New York NYC dining & drinks
June 10th, 2009 by admin

Say “New York” to many people, and the images that come to mind are entirely from a relatively tiny slice of this sprawling and diverse city. But there is a lot more to New York than Manhattan. One area that a growing number of visitors are discovering is Brooklyn.
For sometime now native New Yorkers have been enjoying the continuing renaissance of this storied part of the city. Even Manhattanites are embracing what Brooklyn residents have known all along: Brooklyn has something for almost anyone. Increasingly out-of-town visitors are following along to experience the many wonderful sights (and tastes) of Manhattan’s most accessiable neighbor.
New York is nothing without its neighborhoods, and this is as true in Brooklyn as anywhere else. Featuring the picturesque row-houses of Brooklyn Heights, the vibrant DUMBO neighboorhood along the river with its fun and funky bars and restaurants (and some of the best pizza in the city), the posh Park Slope area, the Russian ambiance of Brighton Beach, Williamsburg’s art scene, not to mention Coney Island (hot dog anyone?), Brooklyn is — as Borough President Marty Markowitz says – ”a must-visit for tourists looking for a hip, historic, authentic and diverse experience.”
A personal favorite is the Brooklyn Museum. With a wonderful collection of art and artifacts from around the world and across eras, this museum lets the visitor sample a wide variety without overwhelming with any one theme. And the adjoining Botanic Garden is a beautiful spot to take a break from the hustle of the City. The museum has a number of good restaurants in the area and is just a short subway ride from Manhattan (and has its own stop) or on weekends grab the free shuttle from Manhattan.
Another thing worth checking out is a Chassidic Walking Tour in the Crown Heights neighborhood. You’ll get to experience a slice of New York that is both iconic and a bit off the beaten path (plus get a free deli lunch in the process). There is a great video available on the Chassidic Welcome Center’s site to give you a sense of what you’ll experience on the tour.
If you are going to New York, definitely add Brooklyn to your visit. It is easy to get to — just walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge (with great views of the City and the River) or take your pick from many of the subway lines to get you into any and all of the neighborhoods. A New York Explorer Pass covers a number of the top things to do in Brooklyn, including those mentioned above, as well as a bike tour of the waterfront and key bridges or a City Sights bus tour of the Borough.
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
March 19th, 2008 by jamie a
Steamed Berkshire Pork Buns at Momofuku Noodle Photo uploaded by
After a full day of roaming around the expansive Big Apple with your , you’re bound to be hungry. Rather than gambling with your stomach on a random street vendor, Time Out New York has put together a list of …and where to find them.
They start the list off with the quintessential New York cuisine, the pizza. Di Fara Pizza, run by Domenico DeMarco, serves a delectable artichoke pie, covered in their signature sauce, fresh mozzarella, Reggiano, artichokes and fresh herbs. There’s also a Foie Gras Brulee made for foodies at Jean-Georges, steamed Berkshire pork buns at Momofuku Noodle, and arguably the best latte in the city exists at Gorilla Coffee.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Levain Bakery for their gooey-delicious chocolate chip walnut cookies, Bomboloni at Falai Pannetteria or Caffe Falai, and a hazelnut souffle at Capsouto Freres. Mmmmmm!
Bon appetit!
Planning a trip to
New York?
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New York Travel Blog.
February 1st, 2008 by susan j
Lucky Cheng’s in New York City’s East Village Photo uploaded by
You’ll work up a pretty hearty appetite trying to hit all of New York City’s must-see attractions, so our pals over at the new travel website have compiled a list of .
From the glitz and kitsch of in the East Village (also pictured above) to the retro charm of in Chelsea, these ladies certainly have eclectic taste. And none of their choices are terribly expensive, either, so you’ll still have money leftover for sightseeing. !
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
January 8th, 2008 by susan j

Artisanal cheese plate at Oceana in Midtown
Photo uploaded by
If you’ve got a champagne taste and a beer bottle budget, then you’ll want to check out , which is coming up January 21-25 and January 28-February 1. For $24.07 at lunch and $35 at dinner (plus tax and gratuity), you can sample three-course prix-fixe menus from some of New York City’s finest restaurants.
This winter, over 200 restaurants all around the city are participating, including Arabelle, Blue Fin, Dos Caminos (a personal fave of mine - try the made-to-order guacamole!), and Oceana. Reservations are filling up fast, so snag a reservation now using . For more info, check out Budget Travel’s tips on . Bon Appetite!
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
November 12th, 2007 by amy c

view from the water taxi.
photo uploaded by
Board the for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis while getting a narrated tour of the history of NYC’s waterfront. Before or after your tour, check out any of these nearby restaurants.
: Located directly next to the water taxi and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pacific Grill offers a delicious and convenient stop on your sightseeing tour. The nautical ambiance and fresh seafood match the waterfront setting that boasts of some of the best views of the Manhattan Skyline.
: The French culinary guide, “Gault Millau,” recently rated this Brooklyn gem, one of New York’s five best restaurants. Known for its elegant setting that revived the Brooklyn waterfront to its hip stature, it offers a unique and delicious menu, including a Chocolate Stick Toffee Cake for dessert.
: Classic American fare, wood burning fireplace, and nightly piano music, gives this restaurant a cozy ambiance. Enjoy dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday through Saturday, and brunch on Sundays.
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
November 9th, 2007 by amy c

