like a Dragon roll as well as the Haru Wasabi roll. For the entrée, I’ll have the Shrimp and vegetable Tempura and a side of rice for each of us. Very good Eric said, more drinks? Yes please, Charlie replied. It was not long before their meals and drinks arrived and looked spectacular. The colorful plates were so inviting with artful decorations adding to the allure. As they usually did, Charlie and Pam switched plates back and forth, each getting a taste of everything. Pam was in heaven! The portions were so plentiful they even took some back to the hotel for later. Desert honey, Charlie asked? I am so full but I want desert. It looked so good. Eric returned with their take out boxes. Charlie told him we would like desert, maybe the banana spring roll and the Tempura Cheesecake. Very good sir Eric said. Everything was just delicious. They got their check and paid Eric thanking him. They took their boxes and hailed a cab to the Marriot, Pam rested her head on Charlie’s chest and sighed.