NYC - I'm Taking a Bite of the Big Apple

[Babette]

My friend and I are going to New York City the last week of June. We already have tickets for Spring Awakening (http://www.springawakening.com/) and I will make another stop to the yummy Grilled Cheese restaurant. My favorite restaurant has closed (http://www.gothamist.com/2006/01/31/grilled_cheese.php) :(

I have only been to New York once before. I know I have an inside connection with a native NYer, but does anyone else have any must-see, must-eat, must-do or don't miss recommendations?

[Ghoulish Delight]

*makes note to follow this thread as we've booked an October trip*

[Snowflake]

Well, next to LA, Chicago, SF NY is food mecca. It's been too long since I've been to recommend any spots to eat. But I will ask a few friends who do live in Manhattan for any outstanding spots.

I love NY, it's been too long!

[innerSpaceman]

When I took my friend Jim to NYC many many years ago, we did some exhaustive walking tours of the City and saw just about everything there was to see. To aid us in this endeavor, I cut out from books several small maps of this neighborhood and that, so we'd be sure to take the most economic route on a journey that could wear your feet to bloody stumps.

As a sort of joke gift for my last birthday, Jim gave me a set of touring cards that have NYC neighborhood maps on one side, and details of the worthy sights in that area on the other. They are an invaluable aid for anyone going to New York City ... and I intend to lend them to any swankers headed to the Big Apple.

Next time I see you, Babette ... I will make sure you'll be the first swanker able to head east with these cards. I will throw in a few personal recommendations of my own, as an ex-New Yorker.


Alas, I can't recommend any restaurants ... as I haven't been to New York for nearly 20 years.

[blueerica]

There are too many places to hit up there - but every trip to NY needs to be met with three things. A vendor dog, a slice of good NY style pizza and a delicious cheese cake. After that, all else is up for grabs.

I really liked going to Ellis Island, and it could be a really great thing for you to have in your repetoire, as a school teacher. I also am a BIG fan of the American Natural History Museum, which is conveniently located next to Central Park. There's a really cool castle inside of Central Park (http://www.centralparknyc.org/virtualpark/thegreatlawn/belvederecastle) that I think everyone should see in person... There's so much. It's really hard to go wrong in NYC.

Oooh, if modern art's your thing, I also had a really good time at MOCA on my last visit. When I went there, I just had to wait outside in the rain for a while, since it had just re-opened and people were clamoring to get a peek. Might not be as busy these days.

If/When I think of more, I'll post.

[Moonliner]

If you are doing the Broadway thing I highly recommend Cafe un deux trois (http://www.cafeundeuxtrois.biz/dinnertheatermenu.html) for their Prix Fixe menu. :snap:

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'll have to see if my dad still remembers where that one fondue place is (or was, who knows if it's still there)...

[Prudence]

We ate at Grimaldi's (http://www.grimaldis.com/) in Brooklyn. Very tasty. Cash only, and the ATM machine in the vestibule doesn't work. Do not offend them by ordering a diet soda, or they will harass you in a semi-good natured fashion. No set combos - you order ingredients individually. House red and white wine available by the carafe.

I know it's hokey touristy, but I wish I'd been able to spend more time on Ellis Island. The Ferry Building opens to the public next week, I believe. It's far more beautiful, and peaceful, than I had expected. Not an empty peace - there's a presence there - but not the sense of conflict I expected.

And JFK is possibly one of the worst airports ever created.

[Stan4dSteph]

I'll give my standard recommendations:

Peanut Butter and Company (http://ilovepeanutbutter.com/sandwich_shop.cfm) - the seating area is small, but the food is really tasty.

burger joint in Le Parker Meridian hotel (http://www.parkermeridien.com/NY%20Daily%20News%20-%20Eats%20-%20Burger%20Joint%20at%20Le%20Parker%20Meridien.ht m) (go through the front, and hang a left right past the check-in desk) - excellent burgers in a place that looks like a throwback to the 70s. The menu is basic: burgers, fries, shakes and sodas.

Also the Tea Box at Takashimaya, which is near the World of Disney store on 5th Ave.

craftbar and 'wichcraft are both owned by Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame. I've had tasty meals at both places. Craft family website (http://www.craftrestaurant.com/)

Have a great trip!

