Best of New York: Movies Set in the City

Although Hollywood is known for its movie-making, New York is where the magic happens. So many classic movie moments have happened in NYC, from the balcony scene in West Side Story to the romantic finale of Sleepless in Seattle. Want to see the best New York on screen? Start with our picks of the flicks:

King Kong (1933)

It’s hard to think of a more iconic New York movie image than King Kong on top of the Empire State Building, clutching Fay Wray in his hand. Although films about the jungle and the animals that lived there were popular through the first few decades of the 1900s, this was the pinnacle of the genre. It was also one of the first times the Empire State Building was seen on the silver screen; it was built in 1931, only two years before the film was released.

Taxi Driver (1976)

This Martin Scorsese classic is not only a portrait of New York in the 1970s, but is also a product of the alienation and anxiety of the Vietnam era. Robert De Niro plays a former Marine who drives a NYC yellow cab, ferrying riders back and forth while surveying the city life in all neighborhoods. In the 35 years since the film was made, it’s amazing to see how New York has changed, particularly in the East Village, where De Niro first meets the young Jodie Foster.

Manhattan (1979)

Woody Allen is often heralded as the most quintessentially New York filmmaker, and the title of this movie says it all. Besides the amazing images of the city (particularly the final scene in front of the Queensboro Bridge), Allen infuses his film with a intellectual bent, a sharp sense of wit, and a wry self-deprecation that many people now imagine when they think of NYC.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Not only is this romantic comedy favorite set in NYC, it surveys the city over the course of 12 years. Watching the movie is like seeing a reel of New York’s most famous spots; Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan meet up in Washington Square, Shakespeare and Co. Books, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Giants Stadium, and the batting cages at Coney Island, just to name a few. Of course, the most famous scene takes place in Katz’s Delicatessen, where Meg Ryan memorably remarks, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Spider-Man (2002)

Even though the dazzling special effects and high-flying hero are the centerpiece of this film, the New York locations steal many of the scenes. Peter Parker makes his home in quiet Forest Hills, Queens, sells his photos to the Daily Bugle in the Flatiron Building, and perches on top of the Chrysler Building. In the climactic scene, he foils the Green Goblin by rescuing the passengers of the Roosevelt Island Tram (which has now reopened, if you want to live some movie magic and experience the trip for yourself!).

What is the Second-Tallest Building in NYC?

And the answer is ...

c) Bank of America Tower

Coming in at 1,200 feet (shorter than the Empire State, but taller than the Chrysler Building), the Bank of America Tower was completed in 2009. Besides being famous for its height, it's also known for its environmental innovations, which includes a system to collect and filter rainwater for use and an "ice battery" cooling system, which produces excess ice to cool the rooms during peak hours.

New York Trivia Tuesday

Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

In the NYC skyline, everyone can pick out the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building--two of the three tallest buildings in the city. But the second-tallest building in New York isn't as well known, despite its massive height. It's the fourth-tallest building in the US, and the 18th-tallest in the world. Do you know what building we're talking about?

a) the Woolworth Building
b) the New York Times Building
c) Bank of America Tower
d) Freedom Tower

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!

Best of New York: Beer Bars

Sometimes, you just feel like downing a cold beer at a great bar. But as true beer lovers know, a good bar, with a decent beer selection, can be a tough thing to find. Not in NYC! With several bars boasting over 50 drafts, not to mention bottled beers, you’ll be able to find one that suits your drinking style. Here are some of our favorites to get you started:

Spuyten Duyvil

Any beer lover’s first stop in the city should be this legendary NYC beer bar, where even the most fervent of beer lovers will have a tough time choosing from the 150 offerings from around the world. The bartenders, however, will be happy to help you make a decision, and their extensive knowledge of beer will teach any visitor a thing or two. Most beers are in cask or bottles, but the five drafts are constantly rotated, chosen according to seasonality and just plain deliciousness.

359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn; spuytenduyvilnyc.com

The Ginger Man

A favorite of the after-work crowd in a neighborhood with a severe lack of good bars, The Ginger Man is also the bar of choice for serious beer nerds, probably owing to their massive selection of drafts on tap. They have over 60 to choose from, a selection nearly unparalleled at any other NYC bar, making this a good stop for those wanting to broaden their drinking horizons. If you’re looking to taste your way around the beer universe, make this a first stop.

11 E 36th St, Manhattan; gingerman-ny.com

Vol de Nuit

Belgian beer enthusiasts, head to this West Village hangout, where the intimate tables and atmospheric lighting is paired with a great selection of beers on tap. From Chimay to Leffe, Belgium’s finest drafts are available here, along with some of the country’s classic (and delicious) snacks, like mussels and frites. In the summer, the enclosed outdoor seating area is perfect for a glass or two while enjoying the warmer weather.

