Today marks 10 years since the 9|11 tragedy.  Over the past several days there have been documentaries on TV and memorial tributes to 9|11.  We went to the Angels vs Yankees game on Friday evening and they rolled out the American Flag on the field as a tribute to America.  There are so many stories from those on that day.  I am sure many of you looked back and thought about where you were on that day the planes struck the World Trade Center towers.  Most of us on the west coast woke up to the tragic news.  Our alarm clock went off that morning to the news on the radio.  We were in shock to hear the 1st tower had been struck and immediately stood up in bed and turned on the TV to see the news. We have taken a moment to remember that day, it was tragic.  I teared up today as I watched the coverage in New York City as they launched the Memorial Fountains at Ground Zero.  Many lives were lost and peoples lives were changed forever.

It is hard to believe that someone would want to cause so much pain to a country and its people.  We will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001 but we will live our lives and hopefully cherish each day that we are given.  I know I do.   I can’t even imagine being near those buildings when they collapsed.  I can relate though to the loss of a loved one.  Though time goes by, we live on but never forget them.  It is hard to understand why things happen, but we must stand together and be thankful for each day we are given.

Most of you know how much Jeff and I love to travel!  Recently, we had a brief visit to New York City. Today I wanted to share some shots from our trip to New York City this summer as a tribute to the city.  Though the city suffered at one time, it is still a beautiful place.  We only drove by Ground Zero as it was and still is under construction, but explored many other places in Manhattan.
To all of those that lost their lives September 11, 2001 we remember you!  Thank you to all of those who served on that day and since then.  We will never forget what you did for us.

 I took this from the car of One New York Plaza in the financial district of New York City

 View of the city looking up through the sun roof in our car!

Portrait of a Couple walking in the street of New York City

Imagine in Strawberry Fields, New York City

Directing Traffic in New York City

Subway Sign in New York City

View of the New York City Scape from the 86th floor view of the Empire State Building

Another view of New York City and its skyscrapers.  This shot was taken from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.  In the distance to the right you can see the Statue of Liberty.  Just to the left of the Hudson from there you can see the construction of the new tower at Ground Zero.

Jeff and I have lived in the Tustin and Orange areas for about 10 years now.  We have driven up and down Newport Boulevard in Tustin hundreds of times and have always wondered about the Ivy covered building called Nieuport 17.  We have always wanted to check out the restaurant, but never seemed to find the time.  Well, recently the mystery has been solved as  Nieuport 17 hosted our Orange County Blog Crush group this month.

Tustin’s Nieuport 17 Restaurant is a local restaurant serving premiere steak, seafood and cocktails.

Walking into the Aviation themed spot, I felt like I was walking into another time.  The walls were covered with photos and such of aviation history.  Owner Bill Bettis shared with us his story of opening his restaurant and told us the background of  Nieuport 17.  He named his restaurant after a World War 1 airplane.  Many of you may not know, but Tustin used have a large military base in their city, so famous Pilots and Officers used to flock to this restaurant for dining and cocktails.

Lobby of Nieuport 17 Restaurant

Neiuport 17 is filled with grand decor including the Antler Chandeliers

Nieuport 17 Dining Room

Executive Chef Marco Colin served several fantastic specialties including a

Goat Cheese, Pecan and Fig Appetizer (They were divine)

Not only does Nieuport 17 have fabulous food and a wonderful dining experience, but each evening they have live entertainment in the Barnstormers Bar.  Jeff and I loved this.  We sat by the fireplace in the tufted sofa and listened to the piano player.  The best part was we sipped some of our favorite classic cocktails.  I enjoyed a Pimm’s Cup (or two) and Jeff, an Old Fashioned.  We totally loved our experience and the service was impeccable.  We just may have found a new spot to dine or just sit and enjoy a cocktail when we need a break.

Nieuport 17 is located at:  13051 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780