I usually day-trip to New York, since it's so close. But last weekend, I spent an impromptu, much-needed overnight in the Big Apple. Changing the view every once in a while is so life-affirming. I was blessed with gorgeous weather.

I lunched on these pan-fried veggie dumplings at a Korean hole-in-the-wall restaurant across from the hotel. Sublime – and just $1.99.

As I wandered through Little Italy, I happened upon the annual St. Anthony parade and festival.

It reminded me of the block parties that churches in my home town threw each year.

Street vendors, food stalls, kiddie rides and swarms of people took it all in.

All that good, clean fun made me hungry so I headed to Zezra, a sweet little Moroccan restaurant on curry row in the East Village. I started with Moroccan Lentil Soup, followed by this mezze plate. It featured 3 dips: baba ganouj, bakoula [spinach and herbs, sort of like a North African saag] and matbucha [a tomato and red-pepper spread]. Please excuse the grainy photos. I love my iPhone but I'm not crazy about its camera, especially on indoor shots.

I cleansed my palette with a post-dinner pot of fresh mint tea.

The next day, I lunched at S'Nice in Brooklyn. It's a cheerful, sunny neighborhood joint with wall to ceiling windows and a patio for outdoor seating.

I ordered the smoked tofu, sun-dried tomato, and pesto panino – a classic flavor triple play. It was served on some of the best bread I've ever tasted. [I have to remember to try out this combination on my new panini press.]

Time to hydrate again, this time with a strawberry bubble drink at a little sweet shop in Chinatown.

Another view of the architectural details. How much we miss by staring straight ahead.

I love how the mature trees reach up to tickle the toes of the fire escapes.