148 W. 4 St, Manhattan; voldenuitbar.com

Pete’s Waterfront Ale House

Pete’s is a staple for the Brooklyn Heights crowd, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and extensive beer selection. What’s more, it’s routinely praised for having some of the best pub food in the city, with a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and barbeque, topped off with their homemade hot sauce. Not hungry enough for a meal? Have some popcorn—it’s on the house for all drinkers.

155 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn; waterfrontalehouse.com

Zum Schneider

Fill your steins at this German beer hall, whose indoor trees will remind you of a picnic or a beer garden in the middle of a small Bavarian town. There’s communal seating on long, wooden benches, which furthers the rustic feel, and giant half-liter beers that are enough to make anyone feel like a good drinking song. The list has a wide selection of German beers, and the kitchen also serves some Bavarian treats (go for the soft pretzels).

107 Avenue C, Manhattan; zumschneider.com

Image: ahmet guler / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Where Will Broadway Smash 'The Lion King' Open Next?

And the answer is ...

c) Singapore

One of Broadway's biggest hits, The Lion King has already opened in over a dozen countries since its New York premiere in 1997; next month, a new production will open in Singapore. The show is Broadway's eighth longest-running musical ever, with 5,483 performances to date.

New York Trivia Tuesday

Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

The Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark hasn't officially opened yet, and it's already set records in NYC. At $65 million dollars, it's the most expensive musical ever produced, and it has also had the longest preview period of any Broadway show; because they've had to wait so long, reviewers broke with tradition and filed their reports before the show's official opening night.

Director Julie Taymor has a history with Broadway and NYC: She had a major hit with The Lion King musical in 1997. Since then The Lion King has become a box office smash, with performances in France, Australian, Spain, and Taiwan, among others. It's opening in a new country in March 2011 - which is it?

a) South Africa
b) Brazil
c) Singapore
d) Indonesia

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!

Our Top 5: Best Indian Food in NYC

From your corner Punjabi market to the fine-dining Indian fusion restaurants in chic neighborhoods, Indian food has become a staple of the NYC dining scene. It wasn't so long ago that dishes like chicken tikka masala were unfamiliar to most Americans, but now they've become craveable, beloved dishes for many New Yorkers. Where to get your fix? Try one of our top 5 best Indian spots in NYC, from the upscale to the street cart.

Amma

For traditional Northern Indian fare (think curries, biryanis, samosas, and the like), Amma is one of the best in NYC. Fans of Indian cuisine will find all their favorites here: The creamy chicken tikka masala simply melts in your mouth, and a eye-wateringly spicy lamb vindaloo still packs a bunch of flavor behind the heat. Don't be afraid to stray from the menu staples; little-known vegetable dishes like Manchurian cauliflower also shine. What's more, a seven-course tasting menu for only $50 is one of the best deals in town.

246 E 51st St, Manhattan; 212-644-8330

Saravanaas

You might be more familiar with Northern Indian food, but head to this section of Murray Hill and you'll encounter a wealth of South Indian options, whose menus feature crepe-like dosas (flat breads topped with delicious fillings, then rolled like a wrap). Of these Indian restaurants, Saravanaas is often hailed as the favorite. The food, all vegetarian, is flavorful, filling, and affordable; you can walk away stuffed without putting down more than a $20. The restaurant is so popular, they've had to expand into the space next door!

81 Lexington Ave, Manhattan; 212-679-0204

Southern Spice

Fans of Southern Spice have noted, "This is just straight up Indian food." There are no pretenses at this Queens spot, but its huge community of fans will tell you that it serves some of the best Indian food in NYC. Venture in, and you'll encounter piles and tandoori meat, scarfed down without utensils, and delicious platters of naan, a perennial favorite . Not sure what to get on the extensive menu, which bridges both Northern and Southern cuisines? Try the mutton, one of the house specialties.

143-06 45th Ave, Queens; 212-359-3486

Devi

When Devi hit NYC in 2005, it caused an uproar. The upscale, fusion-y touches seemed a world away from the traditional, homey cooking of many Indian restaurants. But Devi has endured to become known as one of the best Indian restaurants in New York, thanks to its subtle treatment of classical Indian flavors. Many dishes here seem familiar, but reveal a depth and a harmony that many other Indian joints miss. Don't miss the inventive cocktail list, and stop by for the lunch special: $25 to dine in, and only $15 to take away a box filled with a variety of dishes.

8 E 18th St, Manhattan; 212-691-1300


N.Y. Dosas

You may have passed this Indian food spot many times without giving it a thought. That's because N.Y. Dosas is not a restaurant; it's a cart in Washington Square Park, barely indistinguishable from the many hot dog vendors that populate NYC streets. But step up to this spot and get a meal that's worth a place among the best Indian restaurants in the city. Thiru Kumar serves his dosas, filled with potato curry, with a cup of delicious lentil soup and a intensely-flavored coconut chutney. Enjoy it in the park, or eat while you have a front-row seat to Kumar's cooking.

Washington Square Park, on the corner of W 4th Street and Sullivan St, Manhattan.

Image: savit keawtavee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Where Was Robert Indiana's LOVE First Seen?

