And the answer is ...
c) They were competing to see who was most patriotic.
Popular legend has it that the first four competitors in Nathan's hot dog eating contest were recent immigrants to the US, determined to show their dedication to their new country. But this tale might be a bit too tall - a recent article in the New York Times says that most records date the competition back to the 1970s.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 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:
A Fourth of July tradition in NYC, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held nearly every year since it started in 1916 - 95 years ago. Today, over 40,000 viewers head to Coney Island to cheer on the competitors. But in 1916, there were only a few onlookers as the four original hot dog eaters duked it out.
But why were they competing in the first place? They wanted to see who was the:
a) hungriest
b) most dedicated
c) most patriotic
d) craziest
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
A Fourth of July tradition in NYC, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held nearly every year since it started in 1916 - 95 years ago. Today, over 40,000 viewers head to Coney Island to cheer on the competitors. But in 1916, there were only a few onlookers as the four original hot dog eaters duked it out.
But why were they competing in the first place? They wanted to see who was the:
a) hungriest
b) most dedicated
c) most patriotic
d) craziest
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Best of New York: Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
For the third year in a row, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will light up the sky over the Hudson River on July 4th. The largest fireworks display in America, the show is an amazing sight -- but you have to know where to watch. Grab a blanket and head out to these locations for some prime viewing this Fourth.
De Witt Clinton Park
The most popular location in Manhattan for firework viewing, this is the only park that's specifically recommended by Macy's. Although most nearby locations will be closed off for private functions, this spot in the mid-40s, with an unobstructed view of the water, make it a perfect fit. Kids will have plenty of distractions at the park's playground while they wait for the show to start.
West 52-54th St, 11th to 12 Ave, Manhattan
Battery Park City/Staten Island Ferry
Although Macy's claims that Battery Park City is not a viewing location, its unparalleled views of the lower Hudson recommend it, and its open seating, particularly by the World Financial Center, make it a relaxing and often uncrowded place to wait. Plus, although the displays usually take place further away near midtown, fireworks fans suggest the show might take place further downtown this year, because of the Statue of Liberty's 125th birthday. Snag a seat on the Staten Island Ferry to watch the historic occasion from the best seat in the house.
Maxwell Place Park
With the firework display on the Hudson -- rather than over the East River, where it was for three decades -- some of the best viewing spots are in New Jersey. Luckily for New Yorkers, it's just a quick PATH ride away to Hoboken, where Maxwell Park offers the perfect waterfront locale. With sandy beaches and public tables for some evening picnics, this park lets you watch the fireworks with an extra perk: the Manhattan skyline in the background.
1 11th St, Hoboken, New Jersey.
Shearwater
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a seat on the Clipper City's annual fireworks sail. An old cargo schooner from the Civil War era, this restored ship sets sail from the South Street Seaport, and gives you a front-row seat to the light shows on the water. Plus, the annual Independence Day sail ($350/person) provides a full catered dinner and an open bar, so you'll have everything you need to celebrate all in one place.
South Street Seaport, Manhattan. manhattanbysail.com
Liberty Belle Spectacular
Everyone wants rooftop access on July 4th, and this event will put you under the stars in vintage style. Held on the roof of the swanky Empire Hotel, the retro event features a live band, tap dancers, cocktails, and a sultry burlesque show (Families, steer clear). Plus, tickets are a steal at $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
44 W. 63rd St, Manhattan. libertybellespectacular.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Where Was the First Pride Parade in a Muslim-Majority Country?
And the answer is ...
b) Turkey
The first Pride Parade in a Muslim-majority country was held in Turkey in 2003, with just 30 people. Now, the annual event sees over 5,000 people just 8 years later. In size, though, it's no match for NYC's Gay Pride March, with over 1 million people attending every year.
b) Turkey
The first Pride Parade in a Muslim-majority country was held in Turkey in 2003, with just 30 people. Now, the annual event sees over 5,000 people just 8 years later. In size, though, it's no match for NYC's Gay Pride March, with over 1 million people attending every year.
