***New York*** (3 Viewers)

[Sammy3469]

If you end up doing Central Park, avoid the North section by crossing over at 102nd St so that you don't have to deal with Harlem Hill. CP is still full of rolling hills though- so don't underestimate that at the end of a long day in the saddle.

This kind of surprised me when I went for a run from midtown up to the reservoir. I'm from SF and the conventional wisdom is NY=flat and SF=hilly, but I found Central Park to be more up and down than Golden Gate Park.

One full lap of Central Park on the roadway is 6.1 miles with 250 feet of vertical up and down. It's a pretty constant up and down too with only one real flat section on the East Side. It gets even hillier the farther north you go. Heck there's a route you can do in from the top of Central Park in and around Manhattan and the Bronx that basically has 100 feet of rise a mile which is very aggressive. FWIW, unlike Floppo, I personally think you can do the Brooklyn Bridge/West Side/CP/West Side "loop" in 3-4 hours and really enjoy it. That includes stops etc. That loop is only slightly more than 20 miles and most of those will be slowing and flat. As Floppo noted the West Side bike path will be crowded and the going will be slow. Unlike him, I like the path especially if I'm just going out with visitors. I actually find cycling in the park more hazardous on the weekend since no one stays in their lanes and the pedestrians pretty much go anywhere they want on the roads. Also if you're walking in Central Park at all in the north/south direction you'll run into the aforementioned hills so walking in the park can get tiring after awhile.

 

[Major]

Which Carmine's? My family would love it, and they can eat. Theater district location showing no availability from 6-10 any day we are there in June on open table. Really? Is this location the best or the one on 91st? We are staying at Doubletree suites Times Square.

Not looking at high end restaurants - how many reservations in advance should I be making?

Big, big (as in it couldn't be bigger) X on Carmines.It's basically dogfood with a ton of garlic dished out banquet-style for birthday parties and office parties on the cheap. There are SOOOOOOOOOO many places to eat in NYC that it is borderline disgraceful that somebody would actually choose to eat there. Only redeeming quality of the place is that you can go there with a group of 10+ and get a table. Central Park also fits that criteria, minus the garlic/bad-Italian-food overload.

Other than Esca (which is more upscale and $$ and definitely needs reservations), I can't think off-hand of Italian places in the theater district I'd recommend. But for theater dining, I've never had a problem with Ruby Fu's (pan-Asian) or any of a myriad of newish places on 9th Ave. Bobby Layne will be your man for that hood.

9th Ave/Hell's Kitchen is just a cornicorpia of good ethnic food right now. Nothing fancy, mind you, but every Thai place is good, Totti Ramen is outstanding (actually saw the founder of Chipotle told to wait there like everyone else...said he'd come back), Yakitori Totti is outstanding, Casellluna is a fun wine bar, Danji is good Korean, La Silluette is a good French and that's just the names I remember. There's also good Middle Eastern, and African place, a tiki bar with outstading fish tacos, a balkan place/market, etc. That entire area has really turned around and is a fun walk now (much better than walking up or down 8th or Broadway through Times Square).

Mrs. eephus and I just booked five days in mid July and are staying in this area. I have a lot of Jetblue miles and pretty much everything goes through JFK anyway. I'm looking forward to it since my previous visits were either on business or with my teenage son.

We're more live band people than fans of musical theater. It doesn't look like a lot of clubs are booked 2 1/2 months out, but I'm interested if there are any venues worth checking out or websites to watch for advance ticket sales. We don't mind dives and are willing to leave Manhattan. She wants to go to Brooklyn Bowl so that place is already on our to do list.

I'll defer to the others- team Floppo don't really see much music any more. But if you make it to The Mercury Lounge (felt like The National used to set up shop there), give a wave to my old building catty-corner... hopefully I'll wave back if we're actually back in.

big fan of Nu Blu on C avenue. Great live music if you're into funk, jazz and elements of hip hop.

Is that near Street 3?

IIRC, it's between 4th and 5th...blue light outside, no sign or anything.

 

[El Floppo]

Which Carmine's? My family would love it, and they can eat. Theater district location showing no availability from 6-10 any day we are there in June on open table. Really? Is this location the best or the one on 91st? We are staying at Doubletree suites Times Square.

Not looking at high end restaurants - how many reservations in advance should I be making?

Big, big (as in it couldn't be bigger) X on Carmines.It's basically dogfood with a ton of garlic dished out banquet-style for birthday parties and office parties on the cheap. There are SOOOOOOOOOO many places to eat in NYC that it is borderline disgraceful that somebody would actually choose to eat there. Only redeeming quality of the place is that you can go there with a group of 10+ and get a table. Central Park also fits that criteria, minus the garlic/bad-Italian-food overload.

