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

My friend and I are going to New York City the last week of June. We already have tickets for Spring Awakening and I will make another stop to the yummy Grilled Cheese restaurant. My favorite restaurant has closed :(

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?

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

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!

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.

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 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.

If you are doing the Broadway thing I highly recommend Cafe un deux trois for their Prix Fixe menu. :snap:

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)...

We ate at Grimaldi's 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.

I'll give my standard recommendations:

Peanut Butter and Company - the seating area is small, but the food is really tasty.

burger joint in Le Parker Meridian hotel (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

Have a great trip!

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.