Who Created the First New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square?

And the answer is ...

c) The New York Times

In 1908, the New York Times had just moved its headquarters to Longacre Square, convincing the city to rename the site "Times Square" after the iconic newspaper. To draw even more attention to the site, publisher Adolph Ochs commissioned the first Ball Drop celebration. Although the newspaper has since changed headquarters, the tradition continues up through today!

Happy New Year!

New York Trivia Tuesday

Celebrating New Year's Eve on Times Square is an event that has been immortalized in movies and on television, with lots of excitement surrounding the main attraction: the Times Square Ball Drop. The Ball has been a feature of Times Square on New Year's Eve ever since 1908, when a company decided to fund the first celebration. Since then, Waterford Crystal makes a new Ball for the event every year. Who funded the first Ball in Times Square?

a) General Electric
b) Carnegie Steel
c) The New York Times
d) The New York Yankees

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

What Country Does the Metropolitan Museum's Creche Come From?

And the answer is ...

d) Italy

The famous Baroque creche was originally by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Sammartino; most of his work remains in Naples. When the creche was first displayed in the Met in 1925, the idea of having a decorated tree behind a creche was unusual; typically, they are displayed along. But the donor, Loretta Hines, was adamant about the idea for the original display. Now her daughter continues to personally set up the arrangement every year.

New York Trivia Tuesday

One of the most-visited Christmas attractions in New York is the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Christmas Tree and Baroque Creche, which depicts the Nativity scene, the Magi, and a choir of over 50 angels. The Creche was given to the museum in 1925 and has become a holiday icon ever since, backed up a blue spruce and topped by a dramatic array of candles. But in what country were the figures sculpted?

a) Belgium
b) France
c) Germany
d) Italy

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

Best of New York: Restaurants Open on Christmas

You’ve decorated the tree, shopped until you dropped, put up the lights, and sat through the family reunions. Who wants to cook? That’s why many restaurants in NYC keep their doors open on Christmas, often with special menus to help you celebrate the season—away from your oven. Here are our favorite eateries open on the ho-ho-holiday:

Maialino

The only one of restaurateur Danny Meyer’s restaurants to be open on Christmas Day, Maialino promises a hearty Italian feast to celebrate the holiday season. Its specials will include capon with polenta and panettone—a traditional Italian sweet bread that’s a staple at Christmastime—made in-house. If you’re bringing your family out to dinner, think about one of the chef’s specials: an entire suckling pig. Diets can wait until the New Year.

2 Lexington Ave, Manhattan; maialinonyc.com

Ippudo

Since many transplant New Yorkers head back home for the holidays, Christmas is a great time to try those popular restaurants that are usually packed every night of the week. Ippudo is one of those restaurants; its no reservation policy and its cheap prices make waiting for a table a multiple-hour affair. But since its open on Christmas, you can chow down on their traditional ramen—often called the best in NYC—without knocking elbows with the person next to you.

65 4th Ave, Manhattan; ippudony.com

Blue Water Grill

For classic American cuisine with some holiday cheer, head to Blue Water Grill off of Union Square. A favorite for the holidays, its classy seasonal décor welcome you in for some fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere. For brunch, its eggnog pancakes with spiced rum caramel sauce give you a taste of Christmas, and its raw bars with oysters on the half shell are a holiday staple. For dessert, indulge with their specialty “banana tower,” a impressive (and delicious!) ice cream structure.

31 Union Square West, Manhattan; bluewatergrillnyc.com

Saul

Consistently ranked as one of the top-rated restaurants in Brooklyn—and with a Michelin star to prove it—any day is a good day to try Saul. But with a special menu for the holiday, Christmas is a particularly delicious meal. Dedicated to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian festival observed on Christmas Eve, the seven-course menu celebrates seafood in all its forms. You’ll be getting traditional Italian flavors, some Brooklyn flair, and fine dining all in one bite.

140 Smith St, Brooklyn; saulrestaurant.com

Virgil’s

For those from the big BBQ states missing a taste of home, head to Virgil’s, NYC’s homage to meat. From pulled pork to ribs falling off the bone, it’s one of the go-to eateries for New Yorkers ready to get in touch with their carnivorous side. The restaurant is serving its usual menu on Christmas, which means that you’ll get a lot of meat, some delicious sides (the cornbread is our favorite), and a bill that won’t break the bank.

