New York's Best: Martinis

Long before James Bond preferred them shaken, not stirred, martinis have been a happy hour favorite, and every NYC bar has their own taken on this classic cocktail. Since all martinis are not created equal, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite concoctions, from dirty martinis to rosemary ones (really!). Don’t try them all at once.

Milk and Honey

Milk and Honey is renowned in the NYC bar scene, not only for their carefully crafted cocktails, but also for beginning the trend of speakeasy-themed bars around Manhattan. The trained mixologists will make you a new drink of choice, if you’ll explain what your booze preferences are, but the specialty martini is also top-notch, with Plymouth gin and extra olives. Drinks are pricy, but experts say the bar staff here is worth the extra fiver.

134 Eldridge St, Manhattan (212) 625-3397; milkandhoneynyc.com

Bemelman's at the Carlyle

For a martini in chic settings, head to the Carlyle Hotel, the site of many a famous guest since its creation in the 1920s. All of the US presidents since Harry S. Truman have lodged here, and many of them doubtless visited Bemelman’s bar, located inside the lobby, for one of their signature martinis. The drinks stay extra-cold thanks to smaller sized glasses, with refills delivered in a carafe on the side. Check out the famous murals of Central Park while you drink in this historic setting.

35 East 76th St, Manhattan thecarlyle.com

Pravda

For those who prefer their martinis with vodka instead of gin, head to Pravda, a caviar bar hidden underground in a dark Nolita lounge. Pravda is known for its variety of flavored martinis, from chocolate to rosemary, and vodka enthusiasts will have their pick at this Russian-themed speakeasy. It serves over 75 varieties of the spirit from a dozen countries, but we recommend you stick with Russian vodka and pair it with an order of pierogies (Russian potato dumplings)

281 Lafayette St, Manhattan (212) 226-4696; pravdany.com

Pegu Club

At Pegu Club, martini fans will find a throwback to the days of the classic cocktail (drinks are even served in vintage glasses). The martinis are on the dry side, with a house version is made with Hendrick’s gin and heavy on the vermouth. However, mixologist Audrey Sanders, who got her start at Bemelman’s, will change the mix to suit your preferences; she already has an alternative for those who hate the dry martini: known as the Fitty-Fitty, it gives you more gin for your dollar.
77 W. Houston St, 2nd fl, Manhattan peguclub.com

Babbo

Our favorite martini at a restaurant, rather than a bar, can be found at Mario Batali’s famed Italian joint Babbo. Although its specializes in Italian wine, with several specialty tastings a year, the dirty martini here is simple perfection, with Italian olives that compliment the rest of the meal. Stop by the bar for a glass after work, or enjoy one over a larger meal.
110 Waverly Pl, Manhattan (212) 777-0303; babbonyc.com

What's Happening This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

This weekend marks 200 years since Mexico gained its independence from Spain, and you can celebrate it by filling your stomach with one of the county’s favorite condiments. The Salsa Slam comes to the Bell House with 20 competitors vying for the crowd’s vote. Sample all their salsas, cast your lot for the winner, and cool down by chugging some water and listening to the event’s mariachi band accompaniment.

Sun, September 12, 4-7pm; $15 149 7th St, Gowanus, Brooklyn; nachosny.com

DRINK

Bookworms, get your booze on! The third annual LitCrawl NYC offers a literary twist on the pub crawl, with a selection of bookish events at each bar along the way. Fight other literati in a book trivia challenge, join a karaoke recital of famous author interviews, and listen to local authors reading from their latest works. Luckily, you’re not the one at the podium, so you can drink at every stop. Then make some impulse buys at one of our favorite NYC bookstores and support the lit cause!

Sat, September 11, 6-9pm; free Locations and times vary; litcrawl.org

SEE

Residents of the five boroughs, especially those in Williamsburg, see a lot of unusual facial hair. Now is the time that unusual handlebar mustache comes in handy. The Coney Island Beard and Mustache Competition is presenting its honors to those with the best (and worst) beards and ‘staches in the city. Girls, don’t feel left out—the Best Fake category is up for grabs to competitors of any gender!

