***New York*** (1 Viewer)

[Tremendous Upside]

Carriage most certainly not worth it IMO

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Carriage most certainly not worth it IMO

Fuerza Bruta is great. Your boy will like it a lot. (hello swimmers!) I think if you want to hit Daily Show or Letterman you have to request tickets way in advance. Try their websites for details.

 

[jamny]

Please do not support the abuse of animals by taking a carriage ride.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

I never knew how nice Belmont was until I went to Churchill Downs and Saratoga. Not saying it's as good as those but it's not far off imo.

 

[Judge Smails]

Carriage most certainly not worth it IMO

Fuerza Bruta is great. Your boy will like it a lot. (hello swimmers!) I think if you want to hit Daily Show or Letterman you have to request tickets way in advance. Try their websites for details.

OK, carriage ride is out. We like to ride bikes or walk anyway (kids loved biking across the Golden Gate on our SF trip). Daily Show may be a problem - 4 tix max (5 of us) and must be over 18 (one daughter will be 17 1/2). Also just checked and can't book American Idiot past May. Hopefully they will extend. Any comment for those who've seen Billie Armstrong perform vs others? Also looks way cheaper on weekday nights vs Fri or Sat - so I'll target midweek..

 

[Major]

Sounds like we missed a nice weekend here. It was pretty nice in Anguilla too. Getting back here was a bit of a slap in the face walking off the plane into the 20s and 30s (especially after travelling solo with Jr while the missus takes an extra couple of days RandR down there).oh... that Barney's Warehouse Sale- my wife has always said that it's not really stuff from Barneys, just a sale of 2nd and overstocks that gets glommed together into a sale that's licensed the Barney's name. As a fashion insider, I tend to believe her- but even though walking in there isn't quite like walking into Barneys, there's still some great stuff to be had on the cheap... if you're willing to throw some elbows (last time I went, a pair of couples essentially blocked off two aisles of "designer" racks intentionally not letting anybody get in until they culled out what they wanted).Anybody else hear that about the Sale?

It's a great sale if you go during the work week and don't have to deal with crowds (men, we have it easier although the Chelsea boys can get a bit pushy). Your wife probably knows more than me but they definitely have the brands that Barneys and Barneys Co-Op carries. They normally have a great selection of suits, button down shirts and ties. Their casual stuff is hit or miss. If you don't need any new clothes and just looking out for deals then the last weekend is def the best. So many great markdowns (further markdowns from the usual 60-80% off). I got a $3,500 cashmere full length winter coat for $300

 

[Major]

Sounds like we missed a nice weekend here. It was pretty nice in Anguilla too. Getting back here was a bit of a slap in the face walking off the plane into the 20s and 30s (especially after travelling solo with Jr while the missus takes an extra couple of days RandR down there).

Anguilla sounds nice. We haven't left the country in the three years since Chloe was born (I go to the EU on biz), def overdue. I think we might hit London and the countryside mid-summer. We're spending the summer on Shelter Island again - did a month there last year - but we're overdue to catch up with friends in the U.K.

oh... that Barney's Warehouse Sale- my wife has always said that it's not really stuff from Barneys, just a sale of 2nd and overstocks that gets glommed together into a sale that's licensed the Barney's name. As a fashion insider, I tend to believe her- but even though walking in there isn't quite like walking into Barneys, there's still some great stuff to be had on the cheap... if you're willing to throw some elbows (last time I went, a pair of couples essentially blocked off two aisles of "designer" racks intentionally not letting anybody get in until they culled out what they wanted).

Anybody else hear that about the Sale?

I think that is pretty much the textbook definition of the reality for most NYC sample sales - especially the overstock part. But something being a 2nd doesn't make it unwearable - could be something lame like a tag on crooked or the mfg used 140 count when the buyer asked for 200. I've gotten plenty of great quality stuff at a fracture of retail.