152 W 44th St, Manhattan; virgilsbbq.com

What Are the Names of the New York Public Library Lions?

And the answer is ...

a) Patience

Although the lions were originally placed by the library in honor of Leo Astor and Leo Lennox, two of the library's founders, they were nicknamed Patience and Fortitude in the 1930s by famed NYC mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, to honor qualities of New Yorkers that would help them through the Great Depression. The names stuck, and you can still see the famous statues today.

New York Trivia Tuesday

The main branch of the New York Public Library, one 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, is one of the most recognizable buildings in NYC. Built in 1911, the library was at the time the largest marble structure ever created, and was revered for its Beaux Arts style. But the site is perhaps most famous for the two stone lions that flank its entrance. Sculpted by Edward Clark Potter, one of the lions is named Fortitude. What is the name of the other lion?

a) Patience
b) Liberty
c) Courage
d) Honor

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

Best of New York: Holiday Markets

The holidays are here again, and if you're like me, you still have a lot of gifts to get in the next week. But thanks to the abundance of holiday markets in New York, you have a wealth of options at your fingertips. Whether shopping for the traditional gifts or something a bit more unique, get last-minute finds at these holiday shops:

Union Square Holiday Market

One of the most well-known holiday fairs in NYC, the Union Square Holiday Markets combines upscale goods with some seriously delicious grub. Now in its 16th year, the fair covers the south side of the park, with over 100 vendors selling everything from handmade leather bags to beautiful blown-glass vases. To keep your shopping energy up, grab a delicious treat from one of the gourmet food booths, offering everything from Belgian waffles to German brats. Best of all, the market is open every day until Christmas Eve, so you can find that last-minute gift here.

Union Square, Manhattan.
Nov 19-Dec 24.

Brooklyn Craft Central

Get a gift made locally with love at the third annual Brooklyn Craft Central. The craft market has become so popular among New Yorkers that it has expanded this year into two new spaces, five minutes apart. Browse the aisles of over 70 vendors to find handmade soap, stationary, jewelry, and more quirky items for the hipster on your list (a clock with different horse illustrations instead of numbers?).

Littlefield Art and Performance Space, 622 Degraw St, Brooklyn and Textile Arts Center, 505 Carroll St, Brooklyn
Dec 18-19.

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair

Take a train into Grand Central Terminal around the holiday season and you’ll be tempted to linger at their Holiday Fair, a pop-up shop that takes over the station’s cavernous Vanderbilt Hall. Nearly 80 vendors participate in the market every year, selling goods from all corners of the globe. Jewelry, accessories, and clothing are the most popular items here; you can find scarves from India, silver from Argentina, and pillows from Nepal. But there are also items that will remind you of NYC: the New York Transit Museum sells their subway line-branded merchandise as a memento of your time in the station.

Grand Central Station, Manhattan.
Nov 15-Dec 24.

Gifted at the Brooklyn Flea

The Brooklyn Flea is a regular stop for New Yorkers looking for some vintage duds or handmade art. And for the holiday season, the Flea is bringing some of its favorite vendors together for a special celebration. This is the perfect place to shop for the antiques lover on your list, or anyone who wants a little old-timey bling. You’ll also find Brooklyn-made items, including Fine & Raw Chocolates, Brooklyn Salsa, and preserves from the SchoolHouse Kitchen. It’s the perfect way to give something from New York to far-flung relatives.

Skylight One Hanson, 1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn.
Dec 15-23.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

With its ice skating rink and brilliant light displays, Bryant Park is already a magical place during the holidays. But with the holiday shops, it’s also the perfect place to do a little seasonal shopping in style. Inspired by European open-air markets, vendors hailing from the Himalayas to Istanbul are bringing their international flair to this holiday market. Eco-friendly gifts are in fashion here, as well as décor for the house and home. When you’re done shopping, take a spin on the ice and enjoy some pretzels from Sigmund’s, one of the hottest new foodie establishments to open this year.

