Happy Memorial Day weekend! Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
New York’s annual celebration of Taiwanese culture, Passport to Taiwan, has a lot of things going for it: multiple musical performances, traditional dance, costume making and more. But we think it will be difficult to pull ourselves away from the food! Enjoy traditional specialties like bamboo tamales, kumquat juice, fish cakes, with some shave ice for a refreshing dessert.
Sun, May 30, noon-5pm; free
Union Sq West and E 17th St, Manhattan; www.p2tw.org
DRINK
A prohibition-era party doesn’t seem like the place to knock back a few drinks, but the Roaring ‘20s are known for getting creative with drink recipes. Sample some period-appropriate cocktails at the First Annual Dreamland Beach Party, which also features live music from Michael Aranella’s Dreamland Orchestra and a scenic outdoor bar setting. We hope bathtub gin makes an appearance on the menu.
Sun, May 30, noon-5pm; $18 in advance, $25 at the door
2-03 Borden Ave, Queens; dreamlandorchestra.com
SEE
What could be a better way to spend the long weekend by a relaxing evening at the park? Getting free music to accompany your lounging! Enjoy New York Philharmonic’s free Memorial Day concert in Morningside Heights, with selections from Copland, Haydn and Schubert. Get updown early, though, because seats on the lawn can be hard to come by!
Mon, May 31; 8pm; free
Cathedral of St. John the Devine; 1047 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan; stjohndivine.org
SHOP
You’ve done your spring cleaning by now, right? Take all those old clothes to BKLYN Yard for their Score! Pop-Up Swap this Saturday. It costs only $3-5 with your clothing donation to enter a world of gently-used clothes and accessories. Plus, a full bar will be open while you swap.
Sat, noon-6pm; $3 in advance, $5 at the door
400 Carroll St, Brooklyn; bklynyard.com
PLAY
Whether you love the old Day of the Dead films or prefer the newer Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, you’ll feel right at home in this weekend’s NYC Zombie Crawl. Get your best tattered clothing and fake blood to join hundreds of other zombie fans for events around Brooklyn, including a dance party featuring any zombie’s favorite jam, “Thriller.”
Sun, May 30, 3pm; free
Meet at the Charleston, 174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn; www.nyczombiecrawl.com
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Which building did the Empire State Building surpass as World's Tallest Building?
And the answer is ...
b) Chrysler Building
Although the Washington Monument, Eiffel Tower and CN Tower all claimed the title of world's tallest freestanding structure at one point, the Chrysler Building held it as the Empire State Building was being built. Both buildings were commissioned to bring the title back to the United States, since the Eiffel Tower beat the Washington Monument in 1889.
b) Chrysler Building
Although the Washington Monument, Eiffel Tower and CN Tower all claimed the title of world's tallest freestanding structure at one point, the Chrysler Building held it as the Empire State Building was being built. Both buildings were commissioned to bring the title back to the United States, since the Eiffel Tower beat the Washington Monument in 1889.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
New York has some of the most amazing views -- thanks to its record-setting tall buildings! Upon its completion in 1931, New York's Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world, and the first building to reach over 100 floors at 1,250 feet. The Empire State Building was the world's tallest freestanding structure until 1967, when the Ostankino Tower in Moscow surpassed it. But before the Empire State Building, which structure held the title of tallest building in the world?
a) Eiffel Tower
b) Chrysler Building
c) CN Tower
d) Washington Monument
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia questions!
a) Eiffel Tower
b) Chrysler Building
c) CN Tower
d) Washington Monument
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia questions!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Best of New York: Flea Markets
With Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf’s, Saks and more, shopping in New York can be a full-time job, but is not so kind to your bank account. New York flea markets are a great way to get great buys at lower prices, while experiencing some of artifacts of the old New York. Try browsing through history at these five picks:
Brooklyn Flea
No doubt about it: the hot new flea market is definitely in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Flea recently got new digs, and its high-profile move into the Williamsburg Savings Bank on Sundays brought a new crowd of deal-seekers to the party. Find everything from costume jewelry to empty picture frames of any size. Plus, the bank’s vault plays host to some of Brooklyn’s finest food vendors.
Saturdays at 176 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn; Sundays at Williamsburg Savings Bank, 1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
Chelsea Antiques Garage
Transformed from an old two-story parking garage into a cavernous warehouse of antiquity, the Chelsea Antiques Garage is your classic NYC flea market. With crotchety vendors hocking old copies of Esquire, political campaign buttons, antique botanical prints and old postcards, this is an NYC flea market staple you won’t want to miss.