There are two sample sales every year I never, ever miss - Barney's and the Steve Allen sale at the Franklin St showroom (Tribeca). I get email alerts about other sales, and once in awhile I'll go to something at Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th (6th/7th).

but get it straight, it's Steve Alan dammit ....the John Varvatos and Paul Smith sales are also not to be missed. No reason to pay retail in NYC.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'm the king of typos today.

Love Varvatos, but I've never gotten the hype over Paul Smith. Admire his business model, though.

 

[Major]

Speaking of idiots...

I know you :style: guys can't wait to get your Thom Browne on- especially with no socks- but I took this pic at 8:30 this morning when it was hovering right around 30.

The pic doesn't show a lot of skin, but the guy had the high-waters going with a good 5-6" of exposure happening while walking.

Major?

eta: link

In the summer or while frolicking out east in da Hamptons, I can see the highwater :style: working but not in frigid weather. Plus he's wearing some questionable shoes with those pants. I'd venture to say that this guy doesn't have a clue and/or didn't do laundry. Offdee def needs to have a sitdown with that dude.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Girls will want to shop- SoHo?

Good call. They can go up and down West Broadway or Broadway while you and your son go on a historic walking tour of the Village or West Village - close enough to meetup when everyone is done.Fifth Ave shopping in the 50s is not my scene, but there are some impressive stores around there.Flatiron/Chelsea is another shopping destination worth considering.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Speaking of idiots...

I know you :style: guys can't wait to get your Thom Browne on- especially with no socks- but I took this pic at 8:30 this morning when it was hovering right around 30.

The pic doesn't show a lot of skin, but the guy had the high-waters going with a good 5-6" of exposure happening while walking.

Major?

eta: link

In the summer or while frolicking out east in da Hamptons, I can see the highwater :style: working but not in frigid weather. Plus he's wearing some questionable shoes with those pants. I'd venture to say that this guy doesn't have a clue and/or didn't do laundry or something. Offdee def needs to have a sitdown with that dude.

Need more info, but my first thought was hangover/sleepover situation. Might have been Coyote ugly (chewed his arm off to get away). Couldn't find his socks and said #### it I'm out.

 

[Major]

I'm the king of typos today.Love Varvatos, but I've never gotten the hype over Paul Smith. Admire his business model, though.

I love Paul Smith @ 80% off. I can't see paying $300 for a great shirt but $60 works for me. The details in their shirts is what does it for me. BTW, in Houston the Barneys Co-Op store closed up shop after the holidays and Major cleaned up. Better deals than the Warehouse sale. Steve Alan shirts for $25. I picked up 8 of them I love the fit of their shirts. Great quality, fit and good colors/patterns. I imagine they will be shipping all the extras to NYC for the Warehouse sale.

 

[Major]

Girls will want to shop- SoHo?

Good call. They can go up and down West Broadway or Broadway while you and your son go on a historic walking tour of the Village or West Village - close enough to meetup when everyone is done.Fifth Ave shopping in the 50s is not my scene, but there are some impressive stores around there.Flatiron/Chelsea is another shopping destination worth considering.

I'd stay away from the 5th ave scene unless you want to spend a fortune and find basically the same stuff you can get in every major city. It is an experience though and if you're with kids they'll like it (FAO, NBA store, Disney, Warner Bros, etc). Soho, East Village and West Village are probably your best bets for more interesting boutiques carrying stuff you can only find in NYC. Damn, if there's one thing I miss about NYC besides the people, energy and nightlife, it's the shopping

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Had a burger and fries at Corner Bistro tonight

Still excellent

Plus $2.75 McSorleys

Ha, didn't even read this in the Daily News yesterday:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/bes...-diner-good-too

Mmmm, Corner Bistro

 

[BobbyLayne]

Had a burger and fries at Corner Bistro tonight

Still excellent

Plus $2.75 McSorleys

Ha, didn't even read this in the Daily News yesterday:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/bes...-diner-good-too

Mmmm, Corner Bistro

Dayum you. I seriously have to have a cheeseburger tonight after seeing that (and I'm a once every six months burger kind of guy).

