New York [Travel]
2011 Feb 16
Rosa Mexicano, the First Avenue location only. Make a reservation for the back room which is prettier. Have a pomegranate margarita, great guacamole prepared at your table, and they often have cuitlacoche, which is a corn fungus, although it is no longer on the menu. they have often prepared for me a kind of mexican crepe with cuitlacoche on request.
www.rosamexicano.com
Picholine is not far from Lincoln centre and is a great place to blow the budget. Last time they had an ethereal sea urchin panna cotta appetizer that was one of the most perfect dishes I have ever enjoyed.
www.picholinenyc.com/
Always love going to the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. It's an institution. They do a wonderful oyster pan roast, and if you just want to enjoy them on the half shell, Ignore the dining room on the left, go past the lunch counters on the right, and go into the next room which is a lot more fun.
21 is another institution. We love going to lunch here. The chicken hash and burger with home made ketchup are both legendary, and it is a great experience to sit in that room as others have done for decades, and order a cocktail that is perfectly prepared. Don't forget a visit to the men's room to see the murals and a chat with the attendant who has worked there for decades and who will regale you with hilarious New York stories.
www.21club.com
There are thousands of other good restaurants in New York, but these are the 4 that are always on my list when I go for the weekend. There is always someplace new and wonderful, so I usually hit one or two of the ones above plus a couple of new ones.
You should also probably experience standing in the street in the middle of the night eating a hot dog and juice drink at Gray's Papaya broadway at 72nd, or squeezing in at Eisenberg's Sandwich shop for a "tunafish"
www.eisenbergsnyc.com/
The Beacon theatre is a great smaller concert venue and I have seen some great performers there: Herbie Hancock, Diane Reeves...most artists have played here at one time or another so check the schedule
www.beacontheatre.com/
Costume institue at the Metropolitan Museum often has interesting stuff. I saw a Christian Dior retrospective there that was incredible.
www.metmuseum.org
The Cooper Hewitt museum of design also has unique exhibitions if you want something other than MOMA, Guggenheim or the Metropolitan.
www.cooperhewitt.org/
Great shopping everywhere of course, but if you want discount designer shopping
head to century 21 near ground zero.
www.c21stores.com
Have fun and don't forget to post the wonderful stuff you'll discover too.
www.rosamexicano.com
Picholine is not far from Lincoln centre and is a great place to blow the budget. Last time they had an ethereal sea urchin panna cotta appetizer that was one of the most perfect dishes I have ever enjoyed.
www.picholinenyc.com/
Always love going to the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. It's an institution. They do a wonderful oyster pan roast, and if you just want to enjoy them on the half shell, Ignore the dining room on the left, go past the lunch counters on the right, and go into the next room which is a lot more fun.
21 is another institution. We love going to lunch here. The chicken hash and burger with home made ketchup are both legendary, and it is a great experience to sit in that room as others have done for decades, and order a cocktail that is perfectly prepared. Don't forget a visit to the men's room to see the murals and a chat with the attendant who has worked there for decades and who will regale you with hilarious New York stories.
www.21club.com
There are thousands of other good restaurants in New York, but these are the 4 that are always on my list when I go for the weekend. There is always someplace new and wonderful, so I usually hit one or two of the ones above plus a couple of new ones.
You should also probably experience standing in the street in the middle of the night eating a hot dog and juice drink at Gray's Papaya broadway at 72nd, or squeezing in at Eisenberg's Sandwich shop for a "tunafish"
www.eisenbergsnyc.com/
The Beacon theatre is a great smaller concert venue and I have seen some great performers there: Herbie Hancock, Diane Reeves...most artists have played here at one time or another so check the schedule
www.beacontheatre.com/
Costume institue at the Metropolitan Museum often has interesting stuff. I saw a Christian Dior retrospective there that was incredible.
www.metmuseum.org
The Cooper Hewitt museum of design also has unique exhibitions if you want something other than MOMA, Guggenheim or the Metropolitan.
www.cooperhewitt.org/
Great shopping everywhere of course, but if you want discount designer shopping
head to century 21 near ground zero.
www.c21stores.com
Have fun and don't forget to post the wonderful stuff you'll discover too.