View from Top of the Rock
photo uploaded by
New York City is renowned for its delicious dining scene, so we’re bringing you a preview at a few new restaurants in the city.
Located near the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, Bocca di Bacca is the latest installation from brothers Enrico and Robert Malta to their more than a dozen beloved existing restaurants in the Theater District. The cozy Venetian wine bar offers 40 selections of wines by the glass, accompanied by Northern Italian tapas. You can also enjoy an affordable meal of pastas.
Another new Italian restaurant, Visconti, graces Uptown, near Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. After you’ve worked up an appetite at the Central Park Movie Tour, enjoy a sumptuous classic Italian meal, made with the freshest ingredients.
Looking for hidden gems to accompany your sightseeing in Midtown? check out located near tourist hot spots such as Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the NBC Studio Tour.
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
November 5th, 2007 by jamie a

Brunch photo uploaded by
For those weekends where you want to treat yourself, you can sleep in and then hit up one of these great spots in the city to quench your hunger. From Mexican to traditional American fare, these restaurants will have you up and ready to take in the sights in no time.
Dos Caminos in Midtown serves upscale Mexican cuisine, so you can start your day the spicy way.You’ll love their made-to-order guacamole and and drinks like the prickly pear margarita, which are free with brunch! From chorizo con huevos to organic salmon ceviche, there’s so many options for those folks up for trying something new and exciting.
For traditional American, visit Ninth Street Market for their delightful home-style meals! You can choose fresh fruit, cinnamon vanilla, or raisin challah bread varieties of French toast and soak up the morning sun in the quaint atmosphere. If you’re longing for a cute and cozy place to relax in the bustle of the city, this is a winner.
, one of NYC’s hidden gems, serves the best in Sunday brunch. Reminiscent of a hunting lodge, Freemans has a unique, yet homey atmosphere. Try the stewed plums with Greek yogurt and vanilla syrup or lamb sausage with poached eggs, slices of sourdough toast and a watercress salad. This is a perfect spot to impress your friends.
With fried oyster omelettes, Dutch pancakes, and perfectly classic eggs Benedict, Prune is yet another superb place for brunch. Nestled within the busy streets, this tiny place requires a bit of a wait, but is certainly worth it. Order a Bloody Mary and then choose from over 8 different varieties to suit it to your taste while you enjoy the upscale comfort food of a city favorite.
After brunch, consider spending a few hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and then hop on the NYC TV and Movie Sites Tour to round off your day!
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
October 31st, 2007 by jamie a

Pizza from Grimaldi’s, voted best in the city
Photo uploaded by presta
Have a craving for some traditional New York style pizza? Then hope on a tour entitled A Slice of Brooklyn, a guided bus tour of New York’s best pizzerias. From to L & B Spumoni Gardens, this tour takes you from brick-oven Neopolitan style pie to the crisp corners of authentic Sicilian squares.
On the tour, you’ll not only learn about the history of pizza, but you’ll hear all about the history of Brooklyn, Brooklyn-born celebrities, see sites of famous movies such as Saturday Night Fever and Annie Hall, along with Coney Island and the traditional Brooklyn brownstones.
This tour is sure to please tourists and locals alike in the search for the perfect slice!
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
October 25th, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, October 26 - Saturday, October 27 (6-9 pm)
At South Street Seaport, check out the haunted “Ship of the Dead.” Rated PG-13, this is for the braver kids and parents. With gargoyles, ghosts, fog, and eaters of the living flesh, be prepared to sleep with the lights on when you get home!
Saturday, October 27 (3 pm)
At the Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Lincoln Center, kids and parents can catch a reading of the new book by Roz Chast and Steve Martin. An imaginative and funny romp around the alphabet, this is a wonderful learning book that children and parents will both enjoy.
Saturday, October 27 (10 am)
Every Saturday in October, Bike the Big Apple offers a . Highlighting French influence in the city from the Ecole de Beaux Arts to tales of block parties for Basille Day in the trendy meatpacking district, this is a must-do for any Francophile.
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.
October 23rd, 2007 by susan j

Photo uploaded by avlxyz
This weekend brings an exciting culinary event at Manhattan’s . In fact, the organizers claim that their event will “change your life.” Regardless of whether it actually has life-altering powers, Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. promises culinary demonstrations by an impressive slate of world-class chefs from some of New York’s best restaurants, visits to the Oasis Day Spa, and delicious samples of artisan olive oils, desserts, wine and spirits, and more. Sounds like a foodie’s fantasy, doesn’t it?
Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. runs this Friday and Saturday, October 26-27. Click here for ticket information.
Planning a trip to
New York?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
New York Travel Blog.