New York
Catching up with Sam in New York. Sam had a free flight voucher to use befoe it expired and some (unfortunately forlorn) hopes of Canon releasing a new R5 Mark II while in the USA on this trip. Alas no new camera, but was still good to hang out with Sam, and play with some new toys for our existing cameras-- the new(ish) RF 135L IS and the very new 10-20L IS. Brought along the 15-35L IS as well, because as unique as the 10-20mm/f4L IS is, it's not exactly the most appropriate lens for food photography, nor low-light situations.
Highlight of today was dinner at Peter Luger, a New York City institution that somehow neither Sam nor I had tried til now. They dry age steaks and serve them extremely hot, with serving plates that continue the sear at the table. Their bacon is also extra thick and almost important a part of their legend. Verdict was pretty damned good for the price, with their dry aged rib steak for two being so fatty it did not need butter for cooking (Sam is dairy-free so that was a special request), and their service is not only old school but the kitchen is extremely quick. Quite fun but hard to say it's worth going again, between the difficulties of getting a reservation (which is required) plus the fact that making good, if not better, steak at home is something I can do myself.
Had to get steps in so walked across the Williamsburg Bridge after dinner, right around sunset, into Chinatown. Some solid if not particularly interesting photography opportunities on the walk across the bridge, including a random yakitori cart. Sam wanted dessert so we found Zhen Pin Cafe for decent smoothies at a little food court in Chinatown-- they had milk tea and tea too, but opted to avoid caffeine so late at night.