Let's Take a Day Trip

NEW YORK — There is little debate that New York City stands as the crown jewel of North American cities. I say that as someone proudly biased toward Chicago, yet the Big Apple has a way of making everyday moments feel cinematic.

Even with a brewing Nor’easter lurking in the Atlantic, the city’s balance of uncertainty and excitement set the tone for a recent weekend getaway with my son, Gregory. Escaping the snowy streets of Chicagoland, we headed east for a change of scenery—only to arrive in a Manhattan that was somehow colder and, ironically, even windier.

Still, the goal was simple: spend quality time together and take advantage of a credit card benefit that often goes underused: the American Express Resy dining credit.

The ‘Lifestyle Card’ Strategy

The American Express Platinum Card is often described as a “lifestyle card.” With its $895 annual fee, it can easily raise eyebrows. But for cardholders who maximize benefits—from airport lounge access to hotel perks—the card becomes less of a luxury and more of a strategic financial tool.

One of those perks is the Resy credit, which provides up to $400 annually for dining at participating U.S. restaurants. The benefit is distributed as $100 per quarter for Platinum members and applies to prepaid reservations, takeout, and on-site dining.

While I learned the hard way during a trip to Toronto last year that the benefit only applies to U.S. restaurants, New York City proved to be the perfect testing ground.

Testing the Credit

After settling into the Conrad Downtown New York near the Financial District, we ventured to Vesey Street. We found ourselves drawn to a bustling restaurant inside Brookfield Place that blended old-school café charm with contemporary design.

I ordered the Newport Steak Frites, while Gregory, whose palate has surpassed mine in recent years, opted for shrimp. We watched the Manhattan choreography around us: business professionals unwinding, tourists studying menus, and families sharing meals.

To cap off the night, I ordered New York-style cheesecake. While good, it didn’t quite reach the legendary status of the Carnegie Deli cheesecake from years ago—a reminder that some flavors linger long after the institutions themselves are gone.

The Takeaway

The experience delivered exactly what we hoped for: a reminder of why New York continues to captivate.

For those who carry a “lifestyle card,” the lesson is simple: Use it. Turn a free weekend into a quick getaway and make the benefits work for you. With the Resy credit alone, cardholders have four opportunities each year to turn an ordinary weekend into a memorable story.

All it takes is a reservation and a willingness to explore.