Jack made it to New York!
May 24th, 2010
Well, Jack has his first New York trip under his belt.
It took his old daddy almost 35 years to make it and he slides in just under 4 years old for his first taste of the big apple. We had the best time! Bobby and I went up to do some promo for Beringer (greatsteakchallenge.com y'all sign up!) and after a quick run through with the kitchen folks at The Today Show, me,Brooke and Jack took off for Times Square. The "Toys R Us" toy store there is crazy big. I mean right inside the front door is a full size carousel ok? BIG big..... just a New York City size toy store.
Jack couldn't speak for thirty seconds and after that initial shock wore off it was a race to see, touch and push every surface inside. Y'all know me, I was close behind with an industrial size package of Handi-wipes.
After a few minutes, right in front of us, Iron Man and Spider Man walked out of a door to post up for photos and I swear I have never seen two bigger eyes in my life. Next stop was a booth where you could superimpose your picture onto a puzzle with your choice of characters, Jack went the super hero route again, of course. He gets that from his dad.
When we left an hour and a half later, I had four bags all purchased at different times. Best store trip ever. We all had dinner down at Ruby Foos and it was awesome too. We hit up Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes and the Mr. Softee truck for ice cream on our walk back up 5th Ave toward the hotel. Jack slept like a baby that night dreaming of a carousel full of super heroes I'm sure.
Perfect day.......
Day Two. It's raining and doesn't stop. We catch a ride after the show to the kids museum and Brooke says" I bet this place is gonna be packed." I'm thinking not really because school is still in and there is so much else to do that I'm thinking no problem. Ah, problem. Every toddler on the island of Manhattan is inside. All with nannies who are ,at best, paying half attention to the children.
It was a challenging two hours but Jack had a ball. I, on the other hand, came as close as I ever have to calling an eight year old a word that, in this space today, shall not be shared. I found a young lady and asked her if there was possibly another children's museum, any museum, that would be good for Jack and she recommended The Natural Museum of History.
After we left, its still raining by the way, Jack threw his little hand up and successfully hailed his first cab. Of course we took pictures of him paying the fare. We could not have had a better time at the museum, it was so educational and fun at the same time, we should have thought of that before the whole children's museum debacle but hey, what are you gonna do....
It's time to go home, still raining, and when I say I stood at the curb in the rain for 30 straight minutes I mean 30. Straight. Minutes. So I'm soaked, Brooke is dripping and Jack is trying his hardest to crawl up my shirt towards safety. I say" Let's take the subway! It'll be an adventure!" Jack is all for it, his mom less so and me, I'm determined to save the day. There is a station in the lower level of the museum and we country mice make our way down down down onto the platform.
I missed our first stop.
I know 42nd street is Times Square but I was listening for Times Square and ....we got off and headed back uptown and got off in Times Square Station at 5:00 oclock on a rainy day and every person in the world was in a hurry to catch their train. We finally burst up onto the street determined to catch a cab. I stepped off the first curb into a foot of liquid? mud? street runoff? God may know what it was but I don't, and don't ever want to know.
I finally payed a town car twenty five dollars to give us a lift and he dropped us off a half block away from the front door.
Other than that, it was the perfect day.
Thanks for checking back.
do good things
-jamie
Sounds like a perfect trip to NYC! I also saw you on The Today Show and it was wonderful, you two always do a great job!!!
Tara Roddick on May 24 2010
Hi Jamie,
Sounds like New York was a adventure that will be told to your grandchildren one day!! Glad Jack’s first New York trip was great and you all survived. Now you need to bring Jack to San Francisco, ride the cable car, see the sea lions at the pier, etc., etc.
Take care and enjoy your week.
Diane on May 24 2010
i so enjoyed this!! love the whole big family***
rita burkey on May 24 2010
love, love , love NYC…..taking my daughter there this week (she’s 22, but we will both act like kids!!)
Loved reading about your visit!!