Other than Esca (which is more upscale and $$ and definitely needs reservations), I can't think off-hand of Italian places in the theater district I'd recommend. But for theater dining, I've never had a problem with Ruby Fu's (pan-Asian) or any of a myriad of newish places on 9th Ave. Bobby Layne will be your man for that hood.

9th Ave/Hell's Kitchen is just a cornicorpia of good ethnic food right now. Nothing fancy, mind you, but every Thai place is good, Totti Ramen is outstanding (actually saw the founder of Chipotle told to wait there like everyone else...said he'd come back), Yakitori Totti is outstanding, Casellluna is a fun wine bar, Danji is good Korean, La Silluette is a good French and that's just the names I remember. There's also good Middle Eastern, and African place, a tiki bar with outstading fish tacos, a balkan place/market, etc. That entire area has really turned around and is a fun walk now (much better than walking up or down 8th or Broadway through Times Square).

Mrs. eephus and I just booked five days in mid July and are staying in this area. I have a lot of Jetblue miles and pretty much everything goes through JFK anyway. I'm looking forward to it since my previous visits were either on business or with my teenage son.

We're more live band people than fans of musical theater. It doesn't look like a lot of clubs are booked 2 1/2 months out, but I'm interested if there are any venues worth checking out or websites to watch for advance ticket sales. We don't mind dives and are willing to leave Manhattan. She wants to go to Brooklyn Bowl so that place is already on our to do list.

I'll defer to the others- team Floppo don't really see much music any more. But if you make it to The Mercury Lounge (felt like The National used to set up shop there), give a wave to my old building catty-corner... hopefully I'll wave back if we're actually back in.

big fan of Nu Blu on C avenue. Great live music if you're into funk, jazz and elements of hip hop.

Is that near Street 3?

IIRC, it's between 4th and 5th...blue light outside, no sign or anything.

Let me try my ridicule again...

C Avenue... is it near Streets 4 and 5? Or is it near Street Houston East?

 

[Judge Smails]

If you end up doing Central Park, avoid the North section by crossing over at 102nd St so that you don't have to deal with Harlem Hill. CP is still full of rolling hills though- so don't underestimate that at the end of a long day in the saddle.

This kind of surprised me when I went for a run from midtown up to the reservoir. I'm from SF and the conventional wisdom is NY=flat and SF=hilly, but I found Central Park to be more up and down than Golden Gate Park.

That's a strong statement. If true, no way are we doing this all in one day. We rode through Golden Gate Park, across the bridge and into Sausalito and were done. That was enough biking, especially for the wife and girls. Took the ferry back and were happy to do it. I think we'll do the same here and take on Central Park by foot another day.

 

[GregStarling]

Thoughts On Our NYC Itinerary:

June 5-9

Staying at Royalton Hotel (Midtown)

Sunday (arrive around noon)

Patzeria Perfect Pizza

Times Square

Top of The Rock 6:30p

Radio City Music Hall

Fluffy's Café

Monday

Nothing Until 6 (ideas?)

Basso56 6p

Rock of Ages 8p

Tuesday

Nothing Until 7p (ideas?)

Yankees/Red Sox 7p

Wednesday

Central Park

Jackson Hole Burgers

MET

Kati Roll Company

Comedy Cellar 9p

Thursday

Sandwich House

Brooklyn Bridge

World Trade Center

Wall St.

Joe's Shanghai

Staten Island Ferry / Satue of Liberty (Night Trip)

Friday

Fly Out

What are we missing? We are very wide open Monday and Tuesday until early evening so that would be great to get a general idea of some area to check out or some venue we're missing. We are looking to go, go, go and do the full on tourist thing.

 

[El Floppo]

Thoughts On Our NYC Itinerary:

June 5-9

Staying at Royalton Hotel (Midtown)

Sunday (arrive around noon)

Patzeria Perfect Pizza

Times Square

Top of The Rock 6:30p

Radio City Music Hall

Fluffy's Café

Monday

Nothing Until 6 (ideas?)

Basso56 6p

Rock of Ages 8p

Tuesday

Nothing Until 7p (ideas?)

Yankees/Red Sox 7p

Wednesday

Central Park

Jackson Hole Burgers

MET

Kati Roll Company

Comedy Cellar 9p

Thursday

Sandwich House

Brooklyn Bridge

World Trade Center

Wall St.

Joe's Shanghai

Staten Island Ferry / Satue of Liberty (Night Trip)

Friday

Fly Out

What are we missing? We are very wide open Monday and Tuesday until early evening so that would be great to get a general idea of some area to check out or some venue we're missing. We are looking to go, go, go and do the full on tourist thing.