2011 Feb 16
Spud Guy, Izakayas are among those in the good-fun-cheap'ish genre yet to reach the shores of the Rideau Canal.
New York has some good places to partake: www.restaurantgirl.com
New York has some good places to partake: www.restaurantgirl.com
2011 Feb 17
If you're going to NYC, spend some time in Williamsburg. It's home to some great restaurants, cheap and fun bars, as well as some really cool clothing stores.
The best sandwich in town is arguably Graham Avenue Meats and Deli, located at:
445 Graham Ave
(between Frost St & Richardson St)
These subs are packed with so much goodness you'll need a nap afterwards (pictured in this comment).
Also, there's a cool bar called The Charleston (174 Bedford Ave.) that gives you a free cheese pizza with every beer.
Another favorite bar is BarCade (388 Union Avenue) which has a ton of retro arcade games to play while you drink. Also check out The Levee (212 Berry St at N 3rd St), where you can get a shot and a beer for $4. It's called The Sportsman.
Enjoy!
The best sandwich in town is arguably Graham Avenue Meats and Deli, located at:
445 Graham Ave
(between Frost St & Richardson St)
These subs are packed with so much goodness you'll need a nap afterwards (pictured in this comment).
Also, there's a cool bar called The Charleston (174 Bedford Ave.) that gives you a free cheese pizza with every beer.
Another favorite bar is BarCade (388 Union Avenue) which has a ton of retro arcade games to play while you drink. Also check out The Levee (212 Berry St at N 3rd St), where you can get a shot and a beer for $4. It's called The Sportsman.
Enjoy!
2011 Feb 18
The pizza in Brooklyn really is as good as they claim it is.
And tho pricey, these three places are brilliant:
www.elevenmadisonpark.com/
www.taorestaurant.com/
www.buddakannyc.com/
I also cannot possibly recommend Katz's Deli on East Houston highly enough. Yes there are other great delis, but this is the legend from which all other delis have sprung.
And tho pricey, these three places are brilliant:
www.elevenmadisonpark.com/
www.taorestaurant.com/
www.buddakannyc.com/
I also cannot possibly recommend Katz's Deli on East Houston highly enough. Yes there are other great delis, but this is the legend from which all other delis have sprung.
2011 Feb 18
I second OSoloMeal in recommending Buddakhan - we ate there last time we were in NYC and the food was amazing and it's also a really cool place.
The other really fun thing we did when we went was the Dinner Boat Cruise around New York. We did it through Bateaux New York:
www.bateauxnewyork.com/
They have several different lines but make sure you book the Bateaux NY one with the glass top. The food was actually REALLY good surprisingly and we had a blast that night. Highly recommended. Pricey but worth the experience.
The other really fun thing we did when we went was the Dinner Boat Cruise around New York. We did it through Bateaux New York:
www.bateauxnewyork.com/
They have several different lines but make sure you book the Bateaux NY one with the glass top. The food was actually REALLY good surprisingly and we had a blast that night. Highly recommended. Pricey but worth the experience.
2011 Feb 18
The Four Seasons (not affiliated with the hotel chain) is a great place if you are into architecture and design. It was designed by Mies Van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, right down to the tableware, and there are original artworks by Rauchenberg, Stella, Picasso, Miro etc. Elegant and authentic mid century modern atmosphere, and wonderful seasonal food. It can be expensive, but our meals here were always memorable.
www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com
www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com
2011 Feb 18
Find the restaurants you see on Food Network & Travel Channel! www.tvfoodmaps.com do a search for NYC, NY and it will come up with 200 results. From there you can narrow it down by shows, type of cuisine, cost, and features.
2011 Feb 21
when I visit a city I love walking tours, so I suppose this dates me.
We have been on 2 of the big onion walking tours (Grenich Villiage, Ethnic eating tour)and enjoyed both of them. ($15. ea)
There is a free tour of Grand Central Station and surrounding buildings on Wednesdays Visit the grandcentralterminal.com . The oyster bar is awesome.