Sat and Sun, 9am-5pm, 112 W 25th St, Manhattan
GreenFlea
Feel good about yourself when you’re shopping at GreenFlea, and not just because of the deals. Part of the proceeds of GreenFlea sales go to NYC schools, providing afterschool activities and other enrichment
Sundays at Columbus Ave between 76th and 77th Sts
P.S. 321 Flea Market
Need some unique statement pieces to furnish your new apartment? We recommend P.S. 321’s weekend flea market, which boasts the best secondhand furniture finds in New York. Be prepared to spend more than you would at your average yard sale, but you’ll be paying for quality; many vendors here scout internationally to find pieces you could never find in an IKEA.
Sat and Sun, 180 Seventh Ave Brooklyn. Call 718-421-6763 for hours.
Artists and Fleas
A mix of local designers and NYC secondhand dealers, Artists and Fleas began as a way to keep Brooklyn hip by showcasing local vendors and keeping shoppers from crossing the bridge into Manhattan. Support your neighbors by browsing the vintage duds as well as the DIY crafts for sale. As a bonus, the beginning of summer heralds the arrival of the Market in McCarren, an extension of Artists and Fleas in McCarren Park.
Sat and Sun, 12-8pm, 129 N. 6th St, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Flea
No doubt about it: the hot new flea market is definitely in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Flea recently got new digs, and its high-profile move into the Williamsburg Savings Bank on Sundays brought a new crowd of deal-seekers to the party. Find everything from costume jewelry to empty picture frames of any size. Plus, the bank’s vault plays host to some of Brooklyn’s finest food vendors.
Saturdays at 176 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn; Sundays at Williamsburg Savings Bank, 1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
Chelsea Antiques Garage
Transformed from an old two-story parking garage into a cavernous warehouse of antiquity, the Chelsea Antiques Garage is your classic NYC flea market. With crotchety vendors hocking old copies of Esquire, political campaign buttons, antique botanical prints and old postcards, this is an NYC flea market staple you won’t want to miss.
Sat and Sun, 9am-5pm, 112 W 25th St, Manhattan
GreenFlea
Feel good about yourself when you’re shopping at GreenFlea, and not just because of the deals. Part of the proceeds of GreenFlea sales go to NYC schools, providing afterschool activities and other enrichment
Sundays at Columbus Ave between 76th and 77th Sts
P.S. 321 Flea Market
Need some unique statement pieces to furnish your new apartment? We recommend P.S. 321’s weekend flea market, which boasts the best secondhand furniture finds in New York. Be prepared to spend more than you would at your average yard sale, but you’ll be paying for quality; many vendors here scout internationally to find pieces you could never find in an IKEA.
Sat and Sun, 180 Seventh Ave Brooklyn. Call 718-421-6763 for hours.
Artists and Fleas
A mix of local designers and NYC secondhand dealers, Artists and Fleas began as a way to keep Brooklyn hip by showcasing local vendors and keeping shoppers from crossing the bridge into Manhattan. Support your neighbors by browsing the vintage duds as well as the DIY crafts for sale. As a bonus, the beginning of summer heralds the arrival of the Market in McCarren, an extension of Artists and Fleas in McCarren Park.
Sat and Sun, 12-8pm, 129 N. 6th St, Brooklyn
Friday, May 21, 2010
What to Do This Weekend in NYC
Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
Embrace your southern roots and get on down to the crawfish boil at Sycamore. Just $15 scores you a whopping bucketful of the little snappers and a beer to wash ‘em down. Ask locals for their eating technique; there’s a skill to getting all the meat!
Sun, May 23, 2pm
Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn
DRINK
Two of our favorite things – books and booze – join forces on Saturday night at Books Through Bars, which collects donated books to send reading material to prisoners. Donate a paperback dictionary and get a free drink, plus other prizes.
Sat, May 22, 10pm
Enid’s, 560 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
SEE
Bring your overalls and flannel shirts to Brooklyn’s folk fest, bringing together a variety of musical styles under one down-home roof. From folk bands to jug bands, you’ll enjoy great tunes and get down on the dance floor with a square dance.
Sat and Sun, May 22-23
The Jalopy Theater, 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
SHOP
We love Williamsburg boutique Catbird, but it does take a toll on our bank account. Not this weekend! Their sidewalk sale brings all the merch down to a price we can afford – almost everything is under $20, and they’ll throw in some free chocolate too!
