Hello everyone!
After telling some people about the idea of starting a "blog", I was instantly told that it is something that I have to maintain and update - this idea was not thrilling to me because I was really just looking for one place where I could put all of this information. I am however, largely in favor of adding to the information here and hearing if you tried anything you read about here. So, we'll see....
The restaurant list that is on here is a compilation of places I've eaten in nyc over the last 7 years. These are places that I LOVE to go and take all of my guests (if you've been a guest of mine, these places will look very familiar to you!!!). Many of the places were actually discovered by friends of mine, but I have tried and enjoyed all of them (some over and over again).
The list of tourist attractions was made because a cousin of mine had moved to the city with many colleagues (med school students) and they were looking for recommendations of things to do. I decided to type all the information out and thought this would be a great place to put it.
The final page is filled with shopping in nyc information. I used to work with two wonderful people at the department of education in the international recruitment department. We created this list a few years ago to help out international teachers who were new to nyc. This list was created as a collaboration of the three of us, but again, I thought this would be a great place to post it!
I really hope that you enjoy and use this list! Please feel free to comment!
:) Dahlia
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Shopping in NYC for Tourists
Macy's Herald Square
-Large department store located at 34th Street
-11% discount for people from out of town when you bring your ID to
their customer service department and is valid for one month
http://www.macys.com/
-Macy's is also located on Fulton Street Mall behind the department of
Education
Forever 21
-located at 50 West, 34th St. and 49 East 14th St.
http://www.forever21.com/
-Includes affordable clothing and jewelry for females
H&M
-MANY locations throughout the city including 34th Street and 7th Avenue
http://www.hm.com/
-Includes affordable clothing and accessories for both females and males
Manhattan Mall
-The Manhattan Mall is located on 6th Avenue and 33rd Street
http://www.manhattanmallny.com/
-Since there aren’t many malls located in the city, this is one resource to go to which includes a variety of stores
Fulton Mall
-The Fulton Street Mall is located in Brooklyn just behind the Department of Education building on Fulton Street.
-There are a variety of stores that can be found just by walking down the street.
http://www.fultonstreet.org/fulton_street_business_cd_1.cfm?PageID=23
Atlantic Terminal on the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues
Atlantic Mall is comprised of:
-Marshalls
-Pathmark
-Old Navy
-Burlington Coat Factory
-Victoria's Secret
-Bath and Body Works
-Carol's Daughter
-Verizon
-Target
-DSW
-Payless Shoe Source
-McDonalds
-Starbucks
-The Children's Place
-Cold Stone Creamery
And many, many more
http://www.atlantictermainalstores.com/
Atlantic Terminal
-Below the mall is train station that has trains departing to all parts of Long Island.
-Also underneath the mall is a subway station with the 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, D, 2, 3, and M trains all stopping there. There are also a number of buses in the area that go straight through the Fulton Mall.
Downtown Manhattan
-SoHo and NoHo are shopping areas located around Houston and Broadway.
-SoHo meaning SOuth of HOuston and NoHo meaning NOrth of HOuston.
Many brand name stores such as Banana Republic, H&M, Ann Taylor, DKNY, Jill Stuart can be found here. There are also many non-brand name and original stores found here where you can explore a wide variety of clothing/house items.
http://www.sohonyc.com/boutiques.html
Century 21
-Century 21 is a HUGE discounted department store located at 22 Cortlandt St. (bet. Church St. & Broadway)
-15 departments of top quality and designer merchandise at 40% to 70% off retail prices. You'll not just find the finest selection of European and American Designer Men's, Ladies', and Children's Clothing but Century 21 also carries accessories, cosmetics, handbags, lingerie and shoes plus house wares, linens, luggage, gifts and electronics."
http://www.nyctourist.com/info_century21.htm
Conway
- Conway Stores are cheaper alternatives to buying great clothing and house items such as sheets, hair products, utensils, garbage bins, area rugs etc.
-Conway can be found on Fulton Street Mall, as well as on 34th Street, and up in Harlem on 116th street.