[CoasterMatt]

Summer 2007 is the last open season for Astroland (home of the Coney Island Cyclone). I know it's not a swanky area, but it always makes me happy to ride a ride that Charles Lindbergh was thrilled by.

[Moonliner]

Summer 2007 is the last open season for Astroland (home of the Coney Island Cyclone). I know it's not a swanky area, but it always makes me happy to ride a ride that Charles Lindbergh was thrilled by.

Did I ever mention I was a CM there? Do I have stories? Oh yeah, I have stories! I'm quite distressed to see the old girl go!

Cyclone on staff night with all the stoppers pulled... Now that rocked!


DOH!!!

You said Astroland...... Nevermind. Send me a PM when Astroworld closes. (I was wondering what this had to do with Houston. )


DOH!!! DOH!!!!

Sigh (http://www.sixflags.com/national/alert/astroworld.aspx):(

Some days....

[Kevy Baby]

I know that no one will ever take me up on it, but I simply loved Virgil's Barbecue (http://www.virgilsbbq.com/) when I was last in NYC. Granted, my last visit was in the last millennium, but I have heard from more than one source (including from the person who introduced me to this place) that the food is just as good as when I was last there.

I know BBQ may not sound like the quintessential NY fare, but it is darned good (my favorite is the 14-hour slow roasted dry ribs - dry as in no sauce but an amazing rub).

[Stan4dSteph]

Haven't eaten at Virgil's, but I have eaten at Blue Smoke and it was delicious! Portions were huge too.

[Capt Jack]

does anyone else have any must-see, must-eat, must-do or don't miss recommendations?

Ive only been there once as well, but the one thing that stoods out to me as a 'holy @#$%...you have GOT to see this!' is the first load of people flowing out of Penn Station on a work day. the streets go from 'geez, its a morgue out here' at around 5am to looking like a zillion human ants flowing out of a giant hole in the ground in less than a minute.

its surreal, amazing and frightening all at the same time.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Summer 2007 is the last open season for Astroland (home of the Coney Island Cyclone). I know it's not a swanky area, but it always makes me happy to ride a ride that Charles Lindbergh was thrilled by.Noooooo!!! Aw man, we'll be missing it by mere months. :(

[thecorndogwalker]

I was born and raised in Brooklyn and there is nothing like going to Coney Island in the spring, getting a nathan hot dog, fries and sitting on the boardwalk. Then riding the rickety cyclone a bunch of times... then going to watch the freak side show...

[thecorndogwalker]

http://www.astroland.com/

brings back major memories.. glad to see they still have DANTE'S INFERNO
the cheezy/spooky dark ride...

[mousepod]

Well, as sad as I am to see Astroland closing... I'm heartened that the Cyclone will remain, and the new owners are planning on building an entertainment complex as opposed to just condos.

Let's face it, none of us ever got to see the true golden age of Coney Island (I've seen pictures of Dreamland - wow), so my real yearning is not for the Coney Island of my youth, but for the Coney Island that stood when my great-grandfather was a young man.

That said - if you're a baseball fan, you can't beat a minor league game at Keyspan Park. Taking in the Coney Island Cyclones (a Mets farm team) is as much if not more fun than catching the Yankees or the Mets, plus you have the opportunity to eat a Nathan's Famous and ride the Cyclone.

Pure, all-American heaven.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I think, thou who hast a cupcake as thine emoticon, that you need to swing by Magnolia Bakery while you're there. It's quite different from Sprinkles (more down-home) but tasty. (And actually, my favorite thing there was--shockingly--not a cupcake. I loved the banana pudding.)

[blueerica]

Oh yeah, Magnolia Bakery. Be sure to stop by Serendipity: 3 as well. Be sure to put your name in first and look around at the other shops. Have the Frozen Hot Chocolate, it's really scrumptious!

[mousepod]

Cupcake Café. 9th and 40th (or 5th and 18th). Buttercream.

[innerSpaceman]

Nathan's Hot Dog

[CoasterMatt]

You can also ride the Wonder Wheel at Dino's Amusement - the really truly scary ride that inspired the Sun Wheel at DCA.

[Babette]

Thanks everyone. I knew this was the place to ask. I will be honored to follow the walking tours recommended by iSm's Jim. I missed the Belvedere castle last time, will definitely check it out, along with museums. Never been to Ellis Island - I want to do that!