You've got a nice lineup for things to do/eat. I feel like you're hitting predominantly tourist things though- especially neighborhoods. I think you should try to do a walk through the Villages (West/Central-Grenwich/East), SoHo, LES... all of which have things to see/do/eat/drink throughout the day and night. Hell- those are all fairly touristy, but at least weeds out the people crazy-glued to Times Square and Ground Zero. Tourists also seem to enjoy walking around China Town (I avoid if I can- smelly and crowded with people on a different set of unspoken rules of the sidewalk-road... ie: none) for the sights if you don't have a Chinatown near you. Or cruise around Brooklyn Heights or Dumbo. Dunno- something on top of the usual spots... which you've got really well covered.

 

[Major]

Which Carmine's? My family would love it, and they can eat. Theater district location showing no availability from 6-10 any day we are there in June on open table. Really? Is this location the best or the one on 91st? We are staying at Doubletree suites Times Square.

Not looking at high end restaurants - how many reservations in advance should I be making?

Big, big (as in it couldn't be bigger) X on Carmines.It's basically dogfood with a ton of garlic dished out banquet-style for birthday parties and office parties on the cheap. There are SOOOOOOOOOO many places to eat in NYC that it is borderline disgraceful that somebody would actually choose to eat there. Only redeeming quality of the place is that you can go there with a group of 10+ and get a table. Central Park also fits that criteria, minus the garlic/bad-Italian-food overload.

Other than Esca (which is more upscale and $$ and definitely needs reservations), I can't think off-hand of Italian places in the theater district I'd recommend. But for theater dining, I've never had a problem with Ruby Fu's (pan-Asian) or any of a myriad of newish places on 9th Ave. Bobby Layne will be your man for that hood.

9th Ave/Hell's Kitchen is just a cornicorpia of good ethnic food right now. Nothing fancy, mind you, but every Thai place is good, Totti Ramen is outstanding (actually saw the founder of Chipotle told to wait there like everyone else...said he'd come back), Yakitori Totti is outstanding, Casellluna is a fun wine bar, Danji is good Korean, La Silluette is a good French and that's just the names I remember. There's also good Middle Eastern, and African place, a tiki bar with outstading fish tacos, a balkan place/market, etc. That entire area has really turned around and is a fun walk now (much better than walking up or down 8th or Broadway through Times Square).

Mrs. eephus and I just booked five days in mid July and are staying in this area. I have a lot of Jetblue miles and pretty much everything goes through JFK anyway. I'm looking forward to it since my previous visits were either on business or with my teenage son.

We're more live band people than fans of musical theater. It doesn't look like a lot of clubs are booked 2 1/2 months out, but I'm interested if there are any venues worth checking out or websites to watch for advance ticket sales. We don't mind dives and are willing to leave Manhattan. She wants to go to Brooklyn Bowl so that place is already on our to do list.

I'll defer to the others- team Floppo don't really see much music any more. But if you make it to The Mercury Lounge (felt like The National used to set up shop there), give a wave to my old building catty-corner... hopefully I'll wave back if we're actually back in.

big fan of Nu Blu on C avenue. Great live music if you're into funk, jazz and elements of hip hop.

Is that near Street 3?

IIRC, it's between 4th and 5th...blue light outside, no sign or anything.

Let me try my ridicule again...

C Avenue... is it near Streets 4 and 5? Or is it near Street Houston East?

as in Houston, Texas

 

[Judge Smails]

Anybody been to Bangkok house on 46th? Thing of getting some Thai with the family before seeing The Book of Mormon..

 

[Major]

Thoughts On Our NYC Itinerary:

June 5-9

Staying at Royalton Hotel (Midtown)

Sunday (arrive around noon)

Patzeria Perfect Pizza

Times Square

Top of The Rock 6:30p

Radio City Music Hall

Fluffy's Café

Monday

Nothing Until 6 (ideas?)

Basso56 6p

Rock of Ages 8p

Tuesday

Nothing Until 7p (ideas?)

Yankees/Red Sox 7p

Wednesday

Central Park

Jackson Hole Burgers

MET

Kati Roll Company

Comedy Cellar 9p

Thursday

Sandwich House

Brooklyn Bridge

World Trade Center

Wall St.

Joe's Shanghai

Staten Island Ferry / Satue of Liberty (Night Trip)

Friday

Fly Out

What are we missing? We are very wide open Monday and Tuesday until early evening so that would be great to get a general idea of some area to check out or some venue we're missing. We are looking to go, go, go and do the full on tourist thing.

