Choice (380 Third Ave) is located in a central spot in energetic Murray Hill. It's a great place to go for beating after work crowds – but not if you're looking for a spectacular meal. Luckily for Choice – their cocktails more than make up for their boring menu.
Best known for their specialty martinis, I always opt for the "choicetini" – pineapple juice, coconut juice, and vodka – it's why I go to Choice in the first place. Though they do offer a typical bar menu of apps and easy entrees, you won't be wowed by the grub. In fact, every time I've gone to Choice, the entrees for the table have been brought out at different times - not exactly a place you'll want to go with a big group that intends on eating together. Wait staff is pleasant enough, but service is slow, even if the restaurant is half empty.
Go to Choice if you've got a friend that likes stiff drinks and isn't picky about food – the exposed brick and mahogany accents lends itself to a very east side vibe. The wine menu isn't bad either, offering over 30 different selections. Plus you can't beat the price. I had a salad entrée and two martinis for $25 on my last outing there – a really great deal for a NYC eatery. My suggestion is to start the night off at Choice with some delicious cocktails – and then head across the street to Rodeo for some pitchers of Margaritas. With so many bar and restaurant options in Murray Hill, cross this one off the top of your list.
There are very few elegant eateries in the vicinity of Times Square that aren’t teeming with tourists. If you’re a New Yorker looking for some vino and a meal (or if you’re a tourist that hates the traps), then check out Divine Bar (236 West 54th St.). Also brother to an east side location, Divine Bar specializes in a great wine list and tapas.
The atmosphere is very hip – with dim lighting, leather seating, and a large bar on the lower level showcasing their extensive wine selections. If you’re looking for something other than pubs or sports bars in midtown west, this is the place. At my most recent outing to Divine, my friend and I each had a flight of merlot to start off the evening – a great selection of four wines for only $9.50. Since tapas are their specialty, we also shared an artichoke dip ($10.50), a brie pastry with nuts and dates ($10.50), as well as a delicious spinach salad ($10.50). The tapas are very generous and we could have easily filled up on two.
For a Friday night at 8 p.m. we were able to have a quiet meal upstairs (while a large crowd was at the bar below) but were still able to hear each other and enjoy our meal. The waiter was knowledgeable and pleasant – and gave us the thumbs up when we ordered the brie. Divine also has "vinoversity" - where you can sign up for wine tasting classes that are apparently quite popular. One thing to note: not a great place to go with a large group unless you call ahead – most tables seem to be suited for groups no larger than four. Either way, I felt the experience overall was simply…divine.
It's not often that I feel that I've stepped into the presence of something really, really cool. A Friday night at Asia de Cuba (237 Madison Ave.), however, made me feel just that. Under the management of the people that brought you China Grill, Asia de Cuba is a place to be seen.
The frosted door being guarded by guys with headsets intimidates you right off the bat, but once you're ushered in, it's as if the "cool police" has accepted you and you're treated like stars. In the middle of the main dining hall is a long table that seats about 36 with a tall photograph of a waterfall at the end of the room and white curtains flowing throughout. If you're seated at this table you're probably seated next to strangers, but you're also in the center of it all, being able to take in the fashionably hip at the tables around you and seated upstairs.
Our waitress was extremely pleasant with a great opinion of what to order and how to really enjoy the meal. Our appetizer was the calamari salad – an Asia de Cuba favorite. It was large enough to accommodate four of us (including two rather hungry males) and left us anxious for our entrees. Though this food isn't cheap (the rack of lamb was $64), everything is made to be eaten "family style" – so you can easily split an entrée and side with another person. Bottles of wine start at $30 and mixed drinks are pretty pricey.
By the end of the night, however, none of us flinched at the bill. A couple seated next to us had to wait a long time for their entrees and were personally spoken to by the manager, who then sent them complimentary drinks and dessert. I have a feeling the kind of slow service didn't deter them at all. The wait staff was excellent, the food was superb, and the overall ambiance was something you've got to try at least once. Sometimes it pays to be the cool kid for a night.