Sat and Sun, May 22-23
Catbird, 219 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
PLAY
Take an early summer vacation and get to the beach! POGO Events is taking our popular races to Long Beach for a scavenger hunt and obstacle course around the sunny city! Local bars will be hosting challengers and offering specials for the racers all day. Plus, the winners receive $500, so you’ll be able to take a real vacation later on!
Sat, May 22, 11:30am
Long Beach Boardwalk at New York Ave, Long Beach, NY
EAT
Embrace your southern roots and get on down to the crawfish boil at Sycamore. Just $15 scores you a whopping bucketful of the little snappers and a beer to wash ‘em down. Ask locals for their eating technique; there’s a skill to getting all the meat!
Sun, May 23, 2pm
Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn
DRINK
Two of our favorite things – books and booze – join forces on Saturday night at Books Through Bars, which collects donated books to send reading material to prisoners. Donate a paperback dictionary and get a free drink, plus other prizes.
Sat, May 22, 10pm
Enid’s, 560 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
SEE
Bring your overalls and flannel shirts to Brooklyn’s folk fest, bringing together a variety of musical styles under one down-home roof. From folk bands to jug bands, you’ll enjoy great tunes and get down on the dance floor with a square dance.
Sat and Sun, May 22-23
The Jalopy Theater, 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
SHOP
We love Williamsburg boutique Catbird, but it does take a toll on our bank account. Not this weekend! Their sidewalk sale brings all the merch down to a price we can afford – almost everything is under $20, and they’ll throw in some free chocolate too!
Sat and Sun, May 22-23
Catbird, 219 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
PLAY
Take an early summer vacation and get to the beach! POGO Events is taking our popular races to Long Beach for a scavenger hunt and obstacle course around the sunny city! Local bars will be hosting challengers and offering specials for the racers all day. Plus, the winners receive $500, so you’ll be able to take a real vacation later on!
Sat, May 22, 11:30am
Long Beach Boardwalk at New York Ave, Long Beach, NY
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Which Actor Did NOT Attend NYC's La Guardia High?
And the answer is:
a) Tom Cruise
Robert di Nero, Jennifer Aniston and Wesley Snipes all grew up and started out in New York at La Guardia High School. Cruise attended three different high school, due to family relocations, but none of them were in the Big Apple!
a) Tom Cruise
Robert di Nero, Jennifer Aniston and Wesley Snipes all grew up and started out in New York at La Guardia High School. Cruise attended three different high school, due to family relocations, but none of them were in the Big Apple!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
Sure, New York is known for attracting aspiring actors from around the country to the Great White Way, but many well-known Hollywood stars grew up in NYC before making their way to the West Coast. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Art & Performing Arts, a public high school near the famed Julliard School, has a particularly impressive list of famous actor alumni who grew up in NYC before making it big.
Which of these famous actors did NOT get their start at LaGuardia High school?
a) Tom Cruise
b) Robert De Niro
c) Jennifer Aniston
d) Wesley Snipes
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Which of these famous actors did NOT get their start at LaGuardia High school?
a) Tom Cruise
b) Robert De Niro
c) Jennifer Aniston
d) Wesley Snipes
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Best BYOB Restaurants in NYC
BYOB restaurants are a frugal diner’s dream come true: save money while bringing a favorite (and often better quality) beverage of choice. Many restaurants in NYC can be stingy about their corkage -- with some fees topping $30! – but rest assured that at these BYOB restaurants, your bottles are more than welcome.
Kuma Inn
Find the nearly unmarked door and make your way up the winding staircase on this hip Lower East Side street corner to find out of the best BYOB spots in New York. Kuma Inn serves innovative Filipino/Thai fusion small plates with some unusually delicious ingredient pairings. We recommend the roasted scallops with bacon, kalamansi and sake.
113 Ludlow St 2nd Fl, Manhattan
(212) 353-8866
Sigiri
Even in New York, Sri Lankan restaurants are not that easy to come by, so chances are you’ll be trying a bunch of new things at Sigiri. Luckily, with delicious food and a welcoming BYOB policy, you won’t have too much culture shock. Many of the specialties are influenced by Sri Lanka’s history as a Dutch colony; try “hoppers,” a bowl-shaped rice pancake, to get a taste.
91 First Ave, Manhattan
212-614-9333
Great NY Noodle Town
Chinatown is full of hole-in-the-wall BYOB restaurants, and Great NY Noodletown is anything but. Covered in neon and sparking gold lettering, the ostentatious exterior gives way to a bright and lively dining room with lots to enjoy. Hand-pulled noodles are an obvious staple, but barbeque duck makes several star turns on the menu. Enjoy with plum wine or a bottle of Tsingtao.