You've got a nice lineup for things to do/eat. I feel like you're hitting predominantly tourist things though- especially neighborhoods. I think you should try to do a walk through the Villages (West/Central-Grenwich/East), SoHo, LES... all of which have things to see/do/eat/drink throughout the day and night. Hell- those are all fairly touristy, but at least weeds out the people crazy-glued to Times Square and Ground Zero. Tourists also seem to enjoy walking around China Town (I avoid if I can- smelly and crowded with people on a different set of unspoken rules of the sidewalk-road... ie: none) for the sights if you don't have a Chinatown near you. Or cruise around Brooklyn Heights or Dumbo. Dunno- something on top of the usual spots... which you've got really well covered.

You won't really get a good understanding and feel for why NYC is great unless you take some time for such neighborhoods. Tribeca is also worth walking around. Some really cool streets down there and surprisingly quiet for Manhattan.edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

 

[Sammy3469]

Anyone with a wife/girlfriend who is in the least bit into fashion needs to take their SO to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. Hell even if you're not into fashion you should go since its one of the better Met exhibits I've seen.

Go early in the morning though since apparently the line can get absurdly long. We went at 9:30 Sunday after my girlfriend and her sister-in-law balked at the hour line on Saturday.

I also agree with Major...if you want burgers around CP, the better place is Shake Shack on 76th and Columbus. Granted its across the park from the Met, but you can take the 79th crosstown bus and it'll drop you off almost right there. You can get your burgers to go and either sit around the Museum of Natural History or walk back into CP.

 

[El Floppo]

Anyone with a wife/girlfriend who is in the least bit into fashion needs to take their SO to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. Hell even if you're not into fashion you should go since its one of the better Met exhibits I've seen.

Go early in the morning though since apparently the line can get absurdly long. We went at 9:30 Sunday after my girlfriend and her sister-in-law balked at the hour line on Saturday.

I also agree with Major...if you want burgers around CP, the better place is Shake Shack on 76th and Columbus. Granted its across the park from the Met, but you can take the 79th crosstown bus and it'll drop you off almost right there. You can get your burgers to go and either sit around the Museum of Natural History or walk back into CP.

La Floppa IS a fashion designer and pretty excited to see the show- we talked about seeing this yesterday (her: oh yeah, a rainy sunday makes sense to go to the Met).

Still pretty shocked he committed suicide- such a distinct talent; I was pretty blown away by his work when my wife turned me on to him. Also really liked/appreciated his shows- assuming those are covered in the Met show too?

 

[El Floppo]

We had a date night and went to The Hurricane Club (wife had a girls' night there and thought I'd like it). Not really my crowd, and the interiors kinda bugged me (seems to be appealing to that young/night-life crowd that aspires to be pompous ##### with coutnry houses in annoying places so they can be near their pompous **** annoying peers... lol- I somehow gleaned all that from large white gathered curtains and a huge chandelier). That said- the food was really good. We had a couple of aps- PBand something, coconut shrimp and I had their baby-back ribs... the latter two were out of control good. I do wish the wife had picked a cheaper joint for our date night though... beaucoup ducats.

 

[Sammy3469]

Anyone with a wife/girlfriend who is in the least bit into fashion needs to take their SO to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. Hell even if you're not into fashion you should go since its one of the better Met exhibits I've seen.

Go early in the morning though since apparently the line can get absurdly long. We went at 9:30 Sunday after my girlfriend and her sister-in-law balked at the hour line on Saturday.

I also agree with Major...if you want burgers around CP, the better place is Shake Shack on 76th and Columbus. Granted its across the park from the Met, but you can take the 79th crosstown bus and it'll drop you off almost right there. You can get your burgers to go and either sit around the Museum of Natural History or walk back into CP.

La Floppa IS a fashion designer and pretty excited to see the show- we talked about seeing this yesterday (her: oh yeah, a rainy sunday makes sense to go to the Met).

Still pretty shocked he committed suicide- such a distinct talent; I was pretty blown away by his work when my wife turned me on to him. Also really liked/appreciated his shows- assuming those are covered in the Met show too?

The shows themselves aren't (i.e its not an exhibit about his shows, but more about the artistry of the dresses and lines). However, the show itself is also fairly interactive and has video loops of some of the shows (they show the paint on the dress one, the chess one, etc.) and one part is built around his mirror show. (I'm sure I butchered all the show names).I'm sure I'm not getting the point across, but basically it was much more than just a bunch of dresses on plastic models.

 

[GregStarling]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

 

[El Floppo]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

"Around Central Park" is a ginormous area... where are we talking?

 

[Eephus]

Anyone with a wife/girlfriend who is in the least bit into fashion needs to take their SO to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. Hell even if you're not into fashion you should go since its one of the better Met exhibits I've seen.