Target
-Target is also a great place to find well priced items such as clothing, house supplies, furniture, shoes, and almost anything imaginable.
-There is a Target located at Atlantic Terminal which is a small mall found in Brooklyn on the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush. There is also a Target located in the Bronx on 230th Street just off 1 train or the Major Deegan Highway.
http://www.target.com/
IKEA
-IKEA is a place that many people who are just moving to a new place like to go to get furniture or items for their new house/apartment. There is a bus which leaves from the city to the Elizabeth, NJ location of IKEA.
-Free Shuttle Buses From Manhattan to Jersey and free ferries from Manhattan to the Red Hook, Brooklyn location
-On Saturdays and Sundays the free IKEA Elizabeth (round trip only) shuttle bus, operates out of the Port Authority Terminal located in New York City, at Eight Ave and 42nd St. Buses will depart from Gate #5 on the lower concourse near Academy bus line. Departures are on the half hour with service available on Saturdays & Sundays bet 10:00am -2:30pm. Return trips are also on the half hour with service available from noon to 6:00pm.
There is also another location in Paramus, NJ and on Long Island.
http://www.ikea.com/
Bed, Bath, & Beyond
-This is a store which carries everything you need for your home from bedding and sheets to kitchen utensils and supplies.
-This store is located at: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/
Lincoln Square (Westside)
-1932 Broadway New York, NY 10023 (917) 441-9391
-This shopping area includes a variety of stores and shops along Broadway and Amsterdam
Other shopping areas:
Brooklyn
Church Avenue
Flatbush Avenue
Pitkin Avenue
Fulton Street
Manhattan
Wholesale districts (23 Street)
Broadway Avenue
125th Street
Wall Street
4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Avenues (Basically for Tourists)
New York City Transit
-The following link allows you to access the New York City Transit System Maps including both subway and bus maps.
-You can use this link to help you figure out how to get to or from any location within the 5 boroughs.http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/maps.htm
You can also access directions via subway or bus through the following website:
Things to do in NYC
Things to do in NYC
This is just a list of places I’ve taken visitors over the years and places that I love to go in the city. Hope you enjoy!
Empire State Building
Tickets are about $20-$40 and the line outside is usually REALLY long. Try and go on a weekday and make sure to only go on a nice, clear day. The view is AMAZING!
Top of the Rock
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
Tickets are also about $20 and there is not usually a line to do this. I actually really liked going to this one at night. It’s a great view of the city. If you go in the winter you will also see the famous Rockefeller Skating Rink.
Statue of Liberty
http://www.nps.gov/STLI/index.htm
The cost is $12 (I’m not sure if this includes the ferry or not). They just reopened lady liberty’s “crown” which has been closed since 9/11. If you don’t necessarily want to go directly to the island but want a closer view of the statue, you can ride the free Staten Island Ferry across (sit on the right side of the ferry to get a view of the statue). The ferry takes a half hour to cross to Staten Island and then another half hour to cross back to Manhattan. It’s a nice ride if you have some time to hang out.
Central Park
http://www.centralparknyc.org/site/PageServer
The park is HUGE and you could spend a WHOLE day in there. There are tons of free events year round including Summerstage concerts during the summer months.
Union Square
http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/
Great place to go hang out! Lots of art for sale and people performing all day long. In the spring/summer this place is packed with people just sitting on the steps and hanging out. There are some nice stores to shop in, there’s a whole foods, cafes, and a movie theatre. There is also a farmer’s market there (I think twice a week). One famous place to go eat/drink is called “The Coffee Shop”. Apparently, it’s where a lot of actors/actresses started out waiting on tables when they first moved to nyc. Upstairs is set up diner style, but at night, there’s a lounge in the basement that I love! There is also a large Barnes and Noble store located in Union Square.
South Street Seaport
http://www.southstreetseaport.com/html/
This a nice place to have a get together after work. It has an outdoor strip mall as well as an indoor mall. It has restaurants and bars also – lots of “wall street” people go hang out here after work. During the summer there are free concerts and events held here.