28 ½ Bowery, Manhattan
212-349-2690
Tartine
With its well-trafficked West Village location, delicious French cuisine, affordable prices and BYOB policy, it’s no wonder that the line is so long at Tartine. Once you make it in the door, this local NYC BYOB favorite won’t disappoint with simple and classic bistro fare. Come in with a bottle of champagne for the delicious brunch specials, including the namesake tartines.
253 W. 11th St, Manhattan
212-229-2611
Di Fara
Every New Yorker has her hands-down favorite local pizza joint, but critics around the city universally hail Di Fara as one of the five boroughs’ best. With a crispy crust and savory suace unmatched by most Manhattan spots, the BYOB policy at this classic NYC restaurant means you can spend a perfect afternoon splitting a six-pack and a pie with a group of friends.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn
718-258-1367
Kuma Inn
Find the nearly unmarked door and make your way up the winding staircase on this hip Lower East Side street corner to find out of the best BYOB spots in New York. Kuma Inn serves innovative Filipino/Thai fusion small plates with some unusually delicious ingredient pairings. We recommend the roasted scallops with bacon, kalamansi and sake.
113 Ludlow St 2nd Fl, Manhattan
(212) 353-8866
Sigiri
Even in New York, Sri Lankan restaurants are not that easy to come by, so chances are you’ll be trying a bunch of new things at Sigiri. Luckily, with delicious food and a welcoming BYOB policy, you won’t have too much culture shock. Many of the specialties are influenced by Sri Lanka’s history as a Dutch colony; try “hoppers,” a bowl-shaped rice pancake, to get a taste.
91 First Ave, Manhattan
212-614-9333
Great NY Noodle Town
Chinatown is full of hole-in-the-wall BYOB restaurants, and Great NY Noodletown is anything but. Covered in neon and sparking gold lettering, the ostentatious exterior gives way to a bright and lively dining room with lots to enjoy. Hand-pulled noodles are an obvious staple, but barbeque duck makes several star turns on the menu. Enjoy with plum wine or a bottle of Tsingtao.
28 ½ Bowery, Manhattan
212-349-2690
Tartine
With its well-trafficked West Village location, delicious French cuisine, affordable prices and BYOB policy, it’s no wonder that the line is so long at Tartine. Once you make it in the door, this local NYC BYOB favorite won’t disappoint with simple and classic bistro fare. Come in with a bottle of champagne for the delicious brunch specials, including the namesake tartines.
253 W. 11th St, Manhattan
212-229-2611
Di Fara
Every New Yorker has her hands-down favorite local pizza joint, but critics around the city universally hail Di Fara as one of the five boroughs’ best. With a crispy crust and savory suace unmatched by most Manhattan spots, the BYOB policy at this classic NYC restaurant means you can spend a perfect afternoon splitting a six-pack and a pie with a group of friends.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn
718-258-1367
Friday, May 14, 2010
What to Do This Weekend in NYC
Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
Take a culinary tour around the world without leaving Hell’s Kitchen in the annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. Sample local vendors’ offerings from Spain, India, Thailand, and the Caribbean – and, of course, the US will be represented as well, with good ol’ apple pie from the Little Pie Company.
Sat and Sun, May 15-16, 9:30am-6:30pm; pay as you go
Ninth Ave, from 42nd-57th Streets, Manhattan
www.hellskitchen.bz
DRINK
For a night of mystery, suspense and a healthy dose of booze, head to the Soviet-themed bar Pravda on Sunday for the launch of Moscow Noir, NYC’s latest niche literary journal. Contributors will read their Russian crime fiction while bartenders freely dole out the obligatory shots of vodka, for a truly Russian evening.
Sun, May 16, 7pm; free
281 Lafayette St, Manhattan
212-226-4944; pravdany.com
SEE
You’re more likely to see a show in Times Square than be in one, but now you can do both! Perhaps the smallest theater to grace the Great White Way, Theatre for One in Times Square is a box just big enough to fit two people: you and the artist. You’ll be so up close and personal to the performance that it’ll be hard to tell where to draw the line between actor and audience.
Sat and Sun, May 15-26; 1-3pm, 4-6pm, 7-9pm
Duffy Square (at Broadway and 47th Street), Manhattan
www.theatreforone.com
SHOP
For those who wonder exactly what Greenpointers do all day, now’s your chance to find out! Get a taste of all Greenpoint has to offer at the Total Franklin Street Immersion Event, where local shops will be offering deals all day long. From vinyl at Permanent Records to quirky décor at Kill Devil Hill to books at the welcoming WORD, you’ll find many reasons to return to the ‘hood.
