Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, now a famous national chain, began as a small shop on Coney Island in 1916 by Nathan Handwerker, who started charging 5 cents per dog to beat his rival's 10-cent price. Now there are 1,400 Nathan's in 14 states and 17 countriesl Nathan's also sponsors a Hot Dog Eating Contest, where champion Joey Chestnut ate 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2009. Which other eating world record does Chestnut hold?
a) Oysters
b) Hamburgers
c) Chicken Wings
d) Radishes
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's New York trivia question!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
New York’s Best: Views
The best views of New York offer a fresh perspective for visitors and locals alike who want a good look at the Big Apple. Whether from up high or across the water, these scenic spots are sure to give you an eyeful!
Brooklyn Bridge
A NYC icon in itself, the famous bridge sees hundreds of pedestrians walk its length every day and offers spectacular views of both its Manhattan and Brooklyn banks in the process. Stand still in the middle of the trip and watch boats and barges glide underneath your feet.
Brooklyn Bridge; free
Top of the Rock
Although often considered a visitors’ destination, the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza is more than just a tourist trap. The three-tiered observation deck gives visitors one of the best views of New York – 360 degrees worth! Less crowded and less obstructed than the view from the popular Empire State building, you’ll also be able to snap pictures of the renovated building, which was reopened to the public in 2005.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan; (212) 698-2000; $17.50
East River State Park
Get an unparalleled view of the NYC skyline by hopping across the East River to the Williamsburg waterfront. The East River State Park, which holds free concerts in the summer, leads right up to the water and affords a view of Manhattan from the Battery to the Bronx. Enjoy some tunes and watch the sun set over one of the best views of New York.
90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn; free
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Reserving a room in these posh digs can cost a bundle just for some views, but visitors can have a look by dining in the restaurant, Asiate, or just stepping into the Lobby Lounge next door. Checking out Central Park from above and watch the bustle around Columbus Circle while enjoying the restaurant’s Asian fusion cuisine is one of New York’s best dinner theaters!
80 Columbus Circle, Manhattan; (212) 805-8881
Roosevelt Island Tramway
One of the best views of New York you’ve never heard of, the tramway to Roosevelt Island takes you on a flying trip across the East River. The 4-minute ride only costs the price of a subway ticket, and with views of the river and the Upper East Side skyline, it is sure to be more scenic! Once on the island, a minibus will extend your tour for a mere 25 cents a trip!
59th Street and Second Avenue, Manhattan; $2.25
Brooklyn Bridge
A NYC icon in itself, the famous bridge sees hundreds of pedestrians walk its length every day and offers spectacular views of both its Manhattan and Brooklyn banks in the process. Stand still in the middle of the trip and watch boats and barges glide underneath your feet.
Brooklyn Bridge; free
Top of the Rock
Although often considered a visitors’ destination, the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza is more than just a tourist trap. The three-tiered observation deck gives visitors one of the best views of New York – 360 degrees worth! Less crowded and less obstructed than the view from the popular Empire State building, you’ll also be able to snap pictures of the renovated building, which was reopened to the public in 2005.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan; (212) 698-2000; $17.50
East River State Park
Get an unparalleled view of the NYC skyline by hopping across the East River to the Williamsburg waterfront. The East River State Park, which holds free concerts in the summer, leads right up to the water and affords a view of Manhattan from the Battery to the Bronx. Enjoy some tunes and watch the sun set over one of the best views of New York.
90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn; free
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Reserving a room in these posh digs can cost a bundle just for some views, but visitors can have a look by dining in the restaurant, Asiate, or just stepping into the Lobby Lounge next door. Checking out Central Park from above and watch the bustle around Columbus Circle while enjoying the restaurant’s Asian fusion cuisine is one of New York’s best dinner theaters!
80 Columbus Circle, Manhattan; (212) 805-8881
Roosevelt Island Tramway
One of the best views of New York you’ve never heard of, the tramway to Roosevelt Island takes you on a flying trip across the East River. The 4-minute ride only costs the price of a subway ticket, and with views of the river and the Upper East Side skyline, it is sure to be more scenic! Once on the island, a minibus will extend your tour for a mere 25 cents a trip!
59th Street and Second Avenue, Manhattan; $2.25
Friday, March 26, 2010
What's Happening This Weekend?