Sometimes all you need is comfort food and kitsch, but in NYC, that's often asking for a lot. If it's baked macaroni and cheese in a teal booth you crave, check out Vynl Restaurant (754 9th Avenue). The theme of this eatery is music – menus are made of old record albums and the overall décor is dedicated to favorite singers and bands.
If you take a seat at the bar, definitely try their signature Vynl cocktail ($8) – mixed with lemonade, vodka, and something that makes it pink and delicious. You'll get to check out lots of old school music memorabilia like Run DMC dolls or Beatles action figures but alas, these aren't for sale. The menu is packed with things you'd find at a diner (hamburgers, quesadillas, wraps) but with some Thai infused dishes too.
Though I've eaten here day and night, Vynl really comes to life in the evening. Music starts blasting at happy hour and as the lights go dim, the disco ball comes on. It's almost like Happy Days meets the O.C. with the restaurant's kitschy feel but retro modern vibe. Don't expect first class service here or delicious dishes. Go to Vynl for the experience – not for the food.
It's only fair to admit the real reason I go to Vynl when I'm on the west side is for the bathrooms. First time customers will be confused by the doors that read "Elvis", "Dolly", or "Nelly" and probably won't know what to expect. Though each bathroom is gender neutral (meaning the "Elvis" isn't just for guys), you might want to step inside whichever artist you prefer, since each bathroom is an homage to that particular songbird (wall-size mosaic portrait and all). If you're lucky enough (or, er, I guess unlucky) to stay inside the bathroom long enough, you'll catch on that the tune blasting from the ceiling are always only sung by the singer whose bathroom you're visiting. Sound confusing? Go check out Vynl for yourself…even if it's only for a drink and a brief bathroom break.
Have you ever had a slice of true Neapolitan pizza? If you're shaking your head yes, you've probably been lied to. But at L'Asso (192 Mott St.), pie makers pride themselves on making a real Pizza "DOC". A "DOC" is actually a very strict set of rules that must be followed for a pizza to be deemed a true Margherita. For example, the tomatoes must be San Marzano, the mozzarella must be made of buffalo-milk, the oil must be olive oil – along with a lot of other things that were too complicated for me to understand.
So for a genuine pizza – or just an easy casual Italian meal – head to L'Asso in Nolita. Though mostly known for their pies, all of their dishes are unpretentious and satisfying. On my most recent outing there, I tried the Fusilli al Pesto Fatto in Casa ($12), a creamy pesto with asparagus and pistachios blended in. I was happy to receive an average heap of pasta instead of a ½ pound dish that certainly would have disrupted the comfort of my skinny jeans. A decent bottle of Cabernet cost us only $28 and a nice selection of olives and flatbreads came out with it.
The owners boast that L'Asso's most popular pies are the Pizza al Tartufo (Portobello mushroom pesto, cheese, fresh rosemary, and truffle oil) and Pizza San Daniele (prosciutto san daniele, mozzarella, arugula, parmigiano, and olive oil) – two great combinations that might not rival a famed slice from Lombardi's down the street, but are mouthwatering nonetheless.
One of the biggest downsides to eating casual in New York usually means you won't have a quiet meal. L'Asso was filled with a few families and a large group of NYU kids that clearly couldn't handle their wine. Other than that, service here is great, your meal comes out fast, and you won't empty your wallet on overpriced dishes. The intimate lighting and close seating makes this place great for a gabfest with friends, but should definitely be a place you'd skip for a date.
On a recent Saturday night, my friends and I decided to visit what many New Yorkers refer to as "Clubland" a.k.a the strip of trendy clubs along Tenth Avenue in Chelsea. As we approached Marquis, the endless line seemed less than thrilling and had us wishing we had never left Queens. Next door, however, we came across a frosted door, a guy with a clipboard, and no line. Score. The promise of drinks without a wait was reason enough for us to give Glass (287 Tenth Avenue) a try.
