New York Trivia Tuesday

During the holidays, visitors to Rockefeller Center's famed ice skating rink will glide next to the plaza's illuminated Prometheus statue, one of the most recognized public art pieces in the country.

Sculptor Paul Manship isn't the only famous artist who created works for Rockefeller Center, though. Diego Rivera created a mural for the lobby of the RCA building that sits on the plaza--but you can't see it today. That's because Nelson Rockefeller papered it over after Rivera refused to remove this famous figure from the mural:

a) Karl Marx
b) Jesus
c) Vladimir Lenin
d) Fidel Castro

Think you have the answer? Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best of New York: Holiday Performances

The holiday season is finally here, and with it comes bright lights, shopping sales, and a wave of performances that celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. From classical music concerts to fantastical dance productions, celebrate the season with one of these New York twists on holiday classics.

The Nutcracker

Although most ballet companies recycle their productions of this classic holiday performance from year to year, the city’s preeminent company American Ballet Theatre is introducing a brand new production this season. With costumes by Tony award-winning Richard Hudson (of Lion King fame) and a focus on lavish storytelling, Alexei Ratmansky choreographs over 100 dancers in this premiere to some of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved music.

December 22-January 2, show times vary. BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn.
abt.org

Messiah

A staple of the holiday season, Handel’s oratorio is one of the most recognizable and most performed works of classical music in the world. Although there are several different performances in Manhattan, our favorite is at the historic Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan, built in 1696. The church’s resident choir, one of the best professional choirs in the city, is known for their performance of the Messiah, so soak up the music while enjoying the old building’s stained glass and vaulted ceilings.

December 12-13, 7:30 pm. 74 Trinity Place, Manhattan.
trinitywallstreet.org

Bargemusic

One of the most scenic concert venues in the five boroughs, Bargemusic lets you listen to classical selections while floating next to a pier on the East River, just underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Their Christmas Eve concert will amp up the holiday magic, allowing you a view of the illuminated Manhattan skyline while providing chocolate treats and a crackling fire to go with the music: Steven Beck’s rendition of the Goldberg Variations.

December 24, 8 pm. Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn.
bargemusic.org

Peter and the Wolf

Now in its fourth year, this holiday tradition, produced by Carnegie Hall at the famed Guggenheim museum, brings an all-ages musical favorite to New York for the season. Prokofiev’s classic musical story of a young boy and the animals he meets in the woods is performed by the Julliard Ensemble and narrated by celeb designer Isaac Mizrahi. This year, the production will be framed by an installation of contemporary Japanese sculptures, as well as the beautiful lines of the Frank Lloyd Wright building.

December 11-19, show times vary. 1071 Fifth Ave, Manhattan.
carnegiehall.org

Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

The ultimate in classic New York holiday kitsch, the Rockettes are a must-see for visitors and New Yorkers alike. This precision dance troupe has been performing for 77 years, so you’ll be able to swap stories with your grandparents about the first time you saw their Christmas Spectacular, their iconic show featuring an original score, dramatic sets, and elaborate costumes. You’ll be in good company: over a million visitors see the show every year!

Show times vary through December 30. Radio City Music Hall, 50th St and 6th Ave, Manhattan.
radiocity.com


Looking for more holiday fun? Check out the Holiday Edition of our Amazing New York Race!

What Was the First Balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

And the answer is ...

b) Felix the Cat

Felix, the popular cartoon character of the 1920s, was the first character to be balloon-ified in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Marx Brothers, Uncle Sam, Mickey Mouse, and Superman would be introduced over the next 12 years. Bugs Bunny wasn't created until 1989. These days, several new balloons are premiered every year. In 2010, five new balloons will travel with the parade, including Kung Fu Panda and a character from the children's series Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

New York Trivia Tuesday

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was started in 1924, when employees of Macy's, many of whom were immigrants, wanted to celebrate the new holiday with the type of public festival that was a European tradition. Over 250,000 people attended the first parade, making it a huge success and establishing a tradition that continues today.