Jennifer J Roach on May 24 2010
Wow what a trip! I wasn’t aware that my 8 yr. old grandson was in NYC, but I am sure it’s him you are referring to…lol
Maryanne on May 24 2010
That sounds like you guys had a great time! Thanks for sharing.
Mary D. on May 24 2010
Jamie,
Jack and my granddaughter, Ellason, were born on the same day. I can’t imagine taking her to New York. That would be a ‘wild’ trip. But she’s a sweetie and I’m sure that he is too. Hey,maybe we could let them meet in about 16 years. 
Take care…love your whole family. You are one lucky guy!
Donna Proffitt on May 24 2010
I would love to do NYC with my seven grandchildren—-ages 15 to 5, but I am not that brave yet—-maybe some day. Sounds like a wonderful trip—-would love the museums. The Natural Museum of History sounds wonderful. Keep up the good cookg—-enjoy it all. Say hi to your Mama!!!
Bonita on May 24 2010
Sounds like Grandma saved the day and was a good sort—your grandson will surely remember what you did/do for him-hope to see one of your shows some days and meet you—love your recipes and going to try your sons mac n cheese recipe at our up-coming family reunion-Love all kinds of cookbooks-save them-but have none of yours yet as I usually get them at yardsales- you are a delight to watch on your cooking shows and LOVE that accent!
Judy Ameigh-Grover on May 24 2010
I love New York, I haven’t been in awhile but being from Maine, I was terrified my first time, but it was worth it as it was for my son when he went on a class trip a few years ago. He was fifteen and he came back acting just like a little kid again, its amazing the excitment you see in your children’s eyes with every new experience. I hope you guys get to come to Maine again some day, you came for Road Tasted but it would be cool to see you do a show.
Diane on May 24 2010
That is the only story of New York City that made it sound any where near like a fun place to visit. Thanks for sharing it
J.B.Wofford on May 24 2010
LOL—loved reading about your adventures in NYC with Jack. I’m heading there in about a month-but the monsters—I mean kids 
are staying at home!
Tiff on May 24 2010
lol welcome to NYC. Glad it was a nice trip overall though.
Ani Vuolo on May 24 2010
i love your mothers show watch it all the time .sounds like ya’ll had a great trip.god bless
elainetucker on May 24 2010
Sounds like a wonderful time…question for you…did you take a stroller w/you? If so, what kind was it? We are planning a trip to NY but debating on whether or not to take a stroller, plus we need a larger one-our guy is three, but big for his age. Thanks!
MamaLyn on May 24 2010
You were in my old stomping grounds. Literally, I was a Gal-Friday in Manhattan and I got to walk all over that area. Did you get to FAO Schwarts? That is another fantastic toy store. Keep coming back as he gets older so he’ll remember a lot more. The cab vs. rain thing - that’s normal. That’s why people carry such big bags around with them. Umbrella’s, sneakers, change of clothes, etc. Be prepared! It all happens in the BIG APPLE! Hope you had a great time. New Yorkers are the best people!
Laura Melendez on May 24 2010
Hey Jamie
I’ll take Savannah over NYC any day. We just had a wonderful week there at the end of March. Went to Bubba’s every chance we got and Lady and Sons. Walked through all the beautiful squares. Had a room overlooking the river, but apparently there was a fuel spill by a cargo ship and that wasn’t quite as pleasant—odor pretty much gone by Wednesday. Wonderful time though! Y’all have a beautiful place to live!
Phyllis Godwin on May 24 2010
iam glad you had a great time you and your mother and bobby are so great to watch on food network i watch you all all the time i like they way you all act when you all are togeather you all are a great family to watch. and i love you recipe keep up with the good moments and shows and recipe. and jack is so cute.
denise on May 24 2010
What fun you had in the big Apple ! I spent 23 year’s in North and South Carolina while my husband was in the Air Force, got to know you and your brother and your m wonderful Mom, saw you boy’s do great thing’s, you get meeting the love of your life, getting married, having that sweet boy, and I just want to thank you for letting me into your life and sharing this yummy recipe’s that now that I am back in Vermont, I cook… sweet tea, and all the other’s! ya’ll are the BEST !!