Sat, September 11, 6pm; $15
1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn; coneyisland.com

SHOP

Get a taste of the small-town with the Fall Arts and Crafts Fair on City Island. With dozens of vendors selling their homemade wares, from art pieces to accessories to textiles, you’ll get the variety of a big city with the peaceful surroundings of the country. Folk artists from the Lickety Split Band provide the down-home accompaniment.

Sat and Sun, September 11-12, 11am-7pm; free Hawkins Park, City Island, Bronx; cityislandchamber.org

PLAY

NYC dogs and their owners are invited to join the third annual Amazing New York Race: Dog Friendly Edition! POGO Events and FIDO present the ultimate dog day afternoon: part scavenger hunt, part puppy obstacle course and all the best of NYC. Follow a course through Prospect Park through puppy friendly challenges, from an agility tunnel to a dance contest. At the finish line, an after-party greets the teams with food, drink and “doggie bags” filled with treats for humans and dogs alike. $5 of each ticket purchased will go to City Pitties, a local animal rescue organization.

Sun, September 12, 1pm-4pm; $35 The Nethermead, Prospect Park, Brooklyn; theamazingnewyorkrace.com

Which Famous Author Grew Up on Governors Island?

And the answer is ...

c) Lois Lowry

Famous for her beloved children's books, including Number the Stars and The Giver, Lois Lowry is among the select group of New Yorkers who have lived on Governors Island; her father was stationed there in the 1950s.

The number of people who have lived on the Island, however, might soon increase expotentially. Developers are eyeing parts of the Island for condos, and New York University announced earlier this year that a new dorm will be located there. Summertime visitors will always be able to visit, however, since half of Governors Island is protected by New York Parks.

New York Trivia Tuesday

A must-see summer destination for New Yorkers and visitors to NYC, Governors Island feels a world away from the bustle of Manhattan, but is only a 5 minute ferry ride outside the city. Although it's legally part of the borough of Manhattan, you won't find subways or skyscrapers here, but parks and cultural events abound. Although no one currently lives on the island, it has served as a Coast Guard base and housed many servicemen and their families. Which famous author grew up on Governors Island?

a) Joyce Carol Oates
b) Maurice Sendack
c) Lois Lowry
d) Danielle Steel

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

Best of New York: Movie Theaters

If you still haven’t seen the biggest movie releases of the summer, or are looking forward to the new batch of fall films, head to one of New York’s best movie theaters. Whether you’re looking for Hollywood glamour, giant screens, indie flicks or cheap seats, our list of favorite cinema spots have to ready to buy some popcorn.

Landmark Sunshine

New Yorkers flock to this downtown movie house to see both new releases and cult favorites; although it focuses on the major independent and art-house films of the season, the Sunshine will run the occasional evening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Donnie Darko. The building was converted from a Yiddish vaudeville house, so you can soak in the neighborhood history while you enjoy the stadium seating—known to have some of the best sightlines and comfortable chairs in NYC.

143 E Houston St, Manhattan; landmarktheatres.com

Clearview Cinema Ziegfeld

Get a dose of old New York at this historic movie theater, the same spot where the legendary Ziegfeld Follies played throughout the first half of the 20th century. The luxurious décor still remains today, so you can walk the same red carpet and wash your hands at the same marble sinks that Broadway’s earliest stars did. Although there’s only one screen, which plays blockbuster new releases, you’ll be watching in style.

141 W 54th St, Manhattan; clearviewcinemas.com

BAM Rose Cinemas

Missed your favorite flick at one of NYC's summer movie screenings? Brooklyn’s most ornate movie theater is also one of its most eclectic, screening everything from recent independent films to cinema classics on its four screens. A Brooklyn counterpart to Manhattan’s Film Forum, this is where serious film buffs in the boroughs can see rare and foreign films, as well as events with famous names in the movie biz, including directors, writers, producers and actors.