 

[Judge Smails]

OK, starting to flesh out potential itinerary. Thinking of going midweek to American Idiot and Fuerza Bruta - cheaper, easier to get tickets. Wanted to split up the musicals, so Yankee game on Wednesday makes sense. Starting with those 3 events, want to work in sightseeing via ferry, walking tours and eating all over, Top of the Rock, etc with Museums. Add in Central Park bike rental, Belmont Park, shopping, etc.

Saturday June 11th - arrive late afternoon

Sunday, June 12th

Monday, June 13th

Tuesday, June 14th – American Idiot – 7pm

Wednesday, June 15th - Yankees vs. Rangers, 7:05pm

Thursday, June 16th - Fuerza Bruta – 8pm

Friday, June 17th

Saturday, June 18th - depart late afternoon

Questions:

1) Better to do bike rental in Central Park on Sunday or on a weekday? Didn't know if it would be too crowded on a Sunday or on the contrary better with more people

2) Best way to start the real first day of the trip on Sunday? Ferry ride? Bus tour? Heard bus tour great way to get a feel for the city.

3) Top of the Rock - better during the day or night (summer)

4) Suggestions of best itin's for certain days if you were doing the trip?

5) Any of the multi-attraction passes (e.g. City Pass) worth it?

6) Any good discount tips (gonna be a pricey trip to be sure)

 

[dparker713]

OK, starting to flesh out potential itinerary. Thinking of going midweek to American Idiot and Fuerza Bruta - cheaper, easier to get tickets. Wanted to split up the musicals, so Yankee game on Wednesday makes sense. Starting with those 3 events, want to work in sightseeing via ferry, walking tours and eating all over, Top of the Rock, etc with Museums. Add in Central Park bike rental, Belmont Park, shopping, etc.Saturday June 11th - arrive late afternoonSunday, June 12thMonday, June 13thTuesday, June 14th – American Idiot – 7pmWednesday, June 15th - Yankees vs. Rangers, 7:05pmThursday, June 16th - Fuerza Bruta – 8pmFriday, June 17thSaturday, June 18th - depart late afternoonQuestions:1) Better to do bike rental in Central Park on Sunday or on a weekday? Didn't know if it would be too crowded on a Sunday or on the contrary better with more people2) Best way to start the real first day of the trip on Sunday? Ferry ride? Bus tour? Heard bus tour great way to get a feel for the city.3) Top of the Rock - better during the day or night (summer)4) Suggestions of best itin's for certain days if you were doing the trip?5) Any of the multi-attraction passes (e.g. City Pass) worth it?6) Any good discount tips (gonna be a pricey trip to be sure)

Not sure if you specifically want to do a Yankee game, but imo Citi is the nicer place to catch a game and the Mets have a home date that Friday. Also, you have the option of a Yankee day game on Thursday which would get out in plenty of time for the show.1) I wouldn't lock into any specific day for the bike trip - I'd wait until you knew what the weather was going to be. 4) Long list in this thread, you're better off figuring out if there is something specific you want to eat (best pastrami, best pizza, etc) or if you want recommendation for where you'll be5) Only if you're going to hit up multiple attractions6) You don't have any museums listed on your trip, but they're certainly cost effective entertainment, with or without the discount. Tastes vary, but its hard to go wrong with the Met or the Natural History Museum.

 

[El Floppo]

Speaking of idiots...

I know you :style: guys can't wait to get your Thom Browne on- especially with no socks- but I took this pic at 8:30 this morning when it was hovering right around 30.

The pic doesn't show a lot of skin, but the guy had the high-waters going with a good 5-6" of exposure happening while walking.

Major?

eta: link

In the summer or while frolicking out east in da Hamptons, I can see the highwater :style: working but not in frigid weather. Plus he's wearing some questionable shoes with those pants. I'd venture to say that this guy doesn't have a clue and/or didn't do laundry or something. Offdee def needs to have a sitdown with that dude.

