Pre-cruise

We came up to New York a day early, on Amtrak from Fredericksburg, VA to New York Penn Station. We stayed the night at the Hilton Times Square (236 W. 42nd), using some our Hilton points for the room. It's a very nice hotel in a great location. For dinner that night we went to Victor's Cafe, a Cuban restaurant located at 234 W. 52nd. Several friends had recommended the place and it had great on-line reviews. We were not disappointed, either. It's a bit pricey, but what isn't in New York? From their prix-fixe dinner menu, I highly recommend their homemade chicken soup with corn and diced avocado, and the Ropa Vieja—Victor's House Specialty (Shredded Black Angus skirt steak simmered in garlic, tomatoes, onions, and peppers nestled in a plantain basket.) They are both terrific. I also highly recommend Victor's watermelon Mojitos, but be warned, they pack a punch—a very nice punch. After dinner we caught a show (Mary Poppins) at the Amsterdam Theater, which is only a couple of hundred feet down 42nd Street from the Hilton.

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