Why Did Grimaldi's Open in Brooklyn?

And the answer is …

c) You could use coal ovens.

Although Patsy Grimaldi intended to open his pizzeria in Manhattan, a new city ordinance forbid the installation of new coal brick ovens. Convinced that coal brick ovens produced the best pies, Grimaldi moved to Brooklyn, where his pizza made him famous.

Check out our Pizza Crawl Race on August 27 to build up your knowledge of the NYC essential food, and taste slices from around the city!

Congratulations David Kaplan, who wins 50% off the Amazing New York Race of his choice for his correct answer. Email nicole@pogoevents.com with your preferred date.

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:

Grimaldi's is known as one of the best pizzerias in New York. Regularly rated #1 for pizza in Zagat, the location under the Brooklyn Bridge regularly sees lines forming all the way down the street. The founder, Patsy Grimaldi, learned to make pizza from his uncle before deciding to open his own restaurant. But although he wanted to open in Manhattan, he didn't.

Why did Grimaldi's open in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan?

a) The rent was cheaper.
b) There was less competition.
c) You could use coal ovens.
d) The water made the pizza taste better.

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: What to Do When It's Hot

Last week's heat wave had New Yorkers asking the perennial summer question: What do you do in NYC when it's hot? While warm summer weather is perfect for barbecues, beach days, and rooftop drinks, weather like this finds many people inside in front of the air conditioner. But for those who are searching for ways to beat the heat, try one of these activities that are fun no matter what the weather.

See the Sea Life at the New York Aquarium

An aquarium is the perfect way to enjoy the cool water without having to endure the hot sun that goes with it. At the New York Aquarium, you can watch sting rays soar, see jellyfish float by, and even watch sea lions show off for the crowds. Plus, you can finish your trip by stopping by Coney Island across the street and taking a quick dunk in the water yourself.

Surf Ave and W 8th St, Brooklyn. nyaquarium.com

Catch a Film at the Ziegfeld

Why go to the movies when you can be a part of theater history? In this historic setting, you can see films where the Ziegfeld Follies used to play, and where the Broadway musical Show Boat opened in 1927. Reopened as a movie theater in 1969, it remains one of the most opulent houses in the city, with a crystal chandelier and gold trim. You can't see the last Harry Potter in just any old theater, after all.

141 W 54th St, Manhattan. clearviewcinemas.com/zigfield
Throw a Strike at Brooklyn Bowl

Bowling is a classic "I'm bored today" solution, but Brooklyn Bowl takes the activity to a whole new level. Sure, you can join a few friends for a few frames, but then take a break and enjoy the extensive lunch and dinner menu (where they just shot a segment for Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate"). Spend another half hour on the lanes, then enjoy one of the concerts the Bowl hosts every night of the week. Afterward, treat yourself to a Bourbon Street Milkshake, served with a scoop of Nutella and a shot of bourbon. You won't even realized you've spent the whole day there.

61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn. brooklynbowl.com

Take a Food Tour at Chelsea Market

Outdoor markets are fun, but in the heat it's hard to get excited about wilted produce. So head over to Chelsea Market for a delectable - and air conditioned - food excursion. Check out the amazing array of Italian delicacies from Buon Italia, and watch loaves be kneaded and baked at Amy's Bread. Best of all, the Market hosts stands from Ronnybrook Milk Bar, L'Arte de Gelato, and People's Pops, all of which will give you a much-needed and delicious brain freeze.

460 W 16th St, Manhattan. chelseamarket.com

Make a Splash at Splish Splash Water Park

Sometimes, nothing will beat the heat except a dunk in a (very chlorinated) pool. If you're feeling the urge, your best bet is Splish Splash Water Park. With slides like the Tunnel or Terror, the Dragon's Den, and Shotgun Falls, you can have a heart-stopping good time, or you can take it easy on the circular Lazy River and bob around in the Wave Pool. And if you're coming from New York, Long Island Railroad offers round-trip packages, including park admission and shuttle service, all summer long.

