MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH NEW YORK CITY
The reason for this Blog is to help people to navigate through what I believe is one of the most exciting cities in the world, to share my experiences and reasons why I love this great city called NEW YORK.
First thing to do before you travel to New York:-
If its your first time to New York you can purchase a New York Pass www.newyorkpass.com this will enable you to visit various sights at a cheaper cost, by purchasing a prepaid Pass that allows you free entry to over 90 attractions, tours, museums and more, have a look on-line to see if this is worth while for you.
Sign up for “Open Table” - www.opentable.com this will allow you to book restaurants ahead of your trip you need to register using a local phone number (I suggest that you use your hotel)
Sign up for “Open Table” - www.opentable.com this will allow you to book restaurants ahead of your trip you need to register using a local phone number (I suggest that you use your hotel)
Sign up for “Playbill” - www.playbill.com this will show you what is on Broadway
while you are there, plus give you specials on tickets. While you are in New York the best place to
get your tickets to Broadway shows is the “TKTS - Time Square” tickets are sold
on the day of the show at a discount, visit the website for hours of operation
- www.nytix.com
Load the “NYC Subway” & “NYC city maps” applications on your phone.
This is the best, quickest and most efficient form of transport.
ACCOMMODATION
There is no other place to stay in New York other than the Upper Westside, I have stayed at the “Hotel Beacon” - 2130 Broadway at 75th Street, New
York (212)787-1100 www.beaconhotel.com for the past six visits to New York, location is amazing, you truly feel like you live here not just visiting. Rooms consist of Studio with kitchenette, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom with kitchen - dining - sitting rooms all have seperate bathrooms.
The Hotel Beacon is located in one of
New York's most desirable neighborhoods, the Upper West Side which is
convenient to Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, Rose
Center for Earth and Space, Central Park, the Theater District and Midtown
shopping. Nearby Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues are known for their trendy
restaurants and outdoor cafes.
Overlooking Broadway and the Hudson
River to the west, Central Park to the east, or the bright lights of midtown to
the south. Each Hotel Beacon room affords a different Manhattan view:
The Beacon also has kitchens in each
room which enables you to prepare your own food - with one of the best gourmet deli's "Citarella" across the road with freshly cooked meals you can heat up in your
room. Also across the road is the
Fairways Supermarket which has a health food section up-stairs so that you can
make up your own muesli etc. There is also the Beacon Bottle Shop next door to
the Hotel and in 2012 the Hotel Beacon opened their own bar in the lobby.
In December 2015 we did find another Hotel (no kitchenette just a very well appointed Hotel Room) this was the NYLO NEW YORK CITY - 2170 Broadway at 77th Street, just up the road from the Beacon, so again great area. This Hotel has a fabulous Rooftop Bar an Italian Trattoria and one of the hippest Chinese Eateries RED FARM which we have been to many times, the food is amazing very fresh modern asian. www.nylohotels.com/nyc
In December 2015 we did find another Hotel (no kitchenette just a very well appointed Hotel Room) this was the NYLO NEW YORK CITY - 2170 Broadway at 77th Street, just up the road from the Beacon, so again great area. This Hotel has a fabulous Rooftop Bar an Italian Trattoria and one of the hippest Chinese Eateries RED FARM which we have been to many times, the food is amazing very fresh modern asian. www.nylohotels.com/nyc
Some key attractions and
locations convenient to these locations are:
 Beacon
Theatre Central
Park Lincoln
Center for the performing arts Theater
District American
Museum of Natural History Rose
Center for Earth & Space |
 Columbia
University Jacob
Javits Convention Center ABC
Studios Metropolitan
Museum of Art Guggenheim
Museum The Shops
at Columbus Circle |
If you want to split your time in New York you could also stay a few nights at the WYTHE Hotel in Brooklyn - 80 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn - www.wythehotel.com , even if you don't stay go here for a drink and fabulous view back to Manhattan, on my last trip in March 2017 my girlfriend and I went for lunch at Reynard www.reynardnyc.com beautiful food, the rooftop bar opens at 4pm daily.
For those of you where walking is not enough exercise - EQUINOX GYM www.equinox.com
For those of you where walking is not enough exercise - EQUINOX GYM www.equinox.com
- turn right out the front of the Beacon go up Broadway turn right at
76th Street and the Gym is on the corner at 344 Amsterdam Street, ask the
concierge for details on price - casual rates available.
RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA:-
Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto - 283 Amsterdam Avenue, New York (212)877-4801 www.salumeriarosie.com
Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto - 283 Amsterdam Avenue, New York (212)877-4801 www.salumeriarosie.com
- great food share plates, you must book this prior to arriving
(although they do keep tables for walk-in’s) this can be done 4 weeks prior on
OpenTable loading the App before you leave. This is a good one to book for the night you arrive. www.opentable.com
Patsy's Pizzeria -61 W 74th St (between
Columbus Ave & W Central Park) New York, NY 10023 Neighborhood:
Upper West Side www.patsyspizzeria.us (212)
579-300061
Red Farm - as mentioned earlier this is at the Bottom of the Nylo Hotel 2170 Broadway between 76th and 77th two blocks from the Beacon - innovative, Inspired Chinese Cuisine with Greenmarket sensibility. www.redfarmnyc.com
Cafe Luxembourg - 200 West 7th Street, New York www.cafeluxembourg.com a short walk down Broadway and then left on 70th Street - Great for breakfast
Sarabeth's - 423 Amsterdam Avenue New York (212) 496-6280 www.sarabethswest.com - great spot for breakfast the Lemon Ricotta
Pancakes are fantastic. They are open
for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, not great coffee though.
 |
| Street Dining in the Warmer months |
Coffee - Joe
The Art of Coffee - 514 Columbus Avenue, New York (212) 875-0100 this
is where you will get the coffee that you are used to. They also have a whole in the wall at Central
Station www.joenewyork.com
 |
| I drink a Piccolo and found a Cortado to be similar |
Levain Bakery - 167 West 74th Street - www.levainbakery.com this place has
the most amazing bakery treats, after a walk around Central Park call in and
get something for breakfast. (Try the Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate cookies)
 |
| The Queue is worth the wait |
Barcibo Enoteca
2020
Broadway at 69th Street (just down the road from the Beacon)
Italian and licensed - www.barcibenoteca.com
Great food
and funky little bar a short walk from the Beacon.
Getting around New York City
New York Subway
Make the Subway your friend,
www.newyorkpass.com/subway one of the best ways to get around New
York. Purchase a 7 day Metro Card see
below, this will also get you on any Manhattan bus.
New York Metro Card prices
Single ride is $2.75 – tickets are sold at vending
machines 7 day Metro Card will cost you $32
Please note: MTA Tickets are not sold online & are not part of the New York Pass
Please note: MTA Tickets are not sold online & are not part of the New York Pass
NOW LET YOUR FEET DISCOVER THE REST
If staying at the
Beacon or Nylo there are two subway lines you can access one is
72 street/Central Park West subway - take the Orange B train, change at 34th Street-Herald Square to the Yellow N train and get off at Prince Street/Broadway (this should only take about 20 minutes) and will take you to Nolita, Little Italy and Soho etc. If you walk the streets between Prince and Spring streets i.e. Mulberry Street, Mott Street and Elizabeth Street, these are all east of Broadway, you will come across some great shopping and eating. You can also walk the length of Prince Street to the West, coming back down Spring Street, this is a full day’s outing.
72 street/Broadway Line is left out the door from the Beacon and Nylo Hotels this is the Red 1 2 or 3 train which takes you to Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Tribeca and World Trade Centre.
72 street/Central Park West subway - take the Orange B train, change at 34th Street-Herald Square to the Yellow N train and get off at Prince Street/Broadway (this should only take about 20 minutes) and will take you to Nolita, Little Italy and Soho etc. If you walk the streets between Prince and Spring streets i.e. Mulberry Street, Mott Street and Elizabeth Street, these are all east of Broadway, you will come across some great shopping and eating. You can also walk the length of Prince Street to the West, coming back down Spring Street, this is a full day’s outing.
72 street/Broadway Line is left out the door from the Beacon and Nylo Hotels this is the Red 1 2 or 3 train which takes you to Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Tribeca and World Trade Centre.
COFFEE &
RESTAURANTS IN NOLITA, LITTLE ITALY AND SOHO AREA:-
Gimmie Coffee
Gimme! Coffee is New York's ultimate no-nonsense espresso bar and artisanal
coffee roaster.
228 Mott Street New York,
NY 10012, United States
(212) 226-4011
|
Ruby´ NYC,
EST: 2003. # 212 925 5755 # 219 b Mulberry Street, Corner of Spring New York ,
NY 10012. menu. DELIVERIES-TAKEOUT / DINE IN. This is a little taste of home you can get vegemite on toast or avocado and fetta and they make a great coffee.