World Trade Center Site
Well…there isn’t much to see there anymore since the construction has started. They used to have an area with large billboards to show what it will look like when it’s finished as well as a timeline of events on 9/11. There may be a place to see this still, but I’m not sure where it is. However, if you go down there, take a walk along the south side of the site. There is a fire station there that has a nice memorial around the corner (walk to the end of the street past the fire station and look at the bronze memorial on the wall around the corner to the left). Also, while you’re down there, go into Century 21. This is a huge, discounted, brand-name department store that is FAMOUS in New York.
High Line Park
This is a beautiful new park that was built over an old railroad track running along the west side of Manhattan!
BROADWAY SHOWS!!!!
http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56
This is OBVIOUSLY something you have to do while you’re in New York. Going to see a Broadway show is a great experience and even better when you do it for cheap. There are TKTS booths in the city (one right in the middle of Times Square, underneath the big staircase) where you can get discounted tickets if you go a few hours before a show begins. They sell tickets for whatever seats are left for that show on that day.
Times Square
As someone who lives in nyc, this is my LEAST favorite thing to do (only because I’ve done it a MILLION times), but, if you’re visiting or new to the city, Times Square is a must. This is something you should do AT NIGHT so that you can have the experience of seeing all the lights! All the stores and restaurants stay open late so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore. 42nd street has two large movie theatres for before/afterwards.
Museums
http://www.museummilefestival.org/
The link above is for something called “museum mile” which is where many museums are located along 5th Avenue. Once a year they have an event where you can enter all these museums for free. There are tons of museums in nyc and many of them have free days or events so keep your eye out for them.
Bronx Zoo/Botanical Gardens
This is a world famous zoo and you should really go out to visit! Every Wednesday is “free day”. Just beware that there are usually lots of kids/school trips on this day of the week. Also, while you’re there, the Botanical Gardens are located just next door. I believe they also have a “free day” but I’m not sure when that is.
Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php
This is a great event that Target sponsors at the Brooklyn Museum on the first Saturday of each month. There is usually a theme for each monthly event with free exhibits, movies, and performances. They always have a “dance party” at the end of each night. This is a great Brooklyn hang out for everyone (including families J ).
Brooklyn Academy of Music
This place has lots of concerts and special events year-round. They also have a movie theatre that plays foreign films as well as regular movies out in the theatres. My favorite thing to do here is to go to the BAMcafe where they have free live performances each Friday and Saturday night. There is a minimum table charge to sit (order the Junior’s Cheesecake or the salad or both!!!). My other favorite event her is called BamAfrica which is held here in the summer every year. They have a large bazaar and lots of food!
Brooklyn Bridge
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
One of my most favorite things to do is walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The walk takes around a half hour to cross one way. There’s a great scenic view of the city as well as historical facts about how/when it was built in the middle of the bridge.
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/brooklyn-ice-cream-factory/
This is one of my favorite places to get ice cream! It’s located just underneath the Brooklyn Bridge and has an AMAZING view of the city. This is great both during the day and at night. (Also, if you’re looking for food there is a "famous" pizza place there called Grimaldi’s – voted best pizza in nyc! http://www.grimaldis.com/2/Index.htm located down the street from the ice cream factory - I personally did not think it was the best pizza I ever had, but it's worth a try)
Brooklyn Bridge Park
This park is brand new and opened up last summer. It has a BEAUTIFUL view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge!
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
http://nymag.com/listings/attraction/brooklyn_heights_promenade/
Also one of my favorite places to go! It’s a great place to go for a walk, read a book, have a date…The view of the city from here is amazing both day and night!
Here’s a website you can go to for information about most of these places and much more:
Saturday, October 17, 2009
My favorite places to eat in NYC
Here is a list of all of my favorite places to eat in nyc. This list was created over the last several years either as places that were recommended to me or just discovered along the way!
DINNER/LUNCH
Ravagh - Middle Eastern/Persian Food
I like the chicken kabab here! I also love the olives and sauces they bring you with fresh bread at the beginning of your meal.
