And the answer is ...
c) In n Out
Fans of the California-based hamburger chain have been awaiting its arrival in NYC with baited breath for years, so the signs around Manhattan last spring advertising a new location were greeted with cheers ... until it was discovered that they were part of an elaborate April Fools joke. The culprits? The folks at CollegeHumor.com.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
New York Trivia Tuesday
We've seen some pretty cruel April Fools jokes in the past, but an NYC prank in 2010 had many of the city's food fans in an uproar. On April 1st of last year, New York was plastered with signs advertising the Manhattan arrival of a popular restaurant chain, which turned out to be an elaborate hoax. What was the chain?
a) Waffle House
b) Arby's
c) In n Out
d) Dairy Queen
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia challenge!
a) Waffle House
b) Arby's
c) In n Out
d) Dairy Queen
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia challenge!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Best of New York: Yoga Classes
Yoga fever swept through Manhattan in the early 2000s, and now it's a rare afternoon where you don't see someone carrying their yoga mat back from class. Classes abound in NYC, where there are offerings for beginners or experts, vinyasa addicts or bikram enthusiasts. Check out these studios when you're itching for some inner calm:
Yoga to the People
This is an NYC staple for yoga lovers, and for good reason. They have several locations around the city, each of which offers something different: hot yoga, power vinyasa, and hot vinyasa. The central location in the East Village, which teaches power vinyasa, is a destination for everyone from NYU students to major celebs, who you can spot with their mats and towels between classes. But you don’t need the budget of a superstar: A suggested donation of $10 makes it one of the most affordable studios in the city.
Multiple locations; yogatothepeople.com
Pure Yoga
Far more than just a studio, Pure Yoga is like an entire gym dedicated solely to aligning your chakras. Their schedule of classes is one of the most varied in NYC, including everything from hatha to anusara, as well as special rooms for hot yoga, one-on-one classes, newbie tutorials, and well-kept showers and locker rooms. There are also programs that are a little more unorthodox, like AcroYoga, which brings together the traditional poses, acrobatics, and massage as attendees get lifted and swung about by their classmates.
204 W 77th St, Manhattan; 212-877-2025
pureyoga.com
Iyengar Yoga Institute
Not seeing what all the yoga hype is about? Take a chance and head to the Iyengar Yoga Institute, whose style has produced many new converts to the craze. Iyengar uses props like belts, balls, and blocks, to help you balance and maintain the poses that many find difficult to keep up on their own. The form is also known for its healing potential, and attendees with pulled muscles or pinched nerves rave about the Institute’s restorative powers. The staff can be a bit removed, but includes some of the most knowledgeable instructors in NYC.
150 W 22nd St, Manhattan; 212-691-9642
iyengarnyc.org
Dharma Yoga Brooklyn
This beautiful studio in Park Slope brings you a sense of calm as soon as you walk in the door, thanks to its peaceful, candlelit ambiance and the expanse of stained-glass windows. There’s also a familial feel, since there’s only a handful on instructors, and the limited selection of classes are kept small: at most, 25 people. But best of all, Dharma maintains a donations-only policy, allowing attendees to drop their bills into a box by the door. The open pay policy means you’ll see a veritable cross-section of NYC at this yoga studio, and will most likely get to know a few of the friendly regulars after a few classes.
82 Sixth Ave, Brooklyn; 718-395-7632
Earth Yoga
Fans of “hot” yoga flock to this NYC favorite, which has practitioners sweating it out in rooms heated up to 110 degree. Unlike bikram, a traditional style of hot yoga that repeats the same poses every class, Earth Yoga specializes in vinyasa hot yoga, which takes attendees through a “flow” of various positions to change up the routine. The attitude here is funky and fun; you won’t hear the same Enya tape every class, and instructor Halle Becker is known for her wisecracking way of powering you forward.
