Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Recommendations?

Nick and I are taking a trip to New York City next month to celebrate his thirtieth birthday- can't wait. Though we've been several times and have some favorite haunts, I wanted to ask if any New York readers had any recommendations of places we shouldn't miss? Things that wouldn't necessarily be in the guidebooks, perhaps? We're not really into the touristy stuff...Leave a comment if you have something brilliant to share!

16 comments:

mn said...

As a paper and ink lover, I direct people to Bowne & Co., a stationer that's been around since the 1870's. Full of antique presses, maps, and books printed from small presses. Delightful if you're exploring the south seaport area.
Don't miss walking over the Brooklyn Bridge- especially at sunset. Touristy, maybe, but locals do it too for a reason.

At the total opposite end (north) of Manhattan, go see the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Serene and so pretty. I also love Riverside Park, and walking or biking the path up the river from the west side.

Have a lovely time!

B Dunlap said...

Thanks, mn! All those ideas sound wonderful!

Lauren said...

What a lovely plan! There are lots of food and drink festivals that occur in September - they are lots of fun (and so tasty). In particular, Le Fooding is September 25 and 26th this year - that is lots of fun!

Also, there is a lovely park on the Upper East Side that tourists rarely find - its called Carl Shurz Park, and has a lovely promenade along the water, lots of little hidden nooks, and less of a crowd than Central Park! Gracie Mansion, the mayor's home, is also in the park. It's lovely!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Unknown said...

Betsy: I saw this on the Food Network and we actually saw the truck when we were in Manhattan in July. I wish we'd stopped, but we didn't. Check it out.

Aunt Margaret

http://nachosny.com/2010/04/dessert-nachos-treats-truck/

Anonymous said...

Just back from NYC. Don't shop on 5th ave. Head down to SoHo (Broadway south of about Bleeker, north of Canal st.) to do your shopping. Broadway and a few blocks either side have some great stores.

If you have a few $ to spend, check out Mortons on 5th ave for a steaks. Best steak in the world.

Not sure what else to recommend!

Lauren said...

Anonymous left good advice...but there are even better steaks in Manhattan than Morton's. Locals go to Striphouse (which has sort of a burlesque feel) or Mark Joseph.

Good luck! :o)

Gavin Cooney said...

I'm Anonymous!

Mortons is the best!

maria said...

well, this is not really a recommendation, but thats the way i found to talk.
i saw your calligraphy and its fantastic... its just what i was looking for my tattoo.
its really simple, i would really apreciate if you write it for me.
if you agree, email me (maria_narloch@hotmail.com). and please, if i wrote something wrong just ignore it, i dont really speak english..
have a nice week :)

Caroline said...

There are so many lovely places to visit while in New York!
If you are in Brooklyn, stop by Mast Brothers Chocolate... If you are anything like me, you'll appreciate their lovely and decadent flavors... one of my favorites is almond and sea salt! Their factory is open on the weekends and tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00. While you are there, stop by the Brooklyn Flea. What a lovely place to find delicious food, antiques and handmade goods. My next suggestion is to stop off at Radish, my new favorite place. with homemade sodas, sandwiches and picnic basket essentials, it has become one of my favorite stops while in Brooklyn.
http://www.thehaystackneedleonline.com/2010/08/radish-williamsburg.html

In Manhattan, one of my favorite restaurants is one Via Della Pace hidden in the East Village. You can't beat their bruschetta or affordable prices.

Where are you guys staying? I could give you some more spots that might be closer to where you'll be.

Have a wonderful time! Take advantage of all New York has to offer!

Caroline said...

Also! Check Sunday Suppers... they are good about posting fun things happening on the weekends, not to mention what a fabulous blog it is!
http://sunday-suppers.blogspot.com/

Allison Patrick said...

Well, its in the guide books but I'm going to recommend it anyway, the High Line! It is absolutely AMAZING, totally worth it, everyone I know who went there without knowing much absolutely loved it. Its a bit crowded, but should be slowing down now that summer is winding down. Its really a must see!

I also want to second mn's suggestion of The Cloisters. Very very cool, AND, connected to The Met, so you pay once and get both for the day. And you should then hit up the Met as well, because there's this awesome looking sculptural installation on the room called Big Bambu (or something like that) which is supposed to be just amazing.

As a native New Yorker I often feel like I never do anything much in the city, touristy or otherwise, so sometimes its hard to think of suggestions! Have a great trip!

Anonymous said...

I wandered over while looking at your calligraphy, but it's very hard not to put my two cents in about NYC. My food recommendations are Pommes Frites in the East Village (http://pommesfrites.ws/) and the halal cart at 53rd and 6th with the yellow bags (spicy chicken and rice so good that I crave it constantly). I also always beg people not to go to New York without going to either the Greenflea flea market on Columbus and 77th (Sunday only - http://www.greenfleamarkets.com/) or the Fort Greene flea in Brooklyn on Saturday (http://www.brooklynflea.com). Awesome shopping, awesome food, and a great way to experience NYC in a non-touristy way.

Lila said...

I had no idea you didn't live in the area!

You must go walk the High Line. I also recommend walking the Brooklyn Bridge if you never have done it!

My favorite restaurant is ino:
(21 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014)

I recently went to Schiller's for brunch, and it was very cool:
(131 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002)

The coolest looking restaurant I've been to is Moto:
(394 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211)

In Williamsburg, I can never resist a Vietnamese Sandwich:
(Banh Mi, 172 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211)

My favorite pizza places are:
(Kesté Pizza & Vino, 271 Bleeker St, New York, NY, 10014)
(Motorino, 349 E 12th St, New York, NY, 10003)

You can never go wrong eating from a food cart. Just look for lines or go on Yelp and see which carts people swear by!

For you, I recommend stopping by Talas for bookbinding supplies (20 West 20th St, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011). I also enjoy going to the paper section on the second floor at New York Central Art Supply (62 Third Ave New York, NY 10003).

iselby said...

I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and you should definitely check it out if you have time. There is a lovely bookstore on Bedford called Spoonbill and Sugartown and they have a great selection. If you're into meat you also must must stop by Fette Sau, also in Williamsburg. In Manhattan I say - Doughnut Plant!! Have a great trip!

B Dunlap said...

Thanks, everyone! These are great ideas! We can't wait to report back....xo

Jacqueline said...

Visit Billy's Cupcakes, not Magnolia, if you want to beat the tourists.