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
Join a crowd of fellow foodies on a search for the best brownie in Manhattan! After joining a team, you’ll receive a route that will take you on a sampling tour of NYC’s finest sweet treats. Whether you like the middle pieces or the crispy edges, cake-like or gooey, you’ll be able to find your favorite and cast your vote to determine the day’s best brownie (or just check out our list of NYC's Best Bakeries!).
Sunday, March 28, 3 pm
Meet at Greenwich Ave & 8th Ave, Manhattan
DRINK
Join Lacey Rozinsky, sommelier at The Four Seasons, at a private wine class and tasting. Learn about wine from one of the city's experts and sample a few different tastes from regions across the globe on the cheap! Space is limited, so sign up early!
Sunday, March 28, 6pm
751 President Street #4, Brooklyn
www.bklynevents.com
SEE
If you were the type of kid who would rather play with LEGO sets than set foot in a museum, you’re in luck. Nathan Sawaya’s art is entirely constructed in LEGO bricks. From small recreations of favorite desserts to life-size self portraits, he puts our old LEGO castles to shame.
Saturday, March 27, 11 am – 6 pm
530 W 25th St, Manhattan
www.brickartist.com
SHOP
Get your closet ready for spring with Built By Wendy’s sample sale: 70% off everything in the store. The summer dress and the classic cardigan sweater are the standouts at this store, a must for the wannabe quirky librarians in all of us.
Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28.
46 N. 6th St, Brooklyn
PLAY
Get your kicks at Coney Island this weekend: the Cyclone is reopening for business. The classic landmark roller coaster is offering free rides to the first 100 people to stand in line for some bone-shaking, old-timey fun. Our word to the wise: have your hot dogs afterward.
834 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
Sunday, March 28, opens at noon; $8 after the first 100 riders
coneyislandcyclone.com
EAT
Join a crowd of fellow foodies on a search for the best brownie in Manhattan! After joining a team, you’ll receive a route that will take you on a sampling tour of NYC’s finest sweet treats. Whether you like the middle pieces or the crispy edges, cake-like or gooey, you’ll be able to find your favorite and cast your vote to determine the day’s best brownie (or just check out our list of NYC's Best Bakeries!).
Sunday, March 28, 3 pm
Meet at Greenwich Ave & 8th Ave, Manhattan
DRINK
Join Lacey Rozinsky, sommelier at The Four Seasons, at a private wine class and tasting. Learn about wine from one of the city's experts and sample a few different tastes from regions across the globe on the cheap! Space is limited, so sign up early!
Sunday, March 28, 6pm
751 President Street #4, Brooklyn
www.bklynevents.com
SEE
If you were the type of kid who would rather play with LEGO sets than set foot in a museum, you’re in luck. Nathan Sawaya’s art is entirely constructed in LEGO bricks. From small recreations of favorite desserts to life-size self portraits, he puts our old LEGO castles to shame.
Saturday, March 27, 11 am – 6 pm
530 W 25th St, Manhattan
www.brickartist.com
SHOP
Get your closet ready for spring with Built By Wendy’s sample sale: 70% off everything in the store. The summer dress and the classic cardigan sweater are the standouts at this store, a must for the wannabe quirky librarians in all of us.
Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28.
46 N. 6th St, Brooklyn
PLAY
Get your kicks at Coney Island this weekend: the Cyclone is reopening for business. The classic landmark roller coaster is offering free rides to the first 100 people to stand in line for some bone-shaking, old-timey fun. Our word to the wise: have your hot dogs afterward.
834 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
Sunday, March 28, opens at noon; $8 after the first 100 riders
coneyislandcyclone.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
What Were the Alternate Names for the Mets?
And the answer is ...
d) Apples
Although New York City is often known as the Big Apple, the famous fruit was never in contention for the team name. "Mets" was chosen because it harkened back to an earlier New York team from the 1880s, and because the brevity of the name would look good in newspaper headlines.
d) Apples
Although New York City is often known as the Big Apple, the famous fruit was never in contention for the team name. "Mets" was chosen because it harkened back to an earlier New York team from the 1880s, and because the brevity of the name would look good in newspaper headlines.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
New York Trivia Tuesday
The New York Mets, New York's National League baseball team, got its name in the early 1960s -- It's short for "Metropolitans." Which of these team names was NOT a finalist in the selection?
a) Bees
b) Jets
c) Skyscrapers
d) Apples
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's New York trivia question!
a) Bees
b) Jets
c) Skyscrapers
d) Apples
Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's New York trivia question!