206 E 63rd St, Manhattan; 212-486-4111
earthyoganyc.com
Yoga to the People
This is an NYC staple for yoga lovers, and for good reason. They have several locations around the city, each of which offers something different: hot yoga, power vinyasa, and hot vinyasa. The central location in the East Village, which teaches power vinyasa, is a destination for everyone from NYU students to major celebs, who you can spot with their mats and towels between classes. But you don’t need the budget of a superstar: A suggested donation of $10 makes it one of the most affordable studios in the city.
Multiple locations; yogatothepeople.com
Pure Yoga
Far more than just a studio, Pure Yoga is like an entire gym dedicated solely to aligning your chakras. Their schedule of classes is one of the most varied in NYC, including everything from hatha to anusara, as well as special rooms for hot yoga, one-on-one classes, newbie tutorials, and well-kept showers and locker rooms. There are also programs that are a little more unorthodox, like AcroYoga, which brings together the traditional poses, acrobatics, and massage as attendees get lifted and swung about by their classmates.
204 W 77th St, Manhattan; 212-877-2025
pureyoga.com
Iyengar Yoga Institute
Not seeing what all the yoga hype is about? Take a chance and head to the Iyengar Yoga Institute, whose style has produced many new converts to the craze. Iyengar uses props like belts, balls, and blocks, to help you balance and maintain the poses that many find difficult to keep up on their own. The form is also known for its healing potential, and attendees with pulled muscles or pinched nerves rave about the Institute’s restorative powers. The staff can be a bit removed, but includes some of the most knowledgeable instructors in NYC.
150 W 22nd St, Manhattan; 212-691-9642
iyengarnyc.org
Dharma Yoga Brooklyn
This beautiful studio in Park Slope brings you a sense of calm as soon as you walk in the door, thanks to its peaceful, candlelit ambiance and the expanse of stained-glass windows. There’s also a familial feel, since there’s only a handful on instructors, and the limited selection of classes are kept small: at most, 25 people. But best of all, Dharma maintains a donations-only policy, allowing attendees to drop their bills into a box by the door. The open pay policy means you’ll see a veritable cross-section of NYC at this yoga studio, and will most likely get to know a few of the friendly regulars after a few classes.
82 Sixth Ave, Brooklyn; 718-395-7632
Earth Yoga
Fans of “hot” yoga flock to this NYC favorite, which has practitioners sweating it out in rooms heated up to 110 degree. Unlike bikram, a traditional style of hot yoga that repeats the same poses every class, Earth Yoga specializes in vinyasa hot yoga, which takes attendees through a “flow” of various positions to change up the routine. The attitude here is funky and fun; you won’t hear the same Enya tape every class, and instructor Halle Becker is known for her wisecracking way of powering you forward.
206 E 63rd St, Manhattan; 212-486-4111
earthyoganyc.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Whic First Lady Rode in NYC's First Elevator?
And the answer is ...
b) Mary Todd Lincoln
Mrs. Lincoln was a regular shopper at Eder V. Haughwout's, a store in the building with New York's very first elevator. The emporium, which took up most of the building's five floors, was a favorite among NYC elite for glass, china, and other housewares. Although the store is no more, the building has become a New York landmark, with the original elevator still in place!
b) Mary Todd Lincoln
Mrs. Lincoln was a regular shopper at Eder V. Haughwout's, a store in the building with New York's very first elevator. The emporium, which took up most of the building's five floors, was a favorite among NYC elite for glass, china, and other housewares. Although the store is no more, the building has become a New York landmark, with the original elevator still in place!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
New York Trivia Tuesday
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:
On this week in 1857, New York made history by installing the first modern elevator. Located in 488 Broadway, it was designed for the building by Elisha Graves Otis himself, the inventor of the safety mechanism which prevented the car from falling if the cable broke. The building, now an NYC landmark, was also favorite spot of a 19th-century First Lady. Who hung out at 488 Broadway and rode in the city's first elevator?
