September 02, 2023, 06:28 AM
mttaylor1066My future son-in-law and I needed new shoes for the upcoming wedding. Suddenly, I realized…
In speaking to my daughter about her impending nuptials, she asked that I wear a tuxedo to one of the ceremonies she has scheduled. Her fiancée would be wearing a tux…but he needed some black dress shoes. So did I, not owning a single pair of black shoes. I suggested that he and I meet at Allen Edmonds in Midtown Manhattan to get some quality footwear.
“Tell him I’ll buy his pair, as a wedding present.” According to my daughter, “he really lit up at that gesture.”
But it slowly dawned on me that shoe shopping and walking around Manhattan with shopping bags… well, it really puts a big debit on your man card.
To recharge our cards we had lunch at Smith & Wollensky’s, an ultra masculine steak joint that many on this forum are familiar with. After consuming prodigious quantities of Porterhouse and splitting a bottle of Stag’s Leap Cabernet, we needed something more.
Our next step was to visit the Carnegie Club, a cigar lounge for some Arturo Fuente sticks with a bourbon for him and a Caol Ila whisky for me.
I’m feeling more manly this morning… and I got some nice shoes in the deal.
I’m also convinced my daughter has made a good choice.
September 02, 2023, 08:10 AM
smschulzSounds like money well spent.
September 02, 2023, 08:18 AM
HRKWell done, a morning in Midtown, Smith and Wolenskys, Cigars, libations.... well done!
September 02, 2023, 09:50 AM
TonydecSounds like a manly men's day. Congrats.
If properly maintained, you'll get close to a lifetime out of those shoes.
September 03, 2023, 09:02 AM
spunk639Smith's at 49th and 3rd, only one not in the chain, still owned and operated by the founder. Excellent food and service.
September 03, 2023, 11:08 AM
RobLewquote:
Originally posted by mttaylor1066:
In speaking to my daughter about her impending nuptials, she asked that I wear a tuxedo to one of the ceremonies she has scheduled. Her fiancée would be wearing a tux…but he needed some black dress shoes. So did I, not owning a single pair of black shoes. I suggested that he and I meet at Allen Edmonds in Midtown Manhattan to get some quality footwear.
“Tell him I’ll buy his pair, as a wedding present.” According to my daughter, “he really lit up at that gesture.”
But it slowly dawned on me that shoe shopping and walking around Manhattan with shopping bags… well, it really puts a big debit on your man card.
To recharge our cards we had lunch at Smith & Wollensky’s, an ultra masculine steak joint that many on this forum are familiar with. After consuming prodigious quantities of Porterhouse and splitting a bottle of Stag’s Leap Cabernet, we needed something more.
Our next step was to visit the Carnegie Club, a cigar lounge for some Arturo Fuente sticks with a bourbon for him and a Caol Ila whisky for me.
I’m feeling more manly this morning… and I got some nice shoes in the deal.
I’m also convinced my daughter has made a good choice.
What did you get? Park Avenues?
September 03, 2023, 11:26 AM
mttaylor1066Exactly right, Park Avenues in cap toe with their combination sole.
The wedding is three weeks away, the combination sole will provide traction and comfort without a break in period to roughen the sole.
I like my Carlyle version shoes with the full leather soles, but it took about five wearings to stop from sliding like a horse on ice.
Beancooker and Woodman have been my spirit guides for shoe purchases.
September 03, 2023, 11:34 AM
mttaylor1066quote:
Originally posted by spunk639:
Smith's at 49th and 3rd, only one not in the chain, still owned and operated by the founder. Excellent food and service.
That’s the place!
I love the wait staff there. We had a gentleman named Brad, a relatively new employee. I think he said he’d been there only five years. He displayed just the right amount of attention to our table, was gracious when I asked if the wine could be decanted and his familiarity struck the right chord with us.
When the wait staff adds to the experience, I am more than glad to give a generous tip… even when the base billing is substantial… as it always is in Midtown Manhattan.
Considering what I’m spending on this wedding, this lunch was just an appetizer. Weddings in Brooklyn and Manhattan ain’t cheap… especially if your daughter has been a bridesmaid for 12 of her friends over the past few years. The confirmed guest list is 200 persons.
September 03, 2023, 12:03 PM
spunk639I resided up the Block on 50th street half the month until 2017, still in Manhattan for court quite a bit, a good friend has been a waiter there since 1985. Service makes the dining experience even better.