The parades of the first few years featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo, but in 1927 Macy's started to introduce balloons that would take the place of the animals. What was the first balloon created for the parade?

a) Mickey Mouse
b) Felix the Cat
c) Bugs Bunny
d) Superman

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best of New York: Thanksgiving Dinners

In a city of small kitchens and big restaurants, Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to dine out. You avoid the preparation and cleaning, and can spend more time with family and friends. Plus, New York restaurants have whipped up some special meals just for the occasion. If you’re wondering where to go this Thanksgiving, or accidentally burned the turkey, here are our suggestions:

Recette

If you’d prefer to be out of the kitchen for the Thanksgiving feast, there’s no better way to spend it than at one of 2010’s best new restaurants in NYC. The updated classics of French cuisine from the restaurant’s critically-acclaimed regular menu are available for diners on Thanksgiving, as well as their special for the holiday: a prix-fixe four-course menu featuring all the familiar flavors of fall, turned haut cuisine. Pumpkin soup, rabbit ravioli, and a chocolate-pecan tart with sweet potato ice cream all add to the main event: a confit turkey roulade stuffed with chestnuts and cranberries.

328 W 12th St, Manhattan; 212-414-3000

The Farm on Adderley

What better place to celebrate Thanksgiving than down on the farm? One of Ditmas Park’s favorite neighborhood restaurants, the Farm on Adderley is known for its food as much as for its rustic and friendly atmosphere. Their Thanksgiving menu, unlike most, offers several choices for each of the three courses, so any picky eater can find something to choose from. The turkey comes with all the fixings (Brussels sprouts, potatoes, stuffings and gravy), while vegetarian and pescatarian alternatives include sweet potato ravioli and poached halibut. We’re looking forward to the root beer cake: two amazing things in one!

1108 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn; 718-287-3101

Zabar’s

Want to have Thanksgiving at home, without the cooking hassle? New York’s legendary Zabar’s will bring the Thanksgiving meal right to your door (You can even reheat and pretend you made it yourself!). With numerous options for the main course, including turkey, goose, and duck, and dozens of sides and desserts, you can assemble the meal you’re craving online, then sit back, relax with family, and have all the feasting without any of the fussing. And while you're ordering, why not call ahead to reserve one of these best pies in New York?

2245 Broadway, Manhattan; 212-787-2000

Devi

Give your Thanksgiving an international spin at Devi, one of the city’s most renowned Indian restaurants. Offering a five-course prix fixe menu only on Thanksgiving day, the turkey here gets a punch from a tamarind glaze, and is served with masala corn bread and a cranberry chutney. Other dishes range from the exotic (harvest stew with tandoor grilled halibut) to the familiar (banana caramel pudding). One thing’s for sure: you won’t be missing your aunt’s boring mashed potatoes.
8 E 18th St, Manhattan; 212-691-1300

Torrisi Italian Specialties

After Thanksgiving, my family makes turkey sandwiches for lunch for the rest of the weekend. If you’re still craving leftover turkey after the big T-day celebrations, head over to Torrisi. Although they’re not open on Thanksgiving day, they’re well known for the best turkey sandwich in all of New York. Called the Panama, the sandwich is simple: just a little red onion, lettuce, tomato and a spicy sauce add to the turkey. But the meat is perfectly cooked, glazed with garlic and honey and roasted to perfection. Stop eating leftovers and pick up your order here to experience what a turkey sandwich should be about.

250 Mulberry St, Manhattan; 212-965-0955

What Did New York's JFK Airport Replace?

And the answer is ...

c) a golf course

When the new airport was built in the 1940s, it displaced 1,000 acres the Idlewild Golf Course, leading many New Yorkers to call the new airport "the Idlewild airport," although that was never its official name. Now, the remaining land from the golf course remains as a park for locals and visitors to enjoy.

New York Trivia Tuesday

New Yorkers have their choice of three airports in the metropolitan area: Newark Liberty (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK). Of these, JFK is the newest airport, with construction starting in 1943.

Although it was intended to be named Major General Alexander E. Anderson Airport until President Kennedy's assassination in 1963, the airport was commonly called "Idlewild" by many New Yorkers, since the airport was built on top of a site formerly known as Idlewild. What was formerly located at the airport's current location?

a) a zoo
b) a country club
c) a golf course
d) a cemetery

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best of New York: Trivia Nights

What is more fun than having a drink with friends? Having a drink with friends while showing off your smarts, of course. Luckily, many of New York’s bars have their own trivia nights each week, where players can grab a beer, form a team, and test their wits with a series of questions from pop culture to politics. Plus, winners win prizes from bar tabs to cash. Where will you play?