a) Jane Appleton Pierce
b) Mary Todd Lincoln
c) Eliza McCardle Johnson
d) Lucy Webb Hayes
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
On this week in 1857, New York made history by installing the first modern elevator. Located in 488 Broadway, it was designed for the building by Elisha Graves Otis himself, the inventor of the safety mechanism which prevented the car from falling if the cable broke. The building, now an NYC landmark, was also favorite spot of a 19th-century First Lady. Who hung out at 488 Broadway and rode in the city's first elevator?
a) Jane Appleton Pierce
b) Mary Todd Lincoln
c) Eliza McCardle Johnson
d) Lucy Webb Hayes
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Best of New York: Happy Hours
New Yorkers are known to work hard and play hard. And the best place to see those two things in action is at a good happy hour, where anyone can forget the stress of the office by knocking back a few well-priced drinks. From half-priced swanky cocktails to free snacks and $2 brews, you can drink at a discount at these hot spots:
Fiddlesticks
This Irish pub is a favorite watering hole for many Manhattanites looking to get away from the daily grind. Luckily, it’s easy to do so here, where the building’s many nooks and crannies offers secluded seating for small groups. Sidle up to the bar for the happy hour specials, though, since they’re not offered for table service. And you’ll want the specials, since Fiddlesticks offers any beer, wine, or well drink you want for just $4.
56 Greenwich Ave, Manhattan; 212-463-0516
Monday through Friday, 4 pm – 8 pm
The Dove
With the red velvet wallpaper, the wood paneled bar, the cushy banquette seating and the subterranean location, The Dove feels like a swanky speakeasy crossed with a chic brothel. A popular destination for girls’ nights out, the specialty cocktail menu is the draw here, and it’s easy to see why. Try fancy concoctions like the Honey Dove (cognac, honey, organic vanilla soy milk) or the Silk Road Margarita (cinnamon-infused tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice). And during happy hour, they’re all half price, so you can have a high-class cocktail for the price of a bottom-shelf gin and tonic.
228 Thompson St, Manhattan; 212-254-1435
Sunday – Thursday, 4 pm – 8 pm
4th Avenue Pub
This bar is a neighborhood staple, especially in the summertime, when the generous outdoor seating area draws crowds hoping to bask in the sun while soaking up a beer or two. And they’ll have a lot to choose from, since the bar has 61 beers on their list, including 26 on tap. During happy hour, you’ll get $2 off any drink you choose (for beers as low as $2), and can even kick back with some free popcorn, deliciously seasoned with Old Bay.
76 4th Ave, Brooklyn; 718-643-2273 Monday through Friday, 3 pm – 8pm
Oro Bakery and Bar
This intimate space, a few blocks away from the crowds that pack SoHo bars, is a real local find. Serving locally-sourced pastries, sandwiches and coffee by day, the spot is just as ideal at night, when the bar comes to life. The happy hour is a bargain, with two-for-one glasses of wine off a carefully curated list of a dozen selections from around the world. Sangria, mulled ciders, and beers are also on the menu here, as are several light dinner options and an array of desserts that will tempt you to stay all night.
375 Broome St, Manhattan; 212-941-6368
Monday through Friday, 4 pm – 8 pm
Acme Bar and Grill
From the outside, Acme looks like a side-of-the-road fried chicken stand—and that’s sort of what it is. The “authentic Southern and Cajun cooking” joint serves up big portions of homestyle favorites like catfish and fried okra. But the happy hour is what keeps patrons coming back, with drink specials rotating on a daily basis. Whether it’s Ladies Night or Hurricane Thursdays (all hurricanes are $4), you’ll find a welcome surprise at this NoHo house.
9 Great Jones St, Manhattan; 212-420-1934
Monday through Saturday, 4 pm – 8 pm; Sunday, all day
Thursday, March 17, 2011
When Did McSorely's Open to Women?