We have used broadwaybox.com to get theatre tickets ahead of time.
Sometimes there is a discount. I know you can line up at a tkts, but sometimes you don't have the time.
Before the theatre we went to a Turkish restaurant that had very good lamb and reasonaby priced.
TURKISH CUISINE
631 9th Ave NY NY
I have this artisan baking book which talks about
KOSSARS BIALY'S
367 GRAND ST NY NY the
original Polish bagel. I want to try this place on my next visit.
If you want to go visit the empire state building, I think you have to go online and get tickets ahead of time. My sister thought that THE ROCK (Rockefeller) was better, I loved the history of ESB.
I have to say we went to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and was not very impressed and whatever you do STAY OUT OF LINDY'S. Very expensive diner and lousy food.
I love going to New York, would like to hear about your tour.
We have been on 2 of the big onion walking tours (Grenich Villiage, Ethnic eating tour)and enjoyed both of them. ($15. ea)
There is a free tour of Grand Central Station and surrounding buildings on Wednesdays Visit the grandcentralterminal.com . The oyster bar is awesome.
We have used broadwaybox.com to get theatre tickets ahead of time.
Sometimes there is a discount. I know you can line up at a tkts, but sometimes you don't have the time.
Before the theatre we went to a Turkish restaurant that had very good lamb and reasonaby priced.
TURKISH CUISINE
631 9th Ave NY NY
I have this artisan baking book which talks about
KOSSARS BIALY'S
367 GRAND ST NY NY the
original Polish bagel. I want to try this place on my next visit.
If you want to go visit the empire state building, I think you have to go online and get tickets ahead of time. My sister thought that THE ROCK (Rockefeller) was better, I loved the history of ESB.
I have to say we went to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and was not very impressed and whatever you do STAY OUT OF LINDY'S. Very expensive diner and lousy food.
I love going to New York, would like to hear about your tour.
2011 Feb 21
It really depends on who you are and what you like doing...
I had a great time in NYC every time I've gone, and the focus of each trip has been dramatically different each time. Dining out - stay away from tourist traps, RSVP a table ahead of time using OpenTable. I had great meals at wd~50, Annissa, Caracas Arepa Bar, Eataly, Lupa, Lombardi's, El Pique's Taco truck... the Shake Shack is a great place to get a burger & shake. Get a recession special from a Papaya King. I booked a food tour with Famous Fat Dave's taxi one time, expensive, but entertaining, informative (depending on what you ask) and the food was phenomenal. Go to the sex museum. Go to the museum of natural history. Go see a Mets game (but not the Yankees, BOO!). There is literally everything for anyone in this city, so do some research ahead of time and try to think how best you could spend your time while you're there - because you will be overwhelmed with choice once you are there!
Oh and if you can get a booking to a live taping of a TV show you like, perhaps Letterman or Jimmy Fallon or SNL, go for it! I've had a blast at each live taping session I've been to.
Safe travels!
I had a great time in NYC every time I've gone, and the focus of each trip has been dramatically different each time. Dining out - stay away from tourist traps, RSVP a table ahead of time using OpenTable. I had great meals at wd~50, Annissa, Caracas Arepa Bar, Eataly, Lupa, Lombardi's, El Pique's Taco truck... the Shake Shack is a great place to get a burger & shake. Get a recession special from a Papaya King. I booked a food tour with Famous Fat Dave's taxi one time, expensive, but entertaining, informative (depending on what you ask) and the food was phenomenal. Go to the sex museum. Go to the museum of natural history. Go see a Mets game (but not the Yankees, BOO!). There is literally everything for anyone in this city, so do some research ahead of time and try to think how best you could spend your time while you're there - because you will be overwhelmed with choice once you are there!
Oh and if you can get a booking to a live taping of a TV show you like, perhaps Letterman or Jimmy Fallon or SNL, go for it! I've had a blast at each live taping session I've been to.
Safe travels!