Laurie M Shaw on May 24 2010
Jamie, I have to tell you NYC is fun, but in the rain it just sucks like a hoover! We were there with our friends from Ireland (first time for her 15 y/o son) three years ago, and one party had a boot cast on, and we walked all of NY b/c the cabs were on strike or not running, or sleeping! it was horrible, and my Irish friends almost died from all of the walking… they don’t do that in Ireland apparently
Heath on May 24 2010
Glad the trip was great. Love watching your Mothers show and love it when she has her sons on with her . you are all so special.
sharon stacy on May 24 2010
Hi Jamie. My family is from Australia, and back in 2008 we were living in Illinois for a year. We made a weekend trip to New York with our 2 girls (6 years and 4 years). We stayed in Times Square, and armed with 1 stroller, we walked everywhere for 2 and a half days. My girls loved that Toys “r” Us store. The carousel was a BIG hit. We went from Central Park to Grand Central Station to Empire State Building to World Trade Centre Site to Statue of Liberty, took 2 trips on the subway, and came home completely exhausted but wishing we saw more of such an interesting city. Glad to hear Jack and yourselves had such a great time. Belinda.
belinda on May 24 2010
When are ya’ll going to have another beautiful baby? Love to hear your Mama talk about Jack on her shows. Grandmother’s love is so special - I have 3 grandsons, 2 granddaughters ages 7 to 21months!!!!!
faye coats on May 24 2010
Aw that is such a wonderful story! I loved it and you have a gift for writing. Jack is precious - I can see him now in these adventures. My husband and I are going to NYC for the first time this weekend to take our 19 year old daughter who is going to the Stella Adler School of Acting. We are from South Carolina. It took us a combined total of 98 years and here she is all wet behind the ears….well, sniff, sniff, you get the picture. Hope we have as good an experience as you and your family. Love to watch any and all things Paula Deen and the Deen Family - makes me feel at home - and love butter, butter, butter. Used to get many a whipping when I was little because I would get the butter out the fridge and eat it - Momma always knew it was my teeth marks on there…lol.
Debbie Woods on May 24 2010
your trip sounded wonderful i hope you had a great time i have always wanted to go to new york but i havent had a chance to jack is so precious and you have a beautiful wife i have a niece named brooke tell you mom that i said hi i live in virginia a little town named culpeper virginia
michelle hoffman on May 24 2010
Good for you and Brooke! I teach 4 and 5 year olds and it makes me so happy when parents do things with their child/children. I see a lot of parents who don’t have the time to do things with their children but have time to do what they want!! My advice to any parent is spend time with your child and discipline them and don’t wait until they are 7 and then try to discipline them. Teach them from birth!!
Teresa Tart on May 24 2010
Loved reading your adventures with< Jack and Brooke. I love the whole family. Watch your Mom’s shows all the time. I want so bad to come to Sanvannah, and one day i want to meet your Mom. Take care
Sharon Mabe on May 24 2010
OH Jamie! I so imagined every thing as I was reading!! And Jack Hauling a cab!!! OMG!! So funny!! I probably would have stood there and cried as he did it!!Just love that age!!
You don’t realize how well behaved your own children are until you get them around other children from other areas of the U.S..LOL!!!
I am a no “nonsense” mom…which means a put up with NO NONSENSE from my 7 yr old and 5 yr old…But they do make me laugh at least once a day!!!
So glad you had a great New York experience…and so glad you allow us to experience it with you!!
Love you all!!
Andrea L.
PS Hi Lisa!!
Andrea Lepinske on May 25 2010
Hey Jamie and Bobby, just loved your story about NY and Jack. I’ve never been to NYC. Maybe some day.
Finally got to see Chefs vs. City. I recorded it but last week Food Network ran a rerun of it and I was cleaning and had the TV on and there it was. So cleaning got put on hold and I watched the show. Remembering all the dishes just cracked me up. Lucky for you guys that you didn’t have to EAT ANYTHING yucky. Boy, Bobby, can you RUN. You left your brother in the dust!!!!
