RESIDENT'S GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY

City Island, New York

2009-08-30T19:49:00.004-04:00

mSo here's the Resident Guide to NYC post about City Island- what some call the Cape Cod of New York City.

City Island is an island in Long Island Sound about 1.25 miles long in the northeast Bronx (NYC) or some like to think the southeast corner of Westchester County. Future posts will talk about the Island's history, but for now NYC visitors might want to know that City Island is a 50+ minute commute from mid-town NYC take the #6 train and then the #29 bus.

My suggestion take the bus to the very last stop, looking out the window- then walk back toward the bridge (City Island Bridge is the connection to the mainland). By riding to the end of the Island first you get a glimpse of what you want to see more of, and the wide variety of eateries - the major draw for visitors to the Island.

When you walk back to the bridge, take a moment sit in Catherine Scott Park and send some good thoughts to Catherine a City Island resident who made major contributions to presevering the history of the Island before her premature passing.

At the bridge area there's at least four seafood restaurants including JP's, Lobster House on the back street not right on the main drag City Island Avenue. My favorite 'big food' restaurant is a few blocks further, Artie's - no not waterfront but consistently good food; yet my overall preference is the several smaller neighborhood restaurants between Fordham and Carroll Streets-- then down 'the end' are the traditional Lobster Box, and the ever people original Sammy's. Johnny's Reef restaurant. The telephone wires around Johnny's home to wild parrots.

Then there's the City Island Nautical Museum on Fordham Street and for historical architecute buffs a significant number of historical homes including 586 City Island Avenue which was home to a sea captain. And recently Island residents reconstructed an historical ship that sits as a monument in front of the public school PS 172 on the Avenue. And of course, Starving Artist Gallery where there's a great music lineup. Music is also on tap across the street from the Tree House Cafe, schedules for both are posted in their windows.

The New York Public Library branch on the Island is home to the largest ship collection in the library system and across the street is Ron Terner's gallery and the lucky lotto store.

Writing this post I'm thinkng City Island and other similar neighborhoods are worthy of their own blogs.

Summer in the City II

2009-07-05T18:56:00.003-04:00

Summer in the City II is a continuation of last post. New York City events for August 2009 (plan ahead) include:

FREE Lincoln Center out of Doors events and of course continuatin of films at Bryant Park
with August films including Kramer vs. Kramer, The Magnificent Seven and Close Encounters.

For a New York Resident mini-vacation in July head out to the Tree House on City Island, enjoy a truly amazing dinner, then walk across the avenue to enjoy Saturday Night Jazz. There is a $10 cover at the time of this posting, but if the future July gigs are as good as yesterday's- worth every penny.

City Island is billed as the Cape Cod of the city and accessible by #6 train and #29 bus. Or if you land on another train route #5, #2, #4 or the D then it is the #12 to the #29 connect at Pelham Bay Station- use the MTA map planner on the blog.

Hmm maybe I need a full post on City Island.

Summer in the City

2009-06-29T19:38:00.007-04:00

Well last we spoke it was fall and now whoosh it is Summer in the City again. Activities abound and perhaps to jump start I should send you to the River to River Festival

In the spirit of the economic challenges most of us face let's check out free stuff in the city, like the Monday night film festival and after work concert series in Bryant Park.

Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library Main Branch at 42nd Street. The library itself is a wonderful Summer in the City excursion and the NYPL website has information about a variety of summertime activities.

Thanks NYC taxpayers and all those who fund these events.

Fall in NYC

2008-09-23T20:24:00.002-04:00

Fall brings NYC residents outdoors. Here's a few insider places to visit.

Check out website for Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, - a walk, a class, something special...
as well
The Bronx Botanical Gardens, I have taken photography classes there in the past and enjoyed a wonderful guided tour. Yep New Yorkers don't often believe they need a 'guide' but I've learned how enriching it can be.
The Queens Botanical Garden is 'kid friendly' and is accessible by public transporation, yep, even from the Bronx.

The outdoors list includes Wave Hill in the Bronx and, of course, The Cloisters a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

All of the above are great places to sit and knit, crochet or gain inspiration for the fiber arts and other media.

I'm sure there are many other outdoor venues you will add in comments- for Fall 2008.

Jazz in New York City

2008-07-24T18:56:00.003-04:00

New York City is a Jazz lovers dream come true this summer. Most days you can find a free or affordable performance in any of the 5 boros. There's jazz for the purist and performances with blues and rock. Even BAM- (Brooklyn Academy of Music) is hosting lunchtime concerts at Metrotech.