2011 Feb 21
Love NYC!
On food recommendations:
They actually have street vendor awards for New York. I went to a couple of winners/nominees a few years ago and loved it. You can find more information here: streetvendor.org/vendys/
Would recommend Serendipity 3 for dessert and its open late on a Sunday. I almost always go when I am in New York. Its pricey for dessert but its not crazy expensive by any means.
I would also echo the recommendation of Lombardi's but its usually a bit of wait for a table, and usually longer than what they say it will be.
Carnegie Deli or Katz's Delicatessen (featured in When Harry Met Sally). I favour Katz's but had fun at Carnegie Deli too.
Blue Ribbon Sushi was good, in terms of value for money, when I went (though that was 2003) and not too pricey. www.blueribbonrestaurants.com
On the pricier side:
DB Bistro Moderne (owned by Daniel Boulud is quite good and I think you should be able to get a table for lunch. Their hamburger made partly with foie gras is to die for. www.danielnyc.com
Daniel (Boulud's flagship) is quite good and expensive. But the pre-fixe menu at $105 is, IMO, a very good deal for a 3 Micheline starred restaurant. You can find more info here: www.danielnyc.com
Per Se, along with a restaurant I went to in France, is the very best meal I have had in my life. Absolutely amazing. I highly recommend the Oyster and Pearls. If its not on the menu ask.... They have 9 course tasting meny for $295 (though there were an additional 5-6 mini courses when I went). Lunch, on Fridays, Saturday and Sunday also has a 5 course tasting for $185. I went at lunch and we were able to get the 9 course and I would assume this remains the case. When my wife asked about getting a course changed when we looked at the menu, the response summed up the place: "Madame, there are 30 people in the kitchen who want to make you happy". Going at lunch also allowed us to walk off the meal through central park and then walk through the Metropolitan Art Museum. It is very expensive but service (i.e. tip) was included when I went and I would assume it still is. I found calling the most effective way to get a reservation (Open table never came up with anything for me. They only have 16 tables I believe and I don't think they list on Open Table right away).
More information here: perseny.com/
On the non-food side, if its a nice day walk across the brooklyn bridge! Best to take the subway to brooklyn heights and then walk back across the bridge.... you can then go to little italy, china town and Soho if you like.
Have a great trip. I am jealous.
On food recommendations:
They actually have street vendor awards for New York. I went to a couple of winners/nominees a few years ago and loved it. You can find more information here: streetvendor.org/vendys/
Would recommend Serendipity 3 for dessert and its open late on a Sunday. I almost always go when I am in New York. Its pricey for dessert but its not crazy expensive by any means.
I would also echo the recommendation of Lombardi's but its usually a bit of wait for a table, and usually longer than what they say it will be.
Carnegie Deli or Katz's Delicatessen (featured in When Harry Met Sally). I favour Katz's but had fun at Carnegie Deli too.
Blue Ribbon Sushi was good, in terms of value for money, when I went (though that was 2003) and not too pricey. www.blueribbonrestaurants.com
On the pricier side:
DB Bistro Moderne (owned by Daniel Boulud is quite good and I think you should be able to get a table for lunch. Their hamburger made partly with foie gras is to die for. www.danielnyc.com
Daniel (Boulud's flagship) is quite good and expensive. But the pre-fixe menu at $105 is, IMO, a very good deal for a 3 Micheline starred restaurant. You can find more info here: www.danielnyc.com
Per Se, along with a restaurant I went to in France, is the very best meal I have had in my life. Absolutely amazing. I highly recommend the Oyster and Pearls. If its not on the menu ask.... They have 9 course tasting meny for $295 (though there were an additional 5-6 mini courses when I went). Lunch, on Fridays, Saturday and Sunday also has a 5 course tasting for $185. I went at lunch and we were able to get the 9 course and I would assume this remains the case. When my wife asked about getting a course changed when we looked at the menu, the response summed up the place: "Madame, there are 30 people in the kitchen who want to make you happy". Going at lunch also allowed us to walk off the meal through central park and then walk through the Metropolitan Art Museum. It is very expensive but service (i.e. tip) was included when I went and I would assume it still is. I found calling the most effective way to get a reservation (Open table never came up with anything for me. They only have 16 tables I believe and I don't think they list on Open Table right away).