Monday, March 22, 2010
New York’s Best: Vintage Stores
Spring is officially here, and it's time to stock up on seasonal garb. Where to get the goods? Check out our list of New York's best vintage stores to rock the season in style.
Buffalo Exchange
One of the forerunners to the vintage craze, Buffalo Exchange began in 1974 and has grown to become a nationwide chain of 37 stores, two of which are right here in the five boroughs. Although you won’t find many big name brands here, Buffalo’s mix of thrift and vintage basics make it a great first stop for those newly thinking about old styles.
504 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, (718) 384-6901
332 E. 11th Street, Manhattan, (212) 260-9340
www.buffaloexchange.com
Beacon’s Closet
The old standby for Brooklyn’s most trendy, Beacon’s Closet supplies an eclectic mix of vintage threads and last season’s top brands. We’ve found everything from Urban Outfitters rompers (new with tags) to vintage Marc Jacobs clutches. While the Williamsburg location is four times the size of the Park Slope store, gems can be found at both with a careful comb through the racks.
88 N 11th St, Brooklyn, (718) 486-0816
92 5th Ave, Brooklyn, (718) 230-1630
www.beaconscloset.com
The Clothing Warehouse
While Beacon’s Closet is in an empty warehouse, The Clothing Warehouse is, surprisingly, not in a warehouse at all. More upscale and strictly-vintage than Beacon’s or Buffalo, this small SoHo shop came up from Atlanta in 2009 and has been a staple for retro glamour ever since. With a superior selection of boots and paisley boho wear, the collection is painstakingly curated -- but expect to pay a little more for the goods.
8 Prince Street, Manhattan, (212) 343-1934
www.theclothingwarehouse.com
10 Ft. Single
Hidden away from the vintage-crazy crowds, 10 ft. Single is the lesser-known cousin of popular Village hotspot Stella Dallas. That means you’ll not only avoid the crowds, you’ll also get first choice of an amazing selection of designer vintage goods. Besides the standard dresses, hats and purses, the back of the store boasts an unparalleled men’s section from English waistcoats to white suits à la Michael Jackson.
285 N 6th St, Brooklyn, (718) 486-9482
Urban Jungle
Another warehouse-turned-retailer, Urban Jungle is certainly off the beaten path for vintage lovers. But what it lacks in prime location it makes up for in sheer volume; anyone will be able to find a perfect fit in this massive collection of clothes for an unbeatable price. Stamina is key: be prepared to spend a few hours sifting through the grit before you strike gold.
118 Knickerbocker St, Brooklyn
urbanjunglevintage.wordpress.com
Buffalo Exchange
One of the forerunners to the vintage craze, Buffalo Exchange began in 1974 and has grown to become a nationwide chain of 37 stores, two of which are right here in the five boroughs. Although you won’t find many big name brands here, Buffalo’s mix of thrift and vintage basics make it a great first stop for those newly thinking about old styles.
504 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, (718) 384-6901
332 E. 11th Street, Manhattan, (212) 260-9340
www.buffaloexchange.com
Beacon’s Closet
The old standby for Brooklyn’s most trendy, Beacon’s Closet supplies an eclectic mix of vintage threads and last season’s top brands. We’ve found everything from Urban Outfitters rompers (new with tags) to vintage Marc Jacobs clutches. While the Williamsburg location is four times the size of the Park Slope store, gems can be found at both with a careful comb through the racks.
88 N 11th St, Brooklyn, (718) 486-0816
92 5th Ave, Brooklyn, (718) 230-1630
www.beaconscloset.com
The Clothing Warehouse
While Beacon’s Closet is in an empty warehouse, The Clothing Warehouse is, surprisingly, not in a warehouse at all. More upscale and strictly-vintage than Beacon’s or Buffalo, this small SoHo shop came up from Atlanta in 2009 and has been a staple for retro glamour ever since. With a superior selection of boots and paisley boho wear, the collection is painstakingly curated -- but expect to pay a little more for the goods.
8 Prince Street, Manhattan, (212) 343-1934
www.theclothingwarehouse.com
10 Ft. Single
Hidden away from the vintage-crazy crowds, 10 ft. Single is the lesser-known cousin of popular Village hotspot Stella Dallas. That means you’ll not only avoid the crowds, you’ll also get first choice of an amazing selection of designer vintage goods. Besides the standard dresses, hats and purses, the back of the store boasts an unparalleled men’s section from English waistcoats to white suits à la Michael Jackson.