There's jazz in Harlem Meer and the Charlie Parker Festival as well as jazz at Scandanavia House.

If you are interested in Smooth Cruises it's a good idea to order tickets early. I've been watching each cruise sell out.

Things Hispanic

2008-06-01T19:21:00.002-04:00

There are numerous Hispanic cultural centers, activities, events and cultural events throughout New York City. Most museums host one or more exhibitions and events throughout the year, so residents and visitors alike are best served performing a google search. However, what residents know is a jumping off point is The Hispanic Society and some of the best restaurants, especially Mexican and Dominican are found in the outer boroughs.

Things Indian

2008-05-21T19:24:00.002-04:00

Little India also known as Curry Hill is an area in New York City centered around the intersection of 28th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Although this Indian community is not especially large (as compared to the Queens/Jackson Heights area, where the Indian population is now almost 110,000), the small vital area has good restaurants and interesting shops. There’s a saree store (traditional Indian dress) grocery stores and restaurants. It is not unusual to find workers who do not speak English, yet the majority of shop owners do conduct their business in English.

One of the draws to this area of New York City is the smells, cumin and fennel permeate the air from the spice shops and the restaurants. Vegetarian choices are on just about every Indian restaurant menu, and both Madras Mahal (27th & Lexington) or Saravannas (26th & Lexington) get rave reviews. Pongal’s website lets you reserve a table online and Madras Mahal advertize that they are strictly kosher.

An interesting website to get a sense of the area is Neil’s Curry Hill favorites at http://mondomap.com/?mapid=227

Things German

2008-04-25T20:58:00.003-04:00

New York City has a lot to offer for those looking for things German. Restaurants can be found in the Yorkville area like the Heidelberg on Second Avenue Hallo Berlin over on 1oth Avenue and Lederhosen German Wurst and Bierhaus on Grove Street. In the outlying boroughs try Zum Stammtisch in Queens.

There are a number of events and activities that take place monthly throughout the city. For example, the Tribeca Film Festival includes Seven Days Sunday (Sieben Tage Sonntag) during April.

The best resource for keeping up with things German in New York City is Germany In New York City

Ethnic New York

2008-04-06T18:39:00.003-04:00

New York City is a melting pot -- still! Residents of NYC often seek out food, entertainment and other services that reinforce their cultural identity. The next few blog posts will share with you some of the opportunities to be introduced to new cultures or touch base with one's own.

I'll provide links that will give information on East, West, North and South of the globe's cultural opportunities and activities in the city, and, of course, rely on your emails and comments to make the information timely and relevant. The Babelfish translation link will support translation.

Spring in New York City

2008-03-28T19:28:00.002-04:00

Spring is unfolding in New York City and that means residents and visitors alike are looking for things to do. Knitting, crochet, weaving and other fiber arts activities are very popular. With the Euro/US dollar ratio in favor of tourists, New York City is a great knitters and other yarn enthusiasts destination. There are also a number of good deeds one can accomplish while knitting in New York City. Knitting for charity is a way to get free patterns .
In Spring when New Yorkers are not knitting they are often laughing—at places like the Improv or taking continuing education classes at places like Bronx Community College Continuing & Professional Studies. I’ve heard that they are putting together their annual SummerArts program and will update you when the new schedule is available.
Spring also means baseball and some just visit the website for the NY Yankees and others actually order tickets. Oh so do Mets fans. One thing in common for all fans is waiting for the new stadiums nor is that stadia?
We’ll be posting more Spring activities for New York City residents and visitors, so stay tuned!

More March Events New York City

2008-03-14T19:05:00.003-04:00

More events to enjoy in New York City during March include:

New York City Pillow Fight 2008
The third annual pillow fight will be held in Union Square Park on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. Bring a pillow and a friend or assailant. The subway lines all stop at 14th Street- Union Square. This year’s event will coincide with pillow fights in cities all over the world on World Pillow Fight Day. This year's pillow fight is timed to coincide with pillow fights in cities all over the world. Learn more about World Pillow Fight Day.

The annual New York City Easter Day Parade is Sunday March 23, 2008 . Paraders often begin at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the parade of fashionistas is on Fifth Avenue, from 44th to 55th Street

March Events New York City

2008-03-07T19:02:00.006-05:00

If you’re travelling to New York City to cheer on your favorite basketball team during March Madness, there are other things to do and see while you are here.

