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:

June 1st marks the birthday of celebrity icon Marilyn Monroe; she would have turned 85 in 2011. Although she was born in Los Angeles, Monroe considered herself bicoastal by the end of her career, as she began spending long stays in New York in the 1950s. In 1957, she famously moved into an apartment in New York with playwright Arthur Miller. In which NYC neighborhood did Marilyn live?

a) Greenwich Village
b) SoHo
c) Upper West Side
d) Turtle Bay

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: Milkshakes

What is it with ice cream desserts? Between ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes, it seems like all I do is seek out these delicious treats around NYC. But with the sudden heat wave, a good shake often seems like the best way to cool off – and have a great time doing it. When you’re looking for a break from the sun, head over to one of these New York shake spots.

Shake Shack

It’s cliché, but let’s admit it: Shake Shack has darn good shakes. The flavors stay mostly in the realm of the classics—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—with some unusual additions like peanut butter and caramel. Regulars recommend the black and white; get it with malt (just 50 cents extra) and it’s like you’re eating a frozen black and white cookie, a NYC classic.

Multiple locations; shakeshack.com

Tom’s Restaurant

This classic diner is an NYC icon for several reasons. It’s been immortalized in the Suzanne Vega song “Tom’s Diner,” and it also provided the outside shots for the diner scenes in “Seinfeld.” But the milkshakes here are nearly as famous. They’re a throwback to the classic soda fountain shake: simple, perfectly thick, and super creamy. Come on a late night and you’ll see dozens of Columbia students ordering one of the most popular flavors, the Broadway: half chocolate, half coffee, and completely to die for.

2880 Broadway, Manhattan; 212-864-6137

Stand

Forget the burgers and fries. There’s only one reason to go to Stand, and that’s the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, head to this Union Square outpost and order one up in a tall, retro-style glass; you can also get a mini-version, if you don’t want to overindulge. The shake is made from milk, vanilla ice cream, and their top-secret marshmallow mix; plus, it’s garnished with a toasted marshmallow and whipped cream on top. You’ll feel like you’re at a very exclusive campfire.

24 E 12th St, Manhattan; 212-488-5900

Shopsin’s

There are only a few seats in Shopsin’s, but what they lack in restaurant size they make up for in the size of the menu. Take one look and you’re bound to be overwhelmed by all the options, but steer yourself toward the milkshake section and you’ll be sure to find a winner. Shopsin’s makes all their ice creams in house, and their flavors will wow you. Try the Nutella or malted Guinness – a milkshake that’s not for the faint of heart!

120 Essex St, Manhattan; shopsins.com

Brgr

Winner of the New York Magazine award for best shake in 2007, Brgr milkshakes have made a name for themselves because of their top-notch ingredients. Their milk comes from the Hudson Valley’s Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, and the local connection is obvious from your first sip; you haven’t tasted a milkshake this fresh before. Try the vanilla so the milk flavor really comes through, or branch out with the more unusual blueberry-pomegranate.

287 Seventh Ave and 1026 Third Avenue, Manhattan; 212-488-7500

What NYC Landmark Did Famous Con Artist George C. Parker NOT Sell?

And the answer is ...

d) Carnegie Hall

Over his 50 years in New York, con man George C. Parker sold the Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Statue of Liberty, and Grant's Tomb several times over to unsuspecting victims. Since he handed over forged documents with the sale, some didn't even know they'd been conned! Parker was eventually sentenced to life in Sing Sing, but that hasn't stopped people from claiming to own ridiculous things.

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:

Although the Brooklyn Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, it might be better known for being the butt of a joke. The phrase "If you believe that, would you be interested in buying the Brooklyn Bridge?" is commonly used to taunt the gullible. But it came from the dealings of one of NYC's most infamous con men, George C. Parker.

In the 1910s and 20s, Parker actually did convince many tourists to "buy" New York landmarks, with forged papers to document the sale. His favorite site was the Brooklyn Bridge, which he famously sold twice a week for several years, but he also sold many other NYC attractions. Which landmark did Parker NOT sell to an unsuspecting visitor?

a) Madison Square Garden
b) Grant's Tomb
c) the Metropolitan Museum of Art
d) Carnegie Hall

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: On the Water

No matter what borough you’re in, water is all around you in New York. But you’d never know it if you were trapped in Midtown Manhattan. As the weather gets warmer, now is the perfect time to get on the water and see NYC from its rivers. Whether you want to check out some views or you want to grab a drink, you can experience New York by the water with some of our favorite spots:

Ikea Water Taxi

When Swedish furniture maker Ikea built one of their megastores in Red Hook, Brooklyn, they wanted to make sure New Yorkers from all boroughs could make the trip easily, especially since subway access was quite limited. Enter the Ikea Water Taxi, whose quick trips from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport to Red Hook have become a boon for shoppers and non-shoppers alike. On the 15-minute ride, you can check out the Brooklyn dockyards and look back at the Financial District and the Brooklyn Bridge. Once you’ve docked, get a true taste of the shore by grabbing a lobster roll at the Red Hook Lobster Pound, where the lobsters are brought in from Maine several times a day.