New to the area:
Two Hands Cafe:- www.twohandsnyc.com 164 Mott Street, New York. Two Hands Cafe is a community-focused cafe that strikes to create nutritious, simple and delicious food paired with exceptional coffee. Taking inspiration from Australia's forward thinking culinary scene and relaxed beachside lifestyle, Two Hands aims to be a place for the community near and far to come unwind in the light-filled space. The menu together with coastal inspired interiors and caring service will have guests feeling a world away from the day to day grind in NYC. They also have Two Hands Restaurant & Bar at 251 Church Street, TriBeca
Two Hands Cafe:- www.twohandsnyc.com 164 Mott Street, New York. Two Hands Cafe is a community-focused cafe that strikes to create nutritious, simple and delicious food paired with exceptional coffee. Taking inspiration from Australia's forward thinking culinary scene and relaxed beachside lifestyle, Two Hands aims to be a place for the community near and far to come unwind in the light-filled space. The menu together with coastal inspired interiors and caring service will have guests feeling a world away from the day to day grind in NYC. They also have Two Hands Restaurant & Bar at 251 Church Street, TriBeca
Balthazar serves traditional bistro fare from breakfast through
late-night supper. Opened by Keith McNally in the spring of 1997, Balthazar
offers a French menu ...
Delicatessen – 54 Prince Street, New York
www.delicatessennyc.com
They have the most amazing burgers, a must try - picture below.
A must when visiting New York: -
Chelsea Markets - 75 9th Avenue (between 15th & 16th Streets) - from the Beacon walk down Broadway to the 72 St/Broadway Station take the Red 1 (7th Avenue local) change at 59th - Columbus Circle to Blue A (8th Avenue Express) to 14th Street/8th Avenue. ALSO YOU CAN WALK TO CHELSEA MARKETS ON THE HIGHLINE FROM 34TH STREET BETWEEN 11TH & 12TH. Nearby is also THE MEATPACKERS DISTRICT (famous for designer shopping - when we were there December 2015 a lot of the shops had moved out of this area)
Chelsea Markets - 75 9th Avenue (between 15th & 16th Streets) - from the Beacon walk down Broadway to the 72 St/Broadway Station take the Red 1 (7th Avenue local) change at 59th - Columbus Circle to Blue A (8th Avenue Express) to 14th Street/8th Avenue. ALSO YOU CAN WALK TO CHELSEA MARKETS ON THE HIGHLINE FROM 34TH STREET BETWEEN 11TH & 12TH. Nearby is also THE MEATPACKERS DISTRICT (famous for designer shopping - when we were there December 2015 a lot of the shops had moved out of this area)
Places to find within Chelsea Markets and surrounding area:
NINTH STREET EXPRESSO a hole in the wall style, standing or take-away inside Chelsea Markets
The Green Table - www.cleaverco.com - great fresh food, vegetarian options
also. Situated inside Chelsea Markets towards the back opposite Ninth Street Espresso. Try the Pot Pies - Chicken and vegetable or Mushroom and vegetable.
  |
| Chicken Pot Pie |
Pasta at Giovanni Rana (enter from the street outside Chelsea
Markets)
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
Phone:+1 212-370-0975 www.rananyc.com
All fresh handmade Pasta and the Chocolate Ravioli was amazing recommended by Whoopi Goldberg and it did not disappoint.
All fresh handmade Pasta and the Chocolate Ravioli was amazing recommended by Whoopi Goldberg and it did not disappoint.
Buddakan - located on the outside of Chelsea
Markets 75
9th Avenue, New York (212)989-6699 www.buddakannyc.com
This restaurant was made famous by the Movie - Sex and
the City it was where they held the rehearsal dinner. The food is fabulous and has an asian
influence, the building itself is amazing.
You must book this ahead of time as its very had to get into at short
notice.
Other Places to Eat and Find Good Coffee:-
The Waverley Inn & Garden - New York City. Brunch Saturday & Sunday Dinner - www.waverlynyc.com -16 Bank Street New York, NY 10014, United States
(917) 828-1154
Laughing Man Coffee & Tea
184 Duane Street, New York NY10013
at Greenwich Street in TriBeCa – I went here several
times but unfortunately never bumped into Hugh. www.laughingmannyc.com
On our latest trip in December 2015 we discovered some fabulous restaurants and cafes:-
La Esquina - www.esquinanyc.com - 114 Kenmare Street (you must book this as it has been voted the most hard to get into restaurant in NY) this is Mexican food like you have never tasted and the location and experience with getting into this restaurant will blow your mind.
Jacks Wife Freda - 224 Lafayette Street www.jackswifefreda.com
we had brunch here, they have street dining plus large share tables inside.
Maman - 239 Centre Street and now in Soho 211 West Broadway & Franklin www.maman.com the decor is amazing and the food all I can say is home cooking at its best savoury and sweet. www.mamannyc.com
Well worth a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge can take you to:-
Roberta's Pizza - 3816, 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn
www.robertaspizza.com
You can't book so be prepared to wait or go to the takeaway next door and sit outside or in the adjoining bar.