285 N 6th St, Brooklyn, (718) 486-9482
Urban Jungle
Another warehouse-turned-retailer, Urban Jungle is certainly off the beaten path for vintage lovers. But what it lacks in prime location it makes up for in sheer volume; anyone will be able to find a perfect fit in this massive collection of clothes for an unbeatable price. Stamina is key: be prepared to spend a few hours sifting through the grit before you strike gold.
118 Knickerbocker St, Brooklyn
urbanjunglevintage.wordpress.com
Friday, March 19, 2010
What’s Happening This Weekend?: Our Picks
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
March 20th is official Macaron Day (one of our personal favorite patry-related holidays). Enjoy this deliciously elegant French cookie at 13 renowned NYC bakeries for free to celebrate. Participants include Bouchon Bakery, La Maison du Chocolat and DessertTruck Works. Just say you're there for Macaron Day and get a free sweet treat. We'll be impressed if you hit all the stops.
Sat March 20, noon-10pm; free
See the participating stores: http://macarondaynyc.com/participants.html
DRINK
Get out of the dark bar and enjoy the spring weather this weekend at Bohemian Hall, New York's most celebrated beer garden. Even for die-hard Manhattanites, the plentiful outdoor garden bar seating and the impressive list of German beers make this watering hole a don't-miss destination and well worth the trip out to Astoria.
Weekends 12pm-11pm; free
2919 24th Avenue, Queens
SEE
You don't have to go to an observatory to see the stars this weekend. On Saturday night, amateur astronomers take to the streets and share their telescopes with the public. In a city where the lights are bright, these kind of starry views are hard to find, so check them out and ask the astronomers your burning celestial questions.
Sat, March 20; free
See website for location details: http://www.sidewalkastronomers.us/id220.html
SHOP
Lit lovers, it's your lucky day! Head on up to Book Culture, where nearly every book is 20% off thanks to the store's spring sale. Stock up on some Shakespeare, check out some Chaucer, or just browse around one of our favorite independent bookstores in NYC.
Sat and Sun, March 20-21, 11am-7pm
536 West 112th Street, Manhattan
PLAY
Get out, meet new friends and explore your city: The Amazing New York Race is having its last underground race of the season this weekend! Follow clues that take you through the underground secrets of NYC, and complete challenges along the way in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York!
Sun, March 21, 12:30pm-4:30pm; $35
Starts at Tracks Bar and Grill, LIRR level of Penn Station, 11 Penn Plaza, Manhattan
EAT
March 20th is official Macaron Day (one of our personal favorite patry-related holidays). Enjoy this deliciously elegant French cookie at 13 renowned NYC bakeries for free to celebrate. Participants include Bouchon Bakery, La Maison du Chocolat and DessertTruck Works. Just say you're there for Macaron Day and get a free sweet treat. We'll be impressed if you hit all the stops.
Sat March 20, noon-10pm; free
See the participating stores: http://macarondaynyc.com/participants.html
DRINK
Get out of the dark bar and enjoy the spring weather this weekend at Bohemian Hall, New York's most celebrated beer garden. Even for die-hard Manhattanites, the plentiful outdoor garden bar seating and the impressive list of German beers make this watering hole a don't-miss destination and well worth the trip out to Astoria.
Weekends 12pm-11pm; free
2919 24th Avenue, Queens
SEE
You don't have to go to an observatory to see the stars this weekend. On Saturday night, amateur astronomers take to the streets and share their telescopes with the public. In a city where the lights are bright, these kind of starry views are hard to find, so check them out and ask the astronomers your burning celestial questions.
Sat, March 20; free
See website for location details: http://www.sidewalkastronomers.us/id220.html
SHOP
Lit lovers, it's your lucky day! Head on up to Book Culture, where nearly every book is 20% off thanks to the store's spring sale. Stock up on some Shakespeare, check out some Chaucer, or just browse around one of our favorite independent bookstores in NYC.
Sat and Sun, March 20-21, 11am-7pm
536 West 112th Street, Manhattan
PLAY
Get out, meet new friends and explore your city: The Amazing New York Race is having its last underground race of the season this weekend! Follow clues that take you through the underground secrets of NYC, and complete challenges along the way in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York!
Sun, March 21, 12:30pm-4:30pm; $35
Starts at Tracks Bar and Grill, LIRR level of Penn Station, 11 Penn Plaza, Manhattan
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