On Thursday night it was muggy and humid – it has been like that all week in the city. Foggy, stormy and sticky and by Thursday I was well and truly over it. We ended up heading to Holy Innocents Church on 38th Street for their Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form and Procession. In Spain, Portugal and Latin America, this feast is actually a public holiday with celebrations so it was nice to celebrate it on the actual day.
This was the first time we had ever been to a Latin Mass and it was beautiful. The Mass included some amazing Gregorian Chants by the Holy Innocents Schola – they were absolutely perfect. After Mass, there was then a Procession through the streets surrounding the church.
For being stuck in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the Church seems somewhat of a refuge for many. The downstairs hall has a thrift store and area for the homeless to just spend time, out of the elements and in safety. It is a lovely church inside. To give you an idea, here are some photos from this Picasa album of another Latin Mass at the church… so so beautiful!
Here is a photo Bill took of the Eucharistic Procession leaving the church –
After Mass we then headed around the corner to Arno Restaurant and I just realized the people that own this also own Delmonico’s, which really explains our experience. We had a great meal. The highlight was our appetizer. Everywhere we go we nearly always order a starter of Mozzarella sticks. They are one of my favourite junky foods that I have discovered while living here. They are little sticks of crumbed deep fried mozzarella with a yummy tomato dipping sauce. I could live on them! Anyway, we ordered them and our mains. Firstly they split our starter as they knew we were sharing – awww. Then the oh my gosh this could be the best thing I have ever eaten experience happened. This was a huge big slice of mozzarella that was beautifully coated and fried and was like nothing I have ever tasted. It was just perfect. My tortellini was so delicate and flavorful – it really was a great meal. The restaurant was a funny place – waiters in little bow ties and vests with weird/tacky pictures on the wall – but the food was really yummy!
Here is the Mozzarella dish… I want some more right now!