Go early in the morning though since apparently the line can get absurdly long. We went at 9:30 Sunday after my girlfriend and her sister-in-law balked at the hour line on Saturday.

I also agree with Major...if you want burgers around CP, the better place is Shake Shack on 76th and Columbus. Granted its across the park from the Met, but you can take the 79th crosstown bus and it'll drop you off almost right there. You can get your burgers to go and either sit around the Museum of Natural History or walk back into CP.

La Floppa IS a fashion designer and pretty excited to see the show- we talked about seeing this yesterday (her: oh yeah, a rainy sunday makes sense to go to the Met).

Still pretty shocked he committed suicide- such a distinct talent; I was pretty blown away by his work when my wife turned me on to him. Also really liked/appreciated his shows- assuming those are covered in the Met show too?

The shows themselves aren't (i.e its not an exhibit about his shows, but more about the artistry of the dresses and lines). However, the show itself is also fairly interactive and has video loops of some of the shows (they show the paint on the dress one, the chess one, etc.) and one part is built around his mirror show. (I'm sure I butchered all the show names).I'm sure I'm not getting the point across, but basically it was much more than just a bunch of dresses on plastic models.

It's on Mrs Eephus' list for our visit in July. We're planning to go on a weekday so hopefully it won't be too crowded. She's mad because we're just missing the Van Cleef & Arpels show at the Cooper-Hewitt.

 

[GregStarling]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

"Around Central Park" is a ginormous area... where are we talking?

We'll be around the MET. So upper east side, around there.

 

[El Floppo]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

"Around Central Park" is a ginormous area... where are we talking?

We'll be around the MET. So upper east side, around there.

Dean and Deluca is right there on 84th or so and Madison- not cheap, but $15 per should get you something decent to eat. There are a couple of throwaway lunch/deli spots on Madison and around 82nd/83rd (west side of Mad)... cheap, non-descript sandwiches etc- you can probably do $15 for 2 at that those places (it's where all the working folk in the neighborhood go for lunch/coffee). There's a spot called EAT or something like that on Madison and 80th/81st that is a bit pricier, but also a bit nicer (locals go there). You'll be around $15 per there, depending what you get.

 

[RUSF18]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

"Around Central Park" is a ginormous area... where are we talking?

We'll be around the MET. So upper east side, around there.

Dean and Deluca is right there on 84th or so and Madison- not cheap, but $15 per should get you something decent to eat. There are a couple of throwaway lunch/deli spots on Madison and around 82nd/83rd (west side of Mad)... cheap, non-descript sandwiches etc- you can probably do $15 for 2 at that those places (it's where all the working folk in the neighborhood go for lunch/coffee). There's a spot called EAT or something like that on Madison and 80th/81st that is a bit pricier, but also a bit nicer (locals go there). You'll be around $15 per there, depending what you get.

JG Melon is one of the best burgers in the city and is on 74th and 3rd. A block south is EJ's Luncheonette, and a perfectly great excuse to get breakfast at any time of the day. For quick take out sandwiches I'd recommend Wrap and Run on 78th and Lex. I'm on 82nd and 2nd so if you're trying to stay close to that area and want other options, let me know.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

edit: Jackson Hole burgers are average at best IMO

Looking for a cheap (<$15/person) meal around Central Park. Any suggestions?Delis, burger places, etc.

"Around Central Park" is a ginormous area... where are we talking?

We'll be around the MET. So upper east side, around there.

Dean and Deluca is right there on 84th or so and Madison- not cheap, but $15 per should get you something decent to eat. There are a couple of throwaway lunch/deli spots on Madison and around 82nd/83rd (west side of Mad)... cheap, non-descript sandwiches etc- you can probably do $15 for 2 at that those places (it's where all the working folk in the neighborhood go for lunch/coffee). There's a spot called EAT or something like that on Madison and 80th/81st that is a bit pricier, but also a bit nicer (locals go there). You'll be around $15 per there, depending what you get.

JG Melon is one of the best burgers in the city and is on 74th and 3rd. A block south is EJ's Luncheonette, and a perfectly great excuse to get breakfast at any time of the day. For quick take out sandwiches I'd recommend Wrap and Run on 78th and Lex. I'm on 82nd and 2nd so if you're trying to stay close to that area and want other options, let me know.

The best tacos in the city are just down the street from you. Sabor A Mexico on 78th Street between 2nd and 3rd. Their roast pork taco makes me weep openly. I encourage take out since there are only about 5 tables.

 

[RUSF18]

Somehow, never even heard of it. I'll try to check it out this weekend, thanks.

