Well actually, we’re not in NYC yet. But its little brother Secaucus showed us a fine time last night.

View from our hotel room

Located at the west end of the Lincoln Tunnel, Secaucus is a good choice for people who want to stay *near* New York City, but not *in* New York City, because you are either insane or unwise to drive — let alone try to find a place to park for three days — in Manhattan. We like to leave the driving to public transportation.

We weren’t supposed to get the NYC view at the Embassy Suites, but during check-in, the Thriller happened to ask if they had any city view suites left, knowing the answer would be no, as the 9th floor suites are often the first to go, and are reserved for the HH Honors customers (whatever they are).

Well as it happened, they had one left, and after the front desk gal thought a minute, she said, “I can give it to you for $5 more.” Sold!

After checking in, we answered the call of our growling stomachs by driving into the old downtown part of Secaucus to have dinner at Trattoria da Pino — a restaurant we’d read about on Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Yikes. We left weighing about six pounds more — each. Living in small-town Midwest, we rarely get the chance to see a truly authentic Italian restaurant, where the owner is actually Italian and the only chef. What a treat.

The Thriller obediently posed outside.

There are 36 chairs in the entire place.

Served family style, we shared courses of bruschetta, salad, and this fantastic pasta carbonara — all before the main entree.

When we were sure we were completely full, the main course arrived. Herbed chicken and Italian sausage with crispy potatoes. Out of this woild. Cheesecake for dessert — and we were done in.

Looking a bit road-weary, but happy.

After breakfast today (and after rush hour), we’re heading into the city. On the menu is the 9/11 Museum, and if it’s not too ghastly hot and thunderstorm-y, walking the Brooklyn Bridge and heading out to Coney Island. All up in the air at this moment, but that’s OK — we’re on vacation!