More information here: perseny.com/
On the non-food side, if its a nice day walk across the brooklyn bridge! Best to take the subway to brooklyn heights and then walk back across the bridge.... you can then go to little italy, china town and Soho if you like.
Have a great trip. I am jealous.
2011 Feb 23
Today I got a recommendation for this place "Go Go Curry" from some Japanese friends of mine who travel to New York often. They claim it's authentic Japanese comfort food. I plan on checking it out next visit.
www.wired.com
www.wired.com
2011 Feb 23
There is an article in today's New York Times on donut stores that are engaged in the "doughnut arts" in NYC:
www.nytimes.com
cheers
www.nytimes.com
cheers
2011 Feb 23
medicinejar - donut arts! i love it. ottawa needs to embrace the donut.
spudguy - i've been to new york 7 or 8 times. my advice is plan out your activities - museums, walking, whatever it is you like to do, and then follow everyone's suggestions on where to eat based on the neighbourhood you'll be in around meal times. there have been previous threads with a lot of restaurant recommendations on them.
my favourite guide is frommer's NYC free & dirt cheap. we've discovered lots of great food trucks and hidden gems.
spudguy - i've been to new york 7 or 8 times. my advice is plan out your activities - museums, walking, whatever it is you like to do, and then follow everyone's suggestions on where to eat based on the neighbourhood you'll be in around meal times. there have been previous threads with a lot of restaurant recommendations on them.
my favourite guide is frommer's NYC free & dirt cheap. we've discovered lots of great food trucks and hidden gems.
2011 Feb 28
spud guy - i've been there over st patty's day before. they do a big parade - just marching, there are no floats. it can make getting around town a tiny bit more difficult, but not if you are happy to jump on the subway and travel that way. i find the subway very easy to naviagate, super safe and everyone has always been friendly. have fun, it is one of my favourite cities to visit, so much to see, eat, do and experience.
2011 Mar 4
I have always driven and its really not that bad. You can always stay in NJ and drive in each day (I have stayed that the Marriot Courtyard in Parsipanny). Parking also does not have to kill you. Even when I stay in NYC, I always park at garage (i.e. not at the hotel).
On Saturday's you can park at 333 E. 46TH ST.PARK LLC for $10! Icon parking which runs lots of garages has a website where you can locate parking rates (www.iconparkingsystems.com)
I would recommend having 3 or 4 listed as I have had one experience where one of them was full. While you are supposed to be able to make a reservation, I certainly the impression the people at the garages did not care very much. I also always made sure to tip when dropping the car off so that it got treated properly.
Cheers
On Saturday's you can park at 333 E. 46TH ST.PARK LLC for $10! Icon parking which runs lots of garages has a website where you can locate parking rates (www.iconparkingsystems.com)
I would recommend having 3 or 4 listed as I have had one experience where one of them was full. While you are supposed to be able to make a reservation, I certainly the impression the people at the garages did not care very much. I also always made sure to tip when dropping the car off so that it got treated properly.
Cheers
2011 Mar 5
I have a soft spot for gotham bar and grill for their weekday lunch specials.. 3 course meal with 2 choices from each course for a very good price.. Used to be one of my favourites when I was working there in 2000.
if you want to save money, can also try to look for deals or deal sites such as livingsocial, etc or buy some restaurant certificates from restaurant.com
if you want to save money, can also try to look for deals or deal sites such as livingsocial, etc or buy some restaurant certificates from restaurant.com
2011 Mar 5
My husband and I just went to NYC in February for the first time.
First I had alot of fun tracking down the Original Soup Guy (his character was featured in Seinfeld and was referred to as "The Soup Nazi").