Crash Mansion

Although it only comes to NYC every other week, this traveling trivia night is worth the wait. Dubbed “The Next Big Quiz Thing,” it’s famous to New Yorkers who like to brag about their brainpower. The questions here are tough—ridiculously tough. Why? The prize is a cool $200. But whether you’re daring to enter the ring as a competitor or would prefer to watch the battle from the sidelines, you’ll be more entertained here than at any other trivia night in the city … and you’ll probably learn something too.
199 Bowery, Manhattan; visit bigquizthing.com for dates and times

Crocodile Lounge

Trivia at the Crocodile Lounge is a relaxed, straightforward affair. It’s a free four rounds of questions focusing on current events, with some pop culture thrown in. The hosts offer free shots between rounds to those who are quick enough to answer some bonus questions. Unlike some more competitive games in town, trivia night here is a laid-back night out with friends, with the added chance to show off your smarts. The best part? A free pizza comes with each drink, so you can stay for dinner.
235 E 14th St, Manhattan; Wednesdays at 9 pm

Rocky Sullivan’s

Only locals and die-hard trivia fans make it out to this bar in far-away Red Hook, but for those willing to make the journey out to Brooklyn’s docks, they’ll get one of the best trivia nights in the five boroughs. The game is free, and the organizers are known to bring in some unorthodox clues for their “show and tell” round, from license plates to album covers.

31 Van Dyck St, Brooklyn; Thursdays at 8:30 pm

Pete’s Candy Store

This hipster hangout and music space offers free trivia on Wednesday nights, catering to an artsy and indie crowd. The questions, although varied, often revolve around music and the arts, so get your friends from art school and tackle the regulars who come here every week for some trivia challenges and some cheap beers at happy hour (which ends at 7).

709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn; Wednesdays at 7:30 pm

Rope

Want a serious prize? You got it. Instead of the typical bar tab, Rope offers its trivia champions cold hard cash. The $2 contribution from each player at the bar adds up to an impressive grand prize, so expect some serious challengers here. And unlike many trivia nights, which have a different theme every round, Rope’s trivia nights have one overall theme for the whole evening. Study up in advance, and school the competition.

415 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn; Tuesdays at 8:30 pm

What Broadway Musical Inspired the Empire State's Illumination?

And the answer is ...

d) Jersey Boys

On November 5th and 6th, you might have seen the Empire State Building light up in red, yellow and white, the prominent colors on the Jersey Boys posters. The musical, one of the most popular currently on the Great White Way, has been playing there for five years. In 2008, the Empire State Building celebrated another musical's 5-year anniversary, by doing itself up all in green as a tribute to Wicked.

New York Trivia Tuesday

The Empire State Building started lighting up in vivid color at night in 1964, when colored floodlights were added to the facade. The iconic building's colors, which change nightly, celebrate a mix of holidays, commemorations, promotions, and quirky anniversaries. This month, the tower lit up in red, white and yellow to celebrate the anniversary of this Broadway musical's run:

a) The Lion King
b) Wicked
c) Mamma Mia
d) Jersey Boys

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best Hot Chocolate in NYC

Immortalized in romantic comedies and NYC guidebooks, Serendipity III is known internationally for its "frozen hot chocolate." But when you want to warm up, where do you get your fix? Check out these five favorites for a cup of cocoa on these cold New York days.

City Bakery

Any die-hard hot chocolate lover in NYC will point you toward City Bakery, a place so famous for its hot chocolate that the bakery dedicates each day in the month of February to a different flavor of the toasty drink. All year round, you can try the iconic original: a rich, decadent dark chocolate. Order a cup with one of their house-made marshmallows, or just get a $2 shot-sized portion; it’s more than enough to fill you up!

3 W 18th St, Manhattan; 212-366-1414; thecitybakery.com


Jacques Torres

The famous owner of this self-named New York chain is nicknamed “Mr. Chocolate,” and for good reason! His chocolate emporiums have some of the tastiest creations in New York, from classic chocolate chip cookies to creative ice cream sandwiches. Hot chocolate fans will delight in Torres’ piping-hot specialty: the Wicked Hot Chocolate. With dark chocolate and a dose of chili powder, it packs an extra helping of heat in your hot cocoa.

Various locations; see mrchocolate.com

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Like the name suggests, this is the chic NYC spot for a hot chocolate fix. The three gourmet flavors offer something for everyone’s chocolate tastes: a spicy dark chocolate with chiles, a classic dark chocolate with vanilla bean, and a unique white hot chocolate, infused with lavender and lemon. Pair your selection with one of the specialty truffles and you’ll have a whole chocolate meal.

1100 Madison Ave, Manhattan; 212-717-2929; vosgeschocolate.com
132 Spring St; 212-625-2929; vosgeschocolate.com


The Chocolate Room

Park Slope’s ode to chocolate, the Chocolate Room is a cute café that offers every concoction you could wish for, from cakes to custards. Of course, hot chocolate makes a starring appearance on the menu in many different forms. Their classic hot cocoa, lighter than many of New York’s competitors, benefits from a helping of gooey marshmallow. On warmer days, you can still enjoy it, either frozen (à la Serendipity) or as the base of an ice cream float.