2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton, NY. splishsplashlongisland.com

What Famous Superhero Hails from Hell's Kitchen?

And the answer is ...

c) Daredevil

The Daredevil comics were largely set in NYC, since the title character, otherwise known as Matthew Murdock, was raised by his father in Hell's Kitchen. Over the years, Daredevil encountered several other NYC-based superheroes, and became particularly close with Spiderman, who famously hails from Forest Hills, Queens.

Congratulations Brian Levine, who wins 50% off the Amazing New York Race of his choice for his correct answer. Email nicole@pogoevents.com with your preferred date.

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 it's officially known as Clinton, New Yorkers regularly call the area west of Eighth Avenue between 34th and 59th Streets "Hell's Kitchen." There are many stories about the origins of the name, one popular tale suggesting that Davy Crockett coined the term.

The neighborhood was the hangout of many famous fictional characters, including Damon Runyon's guys and dolls, as well as the Jets and the Sharks of West Side Story. It was also the home of what famous superhero?

a) Spiderman
b) Superman
c) Daredevil
d) Green Lantern

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: Popsicles

Ice cream sandwiches aren't the only cool treat in town. Some of our new favorite treats in New York are popsicles, which are popping up (no pun intended) all over the city. They're refreshing, flavorful, and wonderfully portable - You won't have ice cream sandwich melting all over your hands!

Cool down at these hot spots for the best popsicles in New York.

People's Pops

One of the first vendors on the artisanal popsicle train, People's Pops started four years ago to transform the foodcolored pops of our childhood into something seasonal, local, and delicious. The results have the same shape as a traditional popsicle, with a similar water-fruit content, but are brilliantly colored and full of unusual combinations like blueberry rosewater and rhubarb hibiscus.

Location varies. Peoplespops.com

Popbar

What if you want the creaminess of ice cream with the refreshing kick of a popsicle? Then come to Popbar, where they mold their signature gelatos, sorbettos, and yogurts into pop form. The textures are creamy and smooth, and the flavors range from an intense coffee to a zesty lemon. Plus, to further mimic your favorite ice cream cone, you can get your pop dipped in chocolate and covered in nuts or other toppings.

5 Carmine St, Manhattan. Pop-bar.com

Nana's

One of the best popsicles in New York isn't technically a popsicle at all, but it hits all the same notes and leaves you wanting more. Nana's frozen bananas are a thing of beauty. Perfectly creamy but with a refreshing icy zing, they're dipped while you wait in luscious chocolate and presented with a sprinkling of toppings like sea salt. Remember: It's all in the banana stand.

Location varies. Twitter.com/yummy_nanas

La Newyorkina

Paletas are Mexico's answer to the popsicle, and celebrates owner Fany Gerson's Mexican heritage with bright flavors like tamarind and mango-chile. The best part: They include whole pieces of fruit, so you can nibble on a slice of mango or a shard of coconut while you enjoy your otherwise icy and cool treat.

The High Line at 22nd St, Manhattan. Lanewyorkina.com

Lily Lolly's Ice Kitchen

The buzz is already building about this popsicle spot - and it doesn't even have a location yet! Lily Lolly's has tested out several spaces for an upcoming cart, but for now you can only order through their website for special events. But you'll be glad you did: They use top-of-the-line ingredients in a variety of flavors (Our favorites are maple syrup and marionberry). They're also happy to develop new flavors for special events, so if you've ever dreamed of a white chocolate guava pop, now's your chance!

Location varies. Lilylolly.com

What Baseball Legend is Immortalized in the Citi Field Rotunda?

And the answer is ...

a) Jackie Robinson

Robinson, who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers for nine years, was the favorite player of Fred Wilpon, the owner of the Mets and a Brooklyn native. Known for breaking the color barrier in baseball, Robinson was also a standout player, winning MLB Rookie of the Year and playing in six All-Star games back to back. His quote, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” is engraved in the Citi Field rotunda that bears his name.