 

[Judge Smails]

Kept an eye on Stubhub for weeks to get 5 tickets to see the Yankees/Rangers on 6/15. Didn't want to spend a lot on seats as it was more of an event just to go to Yankee Stadium. Picked up Terrace 329 4th row for $20 each. 3rd level, down the line but not to the foul pole. Considering that everything in similar sections was $43-$45 I think I got as good a deal as I was going to get. If I needed 2 or 4 tix I might have waited longer, but with 5 I didn't want to get stuck.

Thought fees were fair. 10% of total ticket price or $10 total. $5 to print online (still don't understand that but whatever). $115 out the door for 5 decent seats to the Yankee game - I'll take it.

Now have Yankee tix, Book of Mormon, Avenue Q and Fuerza Bruta all purchased for our June 11-18 trip. Just need to build around those events.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Kept an eye on Stubhub for weeks to get 5 tickets to see the Yankees/Rangers on 6/15. Didn't want to spend a lot on seats as it was more of an event just to go to Yankee Stadium. Picked up Terrace 329 4th row for $20 each. 3rd level, down the line but not to the foul pole. Considering that everything in similar sections was $43-$45 I think I got as good a deal as I was going to get. If I needed 2 or 4 tix I might have waited longer, but with 5 I didn't want to get stuck.

Thought fees were fair. 10% of total ticket price or $10 total. $5 to print online (still don't understand that but whatever). $115 out the door for 5 decent seats to the Yankee game - I'll take it.

Now have Yankee tix, Book of Mormon, Avenue Q and Fuerza Bruta all purchased for our June 11-18 trip. Just need to build around those events.

That's a good price, you can easily spend $100 just for 1 ticket to the New Toilet.

 

[El Floppo]

Anybody ever seen this guy around the EVil?

I've seen him around the entire time I've lived in NYC and always wanted to snap a picture (caught him at the STuy-town Associated on 14th)- dude looked like he was in his 70s when I first saw him in the 90s. Looks like... well, his 90s now.

Never would've pegged him for acoupon guy.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Anybody ever seen this guy around the EVil?

I've seen him around the entire time I've lived in NYC and always wanted to snap a picture (caught him at the STuy-town Associated on 14th)- dude looked like he was in his 70s when I first saw him in the 90s. Looks like... well, his 90s now.

Never would've pegged him for acoupon guy.

Old Man Bill

Every single time I see him, I tell myself I won't stare. Then I do. Then he gives me dumb look like WTFYLAP so I give him my cheerful midwestern "Hey how you doin'" and he looks kinda confused like he thinks he might know me and he's pissed he can't remember where from and mumbles hi back and by then I'm by him and on my way.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

looking for a new apartment, really hate this process - so much deception

 

[El Floppo]

looking for a new apartment, really hate this process - so much deception

Rental or buy? Where are you looking to move to?ugh. We had this discussion- and thanks again for your recommendations back thn- almost exactly a year ago (July 8) after my fire. And my family still isn't settled back in our old place. I keep seeing listings for apartments that sound right, and they're always for our current living situation (Stuy-Town)- listed as 3-4 BRs in what are legally 1-2BRs (and are illegal to make anything else). It never stops disgusting me.

rental real-estate agents are the parasitic scum that lick the boils on the ### of the world. (our old building's management team is right there with them).

 

[BobbyLayne]

And on the other side of the equation, NYC agents favorite saying is "All buyers are liars".

Finding an rental apartment is a total PITA. Buying in the city is that experience on steroids. Going through mortgage financing PLUS co-op board approval at the same time is like Dante's eighth circle.

 

[TwinTurbo]

looking for a new apartment, really hate this process - so much deception

There is a special circle of Hell reserved for many NYC landlords followed closely by the rental real estate agents that work with them. Throw in the tenant attorney you will eventually need at some point and you will have hit the scumbag trifecta. You will be hard pressed to find a more unethical, unscrupulous, dishonest collection of people.

 

[Eephus]

Headed there in two weeks w/ Mrs. eephus. I'll try to keep her moving along the sidewalk at a decent pace.

We have tickets for Jerusalem and Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, and reservations at Marc Forgione and Del Posto. We're also probably taking a booze cruise with Rocks Off Concert Cruises. During the days, we're planning on the Met, the High Line and a Harlem walking tour. She'll want to shop and since it's her birthday, I'll reluctantly go along with that.

My last two trips to NY have been w/ our teenage son so I'm expecting a different experience this time around.

 

[El Floppo]

Headed there in two weeks w/ Mrs. eephus. I'll try to keep her moving along the sidewalk at a decent pace.We have tickets for Jerusalem and Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, and reservations at Marc Forgione and Del Posto. We're also probably taking a booze cruise with Rocks Off Concert Cruises. During the days, we're planning on the Met, the High Line and a Harlem walking tour. She'll want to shop and since it's her birthday, I'll reluctantly go along with that.My last two trips to NY have been w/ our teenage son so I'm expecting a different experience this time around.