Sat, May 15, noon-7pm; free
Franklin Ave, Brooklyn
www.brooklynbased.com
PLAY
Singles, get ready to mingle at this weekend’s Amazing New York Race! Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY, complete crazy challenges, and meet other single fun New Yorkers in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.
Sun, May 16, 1:30pm-6:30pm; $35
Starts at The Village Pourhouse, 64 Third Ave, Manhattan
www.theamazingnewyorkrace.com
EAT
Take a culinary tour around the world without leaving Hell’s Kitchen in the annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. Sample local vendors’ offerings from Spain, India, Thailand, and the Caribbean – and, of course, the US will be represented as well, with good ol’ apple pie from the Little Pie Company.
Sat and Sun, May 15-16, 9:30am-6:30pm; pay as you go
Ninth Ave, from 42nd-57th Streets, Manhattan
www.hellskitchen.bz
DRINK
For a night of mystery, suspense and a healthy dose of booze, head to the Soviet-themed bar Pravda on Sunday for the launch of Moscow Noir, NYC’s latest niche literary journal. Contributors will read their Russian crime fiction while bartenders freely dole out the obligatory shots of vodka, for a truly Russian evening.
Sun, May 16, 7pm; free
281 Lafayette St, Manhattan
212-226-4944; pravdany.com
SEE
You’re more likely to see a show in Times Square than be in one, but now you can do both! Perhaps the smallest theater to grace the Great White Way, Theatre for One in Times Square is a box just big enough to fit two people: you and the artist. You’ll be so up close and personal to the performance that it’ll be hard to tell where to draw the line between actor and audience.
Sat and Sun, May 15-26; 1-3pm, 4-6pm, 7-9pm
Duffy Square (at Broadway and 47th Street), Manhattan
www.theatreforone.com
SHOP
For those who wonder exactly what Greenpointers do all day, now’s your chance to find out! Get a taste of all Greenpoint has to offer at the Total Franklin Street Immersion Event, where local shops will be offering deals all day long. From vinyl at Permanent Records to quirky décor at Kill Devil Hill to books at the welcoming WORD, you’ll find many reasons to return to the ‘hood.
Sat, May 15, noon-7pm; free
Franklin Ave, Brooklyn
www.brooklynbased.com
PLAY
Singles, get ready to mingle at this weekend’s Amazing New York Race! Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY, complete crazy challenges, and meet other single fun New Yorkers in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.
Sun, May 16, 1:30pm-6:30pm; $35
Starts at The Village Pourhouse, 64 Third Ave, Manhattan
www.theamazingnewyorkrace.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Which New York borough was named for an early settler?
And the answer is ...
b) The Bronx
Unlike Brooklyn and Staten Island, whose names have their roots in the Dutch language, or Manhattan, whose name comes from the Native American Lenape tribe, the Bronx gets its name from a settler who owned most of the land in the area: Jonas Bronck. a Swedish immigrant who lived in the 17th century.
When Bronck died, his land, known as "Bronck's Land" (say it out loud!), was sold off to multiple buyers, but the name "Bronck's" stuck, although the spelling has changed to the way we see it today!
b) The Bronx
Unlike Brooklyn and Staten Island, whose names have their roots in the Dutch language, or Manhattan, whose name comes from the Native American Lenape tribe, the Bronx gets its name from a settler who owned most of the land in the area: Jonas Bronck. a Swedish immigrant who lived in the 17th century.
When Bronck died, his land, known as "Bronck's Land" (say it out loud!), was sold off to multiple buyers, but the name "Bronck's" stuck, although the spelling has changed to the way we see it today!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
The borough of Queens got its name, as you might suspect, in honor of a famous queen: Catherine of Braganza, wife of the English King Charles II. But the names of the other boroughs in NYC don't have such straightforward origins. One of the famous five boroughs is even named for one of its residents, who owned a majority of its land for farming. Which NYC borough gets its name from that early settler?
a) Manhattan
b) The Bronx
c) Brooklyn
d) Staten Island
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
a) Manhattan
b) The Bronx
c) Brooklyn
d) Staten Island
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Best Ice Cream in NYC
We're still waiting for another summery weekend to come along so we can sample all our favorite ice cream in NYC. In anticipation of that day, we put together this list of the delicious hotspots to hit. Extra points for those who make it to all five in one day!
