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

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Some days....

[Kevy Baby]

I know that no one will ever take me up on it, but I simply loved Virgil's Barbecue 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]

Originally Posted by Babette

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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!