30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn; bam.org

AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13

Every movie theater list needs its multiplex, and if you want to see the season’s biggest blockbuster films, or are planning a movie day with multiple showings in one afternoon, look no further than the AMC in Lincoln Square. The theater is far enough away from the masses in Times Square to avoid the crowds, the stadium seating gives you great views, and, to top it off, it’s the only theater in NYC to show films in IMAX. Get your tickets here to the biggest action movies of the year.

1998 Broadway, Manhattan; 212-336-5020

Kew Gardens Cinemas

For those who shy away from dropping $12 on a movie ticket, head to Kew Gardens for some of the best cinema deals in New York. See a selection of current blockbusters and independent productions for almost half the NYC theater price on Tuesdays and Thursdays: all showings are $6.50. Or get some early bird deals before 5pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends: still $6.50 for all movies! If you can only make peak times, you’ll still be saving a couple dollars, so it’s well worth the trip to Queens.

81-05 Lefferts Blvd, Queens; kewgardenstheatre.com

What's Happening This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

Nothing screams summer like massive eating contests, but you don’t have to leave them to the professional hot dog eaters. Anyone can join in on Hell Gate Social’s Labor Day BBQ and Pie Eating Contest (as long as you get there early to reserve your spot among the top 12). For those with less of a sweet tooth, get a plate of BBQ for $10 and watch the showdown, then let your stomach do its work while watching free movies al fresco.

Sun, September 4, 2pm-4am; $10 12-21 Astoria Blvd, Queens; hellgatesocial.com

DRINK

Kick off your holiday weekend and celebrate the beginning of fall by kicking back a seasonal beer by the grill. Ditmas Park favorite Sycamore is opening up their backyard garden and serving some special suds from a visiting brewery from Escondido, California for just $5. Get a free hot dog with your first beer, and enjoy other snacks hot off the grill all afternoon.

Sat, September 4, 2-8pm; $5/glass 1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn; sycamorebrooklyn.com

SEE

When you think “freestyling,” you probably don’t also think “unicycles.” But this weekend, NYC’s first Unicycle Festival will feature freestyle demonstrations from professional uni riders that you won’t want to miss. The festival also includes Unicycle Basketball, Unicycle Hockey, and a long-distance ride through Brooklyn. If you’re not quite on that level yet, a workshop for beginners will be running throughout the day.

Sat, September 4, noon-5pm; free Governors Island; nycunifest.com

SHOP

New York artists show off their stuff in the third annual Governors Island Art Fair. Every weekend in September, over 100 local artists present their work, from paintings to photography to sculpture to crafts. Browse through the dozens of rooms and explore your own pop-up museum, or support NYC artists by buying a piece or two. You never know who will become the next Picasso!

Sat and Sun, September 4-5, 11am-6pm; free Governors Island Building 12

PLAY

Labor Day isn’t the only day we’re celebrating this weekend. Plan a last-minute trip to Rio with the Brazilian Day festivities on Sixth Avenue, to celebrate Brazilian independence. Now in its 26th year, the festivities have become the biggest Brazilian event outside Brazil, with over 400 vendors showing off their art, crafts and food. Visiting musicians, including Brazilian superstar Carlinhos Brown, play everything from tropicalia to “Brazilian country” (a world away from Taylor Swift).

Sun, September 5, 11sm-7pm; free Sixth Ave between 43rd and 57th Sts; brazilianday.com

What Did Brooklyn Brewery's Factory Make Before It Made Beer?

And the answer is ...

b) matzoh balls

The Brooklyn Brewery moved into an abandoned matzoh ball factory in Williamsburg in 1996, and expanded again in 2009. They offer tours of the brewery on Saturdays at noon, and offer tastings there on Friday nights. Chances are, your local New York bar has a Brooklyn brew on tap as well!