The 11th Annual USA Memory Championship will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Con Edison Grand Auditorium, 4 Irving Place (14th Street) in New York City and is FREE for spectators.This annual event is for "Mental Athletes" to compete in events like memorizing a string of 1,000 random digits, or two decks of shuffled cards, 99 names and faces, 100 spoken words and an unpublished 50 line poem. This year’s tournament includes challengers from around the country. The winner of the USA Memory Championship qualifies to compete against the champions of other countries in the World Memory Championships.

Then on March 9 there’s the New York Open Judo Championship held at the New York Athletic Club, 180 Central Park South with participants from 23 countries.

And not to miss the The Pier Antiques Show at Pier 94, 55th Street & 12th Avenue, Saturday and Sunday, March 15-16, 2008. The Pier Antiques Show will have thousands of shoppers and about 500 exhibitors . Items will include art and antiques, collectibles , interesting modern furnishings as well as vintage fashions. Admission is $15 with children under 16 accompanied by an adult FREE. http://www.stellashows.com/.

Of course New Yorker’s and visitors alive will enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday March 17, 2008. After the parade head to McSorley's , New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Established in 1854. McSorley's offers a uniquel pub experience with sawdust-covered floors, and the legendary backroom where the ale flowed during Prohibition. Women have only been welcomed at McSorley's since 1970 (and the ladies’ room was installed sixteen years later). There are only two kinds of beer available – McSorley’s Light and McSorley’s Dark – and you’ll have to belly up to the bar to get a pint. There are no stools.15 E 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, 212-473-9148. Take the #6 train to Astor Place.

Molly's Pub & Restaurant, Shebeen is a traditional Irish pub with sawdust on the floor and a log-burning fireplace. This pub is famous for its Shepherd's Pie and pints of Guinness. Reasonable prices. Molly's is located at 287 3rd Avenue near 22nd Street, 212-889-3361Take the #6 train to 23rd Street

And the China Institute has an exhibition, Tea, Wine & Poetry: Qing dynasty literati and their drinking vessels from March 24–June 16, 2008. The China Institute is located at 125 East 65 Street and hours are Monday–Saturday ~ 10 AM–5 PM and Tuesday & Thursday ~ 10 AM–8 PM

CHOCOLATE -NEW YORK CITY

2008-03-01T19:32:00.008-05:00

Chocolate! I've decided to be reincarnated as chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, any kind of chocolate. There are a number of exquisite chocolate shops downtown, midtown and uptown in New York City. Tourists and residents alike will enjoy more chocolate in New York City ...

Chocolate Moderne with retail outlets in several states including our beloved North Carolina. Also at Tisserie at Broadway and 17th Street, and then walk on up to 19th Street for Michel Cluizel. Do Not forget Vere's Chocolate Factory with various locations and Vegan sensitivity.

CHOCOLATE - NEW YORK CITY

2008-02-16T10:31:00.008-05:00

We all know whatever time of year, chocolate can solve most problems: what to give as a gift-- depression-- lover's quarrel-- and even now perhaps ageing. If nothing else can help one age happily. Here's a short list of places to find really great chocolate.

In and around SOHO :
Vosges Haut-Chocolat has a boutique at 132 Spring Street. Kee's Chocolates at 80 Thompson Street. Then at 484 Broome is MarieBelle Chocolates, and of course as mentioned before Jacques Torres Chocolate Factory has several stores but in this area head over to 350 Hudson Street

Can't make up your mind, well make a day of it and sample from all!

KNITTING Uptown New York City

2008-02-09T18:54:00.004-05:00

New York City Residents knit. Take the train, take the bus, walk to the nearest yarn store!

Knitting has been occupying a lot of my time lately-- well mostly ripping, the knitting itself doesn't take much time at all. Yet, I've been meeting a lot of other fiber folk, crocheters, knitters, weavers and they've shared their enthusiasm for a few more yarn shops. These are New York City yarn shops located 'uptown'.

Yarntopia, 974 Amsterdam Avenue, up about 108th Street- have not been there yet, but got a pleasant and quick response to an email I'd sent them; so a definite yes visit- perhaps for some Valentine yarn.

Then there's String now located at 130 East 82nd Street in what is advertised as their new, bigger store.

Knitty City on 79th between Amsterdam and Broadway has been noted as the friendliest yarn store in town. People I've met through fiber groups and random chats while knitting on the subway, who've been to Knitty City, agree.

Knitters like to nosh while knitting, so I welcome comments for some good nosh eat in, take out near these uptown stores. Oops gotta go the magic loop is calling!