Need more info, but my first thought was hangover/sleepover situation. Might have been Coyote ugly (chewed his arm off to get away). Couldn't find his socks and said #### it I'm out.

No- the pic doesn't show it, but he was a skinny, tall gay guy with a stylish over-coat. The overall look was somewhat fashionable, but the sockless with loafer thing made me want to punch him ... or at least whine about him on a fantasy football discussion board.

 

[El Floppo]

Girls will want to shop- SoHo?

Good call. They can go up and down West Broadway or Broadway while you and your son go on a historic walking tour of the Village or West Village - close enough to meetup when everyone is done.Fifth Ave shopping in the 50s is not my scene, but there are some impressive stores around there.Flatiron/Chelsea is another shopping destination worth considering.

I'd stay away from the 5th ave scene unless you want to spend a fortune and find basically the same stuff you can get in every major city. It is an experience though and if you're with kids they'll like it (FAO, NBA store, Disney, Warner Bros, etc). Soho, East Village and West Village are probably your best bets for more interesting boutiques carrying stuff you can only find in NYC. Damn, if there's one thing I miss about NYC besides the people, energy and nightlife, it's the shopping

NBA store just closed.For shopping, I totally agree that a walk down Broadway below Houston with forays to the west into SoHo proper (Prince, Spring, Mercer, Greene, etc) will make your girls happy. BWY has all the big american stores that kids seem to like that aren't too pricey (A&F, H&M, Zara, Banana Rep, etc). The smaller SoHo street will have some fun things to look at out of their price-range.Don't forget to look UP! SoHo has amazing cast-iron facaded old buildings which are easy to forget about with all the stores/window-shpping.

 

[El Floppo]

OK, starting to flesh out potential itinerary. Thinking of going midweek to American Idiot and Fuerza Bruta - cheaper, easier to get tickets. Wanted to split up the musicals, so Yankee game on Wednesday makes sense. Starting with those 3 events, want to work in sightseeing via ferry, walking tours and eating all over, Top of the Rock, etc with Museums. Add in Central Park bike rental, Belmont Park, shopping, etc.Saturday June 11th - arrive late afternoonSunday, June 12thMonday, June 13thTuesday, June 14th – American Idiot – 7pmWednesday, June 15th - Yankees vs. Rangers, 7:05pmThursday, June 16th - Fuerza Bruta – 8pmFriday, June 17thSaturday, June 18th - depart late afternoonQuestions:1) Better to do bike rental in Central Park on Sunday or on a weekday? Didn't know if it would be too crowded on a Sunday or on the contrary better with more people2) Best way to start the real first day of the trip on Sunday? Ferry ride? Bus tour? Heard bus tour great way to get a feel for the city.3) Top of the Rock - better during the day or night (summer)4) Suggestions of best itin's for certain days if you were doing the trip?5) Any of the multi-attraction passes (e.g. City Pass) worth it?6) Any good discount tips (gonna be a pricey trip to be sure)

Not sure if you specifically want to do a Yankee game, but imo Citi is the nicer place to catch a game and the Mets have a home date that Friday. Also, you have the option of a Yankee day game on Thursday which would get out in plenty of time for the show.1) I wouldn't lock into any specific day for the bike trip - I'd wait until you knew what the weather was going to be. 4) Long list in this thread, you're better off figuring out if there is something specific you want to eat (best pastrami, best pizza, etc) or if you want recommendation for where you'll be5) Only if you're going to hit up multiple attractions6) You don't have any museums listed on your trip, but they're certainly cost effective entertainment, with or without the discount. Tastes vary, but its hard to go wrong with the Met or the Natural History Museum.