Bryant Park, Manhattan.
Nov 5-Jan 2.

What Happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree After the Holidays?

And the answer is …

c) construction

Every year, the towering Christmas tree from Rockefeller Center is given to Habitat for Humanity, which uses the wood in its home construction projects to benefit those who cannot afford housing. Now that’s spreading the holiday cheer, all year ‘round!

New York Trivia Tuesday

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the most famous of its kind. Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists alike flocking to see the tree-lighting ceremony, the event is also broadcast to millions more every year on NBC.

Unlike many public Christmas trees, the one in Rockefeller center is real; a new one is trucked in from surrounding states every year (This year it’s from Mahopic, New York). But after the tree is taken down in the first week of January, what happens to the wood? It is used for:

a) firewood
b) fertilizer
c) construction
d) furniture

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

NYC's Most Romantic Restaurants

New York during the holidays is one of the most romantic places in the world. And with many occasions to celebrate this month, you might find yourself looking for a good place to enjoy the ambiance over some food. Check out our list of NYC’s most romantic restaurants. And while you’re at it, remember that many of these places fill up early for Valentine’s!

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

The king of all romantic New York restaurants, One If By Land is known as the place to impress the ladies. Located in the old carriage house of third American vice-president Aaron Burr, the building itself has an old-world feel. But step inside and you’ll feel transported: the tapestries, the dozens of candles, the live piano music all take you back to another era. The pricey food rarely draws raves, but is solid new American fare. Plus, you’ll probably be too busy gazing into each others’ eyes (or at the display of pistols that Burr used to shoot Alexander Hamilton) to notice.

17 Barrow St, Manhattan; (212) 255-8649

Café Charbon

If French is the language of love, what could be more romantic than a cozy bistro? This Lower East Side gem is divided in two: the front half is a hip bar where singles go to be seen, while the back is a homey restaurant where couples split a tarte tatin. The room is decorated like a French general store, with international spices and picturesque packages lining the walls. The food gets high marks, although it is standard bistro fare with few culinary surprises. Enjoy a medium-rare steak or a chicken roasted to perfection, and end the night with a (French) kiss.

170 Orchard St, Manhattan; (212) 420-7520

River Café

We’re not sure why, but there’s something about those skyline views that makes an evening one to remember. That’s why River Café is a perennial favorite on lists of top romantic restaurants. That, and the food is really, really good. The upscale American cuisine is offered in a $100 prix fixe menu, so save this one for special occasions. But when you have something to celebrate, enjoy the food and the expansive views of Manhattan from right across the water. As a kitschy touch, you can get a chocolate model of the Brooklyn Bridge for dessert.

1 Water St, Brooklyn; (718) 522-5200
Apizz

This abandoned corner on Manhattan’s Lower East Side may not seem like the most romantic place to spend a Saturday night, but a flickering neon sign reading “Apizz” means you’re in the right place. Enter, and you’ll find yourself in a wood-paneled, cozy room filled with aromas from the kitchen. The reinvented Italian fare here is the star of the show; creamy lobster risotto and crispy pizza appetizers are some of the house specialties.

217 Eldridge St, Manhattan; (212) 253-9199

El Quinto Pino

This Spanish tapas bar delivers in both food and flirty fun. The menu of small plates ranges from cod croquettes to Japanese-influenced sea urchin panini. The wine menu, even more extensive, offers you a selection of individual glasses at very reasonable prices, so you can feel free to indulge. Although the space is small and can be cramped (or should we say, “intimate”?), sharing a few plates and a few drinks over a first date is a great way to try new things in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

401 W 24th St, Manhattan; (212) 206-6900

What Figure Did Diego Rivera Refuse to Remove from his Mural?

And the answer is ...

c) Vladimir Lenin

A known socialist, Diego Rivera depicted several scenes of Moscow May Day and a portrait of Lenin in his original mural. Although he offered to counterbalance the images with a portrait of Lincoln, he refused to remove them, causing Nelson Rockefeller to paper over the entire mural. Although restorers attempted to save it a year later, the mural was beyond repair and was destroyed. It was replaced by a mural called "American Progress," by Josep Maria Sert.