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:

Today marks this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona. But in 2013, the game will come to NYC, playing at the Mets' Citi Field for the first time. The Mets haven't hosted the big game since 1964 at Shea Stadium, making it the longest gap in MLB history.

Citi Field was completed in 2009, and was largely modeled after the Brooklyn Dodgers' old playing grounds, Ebbets Field. The rotunda also features a statue of a famous NYC player. Who is it?

a) Jackie Robinson
b) Willie Mays
c) Casey Stengel
d) Mickey Mantle

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: Cheap Broadway Shows

For both visitors and locals alike, the theatrical spirit of Broadway is something you have to experience at least once. But finding affordable tickets can be a production in itself. If you're looking for a showstopping good deal, here are some tried and true ways to get a Broadway experience at a fraction of the box office cost.

TKTS Booth

By now it's the worst-kept secret in cheap Broadway tickets, but the TKTS booth still delivers discounted tickets (from 20% to even 50% off) for popular shows. The Times Square booth is the most popular, and offers dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets on the day of the performance. If you head further south, they also operate booths at the South Street Seaport and in Downtown Brooklyn, less crowded locations where you can snag matinee tickets a day in advance.

More info: tdf.org

Broadway Box

For those who are looking for a little more advance notice, or who live further afield, Broadway Box is a great online option. The website provides dozens of discount codes, which you can use on the theater's normal ticket vending site, like Tickemaster or Telecharge. The show offerings and seating assignments are somewhat limited, but your savings will work out similarly to TKTS - up to 50% off your purchase - and you don't have to sign up for anything to get the deals; all the info is posted publicly.

More info: Broadwaybox.com

Theatermania

Unlike Broadway Box, which posts its deals on a freely-accessible site, Theatermania requires that you register with your email address to get the goods. Once you do, though, you'll get a newsletter right to your inbox with all the deals available. More comprehensive and with more availability than most competing discount sites, Theatermania will also notify you of Broadway news and reviews if you request it, so you can know which show is your best bet.
More info: Theatermania.com

Youngster Deals

Especially for families, ticket prices can add up quickly. Luckily, some of the best deals on Broadway are geared toward the younger set. On the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, the Broadway League holds Kid's Night, where anyone ages 6-18 gets a free ticket if accompanied by a full-paying adult. There are also deals for students and recent grads. Check out the Roundabout Theatre Company's Hiptix program, which offers $20 tickets to all their productions to those 18-35 (which can be often be a 75% discount or higher). Manhattan Theatre Club's also has a 30 Under 30 promotion, which lets those under three decades see two MTC productions for $30 each.

Rush Lines

If you're still looking for a cheaper ticket a few hours before a performance, hightail it over to the theater itself. Many Broadway theaters reserve a block of discounted tickets to distribute on the day of the show, called rush tickets. Others will record the names of hopeful patrons and enter them in a lottery for the coveted few seats. You can find a list of the specific practices for each theater on Playbill.

What Was Bryant Park back in 1823?

And the answer is ...

b) a graveyard

Bryant Park has a long history, predating the USA itself; George Washington even stopped by in 1776 after the Battle of Long Island. In 1823, the area was set aside as a graveyard for the city's poor until, in 1840, the bodies were moved to Ward's Island, in the East River. It became a park seven years later.

Congratulations to Lela, who wins 50% off the Amazing New York Race of her choice. Email nicole@pogoevents.com with your preferred date.

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:

Now favored by tourists, summer moviegoers and many a New Yorker stopping to enjoy the fresh air, Bryant Park has been a public space for as far back as 1686, when Thomas Donegan, New York's colonial governor, designated it as such. But it went mostly unused until 1823, when it became:

a) a military training ground
b) a graveyard
c) a schoolhouse
d) a swimming hole

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