Sundaes and Cones
With something for everyone – purists, dieters, and daredevils – you can’t go wrong at this classic spot, where servers will indulge you with any number of tastes you want. And with some flavors that boggle the mind (corn, anyone?) you might need to try a lot. Sundaes & Cones also has our vote for the best ice cream cakes in NYC, which they will decorate like a work of art.
Typical flavor: Pistachio almond
95 E 10th St, Manhattan
(212) 979-9398
Van Leeuwen
Craving some ice cream on the go? Track down the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Trucks, which turn ice cream into street food and bring the sweet treat to you! The three trucks yellow trucks cruise Manhattan and Brooklyn, delivering ice cream made with fresh milk brought locally from Lewis Country. Pastries and gourmet coffee are also served in the mornings and the trucks circulate until 11pm, so you can get your fix late into the night.
Typical flavor: Currants and cream
Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn; see twitter.com/VLAIC
(718) 701-1630
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Chinatown might not be the first place you’d turn for a tasty sundae, but why not? After all, ice cream was supposedly invented in China centuries ago, during the Tang Dynasty. See why at this popular spot, where traditional flavors like chocolate and butter pecan appear next to more unusual options like wasabi and taro. A dozen exotic sorbet options round out the menu.
Typical flavor: Lychee
65 Bayard St, Manhattan
212-608-4170
Lula's Sweet Apothecary
With 1950s-era duds on the employees and a working soda fountain, this ice creamery looks like it’s stuck in a time warp, but the ice cream here certainly isn’t! Every flavor on this menu is vegan and non-dairy, so even the lactose-intolerant can indulge. We promise you won’t miss the milk -- plus, you’ll feel good knowing that even the containers are made from corn and 100% biodegradable.
Typical flavor: Chocolate peanut brittle
516 East 6th St, Manhattan
(646) 912-4549
Blue Marble
Brooklynites flock to this Boerum Hill hotspot, which became such a smash hit upon opening in 2007 that it quickly opened another location in Prospect Heights. The shops are committed to being eco-friendly and Brooklyn-based (even the art on the walls is by local artists). Simplicity is the key to Blue Marbles success, with seasonal flavors that are all-around crowd pleasers.
Typical flavor: Sweet cream
420 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn and 186 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn
718-858-1100
Sundaes and Cones
With something for everyone – purists, dieters, and daredevils – you can’t go wrong at this classic spot, where servers will indulge you with any number of tastes you want. And with some flavors that boggle the mind (corn, anyone?) you might need to try a lot. Sundaes & Cones also has our vote for the best ice cream cakes in NYC, which they will decorate like a work of art.
Typical flavor: Pistachio almond
95 E 10th St, Manhattan
(212) 979-9398
Van Leeuwen
Craving some ice cream on the go? Track down the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Trucks, which turn ice cream into street food and bring the sweet treat to you! The three trucks yellow trucks cruise Manhattan and Brooklyn, delivering ice cream made with fresh milk brought locally from Lewis Country. Pastries and gourmet coffee are also served in the mornings and the trucks circulate until 11pm, so you can get your fix late into the night.
Typical flavor: Currants and cream
Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn; see twitter.com/VLAIC
(718) 701-1630
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Chinatown might not be the first place you’d turn for a tasty sundae, but why not? After all, ice cream was supposedly invented in China centuries ago, during the Tang Dynasty. See why at this popular spot, where traditional flavors like chocolate and butter pecan appear next to more unusual options like wasabi and taro. A dozen exotic sorbet options round out the menu.
Typical flavor: Lychee
65 Bayard St, Manhattan
212-608-4170
Lula's Sweet Apothecary
With 1950s-era duds on the employees and a working soda fountain, this ice creamery looks like it’s stuck in a time warp, but the ice cream here certainly isn’t! Every flavor on this menu is vegan and non-dairy, so even the lactose-intolerant can indulge. We promise you won’t miss the milk -- plus, you’ll feel good knowing that even the containers are made from corn and 100% biodegradable.
Typical flavor: Chocolate peanut brittle
516 East 6th St, Manhattan
(646) 912-4549
Blue Marble
Brooklynites flock to this Boerum Hill hotspot, which became such a smash hit upon opening in 2007 that it quickly opened another location in Prospect Heights. The shops are committed to being eco-friendly and Brooklyn-based (even the art on the walls is by local artists). Simplicity is the key to Blue Marbles success, with seasonal flavors that are all-around crowd pleasers.
