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giants 21, patriots 16

We used to do some kind of individual fancy egg thing (shirred eggs, omelets etc.), toast, bacon or sausage and fruit salad. It was easier when there were just five of us for Christmas. Now that there are 12 people in the immediate family we are more likely to just have a big bagel spread or waffles. This year I am going to the BF's family's house for the first time, and I think we will end up with pancakes. All I need is coffee before the hours of present opening.

being able to try a million different cuisines all at once

Yeah I also went to college in Poughkeepsie, and Soul Dog is literally the only place we return to when we go visit Vassar. I like the caramelized onions, but the boyfriend swears by the thai peanut sauce. So good!

lidia bastianich, she seems like the best italian grandmother in the world

Yeah if you are committed to Italian I would say try Del Posto or Marea. Slightly more expensive but similarly special-occasional Italian.

Yeah we were never allowed to eat sugar cereal as kids, the furthest my mom would go is Kix. Now I like to mix cereals, a little bit of granola, some chex or crispix, a little bit of cheerios or whatever else is in the house. Topped with yogurt and fresh fruit, with very cold milk. Mmm cereal. The BF insists on honey-nut cheerios, so we constantly have those around too.

My first kitchen was relatively okay by New York Standards. We had a tiny but four-burner stove, and a little apartment fridge. The biggest problem was absolutely no counter space, like not even enough for a cutting board. The kitchen table came in very handy.

I really like Claret, it is a nice place to grab a glass of wine and its on a pretty block. Food is pretty standard for a wine bar, but the macaroni and cheese is quite good and their cheese and meat selection is interesting. I make the trek from Astoria pretty often to go there.

The BF is making meatloaf stuffed with spinach and cheese (his favorite) and corn on the cob, with steamed green beans and salad. There might also be some biscuits if he is feeling really industrious.

the cheese sounds amazing, but I don't think I have time to cool it completely! I like the idea of empanadas, hmm.

I really like Da Andrea on 13th between 5th and 6th.

My parents have happily stayed at the Inn at the Falls in Poughkeepsie a few times. It is a little bit off the beaten path but is a nice spot and would be a quick drive to the CIA (like 15 minutes). You could also try Whistlewood Farm in Rhinebeck, I have heard good things and it looks beautiful. http://www.whistlewood.com/. If you don't mind a bit of a drive and want something really special, you should stay at the Mohonk Mountain House across the river in New Paltz. It is absolutely wonderful, Anthony Bourdain stayed there in an episode of No Reservations when they went to the CIA.