|
Hammerstein Ballroom is my favorite spot for catching live music, probably because I've had such a good time catching acts like the White Stripes and Moby here. It's a large, open space affording...
Hammerstein Ballroom is my favorite spot for catching live music, probably because I've had such a good time catching acts like the White Stripes and Moby here. It's a large, open space affording you a decent view from virtually any spot in the room, as well as room to dance around if you're in the mood. Add to that the sound quality which can either work against or for an artist when highlighting their musical talents in person. A
s a woman, I can also say it's a plus that the restrooms are enormous, because you don't have to wait and miss out on the performance going on upstairs. Even though you can hear everything in every corner of the space!
Hide
|
|
Irving Plaza is an anomaly to the neighborhood, which features many quaint, upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The space has a lot of character, playing host to countless shows for artists and...
Irving Plaza is an anomaly to the neighborhood, which features many quaint, upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The space has a lot of character, playing host to countless shows for artists and bands who prefer, or can only fill, a smaller space. It's got a bit of a rock-ish mood, replete with the indifferent staff who man the bars and tickets out front.
I've enjoyed a bunch of shows here, of both the popular and less popular variety. When you've got the space, it's great to be able to be near the artists and enjoy the music in such an intimate venue. But when it's crowded, look out. If you're upstairs, you'll be jostling for space along the balcony, and if you're downstairs, be prepared to be involuntarily lifted off your feet on occasion.
Hide
|
|
Molly Wee's is a neighborhood bar near Madison Square Garden that has been a longtime go-to spot before games and concerts. Situated on a non-descript stretch on 8th Avenue, you feel immediately...
Molly Wee's is a neighborhood bar near Madison Square Garden that has been a longtime go-to spot before games and concerts. Situated on a non-descript stretch on 8th Avenue, you feel immediately cheered upon walking in the door. It's modeled after old-style pubs and offers a good selection of draft beers.
As I'm partial to Guinness, I can vouch that they make a decent, but not phenomenal, pint. It's a fun place, so much so that I will cop to a time when a group of us missed a Knicks game so we could stay here. We were slightly persuaded by the huge screen TV over the bar showing the game, giving us the best seat in the house as far as we were concerned.
Hide
|
|
If you're in the mood for seafood, but don't feel like dining out - Leonard's is the answer. This small seafood shop specializes in fish and seafood, while also offering fine cuts of meat on the...
If you're in the mood for seafood, but don't feel like dining out - Leonard's is the answer. This small seafood shop specializes in fish and seafood, while also offering fine cuts of meat on the side if you like a surf 'n turf. The quality of the fish here is significant and evident in the cooking process. This fish is good enough to eat by itself, with no sauces or seasoning. But they give you that option too - providing seasoned fish ready to cook and the sauces to accompany them. Perfect option for when you're feeling like seafood without all the work.
Hide
|
|
While I have many great memories of the museum growing up, a recent visit left me underwhelmed. Perhaps I've become a jaded grown-up, but the value of learning about all of the mammals from the...
While I have many great memories of the museum growing up, a recent visit left me underwhelmed. Perhaps I've become a jaded grown-up, but the value of learning about all of the mammals from the Americas, Asia, and the Africas, are compromised by seeing them as if they had visited the taxidermist. All of a sudden, you realize just how much fun a zoo really is. A recent Darwin exhibit, for which we were charged extra, was nothing more than a bunch of poster boards with images and writing on them, and a few artifacts. For that kind of informational value, I could have looked it up on the Web.
But aside from that, there were parts I enjoyed, particularly the things you don't expect to see in every day life. The Ocean Life wing still is phenomenal as it's both interesting and visually exciting to see. Add the dinosaur exhibits, of course, which still fascinate.
Hide
|
|
Mike is something of a neighborhood fixture. As the proprietor of this pet shop, he will make you feel welcome from the first visit to his store. It's a small shop that carries most major high-end...
Mike is something of a neighborhood fixture. As the proprietor of this pet shop, he will make you feel welcome from the first visit to his store. It's a small shop that carries most major high-end brands of pet food, in addition to toys and treats, for both cats and dogs. And with each visit, he is sure to spoil your dog with a few complimentary treats, while entertaining you with stories and happily chatting away about everything and anything.
But should you need advice, he's a good source for that too, as I discovered when my dog had an ear infection. He's a wealth of knowledge about all things pet-related, in addition to being a neighborhood gem. You never have a dull moment when you walk in these doors.
Hide
|
|
After purchasing my first set of blades on my own in a chain store and discovering they were completely wrong for me, I came here in search of the right fit. Thanks to the staff who asked a bunch...
After purchasing my first set of blades on my own in a chain store and discovering they were completely wrong for me, I came here in search of the right fit. Thanks to the staff who asked a bunch of questions about my needs and my goals, I have the right pair now that make me feel like I'm flying when I go. In addition to that, they do repairs, rotate wheels, and replace brakes or bearings when their time has come.
The rest of the store is neat to look at, with the skater gear and accessories, although it might make you feel a bit old if you're over 21. But on the whole, this is a good source for purchasing (or renting) your blades.
Hide
|
|
If you're in a soup mood, you really can't go wrong here. They have their standard selections available every day, which will include a chicken noodle soup, chowder, minestrone, in addition to...
If you're in a soup mood, you really can't go wrong here. They have their standard selections available every day, which will include a chicken noodle soup, chowder, minestrone, in addition to other commonly popular recipes. But it's their specials that I always keep an out for. I've come upon some interesting combinations that have never been done, as far as soup goes.
There's a Moroccan chicken soup I had once, which I have been on the lookout for ever since. But while I'm doing that, I'm quite happy to sit down with one of their Wild Mushroom Ragout soups or the Chicken Pot Pie soup (yes, it's a soup).
Very delicious and affordable alternative to the traditional workday lunch.
Hide
|
|
The flagship store of the now-expanding C.O. Bigelow's chain is a monument to the universal language of beauty. Here, you will find brands from all over the world, which must be noted includes the...
The flagship store of the now-expanding C.O. Bigelow's chain is a monument to the universal language of beauty. Here, you will find brands from all over the world, which must be noted includes the full range of T. LeClerc face powders. If you're searching for that toothpaste from France or the antiseptic cream from England, you will most likely find it here, in addition to more well-known, high-end brands like Mustela and a good array of hair care lines.
In addition, they have a mesmerizing display of delicate hair accessories and compacts for that finishing touch. Sometimes pricey, never boring - a long time institution in the Village.
Hide
|
|
Devon & Blakely likes to think of itself of an Anglophile's lunch spot, with their Cadbury chocolates and Hob Nobs displayed on the shelves, but really it's just another designer, takeaway lunch...
Devon & Blakely likes to think of itself of an Anglophile's lunch spot, with their Cadbury chocolates and Hob Nobs displayed on the shelves, but really it's just another designer, takeaway lunch spot. A good one though, as they have a nice take on prepared salads, including the curried chicken and parmesan chicken salads. Their crab cake sandwich is an unsuspected, but delicious surprise for a gourmet deli spot. They also have great soups, a tossed salad bar, and an espresso bar, making it an ideal place to pick up something for eating in Bryant Park.
Hide
|