1- as a guy who spent a lot of time on a bike and running in CP, I'd recommend not doing this on a weekend... insanely crowded and dangerous navigating around (lots of weekend warriors thinking they're the next Lance Armstrong and riding much faster than traffic or their skills can handle, along with tons of tourists meandering out into traffic and a lot more dogs too). Things might have changed, but the roadway was off-limit to cars after 10 or so during the week- I'd look into that before committing to riding on a certain day. It's car off-limits all weekend.2- I don't know about bus-tours... they're obviously popular, but seem a bit hermetic and creepy to me (like going to the zoo, except we locals are the animals and you're the ones in a cage). Why not just spend the day walking around where your hotel is? Times Square? Walk across town to Rockefeller Center and just poke around, maybe do top of the rock then.3- I recently did this for the first time- we went during the day and it was phenomenal how much you could see. Night time would be cool, but just in terms of seeing for miles and miles and really getting an amazing perspective on how NYC lays out, I'd say the day is better.4- Where you eat should be less about the day and more about where you're checking out in your itinerary... unless you'll want to head home to freshen up before dinner each day (which also makes sense). Other than that, don't do Sushi on Mondays... or is it SUndays? The fish market is closed one or both of those days, so you're getting older fish. And call first- some places are closed Mondays.5- dunno6- IIRC, I mentioned Century 21 dept store next to Ground Zero... your ladies will be find a lot there on the cheap (it's a giant discount store, but with a huge range of price-point and product- my fashion designer wife and I do a ton of our clothes shopping there. be forewarned- it's hit or miss, so don't go in expecting to buy anything particular.Met and Nat History museums entry fees are "suggested donations". Give what you want for your family- seriously. I have friends who still give a buck.More importantly, we need to come up with some rules of the road for you guys so my surly neighbors and I don't get all sidewalk-ragey on you.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey Brooklyn guys-

I'm looking at a pad on 4th and 13th tomorrow (being called "Park Slope").

Any thoughts on this neighborhood? Google Street doesn't make it look too appetizing.

 

[Sebowski]

Had a burger and fries at Corner Bistro tonight

Still excellent

Plus $2.75 McSorleys

Ha, didn't even read this in the Daily News yesterday:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/bes...-diner-good-too

Mmmm, Corner Bistro

Dayum you. I seriously have to have a cheeseburger tonight after seeing that (and I'm a once every six months burger kind of guy).

Same here. Probably had 3 burgers since I was in NYC last year and went to Corner Bistro. I'll probably go back in a couple weeks. We just beat the rush last time. Need to make sure we do the same this time.

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

 

[BobbyLayne]

Hey Brooklyn guys-

I'm looking at a pad on 4th and 13th tomorrow (being called "Park Slope").

Any thoughts on this neighborhood? Google Street doesn't make it look too appetizing.

I might have mentioned once or twice I lived there for eight years...If you had ask me when I lived there, I would have said stay away from that hell hole. Its nowheresville - not even South Slope (traditionally below 9th St btwn 5th Ave and 8th Ave). But there have been a ton of new condo buildings built along Fourth Ave. When I moved there, and for much of the time I lived there, it was strictly commercial (typically car repair or car wash or U-Haul rental type stuff) or light industrial. That has changed, a lot.

I still think the original housing stock below 9th along Fourth is mostly ugly, narrow clapboards or not very charming brick. But if you are looking at a newish building (and I see a couple near that intersection). might be worthwhile. Wish it was PS 107 - you need to be east a couple avenues.

PS 124 review

school map (tick a box to see school boundaries)

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Had a burger and fries at Corner Bistro tonight

Still excellent

Plus $2.75 McSorleys

Ha, didn't even read this in the Daily News yesterday:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/bes...-diner-good-too

Mmmm, Corner Bistro

Dayum you. I seriously have to have a cheeseburger tonight after seeing that (and I'm a once every six months burger kind of guy).

Same here. Probably had 3 burgers since I was in NYC last year and went to Corner Bistro. I'll probably go back in a couple weeks. We just beat the rush last time. Need to make sure we do the same this time.