Saw one of Best Dishes and Bobby, you and your mother were grilling steak and making stuffed zuchinni. Looked so good and I didn’t write the recipe down and want to try it. Can you post it here or maybe Lisa might know where I can get it. Thanks.
Memorial Day weekend is coming up. Have a good time in whatever you do. Jamie, how about some pictures????? Another podcast would be nice and WELCOME.
HUGS to you both, JANN
Jann on May 25 2010
welcome to new york, you had a perfect day, there’s nothing like taking a subway train @ rush hours in the big apple i loved it, did it all my life. can’t wait to do it again, have retired and moved south now.
chris timmons on May 25 2010
Oh my gosh, I’m sitting here laughing! You were so descriptive I had a visual of your trip, and it’s only funny cuz it wasn’t me I’ve never been to New York. My guess is it’s not like my first visit to the South. Savannah was breathtaking and everyone was so friendly and I had a rental car and never spent more than 20 minutes driving to where I was going. No traffic, no rain, no 4 year old, no crowds. Just me and my beautiful daughter. 15 years old, smiling, fun - you only have 11 years for that!
Jamie, Samantha and I had the time of our life meeting you and being at the benefit at your Mom’s house. We ate at your restaurant, ate at Bubba’s, visited Tybee Island (loved the lighthouse) and were so sad to leave but the memories we have will be with us forever.
I enjoy your blog, please keep writing. Be sure to let me know when you’ll be in Northern California! Hugs to yourself, Brooke and Jack, oh - and Bobby too
Always,
Tracey Lopez, Turlock CA
Tracey Lopez on May 25 2010
touches my heart when i read “Brooke” instead of “my wife”. thats real nice.
now to top off this great family story, we need pictures!
Donna S on May 25 2010
loved your honest blog. your ny trip sounds like my husband’s and my daily life. just the part about the little detours. but what a great insight on your trip. I think every parent dreams of that special trip for their children and family. p.s. your mama raise you right.
Rita Tonnesen (kitchen Rose) on May 25 2010
Hello Jaime, Read your blog every morning before I go to my son’s school to work. I meant to write this last week but time slipped away from me. You recently discussed about kids and their summer camps. I just would like to mention about the importance of giving to the Second Harvest Food Banks. We recently had a kids summer food drive in our area. Just in our area alone 85,000 kids will be needing food for the summer. They either receive free or reduced lunches in our schools. I see first hand the needs of the kids at the school I work at. Please pass the word on to give our kids the food and love they need for the summertime. Thank You for listening. Shelia Key
Shelia Key on May 26 2010
I love your stories Jamie!!! You had me laughing!! What an adventure you, Brooke and Jack had in NY! We haven’t gone to NY with the kids yet but thanks for the info.! We definitely have to check out that Toys r’us! Carousel inside!?!?!
It was so nice to see you all at the benefit dinner!! We had an awesome time!!
Enjoy your day and take care!!!
‘Hi’ to Bobby!!
Marina on May 27 2010
I am taken back each time I visit NY and I can only imagine seeing it through a toddler’s eyes. I love interactive children’s stores even as an adult. I bet Jack is still dreaming about this great experience. Taxis in NY scare the crap out of me. I just get in and say my prayers. I don’t think I breath the entire time in the car!!
Have a great summer with Jack and do lots of fun things together. They grow up so fast.
As always love reading your blog.
Kimberly Whitacre on May 29 2010
Hi Jamie,
Wow, sounds like a great time! It’s so much fun to see the amazement on the little one’s faces. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your summer with Jack, the super hero’s camp sounds like it will be a great adventure as well.
Take care,
Rose
Rose on June 01 2010
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sounds like fun! i miss NYC we were there when yall were on the today show back in march and we waited around and finally got to meet you and your mom! Highlight of my life!!!!!
kyle blackburn on May 24 2010