Knitting Downtown NYC

2008-01-05T20:00:00.003-05:00

Sorry, it's been awhile since posting- life! But wanted to give readers a sense of yarn stores located in the downtown New York City neighborhoods.

So let's start with Seaport Yarns at 135 William Street - In previus posts I've mentioned Purl http://www.purlsoho.comon Sullivan Street- and Downtown Yarns on Avenue A. Downtown you'll also find Knit New York on 14th Street and Schoolhouse Products, Inc on 28th. Another downtown place to knit, eat and purchase yarn is The Point Knitting Cafe on Bedford Street.

Some of the great knitting folk I've met through the Bronx/Westchester Yarn Therapy Group (find them on meetup.com) will let me know about other yarn stores, both 'downtown' and when we visit the resident preferences in other boroughs.

Theater

2007-12-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

So this post will get updated regularly right now it's theater around Union Square- yes off, off broadway, strike or not, often reveals gems to new york residents and those tourists eager for adventure and not driven by what the hotel concierge recommends.

So let's start with theaters

and if the link does not work type into browser...

http://www.crsny.org/drupal/index

Union Square and Thereabouts

2007-11-20T16:53:00.002-05:00

I hosted family 'up from the South' as we New York residents say. It was a great day and reminded me that New Yorker's walk with a synchronous pace and adapting to that pace is very important for effective foot travel.

Family also understood I was not the one who'd join them for the typical tourist attactions, but could share a resident's experience, and, yes, that could include a museum.

So we 'hooked up' at the Rubin Museum of Art 150 West 17th Street. The museum was a winner- even two teenage boys were engaged. The artwork is amazing art, whether applique, photography or painting. I was thrilled because I had a chance to purchase a birthday gift for a friend at the museum's gift shop. (Residents often shop at museum gift shops rather than department store- and the savvy ones know you can enter the gift shop without paying a museum entrance fee.) Another museum 'thereabouts' is the New Museum of Contemporary Art.
Teenage boys is the metaword here, means' I'm hungry'. So off we went in search of food. That is until we found The Angels Thrift Store a fantastic place to purchase good clothes, jewelry, home decor and contribute to social good. For those of you younger than I-- rush there's a fantastic red suede jacket with a huge red feather collar to die for, especially in this red season.

Still heading East on 14th we weren't too thrilled with the ambience of our original choices and by then the out of towners decided they wanted a real New York pizza. At least 3-4 other residents provided us with recommendations for the 'best' pizza east of Fifth Avenue; sadly a Monday night-- all were closed. All except for Vinny's on First Avenue between 13-14th. Awesomely good pizza, with other supper items on a blackboard menu and yes, readers, Caramel Apple Pie baked nearby. Talk about slow food! So now Vinny's is on my latest good food for residents and out of towners!

Oh did I mention the Greemarket? The Union Square Greenmarket is a place to be. While writing this i learned the Greemarket is sponsoring textile recycling Mondays through December 2007. Well this site is about a resident's guide to NYC, but textile recycling is dear to my heart and one of the more creative, entrepreneurial and satisfying social good projects using recycled textiles is evidenced at Endless Possibilities in Manteo, North Carolina.

FOOD AND MORE IN NEW YORK CITY

2007-11-17T19:08:00.002-05:00

While we are still below 14th Street I must tell you about Jacques Torres Chocolate okay so I lied it is about food. But that's what most residents of New York City o- not just eat, but know where and how to eat. So Jacques Torres is located at 350 Hudson at King Street (1 block South of Houston), New York, NY 10014. Store hours are Mon - Sat 9:00am - 7:00pm. Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm. there's a new site uptown around 73rd and gotta tell you we'll repeat when we get there ....

(for the tourist who wants to be a New Yorker, go for the spicey hot chocolate)

Okay so my good downtown Saturday- get a facial from Winnie over on Hester Street, then Suki cuts my hair around the corner on Elizabeth Street, a walk over to Sullivan Street to pick up new yarn at PURL, then Jacques for a spicey hot chocolate then a walk back to the Chess Forum before heading East on Bleeker to get the #6 train uptown. (If I have a 'critter sitter' then I might elongate the day with a film at Angelika.)So there you go...a residents guide to this area of NYC. So now we'll head north a bit http://www.jacquestorres.com/

Greenwich Village

2007-10-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

Okay I'm aging myself by using the title Greenwich Village. For some New York residents there is no 'Greenwich Village'. There might be an East Village, West Village or the Village...but Greenwich Village is archaic.