11 E 30th St # 1
New York, NY 10016-7027
(212) 696-0300
Mama Juana's - Dominican Food
This is the hottest spot in Washington Heights. I have lots of favorites here - the Baccalou (cod fish inside of a plantain), their plantain sandwich is AMAZING, and their coconut shrimp. They also have passion fruit juice which is what I always order!
247 Dyckman St, New York, NY 10034
212-304-0140
http://www.mamajuanacafenyc.com/
Papasito's - Mexican Food
This is the second hottest spot in Washington Heights! Great tapas and I like their guacamole. I hear the drinks are fantastic, but I like my passion fruit juice :)
223 Dyckman St
(between Broadway & Riverside Dr)
Manhattan, NY 10034
(212) 544-0001
La Esquina - Mexican
This is a crazy place to visit! It looks like a cheap Mexican diner, but actually has a beautiful, romantic styled restaurant hidden downstairs! If you go here, you MUST have their grilled corn on the cob fully dressed with cheese and paprika! You also must try their plantains covered in their salsa verde! You must make reservations in advance (although, the last time I went, we walked up to the lady at the door and tried to get in - and did!!!!! But I do know of other people that have waited almost a month to get in here)
Reservations for the brasserie are taken 21 days or 3 weeks to the day.
At 646 613 7100
114 Kenmare, New York, NY 10012
(between Kenmare & Lafayette)
Les Ambassades - Senegalese Food
*my favorite is their grilled lamb chops and fried tilapia fish
2200 8th Ave between 118th st and 119th st
New York, NY
(212) 666-0078
http://www.patisseriedesambassades.com/
Eataly - Italian Food
This place is AMAZING!!!! It's an Italian marketplace/grocery store that has a restaurant in each section of the store! I have only eaten in the pasta/pizza restaurant but it was sooooooo good! I had a chocolate shot in the dessert area and have tried their amazing gelato!!!! SUPER place for a date or place to take people from out of town!
200 5th Avenue on 23rd Street
212-229-2560
The Porch - Hang out spot/bar
Great place to hang out and feel like you're in your backyard. Has a nice bar area and upstairs has a beautiful chandelier. When I was there, they didn't have food and you were able to bring your own food!
115 Ave C (Between 7th & 8th) New York, NY, 10009 212.475.1515
Shake Shack - Burgers
the BEST burger EVER!!!!! I love their Shack Burger and their milkshakes!!! I like to go to the Madison Square Park location, but just discovered their Theatre District location too!
Madison Ave and 23rd street
Ethos - Greek/Seafood
495 3rd Ave (between 33rd and 34th street)
NY, NY 10016
212-252-1972
http://www.ethosrestaurants.com/
*I had AMAZINGLY fresh seafood here! Absolutely LOVED it! Their appetizers are great too - try the tziki
Supper - Italian Food
156 E 2nd St between Ave A and Ave B
New York, NY 10009
(212) 477-0823
http://www.supperrestaurant.com/
La Mela - Italian Food/ Little Italy
*If you go here get their family style meal...it's AMAZING (I usually don't get the meat platter because there is SOOOOO much food)
167 Mulberry St (near the end of Litlle Italy, walking north of canal)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 431-9493
http://www.lamelarestaurant.com/
Sugar Cane - Caribbean Food/Afterwork spot
My absolute favorites are the bust up shot and shrimp salad. But I also LOVE the callaloo, peas and rice, and macaroni pie!
238 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
http://www.sugarcanerestaurant.com/
Negril Village - Caribbean Food/Afterwork spot
70 W 3rd St between laguardia pl. and Thompson st.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 477-2804
Maroons - Caribbean Food
244 W 16th St between 7th and 8th ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 206-8640
Sea (Williamsburg Location) - Thai Food
114 N 6th St. Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 384-8850
SPICE is the sister restaurant to Sea and it's located in Union Square on 13th street just off of Universityhttp://www.spicethainyc.com/spice/
http://www.seathainyc.com/sea/brooklyn/
Amy Ruth’s - Soul Food
113 W 116th St between 7th Ave and Malcolm X Blvd
New York, NY 10026
(212) 280-8779
El Bahary - Alexandrian Grilled Seafood
This place has amazing and authentic Egyptian grilled seafood! This is like being in someone's kitchen/home and is not a fancy place you want to take someone on a date. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their grilled Tilapia and grilled shrimp. I also love their fried whiting and always get their rice, salad, and homemade french fries on the side!
