Ashley Harrell

Yesterday evening was a fantastic adventure as Brian, Jess, Jenson, and I braved the depths of Hell’s Kitchen (no, not the reality cooking show – the neighborhood) for a taping of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”  Suffice it to say– Jon is short.  But he’s still hot.  Now- let me inform you that New York has been blessed during the last few days with some weirdly warm “spring-like” weather.  Temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s, beautiful blue skies, children running rampant off leashes… it has been marvelous.  So we weren’t too disappointed to learn we would have to be waiting in line for quite a while before we could pass through high-level security into the miniscule set of Comedy Central’s prized political comedy.  We barely made the cut as guests in the studio, and unfortunately had to split up – but the show was splendid.  Before taping began, we were entertained by a comic (name?) who cracked up the audience and forced us to chuckle and clap, a much needed diversion from the Arctic-like temperatures pumping through the air vents.  By the time Jon came out, everyone was anxious to hear what he would say about New Hampshire.  The show was a great time, and I’d highly recommend anyone who lives in or visits New York to get tickets to a taping.  Unfortunately, we had to endure a heavy conscience after stepping through the WGA strike, but the show and it’s staff and clearly show their opinion, both on and off-camera, that they want all the writers and producers to come to “the table” and to reach an agreement.  Certainly, the world will be a better place once they do.  I wonder what some of the presidential candidates would say if I brought that up at their next debate?  I can already imagine it: Obama saying “change, change” and Hilary saying “I’ve been creating change for the past thirty years… (eyes tear up) I just- I just-…” etc. etc.  For more info on the Writer’s Strike, please check out the WGA website.

Moving on.  After our riveting escape into comedy-world, Brian and I trekked across town to a Halal food cart at 53rd and 6th Avenue, rumored to have THE BEST CART FOOD IN THE CITY.  That’s a gargantuan claim.  Do you realize how many freaking food carts there are?!  Believe it or not, I just googled the place and they have a website.  I know.  Well, we knew we had arrived at the right location, not only by the street signs, but by the line of hungry patrons assembled down 53rd.  After waiting about 15 minutes (yes, tonight is the night of waiting in line), we were finally rewarded with our plates of rice, lamb, chicken, salad, pita, and “tasty white sauce.”  Tasty.  Actually, the food was incredible – just what the doctor ordered.  The tasty white sauce however, was just watered down mayonnaise.  Instead, I grabbed the red sauce and, like a dumb cartoon character, squirted it all over my plate.  SPICY!  But so good…

Moving on.  Uptown – to the newest phenomenon of frozen yogurt: Pinkberry!  I’m not sure how widely-known this chain is, but they have delicious frozen yogurt (plain or green tea) with tons of fresh toppings.  Definitely a place to stop if you’re on 2nd avenue around 82nd street… at least I think that’s where it was… Brian and I frequently forget the location since we can rarely afford a $6 fro-yo.  

After a wonderful night, it was back to the reality of life – but our breach into la-la land sure was fun!