Tuesday, June 21, 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:
The New York City Gay Pride March is the oldest pride march in the world, having started in 1970, the year after the Stonewall riots of 1969 vaulted LGBT rights into the public consciousness. Although Pride month now occurs every year to honor the events of that June in New York, pride marches are now more common in cities around the world.
In 2003, a gay pride march was held for the first time in a Muslim-majority country. What country was it?
a) Indonesia
b) Turkey
c) Egypt
d) Morocco
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
The New York City Gay Pride March is the oldest pride march in the world, having started in 1970, the year after the Stonewall riots of 1969 vaulted LGBT rights into the public consciousness. Although Pride month now occurs every year to honor the events of that June in New York, pride marches are now more common in cities around the world.
In 2003, a gay pride march was held for the first time in a Muslim-majority country. What country was it?
a) Indonesia
b) Turkey
c) Egypt
d) Morocco
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Best of New York: Dumplings
For those strapped for cash in NYC, dumplings are perhaps the perfect food. Delicious, quick, fresh, and cheap, they're a staple of New York cuisine. Dumplings are a part of many different international cuisines -- from Russian pelmeni to Italian ravioli. But when you have a craving for Beijing-style fried dumplings or Shanghai-style soup dumplings, look no further than these five Chinatown favorites.
Prosperity Dumpling
Often hailed as the best guotie-style dumplings in the city, Prosperity offers maximum flavor for minimum cost. They're especially known for their pork and chive dumplings (5 for $1), which are packed full of chive and whose unusually light, thin wrappers avoid the doughiness that plagues lesser shops. Think ahead and order a package of frozen dumplings to go (They come in packs of 50 or 100). You'll be needing them later.
46 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-343-0683
Tasty Dumpling
On the other side of Canal Street, Tasty Dumpling serves up another top-notch plate, making a name for themselves because of their delicious fillings. The pork and chive dumplings here taste especially meaty, and the chicken and mushroom, often dry at other locations, is succulent and juicy. To enjoy them, head to the bustling park across the street -- and don't forget bring some napkins.
54 Mulberry St., Manhattan. 212-349-0070.
Joe's Shanghai
Just because it's popular with tourists, doesn't mean it's not good. That's definitely the case with Joe's Shanghai, which was discovered by the NYC guidebooks several years ago and has been turning over a brisk business ever since. But stop by and see why: The soup dumplings, filled with either crab or pork meat, are plump and filled with delicious broth. To avoid the waits here, try the more informal Joe's Ginger down the street.
24 W. 56th St., Manhattan. 212-333-3868.
Vanessa's Dumpling House
A favorite with local students thanks to their cheap prices and small sit-down area, Vanessa's pan-fried dumplings make me hungry just looking at them. They're fried to perfection, with a perfectly crispy, golden brown crust, but without the pool of grease that typically accompanies such a dish. Grab an order with one of Vanessa's signature sesame pancakes (we recommend the vegetable), and you've got a full meal for less than $3.
118 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-625-8008.
Nan Xiang
If you're looking for a true dumpling adventure, look no further. Take the 7 train into Flushing for some of the best soup dumplings in the five boroughs. Named after the neighborhood in Shanghai where the dish was invented, this restaurant is particularly known for its crab soup dumplings. Be careful when you bite into them -- the skins are so delicate that they break easily, opening up a pocket of delicious, rich broth that will leave you craving these treats all week.
38-12 Prince St., Queens. 718-321-3838.
Prosperity Dumpling
Often hailed as the best guotie-style dumplings in the city, Prosperity offers maximum flavor for minimum cost. They're especially known for their pork and chive dumplings (5 for $1), which are packed full of chive and whose unusually light, thin wrappers avoid the doughiness that plagues lesser shops. Think ahead and order a package of frozen dumplings to go (They come in packs of 50 or 100). You'll be needing them later.
46 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-343-0683
Tasty Dumpling
On the other side of Canal Street, Tasty Dumpling serves up another top-notch plate, making a name for themselves because of their delicious fillings. The pork and chive dumplings here taste especially meaty, and the chicken and mushroom, often dry at other locations, is succulent and juicy. To enjoy them, head to the bustling park across the street -- and don't forget bring some napkins.