Pier 11 (South St and Wall St), Manhattan. info.ikea-usa.com/Brooklyn

Kayaking

If you want to get close to the water—and we mean really close—put on some sporty clothes and get ready to go kayaking! In the summer, New York’s Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking at several different locations along the Hudson. As long as you know how to swim, you can strap on a lifejacket and paddle away for 20 minutes in a one-person or two-person vessel. Because the waterways are carefully regulated, you’re not allowed to paddle too far away, so keep close to shore, enjoy the scenery, and concentrate on not capsizing. You don’t know where that water has been.

Pier 96 (56th St and 12th Ave), Pier 40 (West Houston St and West St), and 72nd Street at the Hudson River, Manhattan. downtownboathouse.org

The Frying Pan

Although the Frying Pan is a boat, you won’t be riding it anywhere. Permanently docked at Chelsea Piers, the historic ship was said to have been salvaged after it sunk in the Chesapeake Bay, which gives it a cool, old-timey vibe. Not only does it have some prime views of the Hudson, with on observation plank looking out on the water, but it also serves up some delicious food and drinks to fun-loving patrons. For a true party on the water, make this your first stop.

Pier 66 (W 26th St and 12th Ave), Manhattan. fryingpan.com

Staten Island Ferry

Some things are classics for a reason, and the Staten Island Ferry is one of them. Not only does it offer the best view of the Statue of Liberty and gorgeous panoramas of the city from the south, but it runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is completely free! Although a ride used to cost 50 cents, the price was nixed in 1997, so you can ride back and forth all day. To break up the 50-minute round trip, check out the Staten Island Zoo, or take a trip to Great Kills Park, a popular Staten Island beach spot.

4 South St, Manhattan. siferry.com

Bargemusic

Although it trawled the waters as a coffee barge in 1899, this historic boat now bills itself as a “floating concert hall.” Moored under the Brooklyn Bridge, the ship hosts world-renowned musicians for an unforgettable night of classical music in an intimate and unique venue. Gaze at views of the Manhattan skyline as you listen to classics of the repertoire, as well as new music from upcoming composers. And while tickets are usually $35, the Saturday afternoon concert series is free.

2 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn. bargemusic.org

What Did Two Old Staten Island Ferry Boats Become?

Because Blogger was down on Thursday night, we were unable to post the results of our trivia contest. We apologize for the delay!

And the answer is ...

b) prison cells

In the '80s, two old Staten Island Ferry boats, the Cornelius Kolff and the Private Joseph Merrell, were used as prison cells off of Rikers Island, NYC's main jail complex. They were junked in 2004, after 15 years housing convicts.

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:

The Staten Island Ferry is the most reliable form of transportation in New York City: it makes 104 trips every day, and is on time for over 96% of them. Both tourists and locals rely on the ferry, the former for great views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, and the latter to get home every day.

When ferry boats are taken out of service, they are usually scrapped. But in the ‘80s, two old ferries were given another purpose. What did these boats become?

a) restaurants
b) prison cells
c) concert venues
d) greenhouses

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: Ice Cream Sandwiches

It's not spring in New York until I've eaten my first ice cream sandwich. It's the perfect warm-weather treat: chewy, crispy, cool, and creamy. It's two desserts in one, literally!

Ice creams sandwiches have been making a resurgence in the NYC food scene, and it's become easy to find them in many bakeries and ice cream shops around town. But the best are still few and far between, so here's a quick guide to them:

Jacques Torres

On the surface, this is the classic chipwitch: two chocolate chip cookies on either side of your scoop. But, as usual, the King of Chocolate takes every element and elevates it. The chewy cookies are threaded with thick ribbons of chocolate, and the ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut) is rich and decadent. At $5.50, it has the price of a regular sandwich, but it’s big enough to feed two.

Multiple locations; jacquestorres.com

Otto

And now for something completely different. There are no cookies to be found on Otto’s ice cream sandwich. Instead, Mario Batali’s signature gelato sits snugly between two halves of a buttery, deliciously flaky brioche roll. Try the olive oil, salted caramel, or just the plain vanilla, and pair the cold treat with a hot espresso. You’ll feel like you’re on the Italian Riviera.