86 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn; 718-783-2900, thechocolateroombrooklyn.com

Otto

Although, unlike the other locations featured here, Otto is a full-service restaurant, you can stop by the bar to sample one of their lesser-known but much-loved creations: gianduja calda. The drink gets its name from a specialty Italian chocolate (“gianduja”) that contains hazelnut paste. Pastry chef Meredith Kurtzman makes her own by seeping hazelnut grounds in milk, then mixing it with liquid chocolate. The result is a deliciously creamy concoction with a hazelnut twist that will have you wanting to lick the cup clean.

1 5th Ave, Manhattan; 212-995-9559; ottopizzeria.com

Which President Didn't Start as New York Governor?

And the answer is ...

b) Millard Fillmore

Although Fillmore was born in New York, he was the only one of four US presidents from the state that didn't become as governor first (Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt, the other three, all served as governor). Grover Cleveland, although he was New York governor, was from New Jersey.

Another bit of trivia: Virginia is the state that produced the most presidents, with seven, including George Washington.

New York Trivia Tuesday: Election Edition!

In honor of today's election, our weekly trivia question concerns a hotly-contested race for New Yorkers: the office of governor. The state of New York has had 51 governors in its long history, a number of whom later became president (and many of whom did not). Which US president was NOT formerly a governor of New York?

a) Martin Van Buren
b) Millard Fillmore
c) Grover Cleveland
d) Theodore Roosevelt

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best French Fries in NYC

What is more delicious--and more addicting--than the perfect French fry? But with so many soggy, limp, burnt or tasteless fries out there, the search for the perfect potato can prove difficult. Luckily, we have our five favorite French fries in NYC, with something for every budget and taste. From thin and crispy to light and fluffy, these win the fries prize.

Want a burger to go with your fries? Check out our list of best burgers in NYC!

Pommes Frites

Only in NYC would you have a restaurant solely devoted to the art of the fry. But stop by this hole-in-the-wall storefront in the East Village and you’ll see why the shop continues to thrive, despite having only one dish on the menu. These are technically Belgian-style frites, served in a paper cone, cut thickly and double-fried. The variety is in the dipping sauces: Pommes Frites serves over 25, from plain ketchup to wasabi mayo.

Price: $4.50, $1 each for additional sauces 123 Second Ave, Manhattan; (212) 674-1234
Balthazar

For the classic French fry experience, head to Keith McNally’s famed bistro Balthazar. The fries are the ideal width, cut evenly with enough crispy golden shell on the outside and plenty of light and fluffy potato on the inside. They’re served with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, which French foodies like to pair together for the perfect bite. Pair it with one of their famous steaks and you’ll be transported to Paris.

Price: $8.50 80 Spring St, Manhattan; (212) 965-1785

Rare Bar

One of the beauties of the French fry is the many shapes it takes: shoestring, waffle, curly, classic. Can’t decide? Come to Rare Bar, where the fry tasting basket offers fries in all forms. Not only do they vary the style of fry, the folks at Rare Bar also include new types of potatoes, from the often-ignored sweet potato to the classic russet. Enjoy them with unusual dipping sauce pairings, including honey maple and Mexican chili ketchup.
Price: $10 Fashion 26 Hotel, 152 West 26th St, Manhattan; (212) 807-7273 Affinia Shelburne Hotel; 303 Lexington Ave, Manhattan; (212) 481-1999

Five Guys

It may be a chain, but Five Guys consistently produces top-notch French fries at a level that outshines most fancy NYC restaurants, and at a price that should make them blush. The potatoes come from a farm in Idaho, and unlike most fast food joints, Five Guys leaves the skins for a more rustic, less processed feel; they’re served in a paper bag, after all. A bit softer than the other fries on this list, you can order yours salted or “Cajun style” with a bit of heat.

Price: $3.19 Various locations; see fiveguys.com for details

The Harrison

Perhaps the most raved-about New York fry of them all, the Harrison’s potatoes are a dieter’s nightmare—and a fry-lover’s dream. Thin and crispy, with a center of creamy potato, they get their delicious flavor and crackly texture from the duck fat they’re finished with. Served with a hearty portion of vinegar mayo, these are tangy, crispy, and the perfect addition to any meal (or sometimes, the whole meal itself).
Price:$9 355 Greenwich St # 1, Manhattan; (212) 274-9310