RBNY stadium is an easy 20 min PATH train trip away... And my mom saw Jerusalem last night- I'll see what she thought.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

looking for a new apartment, really hate this process - so much deception

Rental or buy? Where are you looking to move to?ugh. We had this discussion- and thanks again for your recommendations back thn- almost exactly a year ago (July 8) after my fire. And my family still isn't settled back in our old place. I keep seeing listings for apartments that sound right, and they're always for our current living situation (Stuy-Town)- listed as 3-4 BRs in what are legally 1-2BRs (and are illegal to make anything else). It never stops disgusting me.

rental real-estate agents are the parasitic scum that lick the boils on the ### of the world. (our old building's management team is right there with them).

Rental, up to about $3200 for 1 BR, luxury building - hoping they still do the few months free deal to make adj. monthly about $3k or less. I quit my job back on May 1 and after working out of my apartment consulting for so much time out of the day I realized the importance of a decent apartment. There are a few good option in Hells Kitchen I am looking at, getting a building with a pool would be a bonus as I could really use the exercise and swimming is great for you.

 

[Eephus]

Headed there in two weeks w/ Mrs. eephus. I'll try to keep her moving along the sidewalk at a decent pace.We have tickets for Jerusalem and Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, and reservations at Marc Forgione and Del Posto. We're also probably taking a booze cruise with Rocks Off Concert Cruises. During the days, we're planning on the Met, the High Line and a Harlem walking tour. She'll want to shop and since it's her birthday, I'll reluctantly go along with that.My last two trips to NY have been w/ our teenage son so I'm expecting a different experience this time around.

RBNY stadium is an easy 20 min PATH train trip away... And my mom saw Jerusalem last night- I'll see what she thought.

I've managed to miss Red Bulls (and Yankees) home games during this and my previous visits. It's a scheduling conspiracy.

 

[El Floppo]

looking for a new apartment, really hate this process - so much deception

Rental or buy? Where are you looking to move to?ugh. We had this discussion- and thanks again for your recommendations back thn- almost exactly a year ago (July 8) after my fire. And my family still isn't settled back in our old place. I keep seeing listings for apartments that sound right, and they're always for our current living situation (Stuy-Town)- listed as 3-4 BRs in what are legally 1-2BRs (and are illegal to make anything else). It never stops disgusting me.

rental real-estate agents are the parasitic scum that lick the boils on the ### of the world. (our old building's management team is right there with them).

Rental, up to about $3200 for 1 BR, luxury building - hoping they still do the few months free deal to make adj. monthly about $3k or less. I quit my job back on May 1 and after working out of my apartment consulting for so much time out of the day I realized the importance of a decent apartment. There are a few good option in Hells Kitchen I am looking at, getting a building with a pool would be a bonus as I could really use the exercise and swimming is great for you.

Last I heard, they were giving away months over there... looks like some decent apartments and buildings too, but those are pretty far over. And in Hells Kitchen. I'm sure you'll find something pretty nice- keep us informed; I'm really curious what's out there.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...

Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

They started taking reservations today for the 9/11 memorial. You have to make a reservation because of all the ongoing construction around the site. Go here to make a reservation online.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

 

[Eephus]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

trendy and romantic don't usually go together

 

[BobbyLayne]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...

Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

What, Major has the day off?

http://www.cellar58.com/

 

[El Floppo]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...

Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

Umm... yes- I've done Per Se. I'm still paying it off 4 years later. We're talking "not the real wedding anniversary but the night we met anniversary"... I love my wife and all, but not that much.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...

Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

What, Major has the day off?

http://www.cellar58.com/

That video makes me want to punch myself. Good looking sangria though.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Floppo, how about The Dutch? Review here. I have not been so you should go and tell us if it's any good.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And on the other side of the equation, NYC agents favorite saying is "All buyers are liars".Finding an rental apartment is a total PITA. Buying in the city is that experience on steroids. Going through mortgage financing PLUS co-op board approval at the same time is like Dante's eighth circle.

Thanks Bobby. As an outsider, can you help me understand why it's so difficult? Is it because so many people want to live there the demand is just sky high and that allows the supply side of the equation to be crappy knowing it'll never exceed demand? Meaning the supply side of providing apartments is expensive and difficult?Or is it something else?J

 

[Major]

Hey guys- looking for a new/nice/trendy/romantic spot to take the missus for our night-we-met-but-not-day-we-got-married anniversary. taking advantage of grandma in town for this one...

Also- I really want to get her U2 tickets for Meadowlands- great seats near the stage (not GA)- as a way to go for the whole baby thing present. Help! Stubhub is showing crazy prices- am I SOL?