Glass was designed by architect Thomas Leeser and it's futuristic bar area opens into a bamboo garden that is more reminiscent of an airy Asian tea garden instead of the west side of Manhattan. The line to the bar was never long and the drinks were never too expensive (a ketel and cran cost me $10). I was also pleasantly surprised at how friendly the staff was. At one point several of my friends could not get a drink at the bar and the manager quickly sent a waitress to our table to take personal drink orders… making us feel like VIPs though in reality, we were very far from it.
Though there isn't an actual dance floor, the outdoor area serves as one with seating lining the perimeters. The DJ was spinning lots of old school Madonna and some new Kanye – a perfect blend if you're looking to dance the night away. The weirdest – and most well-known – aspect of Glass are the bathrooms. The co-ed bathrooms boast only three stalls for men and women so the lines tend to get painfully long. The bathroom mirror is two-way, so if a line does start to fill outside of Glass, everyone can watch you wash your hands though you can’t see them. Though the bathroom left me feeling like I was hanging out in a fishbowl, I'll definitely revisit Glass…as long as there’s still no line.
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the country. Often referred to as one of the greatest zoos, the animals can’t be given all of the credit; this award winning zoo has been on the cutting edge in its efforts to preserve wildlife around the world.
With over 4,000 animals on display, the Bronx Zoo offers its visitors the chance to see some of the most endangered species from around the world – as well as some of the more popular. All of the animals are housed in a natural and beneficial environment; in fact, some make you forget that you’re in a zoo all together. For instance, you can view the gorillas frolicking in their Congo Forest, or walk through an acre of land in an indoor Asian Rain Forest.
The Sea Lion Pool is always a popular attraction at the Bronx Zoo. The exhibit is very natural looking with rocky beaches, tidal pools, and islands that remind you of a California coastline. The Sea Lions are fed daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm…so make sure to check it out. After you’re all played out with the sea lions you should make a stop at the Big Bear exhibit. Three of the most famous grizzly bears are housed here; Archie, Betty, and Veronica. They have two swimming holes that they love to splash around in and you’ll have a great opportunity to get a close up look at them.
For the smaller guests there’s a children’s zoo that costs just $3.00 more to visit. It is a big adventure for them with more hands on experiences. The zoo also has a carousel for the kid that’s open all year round. If you need a little rest, take a ride on the monorail where you can relax while enjoying a visual tour of the Bronx Zoo
Getting There
If you choose to drive to the zoo, there is a daily $10 fee for parking. Alternatively, you could take the #2 or #5 train that will bring you within 2 ½ blocks of the zoo. There are also local buses as well as a free trolley that brings you right to the Bronx Zoo on the weekends.
Often times, you’ll pass by thousands of people on a busy Manhattan day and never even notice them. You’re so busy working and living your life that you rarely have time to think about where they came from, or what brought them to New York City. Chances are half of the people you passed that day have some sort of roots to someone who came over to Ellis Island. Often regarded as a tourist spot, Ellis Island is a special place that literally allows you take a step back in time.
Located just minutes off of the Southern Tip of Manhattan, many of the cities residents have yet to take the quick ferry ride over to Ellis Island. If you’re one of these residents, then it is about time to go over there. It is a beautiful 27.5 acre site that takes you back to your family roots and quite possibly to ancestors that you might not know anything about. It’s believed that almost half of all the Americans living in the country have someone in their family tree that arrived via Ellis Island. That is quite an astounding number of people and you should really take the time to see if you were one of those people.
The museum itself is located in the main building of what used to be the immigration station. This is where the people coming into New York City were processed in from other countries. The museum offers self guided tours to show you where they stood and what took place. It explains how last names were changed because they couldn’t be understood, and how people left their old lives behind to start a new one here in the United States.
The wall of honor overlooks the Statue of Liberty and on that wall are the over 700,000 people that have come through those doors in search of a better life. It’s definitely worth the ferry ride to just glance at all the names, or possibly see a name that you might recognize.