And the answer is ...
c) 1970
The historic NYC pub McSorely's didn't open to women until 1970, after they were sued for discrimination by the National Organization for Women. Before then, the bar's motto was "Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies." Although ladies are now present, McSorely's still serves a cheese platter with raw onions.
c) 1970
The historic NYC pub McSorely's didn't open to women until 1970, after they were sued for discrimination by the National Organization for Women. Before then, the bar's motto was "Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies." Although ladies are now present, McSorely's still serves a cheese platter with raw onions.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
New York Trivia Tuesday
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:
One of the primary destinations for St. Patrick's Day revelers is McSorely's Old Alehouse, the oldest Irish-themed bar in New York. The watering hole is famous for its relics of "old New York" including Houdini's old discarded handcuffs. But the bar also has another, less welcome distinction: it was one of the last bars in NYC to accept female patrons. When did McSorely's open its doors to women?
a) 1953
b) 1965
c) 1970
d) 1973
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
One of the primary destinations for St. Patrick's Day revelers is McSorely's Old Alehouse, the oldest Irish-themed bar in New York. The watering hole is famous for its relics of "old New York" including Houdini's old discarded handcuffs. But the bar also has another, less welcome distinction: it was one of the last bars in NYC to accept female patrons. When did McSorely's open its doors to women?
a) 1953
b) 1965
c) 1970
d) 1973
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Best of New York: Steakhouses
New York is known as a destination for foodies because of its wealth of restaurants and diversity of cuisines. But some of the oldest, most revered, and most delicious restaurants in NYC are ... steakhouses. Whether its a classic like Luger or an international spot like Plataforma, you can't go wrong with a steak at one of these joints:
Peter Luger
The original to which most steakhouses aspire, Peter Luger is one of New York’s biggest culinary destinations. A Brooklyn institution, with its well-worn wood paneling and its classily-attired waiters, this restaurant is so good that die-hard Manhattanites will make the trek to sample the Porterhouse – a massive cut of meat, served for two here, makes the perfect “old New York” date.
178 Broadway, Brooklyn; 718-387-7400; peterluger.com
Keens
Taking a trip to Keen’s is like traveling in a time machine. One of the swankiest ambiances in town, the steakhouse is one of New York’s oldest surviving restaurants; pipes smoked by its legendary customers like Teddy Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan are displayed on the walls. Steak aficionados swear by the sirloin, but many say the best cut of meat served here isn’t beef at all; the mutton chop gets perpetual raves.
72 W 36th St, Manhattan; 212-947-3636; keens.com
Quality Meats
Quality Meats is a New York steakhouse for the younger generation—literally; it’s the creation of Michael Stillman, son of the famed Smith & Wollensky’s Alan Stillman). The restaurant plays up a quirky vibe in its industrial décor, which comes complete with meat-hook lamps, and in its trendy touches, like tartare that you spice yourself. But the steaks are delicious in the traditional sense: big, juicy, and with a good touch of char.
57 W 58th St, Manhattan; 212-371-7777; qualitymeatsnyc.com
Plataforma
Although steakhouses are often seen as a classic American restaurant, there’s no place that loves steak more than Brazil. Churrascaria Plataforma is NYC’s homage to the land of beef: a rodizio that prepares all-you-can-eat steak in an unusually upscale atmosphere. Waiters serve and endless procession of skewers to your table; sides and salads are served buffet-style. For a livelier steakhouse option, this is your best bet.
316 W 49th St, Manhattan; 212-245-0505; churrascariaplataforma.com
Strip House
Fans of—what else?—strip steak come to Strip House, where behind the kitschy decorations like pinup posters and red tassled curtains lies a meat lover’s haven. The meat is perfectly tender, and champions of this particular cut will often refuse to go anywhere else. But even vegetarians will find something to love here; the sides are a major star, with twists on beloved classics like truffled creamed spinach and goose fat potatoes.
13 E 12th St, Manhattan; 212-328-0000; striphouse.com
Peter Luger
The original to which most steakhouses aspire, Peter Luger is one of New York’s biggest culinary destinations. A Brooklyn institution, with its well-worn wood paneling and its classily-attired waiters, this restaurant is so good that die-hard Manhattanites will make the trek to sample the Porterhouse – a massive cut of meat, served for two here, makes the perfect “old New York” date.