1 Fifth Ave, Manhattan; 212-995-9559

One Girl Cookies

Many NYC ice cream sandwich makers get their goods from Il Laborotorio del Gelato, on the Lower East Side, and for good reason: the flavors are unique, the gelato is perfectly creamy, and it has just the right amount of sweetness. But nobody has made as perfect a pairing as One Girl Cookies. In the summers, One Girl takes her signature pumpkin whoopee pies, usually filled with cream cheese frosting, and sticks them together with ricotta gelato instead. It’s a small package, but it packs the perfect punch.

68 Dean St, Brooklyn; 212-675-4996


Bierkraft

The only bad thing about eating an ice cream sandwich is when you take a bite off one side, and the ice cream comes out the other. That’s why brownies are the perfect ingredient to make an ice cream sandwich. They’re sturdy enough to hold up to the ice cream and, especially at Bierkraft, they’re uber-delicious. The brownies here are made with beer and Michel Cluizel chocolate, so they’ll pair perfectly with your pint, making the perfect anti-diet meal.

191 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn; 718-230-7600

Peter Pan

The donuts at this Greenpoint bakery are legendary, but this spot gets especially hot during the summertime. Why? Because that’s donut ice cream sandwich season. A small sign taped to the window will let you know when ice cream is in stock. Order a cruller or a red velvet cake donut, since they best hold up the ice cream, and take a seat on one of the old-timey barstools. Then bite in, and let the magic happen.

727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn; 718-389-3676

What is "Devil Wears Prada" boss' favorite NYC power lunch?

And the answer is ...

d) Smith and Wollensky

Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) demands that Anne Hathaway order her steak from her favorite spot, a staple of NYC power lunches, Smith and Wollensky. The Devil Wears Prada wasn't the steakhouse's first turn in film; its kitchens also appeared in American Psycho and The Break Up.

Congratulations to Connie, whose right answer won her a 50% discount off of a race of her choice! Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize.

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:

This weekend, our Double-Take Tours race leads scavenger hunters around NYC looking for famous movie locations around the city. To celebrate, our trivia this week is about a recent film set in the Big Apple: The Devil Wears Prada.

In the film, demanding boss Miranda Priestly (played by the fabulous Meryl Streep) orders lunch from a popular NYC restaurant. Where does her assistant (Anne Hathaway) go to get Miranda her meal?

a) Michael's
b) Cipriani's
c) Craft
d) Smith & Wollensky

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: Mother's Day Events

Mother's Day comes early in May this year, but even if you're late on the planning, there are plenty of activities around NYC that are made just for mom. This Mother's Day, enjoy a family outing to one of these family-friendly places:

Wave Hill

Because it can be a long haul for many New Yorkers to make it up to Wave Hill’s Bronx location, it can take a special occasion to inspire a trip to the renowned gardens. But you’ll be surprised to see what a beautiful wonderland awaits you just a subway ride away. Wave Hill’s varied gardens include an a conservatory, a traditional English garden, a pool with aquatic plants and flowers, and a woodland where you can hike the scenic grounds. On Mother’s Day, the Colombian artist Esperanza Cortes can help you make flower-related gifts for mom, like fragrant sachets.

675 West 252nd Street, Bronx; wavehill.org

Staten Island Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to the Staten Island Zoo! They’re offering 2-for-1 admission on Mother’s Day, so the whole family can visit the tropical forest, reptile room, petting zoo and pony rides. For an extra excursion, enjoy the scenic ferry ride over to the island; it’s just a short bus trip to the zoo, and you don’t have to worry about parking

614 Broadway, Staten Island; statenislandzoo.org

Affordable Art Fair

Art buying doesn’t have to be boring and stuffy! At the Affordable Art Fair, you not only can see some of the world’s hottest new talent, but also have a chance to buy a piece of your own at an affordable price. Plus, to sweeten the deal, mothers get in free! Enjoy free art lectures, while the kids learn how to draw Japanimation characters with artist Gigi Chen.

7 West 34th Street, Manhattan; aafnyc.com

Brunch at dell’anima

Sometimes the best Mother’s Day is the low-key, lazy afternoon spent at brunch, and dell’anima is the perfect place for the occasion. Its intimate West Village dining room is cozy, and the open kitchen will keep the kids interested. With Italian-inspired plates like poached eggs with black truffles and polenta, you can’t go wrong with the food. Plus, the restaurant’s pastry chef is a new mother herself, and is sending all visiting moms home with a selection of baked goods!

38 8th Avenue, Manhattan; dellanima.com

Mommy & Me Scavenger Hunt

Just in time for Mothers' Day, the Amazing New York Race: Mommy & Me brings kids of all ages together with their moms for a fun-filled day exploring Central Park! A series of clues leads moms and kids around the park, completing photo challenges and kid-friendly puzzles along the route. The race takes two hours, so get out and see the park like you’ve never seen it before!

Bethesda Fountain in Central Park at 72nd Street; theamazingnewyorkrace.com