And the answer is ...

d) a Christmas card

Even though it's now an iconic image, featured in many sculptures around the world and the subject of a famous postage stamp, Robert Indiana first created LOVE for the New York Museum of Modern Art's Christmas card. The first sculpture was made six years later, in 1970, and can now be seen at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Congratulations to SistaAri, who correctly guessed our trivia answer! Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize.

New York Trivia Tuesday

Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

Does this sculpture look familiar? Created by famous American artist Robert Indiana, LOVE is one of the most iconic sculptures of the last hundred years. Reproductions have been made for over 30 cities worldwide; you can find them in Istanbul, Hong Kong, Lisbon, and on Sixth Avenue in NYC.

But before LOVE was a sculpture, it got its start in New York as just a drawing. Created by Indiana in 1964, what was the image first used for?

a) a magazine ad
b) a New York tourism logo
c) a postage stamp
d) a Christmas card

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!

Best of New York: Valentine's Day Reservations

Haven’t made a Valentine’s Day reservation yet? It’s not too late! Although many favorite NYC restaurants book up early for the special day, there are still many great last-minute tables to be had. Whether you’re looking for a first date place, or want a special venue where you can pop the question, call up one of these restaurants to get a V-Day seat; as of this writing, they all had availabilities.

SHO Shaun Hergatt

When you think romantic dining experience, you probably don’t think of the Financial District. But SHO, which opened right next to the stock exchange last year, has been getting raves from diners and critics alike as one of NYC’s best fine dining experiences. The elegant Asian/French fusion fare gives famed restauranteur Jean Georges a run for his money; on Valentine’s Day, they’re offering a six-course prix fixe, so you can sample a variety of the chefs cuisine.

80 Broad St, Manhattan; 212-809-3993 shoshaunhergatt.com

Blaue Gans

For a more informal option, head to Blaue Gans, where the rib-sticking Austrian fare is accompanied by a dose of good cheer. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the hearty helpings of everything from bratwurst to fried chicken are sure to put you in a good mood. What’s more, they’re serving their regular menu all night, so diners won’t have to worry about getting stuck with a pricy prix fixe just for Valentine’s Day (This also makes it a great choice for single diners looking to get away from kissing couples and big bills).

139 Duane St, Manhattan; 212-571-8880 kg-ny.com

Keens Steakhouse

Not only is a steakhouse a classic choice for Valentine’s Day fare, Keens is also a little trip back in time. A favorite of famous New Yorkers including Teddy Roosevelt, George M. Cohan, and J.P. Morgan, the restaurant has been around since before 1885, when it became a frequent hangout for the famous. Widely regarded as one of the best steakhouses in NYC, Keens timeless cuisine (and peerless selection of whiskeys) makes it a hot ticket for Valentine’s.

72 W 36 St., Manhattan; 212-947-3636 keenssteakhouse.com

Mehtaphor

If you’re a Food Network fan, you’ve probably seen Chef Jehangir Mehta before; he routinely blew away the competition on The Next Iron Chef, only losing out in the final round. His restaurant Graffiti, in the East Village, made him a star, but its cramped quarters and communal tables don’t make for a very romantic experience. Luckily, Mehta’s new restaurant, Mehtaphor, has more space, a relaxed vibe, and wonderful food, inspired by the Chef’s Indian background. The delicious desserts, which highlight Mehta’s past role as a pastry chef, make this a Valentine’s Day restaurant to remember.

130 Duane St, Manhattan; 212-964-4600 mehtaphornyc.com

Ai Fiori

NYC foodies will no doubt be familiar with Chef Michael White; three of his other restaurants in the city—Alto, Convivio, and Marea—have all earned Michelin stars. Ai Fiori is his new venture, and its refined Italian cuisine is sure to impress any date. The prix fixe is pricy (try $95 person), but will include everything from saffron gnocchi to the ultimate Valentine’s dish: a whole lobster.
400 Fifth Ave, Manhattan; 212-613-8660 aifiorinyc.com

What is the Name of New York's Groundhog?

And the answer is ...

b) Chuck G. Hogg

Officially known as Charles G. Hogg, but better known by the nickname Staten Island Chuck, Chuck has been NYC's unofficial and beloved weatherman. The groundhogs in his family have been predicting the weather for 30 years, the last 23 of which they've predicted accurately. Chuck is also known for another event: He bit NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Groundhog Day 2009.

Congratulations to Lynda, who correctly guessed our trivia answer! Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize.

New York Trivia Tuesday

Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

Time to break out the Bill Murray movies: Tomorrow is Groundhog Day! You may have heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous weather-predicting groundhog, who makes his home in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. But you probably haven't heard of New York's own resident groundhog, who is looked to for guidance by local meteorologists every Groundhog Day. Located in the Staten Island Zoo, what is the name of this NYC groundhog?

a) Buckeye Chuck
b) Chuck G. Hogg
c) Balzac Billy
d) General Beauregard Lee

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