Thursday, December 15, 2011

Which city was never home to a Central Perk cafe?

And the answer is ...

c) Rome

Friends inspired fans all around the world to seek the Central Perk spirit, so perhaps it's no surprise that business owners saw a golden opportunity to use the name. Two years after the series ended, a Central Perk cafe opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; it was so akin to the original that James Michael Tyler, who plays the cafe's manager in the show, was on hand for its opening. A pop-up copy in London appeared briefly in 2009, and in 2010 another shop opened in Beijing. The original set is housed in the Warner Brothers museum in Burbank, CA.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New York Trivia Tuesday

One of the most iconic TV sets from the 1990s was the Central Perk cafe, where Friends characters Rachel, Ross, Joey, Monica, Chandler and Phoebe would all gather together for a cup of joe. Don't go looking for the coffee shop in New York; it's fictional. But the fake cafe has inspired several fans around the world to create tributes modeled after the convivial hangout, down to the name itself.

Which of these cities was not home to a cafe called Central Perk?

a) London
b) Dubai
c) Rome
d) Beijing

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

Best of New York: Holiday Gifts Under $40

The holidays are fast approaching, but if you haven't finished your shopping there's still ample time to figure out the perfect gift for the New Yorkers on your list. For the die-hard city boys and girls, we created a list of our few holiday gifts that will be sure to crack a smile - but won't break the bank. Take a look at our top 5:

Subway Line Merch

New Yorkers are infinitely proud of their subway lines: it’s one of the most expansive subway systems in the world and trains run all night. It’s one of the reasons why they say the city never sleeps. So why got get a gift that celebrates one of the iconic things about NYC? There is a lot of subway merchandise floating around, but we especially like these graphic interpretations of the city subway map from lineposters.

Barney Greengrass Tote Bag

For New York brunch enthusiasts, Barney Greengrass is a temple to food. Celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2008, the Upper West Side staple was started by Barney, otherwise known as "The Sturgeon King." A slice of old New York, Barney Greengrass is the go-to place for Nova Scotia salmon, caviar, whitefish, and everything else that makes a bagel sandwich special. Grab one of their tote bags for your NYC foodie friends - you'll have enough dough left over to put a few bagels in there too.

Momofuku Gift Cards

David Chang's Momofuku empire has included some of New York's hottest - and yummiest - restaurants for several years running now. The pork buns are legendary. The fried chicken is out of this world. But the place that really gets us coming back again and again is Momofuku Milk Bar, headed by pastry chef Christina Tosi. When Milk Bar launched, Tosi created the Compost cookie (filled with salty-sweet treats like butterscotch chips and pretzel crumbs), and new offerings are always added. A gift card there will go a long way - although it might put you into a coma of deliciousness.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Whether you’re on a busy street or in a crowded subway car, the noise of the city is never too far away. Sometimes that’s what makes New York so exciting – but occasionally you need the privacy of your own little world. Noise-canceling headphones are great for traveling around the city or on trips outside of it. If you get an earbud version, like these Sennheisers, you can even wear them at the gym or running around Central Park.

The Amazing New York Race

The great thing about New York is that, whether you've lived here for two years or 20, you're never done exploring. For a unique city experience, get a present that promises a day of adventure on the town. The Amazing New York Race is half scavenger hunt, half obstacle course, and all NYC. Teams follow clues to local landmarks and hidden destinations, taking pictures along the way. Based on the famous TV show, this is a present even the most jaded New Yorker will always remember.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

What was the Rockettes original name?

And the answer is ...

d) The Rockets

When the now-famous dance troupe was founded, they were christened "the Misourri Rockets." Coincidentally, when the troupe moved to New York, their first home was in the old Roxy Theatre, so the group's name was tweaked to "The Roxyettes." When they finally settled now in their current Radio City location, a compromise was made, and the "Rockettes" were born.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

New York Trivia Tuesday

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the most-viewed live performance in the United States, with over 2 million people coming to see it every year. The show has been running during the holiday season every year for the past 77 years. And the stars of the show are the Rockettes, a dance troupe known for their high-kicks and precision choreography.

Although they've become icons of New York City, the Rockettes actually began in St. Louis, Missouri in 1925. They weren't known by their current name, however, until 1932, when they moved to Radio City. What was the Rockettes original name?

a) The St. Louies
b) The Missouri Misses
c) The Roxyettes
d) The Rockets

Monday, December 5, 2011

Best of New York: Winter Cocktails

Nights are getting chillier, but your nightlife doesn't have to! NYC bartenders are capturing the comforting flavors of winter in a cup - apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, chocolate, and more - so you can warm up on your evenings out. Why not stop by and sample one of our 5 favorite winter cocktails in NYC:

Hot Chocolate Martini (Gramercy Tavern)

Hot chocolate tends to bring back memories of childhood, sitting by the fire after a long day of sledding. Gramercy Tavern makes a grown-up version that’s more sophisticated, but no less satisfying. The chocolate is thick and not too sweet, spiked with shots of amaretto and Stoli Vanilla. Plus, the bartender will keep half your drink in a teapot, so it stays warm while you nurse your first glass.

$13; 42 E 20th St, Manhattan
212-477-0777; gramercytavern.com

Fell’s Point Eggnog (Mas)

What are the holidays without a mug of ‘nog? At Mas, the classic winter drink – with eggs, milk, and rum – is spiffed up with a touch of Valhrona bittersweet chocolate and Madeira. The resulting drink has the rich creaminess of eggnog, with the added bit of acidity and notes of plum from the wine. Plus, the rum is top-notch Diplomático Reserva, which alone probably makes it better from what your mom might tipple from on Christmas eve.

$10; 28 Seventh Ave, Manhattan
212-255-1795; maslagrillade.com

Clement's Shrub (Prime Meats)

Prime Meats takes your typical apple cider to a whole new level with this welcoming winter brew. Along with cider, bourbon, cinnamon, and lemon, the bartender adds a series of little twists: fig preserves for nutty sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tartness, and a touch of black pepper for spiciness. You’ll discover a new flavor profile with every sip of this winter cocktail.

$13; 465 Court St., Brooklyn
718-254-0327; frankspm.com

Asaam Toddy (Fatty Cue)

When the frosty air has got you down, a hot toddy is the perfect winter warmer. Fatty Cue’s version takes the traditional toddy (often made with whiskey, boiling water, sugar, and a few aromatics) and puts an Indian spin on it. Starting with a rich base of cognac and tea, he adds an exotic blend of anise and tamarind to the cup. Some fresh mint awakens the palate, and keeps you from slipping into a comfort-induced nap.

$11; 91 S. Sixth St, Brooklyn
718-599-3090; fattycue.com

Spiced Pumpkin Flip (Saxon + Parole)

Thanksgiving may be over, but you keep enjoying your pumpkin pie all winter long, in drink form. This cocktail, at the just-opened Saxon + Parole, combines amaretto and bourbon with pumpkin ale and pumpkin butter. Topped with a foamy egg, this drink makes a good entry point for the bourbon-averse; the W. L. Weller bourbon used is wheat-based, rather than rye-based, and is content with playing second fiddle to the other flavors in the mix.

$13; 316 Bowery, Manhattan
212-254-0350; saxonandparole.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

What was the original name of FAO Schwarz?

And the answer is ...

a) Toy Bazaar

Frederick August Otto Schwarz started adding his initials and surname to advertising for Toy Bazaar in 1889. But the name stuck, and when the store moved to 23rd Street in 1897, the Toy Bazaar part of the name was dropped.