Typical flavor: Sweet cream
420 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn and 186 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn
718-858-1100
Friday, May 7, 2010
What to Do This Weekend in NYC
Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!
EAT
It’s official ice cream weather in NYC, so eat it up and walk it off in an Ice Cream and Cookies tour of the West Side. Try gourmet flavors like ginger creme brulee, or pair a scoop with some cookies for DIY ice cream sandwiches. Plus, your $5 donation will go toward helping the hungry.
Sun, May 9, 11am; $5 suggested donation
Meet at 50 W. 8th St, Manhattan
DRINK
Mothers’ Day is a great time to spend with the family, show your care … and get great deals on booze. Restaurants all over the city are offering drink specials when you bring your mom in tow. You can find complimentary glasses of champagne, free bottles of wine and more on this very thorough list.
Sun, May 9; various locations
SEE
Need something that will impress the family for Mothers’ Day? Take them on a guided tour of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens! A trained host will show you the highlights of the celebrated garden grounds just in time for spring. Plus, at just $5 a ticket, you can treat the whole family for a good cause; a portion of proceeds to back to the maintenance of the gardens.
Sat, May 8, 9:45 am; $5
Meet at Eastern Parkway and Washington Ave, Brooklyn
www.bklynevents.com
SHOP
When I moved to the city, I blew all my NYC apartment money on rent alone – forget about decorating. This shopping event is for people like us. Housing Works’ Design on a Dime presents 50 different model rooms curated by local design big-shots, so you can get some inspiration for your next renovating project. And if you want to get started right away, all the items in the show will be at least 50% off, so you can save the cash for next month’s rent check.
Sat, May 8, 10am-6pm; free
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St, Manhattan
347-473-745;, housingworks.org/dime
PLAY
Become a misunderstood genius for a day at Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, a downtown drawing competition that pays tribute to Kenny Scharf, a legend in the East Village art scene. He’ll be judging, so impress him with the extraterrestrial pop art he was known for, or dream up your own wacky style!
Sat, May 8, 4pm; $15
The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St Manhattan
212-253-7246, slipperroom.com
EAT
It’s official ice cream weather in NYC, so eat it up and walk it off in an Ice Cream and Cookies tour of the West Side. Try gourmet flavors like ginger creme brulee, or pair a scoop with some cookies for DIY ice cream sandwiches. Plus, your $5 donation will go toward helping the hungry.
Sun, May 9, 11am; $5 suggested donation
Meet at 50 W. 8th St, Manhattan
DRINK
Mothers’ Day is a great time to spend with the family, show your care … and get great deals on booze. Restaurants all over the city are offering drink specials when you bring your mom in tow. You can find complimentary glasses of champagne, free bottles of wine and more on this very thorough list.
Sun, May 9; various locations
SEE
Need something that will impress the family for Mothers’ Day? Take them on a guided tour of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens! A trained host will show you the highlights of the celebrated garden grounds just in time for spring. Plus, at just $5 a ticket, you can treat the whole family for a good cause; a portion of proceeds to back to the maintenance of the gardens.
Sat, May 8, 9:45 am; $5
Meet at Eastern Parkway and Washington Ave, Brooklyn
www.bklynevents.com
SHOP
When I moved to the city, I blew all my NYC apartment money on rent alone – forget about decorating. This shopping event is for people like us. Housing Works’ Design on a Dime presents 50 different model rooms curated by local design big-shots, so you can get some inspiration for your next renovating project. And if you want to get started right away, all the items in the show will be at least 50% off, so you can save the cash for next month’s rent check.
Sat, May 8, 10am-6pm; free
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St, Manhattan
347-473-745;, housingworks.org/dime
PLAY
Become a misunderstood genius for a day at Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, a downtown drawing competition that pays tribute to Kenny Scharf, a legend in the East Village art scene. He’ll be judging, so impress him with the extraterrestrial pop art he was known for, or dream up your own wacky style!
Sat, May 8, 4pm; $15
The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St Manhattan
212-253-7246, slipperroom.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Which Historical Event Did NOT Take Place at Federal Hall?
And the answer is ...
c) First Supreme Court chosen.
That's right, the first session of Congress, the first presidential inauguration and the ratification of the Bill of Rights all took place right here in New York! The statue of George Washington outside the Hall marks the place the first president knew so well. Federal Hall is now a museum where you can see the Bible on which he swore the oath of office!
c) First Supreme Court chosen.