A lot of food I'm hearing, and loving. I am into snacking, eating, snacking and eating. Sweets, cheese & bread, bbq, burgers, French, dawgs, pizza, it all sounds so yummy. I am totally drooling and will probably need to bring elastic waist pants! PB & Co. sounds like a good substitute for Grilled Cheese.

I will most likely skip the roller coasters, but who knows. I know I won't skip the people watching or the scrumptious food. I can't wait for June.

[CoasterMatt]

Well, even if you don't ride the Cyclone, having a Nathan's at the birthplace of Nathan's is an experience.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

There are too many places to hit up there - but every trip to NY needs to be met with three things. A vendor dog, a slice of good NY style pizza and a delicious cheese cake. After that, all else is up for grabs.So, is a vendor dog really tasty, or is it "local color"? Do New Yorkers eat them? Is there any stigma associated with it? For some reason this topic interests me.

I'm very, very bummed that we're missing Cyclone. :(

[CoasterMatt]

My friend Dave, who lives about a mile from Coney, eats so many Nathan's Franks that I think his body would go in to some kind of withdrawal if he stopped.

[mousepod]

So, is a vendor dog really tasty, or is it "local color"? Do New Yorkers eat them? Is there any stigma associated with it? For some reason this topic interests me.

I'm very, very bummed that we're missing Cyclone. :(

When I was a youngster (through my mid-20s), I used to love vendor dogs - aka "dirty water hot dogs" or "chez parasol". Then I saw a local news story about how they clean (or don't clean) the carts at night and how they dispose of (or don't dispose of) the unsold dogs. No more Sabrett's for me.

Now, if I want food from a street vendor, I get a square knish (slit and filled with deli mustard) and a Yoo Hoo.

But if I want a dog, the best one for me has to be at one of the (now many) papaya stands. Gray's Papaya, Papaya King... they're all good. A medium "papaya drink" (kind of like a thin papaya milkshake) and two grilled all-beef hot dogs with wet onions and dijon mustard......

I just ate... but I am now very hungry.

[Stan4dSteph]

The Time Out New York Eating and Dining Guide is an excellent resource. It's what I've used to plot out the eateries I try.

[blueerica]

Yeah, it's not like they're "great" but I feel like it should be had at least once in a lifetime. They also have a variety of other vendors. I should change that to "street vendor food." All kinds of good stuff to be found.

[Stan4dSteph]

The Time Out New York Eating and Dining Guide is an excellent resource. It's what I've used to plot out the eateries I try.That should be Eating and Drinking guide. I was posting while sleepy.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Serendipity. It's a beautiful ice scream / dessert parlor. Two stories. Lovely interior. It's wonderful and dreamy and creamy and delicious.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must if you're doing the museum thing. There are tons of wonderful museums in NYC, but that's really the one to go to if you're only gonna go to one.

Anywhere in Central Park.

The Lower East side, for history, for amazing Chinese food, for dive bars or swanky bars, for color and life and fun; it has a bit of everything.

Gotta stand before the Brooklyn Bridge, at least once.

Angelika's Kitchen on 12th street (off of 2nd, I think) if you like vegan food.

6th street if you like Indian food.

Williamsburg, first stop off the L train in Brooklyn, has a lot of fun shops and eateries.

Coney Island, and it's a nice ride on the F train to get there.

Have fun!

[Snowflake]

Why is it the thought of NYC makes me hungry?

Pastrami sandwich sounds great right about now.

[mousepod]

Why is it the thought of NYC makes me hungry?

Pastrami sandwich sounds great right about now.

Don't miss Katz's Deli - "Send a salami to your boy in the Army"
http://www.chessbase.com/images2/2003/ny/end25.jpg

[Snowflake]

Don't miss Katz's Deli - "Send a salami to your boy in the Army"
http://www.chessbase.com/images2/2003/ny/end25.jpg

They have a nice website, good shopping and since I'm hungry, so tempted!

The menu (not surprisingly) is huge. I'll add this to my list, I've not been in any of my trips to NY.

And, I've never stood in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, either. :(

[Babette]

Don't miss Katz's Deli - "Send a salami to your boy in the Army"
http://www.chessbase.com/images2/2003/ny/end25.jpgLast time I was in NY it was pre-NM so I was a vegetarian. I walked in and thought "there is absolutely nothing I can eat here", walked out and went to Grilled Cheese down the street.