Alecia, OF COURSE, I will let you know when I’m in CA. I would never miss an opportunity to meet anyone on this forum

Maya & Tanya, it’s pretty sure that it’s the weekend of 31st January. In fact, it’s 99% sure that the YLF get together will be that day (Saturday 31st). We intend flying out on Sunday.

Inge, give yourself an early birthday present and come join us!!! There are plenty of airfare and hotel deals at that time of the year – it’s completely off season. I’m being VERY serious. Your flight from Belgium to NYC is shorter than our flight from Seattle! Please give it some thought.

Briana, I love your comment about taking photos of the food as well as ourselves. Actually the food at this place might outshine us!

Inge, please, please join us! Please! We could celebrate your birthday too! (Candle in that Balthazar chocolate cake, anyone?)

Oooh maybe they can make one BIG cake if it's for someone's birthday.

Inge it would be so super duper to have you! I know it sounds like a wacky idea but maybe you're in a wacky mood

There is a chance I might join you as well, especially if any one of you driving from Boston could give me a ride.

The more the merrier

Just out of curiosity, why don't you all take the train down from Boston and cab it to Soho? Is the Boston train station not convenient for everyone? Driving into Manhattan is such a pain - not to mention exorbitant parking fees that could be spent on chocolate cake at Balthazar

I envy the train transportation on the East Coast corridor. Out here in the hinterlands of Chicago, it's much less handy.

There is a possibility I might be able to come! Is that date of January 3st firm? (I have to look for a flight.)

It 99% is, Tarzy! I'm SO excited you're considering this!!! You'll make your Papa and us happy

Hi Angie,

Wow, a New York food/shopping experience with you and YLFsters.
I am looking into hotels now. I would love to make it.
I have not been to New York for years.
Is anyone from Boston thinking of taking the train?
Kellee

I agree with Laura. Taking a car would be crazy and inconvenient. Take the train! You can catch the Acela Express from Back Bay (or South Station, whichever is closer to you) to Penn Station. If the timing is right, I could even meet you there since I will likely be coming into Penn as well.

Or you could always take the glamorous Fung Wah bus

Yay, yay, yay!

How absolutely great that Tara might fly in! Yippee! (happy dance). And Kellee too! Double happy dance! Look out, Manhattan, here we come!

p.s. one more reason for Boston area YLFers to take the train: possible bad weather at end of Jan.

More yays from me! I think we're up to a possible total of 8 NY YLF'ers at the moment. I'm over the moon!

Laura, I HOPE, HOPE, HOPE that we don't get snow delays. My panic prayers have started.

Big sigh. You guys have no idea, truly no idea, HOW tempted I am. I've been thinking about it all weekend, and although this is exactly my kind of wacky (grin, Maya), I just don't think it's going to work this time around. (combination of budget restraints - I know Angie, there are great deals then, but I also know myself, and I'd definitely want to do some serious shopping while in New York too - and work obligations).

But let me tell you, a seed has been planted and I'll be watching news of any upcoming get-togethers very closely, and will see if I can make it to one SOON.

And now I'll probably be dreaming about that chocolate cake for weeks!-)

(Btw, Photographing your food before eating it: I like it Maya. Close-ups this time, pretty please)

And also: I was really touched by your encouragement to join everybody in New York. Thank you ladies!!

Oh, Inge, I'm so sorry you can't make the trip, but it is completely understandable. It's a big trip and the shopping temptations make it potentially even more expensive. Still, you will be missed!

We'll miss you Inge, but I'm glad to know you even considered it! I'll stick a little candle in my cake and take a picture for you

I conpletely understand your decision. Flying to NY is the cheap part. BEING in NY is the expensive part.

Maya, is there any way for you to get a handle on what stores we should plan to attack after we have our insanely caloric meal? (Yes, I am planning on waffles AND cake, lol!)

What are the best stores in that area ... who's having huge sales ... etc. etc. Or should we just hit the streets and see what we find?

Laura, I can certainly do some research. Most of those stores are out of my budget, but I'll happily come along to see what everyone else finds. I think it might be best to go with a loose plan in hand because it will be freezing cold and I don't think we're really going to want to stroll around.

Other than the usual designer stores, there is a Mango, H&M, the kitschy Pearl River Market and my favorites - the MOMA store & Uniqlo.

Not to worry, Inge. You are a darling to even consider flying in. Know that you will be missed.

Maya, I was hoping to hit some killer consignment stores. Any chance of that? I’m going to need loads of tea and biscuit breaks while we shop. I don’ do that well in temperatures below freezing. I might need to shop up a storm in one shop just to stay warm!

It was bitterly cold here today I am considering getting a puffer jacket even though it's not my preferred look. I can't stand being cold.

I went to school in Brooklyn before so I am familiar with consignment shops there, and in NJ, but not really Manhattan. I'll ask around.

BTW there is a Chanel boutique on Spring street, pretty close to Balthazar and a Pylones! Which is not fashion related but adorable nonetheless.

I am so tempted! I would definitely join you if I were still at home, however with my work and other obligations I had to pass.

Have fun and take a lot of pictures! I'll definitely remember the resturaunt and stores you recommended so I can visit them when I have a chance to be there.

MOMA store! Yay!

Shana & Maya - Is there still a French Connection store in Soho?

There was when I was there a few years ago, Laura.

Julia, you need a break. Join us!

I am excited at the possibility of going to Uniqlo! I really like that store!

Hmmm. I'm thinking we'll need a LONG YLF get together day in NYC. At what time should we start?

Tanya, do you think you'll be able to make it?

Angie, if we're going out for breakfast I don't think it should be a problem. We will have to be there fairly early anyway.