That's right, the first session of Congress, the first presidential inauguration and the ratification of the Bill of Rights all took place right here in New York! The statue of George Washington outside the Hall marks the place the first president knew so well. Federal Hall is now a museum where you can see the Bible on which he swore the oath of office!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
Although it is often ignored in favor of the Empire State Building or the Met, Federal Hall is one of New York's most storied buildings, with a rich history dating back to the oldest days of the United States. George Washington and the other founding fathers made many major poilitcal decisions in these hallowed halls. Which of these events did NOT take place at Federal Hall?
a) First session of Congress
b) First presidential inauguration
c) First Supreme Court chosen
d) Bill of Rights ratified
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
a) First session of Congress
b) First presidential inauguration
c) First Supreme Court chosen
d) Bill of Rights ratified
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Best of New York: Jazz Clubs
Jazz clubs have been a New York staple for nearly a century, from the early days when you'd have to go underground to hear some toe-tapping grooves and drink some bathwater gin. Now there are so many popular jazz clubs in New York, it's hard to choose just one. Let this be your guide to the best jazz clubs in the city:
Smalls
One of the best deals on the NYC jazz scene, Smalls brings in both famous names and rising stars – and no matter who’s playing, it’s always $20 at the door. The best part? On weeknights, that cover charge includes your first drink too. Kick it back while enjoying the tunes.
183 W 10th St, Manhattan
212-675-7369
Smoke
Move from the Village to this uptown hangout, where velvet seats and crystal chandeliers take you a world away from the grungy underground scene. The themed jazz nights at Smoke of weekdays explore subgenres from Latin jazz to funk. On the weekends, bypass the cover charge for their famous (and delicious!).
2751 Broadway, Manhattan
212-864-6662
Puppet’s Jazz Bar
Although Brooklyn isn’t known for its storied jazz history, Puppet’s is bucking the trend by bringing live jazz to Park Slope every night, with some comedy acts and open jam sessions mixed in. Of course, being Brooklyn, it caters to the organic food crowd by offering an all-organic menu of cocktails and vegetarian snacks.
481 5th Avenue, Brooklyn
718-499-2622
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Some call it stuffy or cliché, but Dizzy’s hosts some of the most legendary names in jazz today, and boasts some of New York’s most amazing views of Central Park from its location high up in the Time Warner Building. Students get in for half the price, which can cut down substantially on the higher-than-average cover, so don’t forget to show your ID at the door.
33 W 60th St, Time Warner Building, 5th Floor, Manhattan
212-258-9595
The Stone
Those looking for something a little more experimental than the standards at the Vanguard or the tourists flooding the Blue Note should head out of the Village and over to Avenue C, where the jazz scene gets avant-garde. The hike over to the hidden location (they don’t have a phone or a numbered address) will gain you access to one of the most cutting-edge jazz clubs in town.
Ave C at 2nd St, Lower East Side
Smalls
One of the best deals on the NYC jazz scene, Smalls brings in both famous names and rising stars – and no matter who’s playing, it’s always $20 at the door. The best part? On weeknights, that cover charge includes your first drink too. Kick it back while enjoying the tunes.
183 W 10th St, Manhattan
212-675-7369
Smoke
Move from the Village to this uptown hangout, where velvet seats and crystal chandeliers take you a world away from the grungy underground scene. The themed jazz nights at Smoke of weekdays explore subgenres from Latin jazz to funk. On the weekends, bypass the cover charge for their famous (and delicious!).
2751 Broadway, Manhattan
212-864-6662
Puppet’s Jazz Bar
Although Brooklyn isn’t known for its storied jazz history, Puppet’s is bucking the trend by bringing live jazz to Park Slope every night, with some comedy acts and open jam sessions mixed in. Of course, being Brooklyn, it caters to the organic food crowd by offering an all-organic menu of cocktails and vegetarian snacks.
481 5th Avenue, Brooklyn
718-499-2622
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Some call it stuffy or cliché, but Dizzy’s hosts some of the most legendary names in jazz today, and boasts some of New York’s most amazing views of Central Park from its location high up in the Time Warner Building. Students get in for half the price, which can cut down substantially on the higher-than-average cover, so don’t forget to show your ID at the door.
33 W 60th St, Time Warner Building, 5th Floor, Manhattan
212-258-9595
The Stone
Those looking for something a little more experimental than the standards at the Vanguard or the tourists flooding the Blue Note should head out of the Village and over to Avenue C, where the jazz scene gets avant-garde. The hike over to the hidden location (they don’t have a phone or a numbered address) will gain you access to one of the most cutting-edge jazz clubs in town.
Ave C at 2nd St, Lower East Side
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