54 Mulberry St., Manhattan. 212-349-0070.
Joe's Shanghai
Just because it's popular with tourists, doesn't mean it's not good. That's definitely the case with Joe's Shanghai, which was discovered by the NYC guidebooks several years ago and has been turning over a brisk business ever since. But stop by and see why: The soup dumplings, filled with either crab or pork meat, are plump and filled with delicious broth. To avoid the waits here, try the more informal Joe's Ginger down the street.
24 W. 56th St., Manhattan. 212-333-3868.
Vanessa's Dumpling House
A favorite with local students thanks to their cheap prices and small sit-down area, Vanessa's pan-fried dumplings make me hungry just looking at them. They're fried to perfection, with a perfectly crispy, golden brown crust, but without the pool of grease that typically accompanies such a dish. Grab an order with one of Vanessa's signature sesame pancakes (we recommend the vegetable), and you've got a full meal for less than $3.
118 Eldridge St., Manhattan. 212-625-8008.
Nan Xiang
If you're looking for a true dumpling adventure, look no further. Take the 7 train into Flushing for some of the best soup dumplings in the five boroughs. Named after the neighborhood in Shanghai where the dish was invented, this restaurant is particularly known for its crab soup dumplings. Be careful when you bite into them -- the skins are so delicate that they break easily, opening up a pocket of delicious, rich broth that will leave you craving these treats all week.
38-12 Prince St., Queens. 718-321-3838.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Where Were the Tony Awards First Held?
And the answer is ...
c) the Waldorf Astoria
In the early days of the Tonys, the ceremony wasn't held in a theater at all, but in the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel. Of course, the awards themselves were different too. Rather than scoring a trophy, winners received money clips, cigarette lighters, and jewelry!
c) the Waldorf Astoria
In the early days of the Tonys, the ceremony wasn't held in a theater at all, but in the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel. Of course, the awards themselves were different too. Rather than scoring a trophy, winners received money clips, cigarette lighters, and jewelry!
Tuesday, June 14, 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:
New York's equivalent of the Oscars, the Tony Awards celebrate the year's best Broadway shows, performers, directors and designers. Named for Antoinette Perry, actress and co-founder of the American Theatre Wing, the Tonys were held this year on June 12th at Manhattan's Beacon Theater. But at what iconic location were the first Tony Awards held?
a) Ziegfeld Theater
b) Gershwin Theater
c) Waldorf Astoria
d) Radio City Music Hall
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
New York's equivalent of the Oscars, the Tony Awards celebrate the year's best Broadway shows, performers, directors and designers. Named for Antoinette Perry, actress and co-founder of the American Theatre Wing, the Tonys were held this year on June 12th at Manhattan's Beacon Theater. But at what iconic location were the first Tony Awards held?
a) Ziegfeld Theater
b) Gershwin Theater
c) Waldorf Astoria
d) Radio City Music Hall
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Best of New York: Walking Paths
New York obviously offers two of the best parks in the country—Central and Prospect—as well as many other pedestrian-friendly parks. But if you’re looking for a stroll with a little more city character, check out one of these walking paths around the city. From waterfront views to people watching, these courses will give you a real taste of New York’s neighborhoods. And best of all, they’re all pedestrian-only – no legendary NYC traffic to get in the way!
The High Line
Opened in 2009, this pedestrian path was created on the remains of an old elevated train track. Known as the West Side line, the railroad was shuttered in 1980 and its parks were recycled to form this beautiful walkway that hovers above 10th Avenue. Inspired by the wildflowers and plants that grew between the abandoned rails, the path is beautifully planted and includes lounge benches where visitors can catch some sun. A new section of the path was just opened in June of 2011, so enjoy the new features during this first summer!
How to get there: Take the L, A, C, or E train to 14th Street/8th Avenue.
Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park City
A favorite of runners and bikers in the city, the Hudson River Greenway is the longest unbroken section of path in New York, maintained by the Parks Department and starting all the way north at Dyckman Street to South Ferry. Our favorite section, though, is the southernmost, starting at Chambers Street and leading down to Battery Park. This peaceful trek through Tribeca and Battery Park City is a world away from the chaos of Manhattan, winding right along the Hudson and dotted with sculptures, piers, and playgrounds. At the end, you’ll get a stellar view of the Statue of Liberty.
How to get there: Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E train to Chambers Street.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a popular activity for tourists, but it’s one of those things everyone needs to do at least once. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the US and the longest in the world upon its construction in 1883, the path not only offers beautiful views of both boroughs, but is stunning in its own right. We recommend starting on the Manhattan side and ending up in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can meander along the waterfront paths until you’re ready for a slice of Grimaldi’s famous pizza, located just next door.
How to get there: Take the R train to City Hall; take the J, Z, 4, 5, or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Historic District
If you need to get another walk in after the Brooklyn Bridge, or if you want a slightly different taste of Brooklyn, continue on to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Starting just by Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll get unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. Then, turn down Montague Street and continue into the heart of Brooklyn Heights’ Historic District, with its legendary brownstones and its old New York charm.
How to get there: Take the A or C train to High Street.
Coney Island Boardwalk
It’s not the most shady spot, but it might be the most classically NYC. Also known as the Riegelmann Boardwalk, after the former Brooklyn borough president and Supreme Court Justice, the 2.5-mile walk leads you last many iconic New York locations, including Luna Park, the Coney Island Cyclone, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and the Russian restaurants of Brighton Beach. Stroll along the seaside and experience the colorful characters of Coney Island, especially during the annual Mermaid Parade (this year on June 18).
How to get there: Take the D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What Did Gracie Mansion Never House?
And the answer is ...
c) a bakery
After being used as a private residence for nearly a century, Gracie Mansion was seized by the city government, which made the building into a "comfort station" for visitors of the adjoining Carl Schurz Park, complete with restrooms and an ice cream stand. It also included classrooms where newcomers to New York could study English. Eventually, Gracie Mansion was made into the Museum of the City of New York, where it stayed until the early 1940s.
c) a bakery
After being used as a private residence for nearly a century, Gracie Mansion was seized by the city government, which made the building into a "comfort station" for visitors of the adjoining Carl Schurz Park, complete with restrooms and an ice cream stand. It also included classrooms where newcomers to New York could study English. Eventually, Gracie Mansion was made into the Museum of the City of New York, where it stayed until the early 1940s.
Tuesday, June 7, 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:
Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the mayor of New York City, and has been since 1942, when mayor Fiorello LaGuardia lived there. But the building has a long history: the Scottish shipping magnate Archibald Gracie had it built for its own use, but surrendered it to pay for his debts. Since then, Gracie Mansion served many different functions before becoming the mayor's abode. What was NOT one of its uses?
a) public restrooms
b) classrooms
c) a bakery
d) an ice-cream stand
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the mayor of New York City, and has been since 1942, when mayor Fiorello LaGuardia lived there. But the building has a long history: the Scottish shipping magnate Archibald Gracie had it built for its own use, but surrendered it to pay for his debts. Since then, Gracie Mansion served many different functions before becoming the mayor's abode. What was NOT one of its uses?
a) public restrooms
b) classrooms
c) a bakery
d) an ice-cream stand
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and to see if you're the winner!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Where was Marilyn Monroe's NYC Apartment?
And the answer is ...
d) Turtle Bay
Close to the United Nations, this neighborhood is where Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller got their NYC digs, and has also been the home of Joan Crawford, I.M. Pei, Freddy Mercury and Michael Jackson. Marilyn lived at 2 Sutton Place, in the same building that's still there today.
d) Turtle Bay
Close to the United Nations, this neighborhood is where Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller got their NYC digs, and has also been the home of Joan Crawford, I.M. Pei, Freddy Mercury and Michael Jackson. Marilyn lived at 2 Sutton Place, in the same building that's still there today.
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