Another must, while in New York is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel - www.theplaza.com
Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court Restaurant in the Hotel an amazing experience. You can also find the Champagne Bar and the Plaza Food Hall.
La Esquina - www.esquinanyc.com - 114 Kenmare Street (you must book this as it has been voted the most hard to get into restaurant in NY) this is Mexican food like you have never tasted and the location and experience with getting into this restaurant will blow your mind.
HANDS DOWN BEST BREAKFAST FOOD AND EXPERIENCE
If you google "steamed eggs" this place will come up as they make scrambled eggs on the steamer of the coffee machine. Make sure you sit at the bench to watch. Very french amazing pastries.
Jacks Wife Freda - 224 Lafayette Street www.jackswifefreda.com
we had brunch here, they have street dining plus large share tables inside.
Maman - 239 Centre Street and now in Soho 211 West Broadway & Franklin www.maman.com the decor is amazing and the food all I can say is home cooking at its best savoury and sweet. www.mamannyc.com
Well worth a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge can take you to:-
Roberta's Pizza - 3816, 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn
www.robertaspizza.com
You can't book so be prepared to wait or go to the takeaway next door and sit outside or in the adjoining bar.
Another must, while in New York is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel - www.theplaza.com
Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court Restaurant in the Hotel an amazing experience. You can also find the Champagne Bar and the Plaza Food Hall.
Red Rooster -
310 Malcolm X Boulevard, Harlem NY -
Red
Rooster Harlem serves comfort food celebrating the
roots of American cuisine and the diverse culinary traditions of the
neighborhood. Located in the heart of Harlem. If you can, you need to book, but they do
leave tables for walk-ins and you can alway wait at the Bar. This was the highlight of my last trip,
recommended by Tracy-Ann’s brother Michael, it did not disappoint! I have now been for a second time and it still remains as one of my favourite experiences. The Harlem Chowder for Two pictured right is one of their special dishes. You could book a Gospel Tour on a Sunday morning and have lunch here after.
Still one of our favourites -
ABC Kitchen – 35 E 18th Street (take the subway to Union Square its two blocks from there) www.abckitchennyc.com
ABC Kitchen – 35 E 18th Street (take the subway to Union Square its two blocks from there) www.abckitchennyc.com
This was one of the most beautiful experiences food and
décor where amazing, you must book this ahead of time for dinner or lunch but
you can line-up for breakfast arrive 30mins before restaurant opens. The menu is amazing with a choice for everyone and the deserts well pictured is Salted Caramel Ice cream, camerlised popcorn and nuts topped with chocolate sauce. YUM
Another must visit is Robert Di Nero’s hotel – THE
GREENWICH HOTEL - 377 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10013 this is not far from
Laughing Man Coffee, you could do morning coffee then walk to the Greenwich
Hotel for lunch. Many a celebrity spotting here.
Other Coffee Cafes that I have been following are:
Coco & Cru - www.cocoandcru.com - 643 Broadway, New York just near Bleecker Street
Bluestone Lane (started by Australians) - www.bluestonelaneny.com - Midtown East 805 3rd Avenue, Bryant Park 1114 Avenue of the Americas, Financial District 30 Broad Street, NoHo 770 Broadway, Astor Place 51 Astor Place and now in the Hamptons at The Surf Lodge 183 S Edgemere Street Montauk.
Toby's Estate Brooklyn - www.tobysestate.com Brooklyn Cafe and Roastery 125 North 6th Street Brooklyn, Flatiron Espresso Bar 160 Fifth Avenue, West Village Cafe and Brew Parlor 44 Charles Street, Vanderbilt Market 81 Est 45th Street.
On our trip to New York in 2012 we discovered the West Village, Washington Square Park (there is always something happening in the park - music exhibitions etc) and Greenwich Village a very relaxed neighborhood with some great bars and restaurants. Still a great spot to sit and watch the world go by lots of entertainment.
Coco & Cru - www.cocoandcru.com - 643 Broadway, New York just near Bleecker Street
Bluestone Lane (started by Australians) - www.bluestonelaneny.com - Midtown East 805 3rd Avenue, Bryant Park 1114 Avenue of the Americas, Financial District 30 Broad Street, NoHo 770 Broadway, Astor Place 51 Astor Place and now in the Hamptons at The Surf Lodge 183 S Edgemere Street Montauk.
Toby's Estate Brooklyn - www.tobysestate.com Brooklyn Cafe and Roastery 125 North 6th Street Brooklyn, Flatiron Espresso Bar 160 Fifth Avenue, West Village Cafe and Brew Parlor 44 Charles Street, Vanderbilt Market 81 Est 45th Street.
