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Gracious Home may have best customer service of any store that I have ever been in. Now mind you, it's New York service. They're not exactly warm and cuddly. There are no Wal-Mart greeters...
Gracious Home may have best customer service of any store that I have ever been in. Now mind you, it's New York service. They're not exactly warm and cuddly. There are no Wal-Mart greeters here.
But everyone in the stores seems to know their stuff completely. They always have the answers to your questions. They have enough staff that you pretty much never have to wait. And they always seem to have what you need.
I can't imagine having a better home furnishings store nearby. Too bad they're largely wasted on me. I'm Jewish and live fully up to stereotype in the area of handiness.
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I am not a furniture guy. I'm still someone who thinks that paying in the three figures is a lot for most furniture, much less four or five. Nevertheless, even I can't resist taking a peek into...
I am not a furniture guy. I'm still someone who thinks that paying in the three figures is a lot for most furniture, much less four or five. Nevertheless, even I can't resist taking a peek into Conran's and every now and again buying something (particularly from their semi-annual warehouse sales). Conran's simply has wonderfully designed furniture and furnishings that really appeal to my design sensibility: elegant, modern, clean, and comfortable. You'll have a good time looking around, even if most stuff will be out of your price range.
One word of warning: if you do go to the warehouse sales, go early. The best stuff gets snatched up also instantaneously.
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Pongal is our favorite Indian restaurant in New York. Delicious South Indian food at reasonable (though not cheap) prices. The dosai are certainly not to miss, but everything we have had has been...
Pongal is our favorite Indian restaurant in New York. Delicious South Indian food at reasonable (though not cheap) prices. The dosai are certainly not to miss, but everything we have had has been great. A definite place to try when you're in Murray Hill.
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I haven't been overly impressed with the New York Children's Museum as a museum. Perhaps their programs for schools are different, but when our family has gone there on the weekends there...
I haven't been overly impressed with the New York Children's Museum as a museum. Perhaps their programs for schools are different, but when our family has gone there on the weekends there exhibits/acitivities haven't struck me as particularly educational. More like fun play areas tied in with a book or tv show (e.g. Dr. Seuss or Dora).
That said, we don't really regret the money ($145) we payed for a family membership (which gives you unlimited use). Because if you have young kids (4 and under), CMOM is a kick ass indoor play area. Your child will easily be able to kill 2 hours there, which is quite a nice option to have on days with inclement weather.
Plus, there is Zabar's, Barnes and Noble, and the Museum of Natural History (a real museum!) within a few blocks.
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I have heard great things about Li and her team at California Gardens. Apparently they do great work.
I have heard great things about Li and her team at California Gardens. Apparently they do great work.
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Never used them myself, but I have heard good things about T.J. Roofer's. Tom, the owner, is apparently very knowledgeable and friendly, they send out an inspector first and give you a proposal, ...
Never used them myself, but I have heard good things about T.J. Roofer's. Tom, the owner, is apparently very knowledgeable and friendly, they send out an inspector first and give you a proposal, and they come through in the end. Good luck.
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We've become huge fans of Fresh Direct. And given who my wife is, that is high praise indeed. Tina is serious about good quality food, and she is serious about getting good value. In our pre-Fresh...
We've become huge fans of Fresh Direct. And given who my wife is, that is high praise indeed. Tina is serious about good quality food, and she is serious about getting good value. In our pre-Fresh Direct days, she used to regularly shop at 2-3 different stores a night to make sure she was getting the best value. Now, we generally just do Fresh Direct. The food is the same quality as the higher end New York grocery stores (e.g. Grace's, Fairway, Whole Foods) and the prices much better (even including the $5 shipping charge). Even the produce and meat has passed Tina's exacting standards. We strongly recommend them.
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I've asked what the best meal in New York is for under $10. I'm not sure Fried Dumpling wins that battle. What I am sure, however, is that it is far and away the best meal in New York (and possily...
I've asked what the best meal in New York is for under $10. I'm not sure Fried Dumpling wins that battle. What I am sure, however, is that it is far and away the best meal in New York (and possily anywhere else in America) that you can get for a dollar!
Yes, you read that right. A single dollar ($1). For that price, you will get five delicious pork dumplings. Very traditional, very tasty.
For most folks, that will be plenty for lunch. Of course, if you eat like me, you'll get at least five more. Or more accurately, 10-20 more. At 5 per dollar, your waistband is absolutely your only concern.
Of course, this ain't exactly a romantic venue. You eat sitting only if one of the few stools is available. Nobody speaks English. And the place definitely feels like Chinatown in terms of decor (or the lack thereoff). But it doesn't matter. You're paying $1 for five delicious dumplings!!
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Ping's is our favorite Dim Sum in Chinatown (and possibly our favorite in New York although we like Gum Fun in Flushing as well). My wife assures me it is authentic. All I know is that it is...
Ping's is our favorite Dim Sum in Chinatown (and possibly our favorite in New York although we like Gum Fun in Flushing as well). My wife assures me it is authentic. All I know is that it is delicious.
But what is also nice is that it is not a giant Dim Sum Palace but feels likes a more traditional restaurant, which can be nice. But it also means that seating is at a premium. Arrive before 11:30 am on weekends if you want to avoid a wait.
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I love the Chinatown buses. They're the greatest travel deals in the Western hemisphere. Certainly not luxury travel but for $30 round trip to Boston (yes, that's $30 round trip) what do you...
I love the Chinatown buses. They're the greatest travel deals in the Western hemisphere. Certainly not luxury travel but for $30 round trip to Boston (yes, that's $30 round trip) what do you expect.
And they're not really as confusing as this otherwise excellent piece implies:
http://www.blacktable.com/gillin031105.htm
Fung Wah is the granddaddy in this space, but you can go here for links to all the companies:
http://www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus/
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