178 Broadway, Brooklyn; 718-387-7400; peterluger.com
Keens
Taking a trip to Keen’s is like traveling in a time machine. One of the swankiest ambiances in town, the steakhouse is one of New York’s oldest surviving restaurants; pipes smoked by its legendary customers like Teddy Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan are displayed on the walls. Steak aficionados swear by the sirloin, but many say the best cut of meat served here isn’t beef at all; the mutton chop gets perpetual raves.
72 W 36th St, Manhattan; 212-947-3636; keens.com
Quality Meats
Quality Meats is a New York steakhouse for the younger generation—literally; it’s the creation of Michael Stillman, son of the famed Smith & Wollensky’s Alan Stillman). The restaurant plays up a quirky vibe in its industrial décor, which comes complete with meat-hook lamps, and in its trendy touches, like tartare that you spice yourself. But the steaks are delicious in the traditional sense: big, juicy, and with a good touch of char.
57 W 58th St, Manhattan; 212-371-7777; qualitymeatsnyc.com
Plataforma
Although steakhouses are often seen as a classic American restaurant, there’s no place that loves steak more than Brazil. Churrascaria Plataforma is NYC’s homage to the land of beef: a rodizio that prepares all-you-can-eat steak in an unusually upscale atmosphere. Waiters serve and endless procession of skewers to your table; sides and salads are served buffet-style. For a livelier steakhouse option, this is your best bet.
316 W 49th St, Manhattan; 212-245-0505; churrascariaplataforma.com
Strip House
Fans of—what else?—strip steak come to Strip House, where behind the kitschy decorations like pinup posters and red tassled curtains lies a meat lover’s haven. The meat is perfectly tender, and champions of this particular cut will often refuse to go anywhere else. But even vegetarians will find something to love here; the sides are a major star, with twists on beloved classics like truffled creamed spinach and goose fat potatoes.
13 E 12th St, Manhattan; 212-328-0000; striphouse.com
Thursday, March 3, 2011
What NYC Paper did Dr. Seuss Work For?
And the answer is ...
b) PM
A short-lived left-wing paper published in New York from 1940-1948, PM was nevertheless home to several famous writers and cartoonists during its short run. Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, and James Thurber all contributed articles. But Dr. Seuss was one of the paper's most frequent contributors, publishing over hundreds of political cartoons there over in just two years.
Congratulations to clemJIE, who correctly guessed our trivia answer! Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize.
b) PM
A short-lived left-wing paper published in New York from 1940-1948, PM was nevertheless home to several famous writers and cartoonists during its short run. Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, and James Thurber all contributed articles. But Dr. Seuss was one of the paper's most frequent contributors, publishing over hundreds of political cartoons there over in just two years.
Congratulations to clemJIE, who correctly guessed our trivia answer! Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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:
Tomorrow, March 2nd, is the birthday of one of America's most beloved children's book authors: Dr. Seuss! Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, the famous writer produced classics such as Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, just to name a few.
But before he published those favorites, Geisel worked as an artist for advertising firms and as a political cartoonist. When World War II began, he started drawing for a now-defunct New York City newspaper, resulting in over 400 cartoons. What NYC paper did Dr. Seuss work for?
a) New York Daily Mirror
b) PM
c) Spirit of the Times
d) New York World
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Tomorrow, March 2nd, is the birthday of one of America's most beloved children's book authors: Dr. Seuss! Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, the famous writer produced classics such as Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, just to name a few.
But before he published those favorites, Geisel worked as an artist for advertising firms and as a political cartoonist. When World War II began, he started drawing for a now-defunct New York City newspaper, resulting in over 400 cartoons. What NYC paper did Dr. Seuss work for?
a) New York Daily Mirror
b) PM
c) Spirit of the Times
d) New York World
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
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