So let's put food on the back burner for awhile and walk out of the park (see below) and head for the Chess Forum at 219 Thompson Street, or walk across the street to the Village Chess Shop. At either landmark you'll find unique and one of a kind chess pieces, full sets (in all price ranges) a fantastic library and chess software. Almost always there's a game going on or someone waiting in the wings for a partner.

Knitters and other fiber folk- walk south and west to Sullivan Street and visit PURL their website says Purlsoho.com but we know the shop is located in what once was the West Village. They have a wonderful selection of yarn, and also offer classes. I've not yet found a 'free' pattern on the website though- too bad NYC Residents gravitate to 'free'.

Washington Square Park

2007-10-08T18:53:00.002-04:00

Many New York City residents visit the historic Washington Square Park at least once each season. The park, characterized by its central fountain and stone arch, is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, and is considered by some to be New York University's own back yard.

The tourist should definitely consider a 'walk in the park', stopping at the chess area and arranging his/her day downtown according to the outdoor events scheduled in the park.

The arch is another example of Stanford White's architectural vision (remember the post about the Hall of Fame now part of the CUNY Bronx Community College campus-- yes we'll get to the Bronx and other boroughs) and what many do not know, sadly some residents too, is that the park was a Potters Field( back in about 1797 or so)- yep the bones are still buried there along with those who'd been 'hung' from Hangman's Elm in the northwest corner of the park.

Some residents prefer the park when nothing is scheduled, a nice sandwich and cool drink or hot in winter on a bench is one of the perks for New York City residents. And standing at the the lip of the fountain reciting HOWL from memory or a stream of crib sheets- is definitely a New York experience.

MOVIES DOWNTOWN NEW YORK CITY

2007-10-05T19:49:00.004-04:00

The Angelika Film Center or the Angelika's sister theater the Cinema East on Second Avenue as well as the Cinema Village on 12th Street comprise the quintessential New York City film experience. There are many film festivals and other venues for good film in the city, but these are the 'regulars', always there for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Absolutely no way a savvy visitor should go home without seeing a film at either or both theaters. The Angelika has a cafe with devils food cake to 'die' for as well as a long history of important and 'edgy' films.

Here's a link to Cinema Village current shows, time and price and here's the Angelika
bon filme!

More Lower East Side

2007-09-20T20:26:00.001-04:00

Okay so you really want to know where New Yorker's shop- yep lower East Side. Orchard Street- there are so many shops to suggest I fear I'll forget someone. A resident New Yorker knows many closed on Saturdays. So from furnishings to housewares to apparels, children's clothing and more.... oh and for the regional drive into the city visitor there is municipal parking close by.

The Lower East Side to Alphabet City

2007-09-19T19:20:00.002-04:00

New York City residents don't all agree to the boundaries for Alphabet City, an area north of The Bowery and East of 'The Village'. The purists can argue for lifetimes especially about the role East Houston Street plays separating the Lower East Side from Alphabet City. But one thing just about all New Yorkers can agree to is that Katz's Delicatessen (send a salame to your boy in the army) is the quintessential New York eating experience. Prices are a lot higher than in 1888 but you won't find a better french frie in all the land- and even vegetarians can fill up and enjoy.

A few doors over-is Yonah Schimmel Knishes there are no words to describe these knishes New York City made since 1910!

Full? well head uptown and on Avenue A to about 3rd Street and stop in to Downtown Yarns and don't forget knitting is not for women only. In fact, in New York men who knit and knit in public get the same kind of attention as men who walk those adorable dogs that make women stop and talk. You might want to tuck your knitting into a 'manly' bag when you walk past the Hells Angel's New York City headquarters at 77 East Third- or not, who knows this is New York, betcha there's a meetup group called bikers who knit or angels who purl.

The Bowery

2007-09-09T19:08:00.002-04:00

Just north of Little Italy is the area known as The Bowery

Visitor are often surprised that there are things to do, hear and see in the area-- residents know better. New Yorkers with a long memory recall that back in the 1800's the Bowery was a large entertainment district. It fell into hard times and became known as skid row and that reputation held for a long time. Nowadays much of the Bowery is still low-rent, but below Houston Street, the Bowery is home to many restaurants, lighting supply houses along with a mixture of old tenements, and million dollar condos sitting side-by-side. The Bowery Savings Bank building was designed by Sandford White (as was the Rotunda on the Bronx Community College Campus).

The Bowery Poetry Club has a full schedule of readings and events- even a free podcast on the website. http://www.bowerypoetry.com/
The New Museum is also located at 235 Bowery.

The there's the Bowery Mission- what a blast to come to NY and volunteer or donate!