473 69th St
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 833-4419
Kellari Tavern - Greek Food
19 West 44th Street (Bet. 5th & 6th Ave)
212-221-0144
Adrienne’s Pizza Bar - Fancy Pizza
54 Stone St. New York, NY 10004
(212) 248-3838
http://adriennespizzabar.com/index.html
One if by land, two if by sea
*very pricey, went during restaurant week
17 Barrow Street
NY, NY 10014
212-255-8649
Spiga - Italian
200 W 84th St and Amsterdam
New York, NY 10024
(212) 362-5506
Katz's Delicatessen Inc - fresh cooked deli food
*you must only go here if you are hungry and a meat eater!!! There are two pieces of bread and about 5 inches of meat in every sandwich!
205 E. Houston Street
NY, NY 10002
212-254-2246
Balthazar - French
*Just went here for the first time last week and it was AMAZING! We ordered the Steak Frites and the Duck Confit and they were both FABULOUS! Their dessert is also very good I highly recommend the Banana Ricotta Tart!
80 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 965-1414
Madiba - South African
195 Dekalb AveBrooklyn
NY 11205-4005
(718) 855-9190
http://www.madibarestaurant.com/
The Boat Basin Cafe - Burgers/Outdoor
WEST 79TH STREET & THE HUDSON RIVER
NEW YORK, NY 10024
It's tricky to get to, so here's how:
DIRECTIONS:
Walk as far west on 79th Street as possible, cross Riverside Drive on either side of the street. You'll see a green highway overpass bridge. Walk underneath the bridge. There are staircases on both sides that will lead you down to the restaurant. The staircase on the north side of 79th Street is wheelchair accessible.
PARKING:
There is no parking allowed in Riverside Park. There are private parking garages located on the North side of Riverside Drive and 79th Street and on the South side of 79th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.
AVAILABLE TRANSPORTATION:
The M79 Cross-town and M5 Fifth Avenue busses both stop at 79th Street and Riverside Drive.
If traveling by subway, take the number 1 train to the 79th Street Station and follow the DIRECTIONS listed above.
The River Cafe - French Food
http://www.rivercafe.com/
1 Water StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 522-5200
went here during Brooklyn restaurant week - had the scallops and loved it!
Dessert Places:
Chocolate by The Bald Man
*my favorite is the chocolate fondue
841 Broadway and 13th Street (at Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-0030
Cafe Lalo
*I highly recommend the pecan pie a la mode! They also have an amazing brunch.
201 W 83rd St
New York, NY 10024
(212) 496-6031
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/brooklyn-ice-cream-factory/
This is one of my favorite places to get home made ice cream and coke out of a glass bottle! It’s located just underneath the Brooklyn Bridge and has an AMAZING view of the city. This is great both during the day and at night.
Cake Man Raven
*The best red velvet cake in the world!!!
708 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY 11217-1625
(718) 694-2253
Brunch Places:
Le Pain Quotidien
New York, Upper West Side
494 Amsterdam and 83rd Street (but there are lots of other locations throughout the city)
NY, NY 10024
Tel.: 212 877 1200
http://www.lepainquotidien.com/
Miriam Restaurant
Park Slope
79 5th Ave Brooklyn NY
11217
718-622-2250
Chez Oskar
211 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205
at Adelphi St.
718-852-6250
Bleu
- 808 West 187th Street
- New York, NY 10033
- Reservations: 212-928-6006
Introduction
Hello Everyone!
Over the last few years I have had many guests come visit me in nyc always asking for suggestions of places to eat and things to go see. I came up with a list of my nyc FAVORITES and have already shared it with many people.
Last week I shared my list with a new person who told me that I should start a blog containing all of my favorites and soooooo...................here it is :)
Please feel free to share and add comments!
Dahlia
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