An Early Taste of Summer

Break out the air conditioner units, New Yorkers! Summer has arrived!

Wait…

Summer? But isn’t it only April?!

Yes, it is only April but this past week New York hit record high temperatures. On Wednesday, Central Park actually hit 90 degrees and broke the current record of 89 degrees in 1929! As someone with Scandinavian blood, I am not used to hot weather arriving so early in the year, so my friends and I took advantage of this rarity and celebrated in Central Park.


There is nothing I love more than springtime in New York with its picturesque flowers, luscious green lawns, and a feeling of rejuvenation and overall beauty after a harsh winter. While some New Yorkers head to Washington D.C. to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, those of us who live on the Upper East Side just need to step outside our back yard to experience our own cherry blossom festival in Central Park.


From the Shakespeare Garden, to the Belvedere Castle, and finally to the Great Lawn, my friends and I leisurely stroll through the park until we find a comfortable place to sit and watch the families, couples, and friends basking in the sun and enjoying an exceptional summer day in April.


After several hours in the hot sun, my friends and I decided to cool off for an early dinner at Atlantic Grill on Third Avenue between 76th and 77th Street. Good thing I planned ahead and made reservations because Atlantic Grill is always packed – and rightfully so – the food is fresh and delicious! It seemed all the families in Central Park had the same idea about an early dinner. For such a well-established seafood restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see how accommodating Atlantic Grill is for families with several menu options for children.


As my friends dined on Scottish Salmon and Jumbo Day Boat Scallops, I enjoyed a perfectly prepared Crab Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Porcini Mushrooms and Sweet Garlic Farro Risotto. Even after such generous portions, we couldn’t resist the dessert menu and finished with the White Chocolate-Orange Creme Brulée with a Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroon and a Caramelized Banana Ice Cream Tower in a Hazelnut Shell with Toasted Marshmallow Sauce. Not only was the food delicious at Atlantic Grill, but the service was excellent and the staff was patient and very hospitable to large groups of friends and families.

At the end of this perfect and rare hot, spring day I was able to enjoy three of my favorite things on the Upper East Side: Central Park, fine dining, and fabulous friends! I may not be used to 90 degree summer days in April, but I can definitely get used to an early summer of relaxation, fun, food, and friends on the Upper East Side!