With the countdown to 2024 fast approaching, New York’s Times Square is one of the world’s biggest stages for the official New Year’s celebration. The famous ball-drop ceremony began in 1907, and the tradition has become a universal celebration to usher in the New Year.
This year’s featured performers include South African Grammy-nominated artists Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, Flo Rida, Paul Anka, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jelly Roll.
Earlier in the week, I visited the Virgin Hotels NYC (virginhotels.com) for dinner with the hotel’s owner, John Lam, and Jason G. Loughran, a Veteran of the US Navy who currently serves as the Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs for the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services.
As you probably know by now, red is my color – so I especially enjoyed all the red décor, from the red carpet at the entrance to the fabulous red grand piano! The hotel has an NYE experience, which includes dinner and dancing, champagne, spa, and a salt room recovery session with a recovery brunch!
Speaking of food, it was over to Hatsuhana (hatsuhana.com) where I had to try their newest Box of Fantasies – an eclectic mix of yellowtail with shaved seasonal truffles, blue-fin toro tartar with royal Ossetra caviar, and copped freshwater eel with avocado and tempura flakes.
Of course, I had to visit the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – mobbed with people. Apparently, you need to be at the tree when it lights up at exactly 5 am for that perfect selfie. I stepped up on a ledge to get a better shot – but was quickly told to step back down by a security guard. Luckily, I’m good at snapping photos fast!
I arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org) for the Manet Degas exhibition at 9:45 am, and there was already a long queue of people. Again, I got stopped by security when I finally entered the museum.
While my backpack was okay, I had a small piece of luggage they wouldn’t allow into the museum. Fortunately, the guy at the hot dog stand just across from the main entrance saw me all in red, and he was kind enough to store my bag for $10 (R186).
Dinner was at the amazing Nobu Downtown (noburestaurants.com) with my South African bestie Ross Franks. Nobu features a special NYE Omakase menu with unique chef creations, a DJ ringing in the new year, and Nobu’s signature pumpkin cake.
Wherever you are in the world, I wish you safe travels and exciting experiences in 2024!