Bump/help?

Have you done Per Se? Not new but that's what I'm going to try to do for the anniversary this year. I don't really have any "new/trendy" at my fingertips right now.

What, Major has the day off?

Just had a quick lunch there. Heading to Masa for dinner.

 

[BobbyLayne]

And on the other side of the equation, NYC agents favorite saying is "All buyers are liars".Finding an rental apartment is a total PITA. Buying in the city is that experience on steroids. Going through mortgage financing PLUS co-op board approval at the same time is like Dante's eighth circle.

Thanks Bobby. As an outsider, can you help me understand why it's so difficult? Is it because so many people want to live there the demand is just sky high and that allows the supply side of the equation to be crappy knowing it'll never exceed demand? Meaning the supply side of providing apartments is expensive and difficult?Or is it something else?J

The simplest answer is probably the limited supply/high demand. A huge factor in the current market is worldwide demand. There are a handful of 'global cities' that have universal appeal - London, NYC, Tokyo, et al. What we have experienced in the last decade is eerily similar to what Paris went through during the 18 years Jacques Chirac was Mayor - very pro development local government encouraging new buildings or conversions through aggressive tax abatement, deregulation of some of the affordable housing stock, which pushes out the locals. I don't know if census data supports this, but I have heard many real estate agents comment on how much foreign ownership has increased in this millenium.It is seriously difficult to find a native Parisian; all the businesses went to new suburban commercial development north of the city, and residents have likewise been pushed out to the fringes. I fear the same is happening in New York, but there are no cheap solutions within easy commuting distance because property taxes in NJ, Long Island and Westchester are sky high.Anyway, what I was specifically referring to is it is difficult to pass muster at prewar co-op buildings. There are several significant financial hurdles: down payments of 30 to 50% versus 5 to 20% in a condo, liquidity and net worth requirements, and personal financial statements from a CPA. Once you meet all of those entry requirement, you have to put together a board package: 3 years of tax returns, documentation of current salary & bonus, net worth, brokerage account statements, letters of recommendation from colleagues, neighbors, and other co-op residents, etc. Then after they review your offer and your package you have an interview with members of the board, which is a fairly stressful exercise. The co-op board is a world unto itself - they can reject you for any reason, and aren't required to tell you why. We're in a fairly pedestrian building - prewar Emory Roth, but nothing ostentatious - but in UES and Central Park West buildings, its not unusual to hear of celebrities with 8 figure incomes being rejected because they might interfere (paparazzi, increased security) the privacy of other residents. Hell, Madonna and Nixon famously got rejected.

 

[El Floppo]

Headed there in two weeks w/ Mrs. eephus. I'll try to keep her moving along the sidewalk at a decent pace.We have tickets for Jerusalem and Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, and reservations at Marc Forgione and Del Posto. We're also probably taking a booze cruise with Rocks Off Concert Cruises. During the days, we're planning on the Met, the High Line and a Harlem walking tour. She'll want to shop and since it's her birthday, I'll reluctantly go along with that.My last two trips to NY have been w/ our teenage son so I'm expecting a different experience this time around.

RBNY stadium is an easy 20 min PATH train trip away... And my mom saw Jerusalem last night- I'll see what she thought.

I've managed to miss Red Bulls (and Yankees) home games during this and my previous visits. It's a scheduling conspiracy.

btw- my mom reports that Jerusalem was really good. for whatever it's worth...

 

[El Floppo]

Floppo, how about The Dutch? Review here. I have not been so you should go and tell us if it's any good.

That was the first place I tried... it's the old, 5:30 or 10:30 reservations available only. Looks good though. I really wanted to go to Brushstroke, Bouley's latest (we love Bouley Bakery) but was also given the late lunch or super early brunch time-slots for dinner.So- I've reserved both Niko (in the old Honmura An location on Mercer St) and Co-Op (LES).

Anybody been to either with a recommendation- yay or nay?

oh- ####### Major

 

[BobbyLayne]

Niko (in the old Honmura An location on Mercer St)

That is some serious Yasuda chef. Only room for six at the sushi bar. More authentic (less cheesy) than Nobu. Enjoy.And I'm depressed Woo Lae Oak just down the street closed. They opened right around the time I moved here and have always been my go to for upscale Korean.

 

[Major]

Niko (in the old Honmura An location on Mercer St)

That is some serious Yasuda chef. Only room for six at the sushi bar. More authentic (less cheesy) than Nobu. Enjoy.

And I'm depressed Woo Lae Oak just down the street closed. They opened right around the time I moved here and have always been my go to for upscale Korean.

Really?? used to love that place...great food and fun for groups