I had the Lobster Bisque and T-shirt special. (The shirt said "No Soup for You!") I read the "rules" for customers on the website before going, and sure enough I had to be asked to move to the left after ordering my soup- which usually would have made me feel like an idiot but for this experience I thought it was awesome! There are many locations around NY but the ultimate original one is located near Times Square and it's called Soup Kitchen International.
As for our expensive treat, we tried out a Brazillian restaurant called Churrascaria Plataforma - churrascariaplataforma.com/
Very neat place- once again near Times Square. The meal is two courses. First course is a salad bar which has a nice selection of cheeses, seafood, sushi, and a couple of hot dishes (the sundried tomato risotto was delicious!). The main course is all you can eat meat with side dishes. They bring whatever sides you like (i.e. mash potato's, fried banana's, yucca flour with bacon...), and when you're ready for meat, they come around with prime cuts of lamb, prime rib, chicken, ribs..etc. They know you're ready for meat when you flip the double sided chip they give you from red to green.
The service is, in our experience, 5 star. It is pricey ($58/person, doesn't include coffee, tea or dessert), but well worth the experience, service and food quality.
First I had alot of fun tracking down the Original Soup Guy (his character was featured in Seinfeld and was referred to as "The Soup Nazi").
I had the Lobster Bisque and T-shirt special. (The shirt said "No Soup for You!") I read the "rules" for customers on the website before going, and sure enough I had to be asked to move to the left after ordering my soup- which usually would have made me feel like an idiot but for this experience I thought it was awesome! There are many locations around NY but the ultimate original one is located near Times Square and it's called Soup Kitchen International.
As for our expensive treat, we tried out a Brazillian restaurant called Churrascaria Plataforma - churrascariaplataforma.com/
Very neat place- once again near Times Square. The meal is two courses. First course is a salad bar which has a nice selection of cheeses, seafood, sushi, and a couple of hot dishes (the sundried tomato risotto was delicious!). The main course is all you can eat meat with side dishes. They bring whatever sides you like (i.e. mash potato's, fried banana's, yucca flour with bacon...), and when you're ready for meat, they come around with prime cuts of lamb, prime rib, chicken, ribs..etc. They know you're ready for meat when you flip the double sided chip they give you from red to green.
The service is, in our experience, 5 star. It is pricey ($58/person, doesn't include coffee, tea or dessert), but well worth the experience, service and food quality.
2011 Mar 5
Food is Yum: I forgot about churrascaria plataforma, and I second that recommendation. I used to LOVE this place. The salad bar was amazing with all kinds of interesting choices, but the real specialty was all those grilled meats. And I hope you had one or two delicious caipirinhas to go with your dinner.
2011 Mar 5
Peter Lugers in NYC has been ranked #1 for 26 years in a row.....haven't been but it's on our list for our nyc trip this year.
www.peterluger.com/
www.peterluger.com/
2011 Mar 7
spud guy,
A lot depend on what you like.. and budget lol.
Things I do in NYC are broadway, shopping, museums, and of course eating :D
Although for theatre I prefer London's West End then Broadway for cost and variety but I seem some decent to good shows in NYC too and US is good right now.
for casual bite on the run, I like Craftwich at the librarary on 34th and 5th but that is more a summer spot for me lol.
for gotham lunch special it is
www.gothambarandgrill.com
have not been there for a year or two though... last time I was there was meeting friends for dinner and was staying in hyatt at grand central station with lounge in winter so was less adventurous.
There is a nice market alley / area in the grand central station too.. I drool everytime I go through it.
A lot depend on what you like.. and budget lol.
Things I do in NYC are broadway, shopping, museums, and of course eating :D
Although for theatre I prefer London's West End then Broadway for cost and variety but I seem some decent to good shows in NYC too and US is good right now.
for casual bite on the run, I like Craftwich at the librarary on 34th and 5th but that is more a summer spot for me lol.
for gotham lunch special it is
www.gothambarandgrill.com
have not been there for a year or two though... last time I was there was meeting friends for dinner and was staying in hyatt at grand central station with lounge in winter so was less adventurous.
There is a nice market alley / area in the grand central station too.. I drool everytime I go through it.
spud guy