On our trip to New York in 2012 we discovered the West Village, Washington Square Park (there is always something happening in the park - music exhibitions etc) and Greenwich Village a very relaxed neighborhood with some great bars and restaurants. Still a great spot to sit and watch the world go by lots of entertainment.
Our latest trip we discovered the East Village this is worth a walk around for its beautiful buildings and street art.
SHOPPING FAVOURITES OF MINE:-
Anthropologie -
Clothing, Jewelry and Homeware
Located at Chelsea Markets and the Rockefeller Centre; my
favourite jeans are sold there - AG. - have a look online before you go... www.anthropologie.com
Steven Alan -
local designer who also sells high end brands - www.stevenalan.com.
Locations:
103 Franklin Street
69 Eighth Avenue
230 Elizabeth Street (Womens only)
Outpost Store:- 465 Amsterdam Avenue just around the
corner from the Beacon.
Jonathan Adler -
NYC Gift and Homeware designer www.jonathanadler.com
304 Columbus Avenue at 74th Street
37 Creenwich Avenue
1097 Madison Avenue at 83rd Street (east of Central Park)
Fluevog -
great shoes 250 Mulberry Street, New York www.fluevog.com
Moscot - www.moscot.com for great frames 69 West 14th Street, New York
Frye Company Soho - great boots 113 Spring Street New York www.thefryecompany.com
Favourite Department store is BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com you will get
everything in the one place. It is always
worth popping into SAKS, BARNEY’S &
BERGDORF GOODMAN.
FAVOURITE
THINGS TO DO:-
Walk around
Central Park - this can not be done in a day but explore it over
several days you have:- Stawberry Fields - Tribute to John Lennon, Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Pond (you can walk completely around this), Zoo,
Ice-skating, The Boathouse Restaurant etc. On my last trip we hired bikes www.cyclecentralpark.com and rode around Central Park then came out at the top of the park onto Columbus Avenue and rode on the streets, the bike lanes are generous and I felt quite safe.
Walk the
Highline - from 14th Street to West 34th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues catch the subway No 7 Purple train to 34th Street - Hudson Yards then walk down to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District also Chelsea Markets and the Whitney Museum are at the end of the Highline.
The official Web site of the High Line, Friends of the High Line.
... 2000-2012 Friends of the High Line
· 529 West 20th Street, Suite 8W · New York, NY
10011 .
Circle Line cruise around the island - www.circleline42.com
- Full Island Cruise
(3hr) leaves from
Pier 83 West
42nd Street New York, NY 10019, United States
(212)
563-3200
|
Walk across the Brooklyn
Bridge
Frick Museum
Whitney Museum of American Art (located at the bottom of the Highline)
Whitney Museum of American Art (located at the bottom of the Highline)
Guggenheim
Neue Gallery - 1048 5th Avenue and 86th Street - this houses the Art from the Movie Women in Gold.
MOMA
Go to the top
of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre)
Empire State
Building
National September 11 Memorial & Museum - 200 Liberty Street this is a must (download the 9/11 app on your phone from the Apple Store before you go and take your headphones so that you can listen to the commentary which by the way is Robert De Niro, this way you won't have to wait in line to get headphones which can take up to half an hour) www.911memorial.org
Grand Central Station - the Food Hall is amazing and the amount of people that pass through this station will blow your mind. Stop and have something to eat and just watch the people go by:- There is also a “Joe the Art of Coffee” located 44 Grand Central Station in the “Graybar Passage” of Lexington Ave. The Apple Store is amazing, and worth the trip alone.
Grand Central Station - the Food Hall is amazing and the amount of people that pass through this station will blow your mind. Stop and have something to eat and just watch the people go by:- There is also a “Joe the Art of Coffee” located 44 Grand Central Station in the “Graybar Passage” of Lexington Ave. The Apple Store is amazing, and worth the trip alone.
Check out what is on at Madison Square Garden - www.thegarden.com
Walk thru the doors of Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue
See a show on Broadway
if you sign up to www.playbill.com then you will see what is on while you are
in NY
I hope you get the chance to experience some of my recommendations and get a feel for why I love New York so much. I have now been to New York five times and combined have spent 14 weeks each time discovering new places and things to do. I would love to here any recommendations anyone else has, feel free to email me - patricia.shooter@gmail.com and I will add to this Blog.
For other places to visit while you are in and around NYC check out my blog on The Hamptons
Enjoy!
For other places to visit while you are in and around NYC check out my blog on The Hamptons
Enjoy!
Trisha Shooter
No comments:
Post a Comment