Getting There
The Circle Line-Statue of Liberty ferry leaves from Battery Park everyday from 9am to 5pm. They offer extended hours in the summer to accommodate all the tourists as well. Your best bet is to plan the trip ahead of time to make sure you don’t have to wait in those long lines. Off season periods, such as winter and fall, are probably the best times to go to Ellis Island without running into hoards of tourists, although it’s still pretty busy year round. Taking a later ferry will also do wonders in alleviating some of the hassles you’ll encounter with early morning visits.
You may recognize the name from Good Morning America, and you may even pass by Bryant Park on the way to work, but have you really taken the time to enjoy this beautiful park? If the answer is no, then you must give it a try and soon.
You’ll find a wide range of people in Bryant Park – from business executives enjoying their lunches to sports enthusiasts looking to exercise or play a game of baseball. Bryant Park offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Manhattan and there is much to be taken advantage of in this striking location.
For you art and history buffs, there are dozens of statues and monuments set throughout Bryant Park to enjoy. Some of the more notable pieces include the lions created by sculptor Edward Clark Potter, the pediment statuary by Paul Wayland Bartlett, the fountains sitting on either side of the library’s main entrance, not to mention the statue of William Dodge – a businessman in NYC. There are many more set throughout the lawn and on the different terraces that adorn the park. Spend the day walking through the park while learning about the many New Yorkers that brought so much life and history to the city.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to get some work done, the park offers free wireless internet access as well as 2000 movable chairs.
Whether you’re here on a date, for work, or to just think things over, you’ll find a plethora of opportunities at the park. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Bryant Park.
Getting There
Located behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is easily accessible to all of the residents of New York City. The park sits between 40th and 42nd streets and only a block from Times Square. You can either walk if you live nearby or you can take the F, V, B, or D train to the Bryant Park/42nd Street station.
Often referred to as The Met by the locals, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. It’s hard to even refer to The Met as just a museum because it is so much more. Besides offering you looks at the some of the most amazing pieces of art from around the world, there’s quite an experience to be had here. From the classes they teach for adults, to the lectures, you can come to The Met and never have the same experience twice.
The art that lines the walls and rooms of The Metropolitan Museum of Art are really breathtaking….to say the least. There are both permanent and moving collections at the museum – including Impressionist Art, Sculptures, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Ritual Objects, and Islamic Art. That’s just a few of the many exhibits and/or artifacts on display at the museum.
Take advantage of one of the free guided tours offered by the museum. They’re available in many different languages so everyone can listen in. After your guided tour is over, you’re free to roam around the museum for hours. In fact, many people choose to just plop down and study the skillful art around them. Also available with museum admission are gallery talks. This is when some of the museum curators, advanced students of art, or independent scholars discus different aspects of the collections or special exhibits. If your love for art supersedes your love for anything else, then you definitely shouldn’t miss these comprehensive and informative talks.
If you have a passion for the arts but don’t quite know where to begin, you may want to consider taking an adult art class at The Met. It’s more than just a classroom; it is a classroom in the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art where you get hands on experience in learning and absorbing art. You’re taught by master instructors and it’ll allow you to see art in a whole new way. Some of the programs have fees, but there are quite a few that are free and only require registration.
There are very few elegant eateries in the vicinity of Times Square that aren’t teeming with tourists. If you’re a New Yorker looking for some vino and a meal (or if you’re a tourist that hates the traps), then check out Divine Bar (236 West 54th St.). Also brother to an east side location, Divine Bar specializes in a great wine list and tapas.
Sometimes all you need is comfort food and kitsch, but in NYC, that's often asking for a lot. If it's baked macaroni and cheese in a teal booth you crave, check out Vynl Restaurant (754 9th Avenue). The theme of this eatery is music – menus are made of old record albums and the overall décor is dedicated to favorite singers and bands.