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

Baoguette is pretty solidI remember El FLoppo raving about Numpang

 

[BobbyLayne]

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

Baoguette is pretty solidI remember El FLoppo raving about Numpang

What's the word on Nicky's Vietnamese*? Love the one on Atlantic Ave - spicy classic is awesome, and not too many places something that good for $5.*ETA - I'm asking about the one at 2nd and Ave A, have only been to their Brooklyn location.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

Baoguette is pretty solidI remember El FLoppo raving about Numpang

What's the word on Nicky's Vietnamese*? Love the one on Atlantic Ave - spicy classic is awesome, and not too many places something that good for $5.*ETA - I'm asking about the one at 2nd and Ave A, have only been to their Brooklyn location.

Never been to either

 

[BobbyLayne]

Yelp gives it 3.5 stars (not so great if you know Yelp).

Its bahn mi and pate - how hard can it be?

Anyway, love the Brooklyn place, I assume the original is as good or better.

 

[Judge Smails]

OK, starting to flesh out potential itinerary. Thinking of going midweek to American Idiot and Fuerza Bruta - cheaper, easier to get tickets. Wanted to split up the musicals, so Yankee game on Wednesday makes sense. Starting with those 3 events, want to work in sightseeing via ferry, walking tours and eating all over, Top of the Rock, etc with Museums. Add in Central Park bike rental, Belmont Park, shopping, etc.Saturday June 11th - arrive late afternoonSunday, June 12thMonday, June 13thTuesday, June 14th – American Idiot – 7pmWednesday, June 15th - Yankees vs. Rangers, 7:05pmThursday, June 16th - Fuerza Bruta – 8pmFriday, June 17thSaturday, June 18th - depart late afternoonQuestions:1) Better to do bike rental in Central Park on Sunday or on a weekday? Didn't know if it would be too crowded on a Sunday or on the contrary better with more people2) Best way to start the real first day of the trip on Sunday? Ferry ride? Bus tour? Heard bus tour great way to get a feel for the city.3) Top of the Rock - better during the day or night (summer)4) Suggestions of best itin's for certain days if you were doing the trip?5) Any of the multi-attraction passes (e.g. City Pass) worth it?6) Any good discount tips (gonna be a pricey trip to be sure)

Not sure if you specifically want to do a Yankee game, but imo Citi is the nicer place to catch a game and the Mets have a home date that Friday. Also, you have the option of a Yankee day game on Thursday which would get out in plenty of time for the show.1) I wouldn't lock into any specific day for the bike trip - I'd wait until you knew what the weather was going to be. 4) Long list in this thread, you're better off figuring out if there is something specific you want to eat (best pastrami, best pizza, etc) or if you want recommendation for where you'll be5) Only if you're going to hit up multiple attractions6) You don't have any museums listed on your trip, but they're certainly cost effective entertainment, with or without the discount. Tastes vary, but its hard to go wrong with the Met or the Natural History Museum.

1- as a guy who spent a lot of time on a bike and running in CP, I'd recommend not doing this on a weekend... insanely crowded and dangerous navigating around (lots of weekend warriors thinking they're the next Lance Armstrong and riding much faster than traffic or their skills can handle, along with tons of tourists meandering out into traffic and a lot more dogs too). Things might have changed, but the roadway was off-limit to cars after 10 or so during the week- I'd look into that before committing to riding on a certain day. It's car off-limits all weekend.2- I don't know about bus-tours... they're obviously popular, but seem a bit hermetic and creepy to me (like going to the zoo, except we locals are the animals and you're the ones in a cage). Why not just spend the day walking around where your hotel is? Times Square? Walk across town to Rockefeller Center and just poke around, maybe do top of the rock then.3- I recently did this for the first time- we went during the day and it was phenomenal how much you could see. Night time would be cool, but just in terms of seeing for miles and miles and really getting an amazing perspective on how NYC lays out, I'd say the day is better.4- Where you eat should be less about the day and more about where you're checking out in your itinerary... unless you'll want to head home to freshen up before dinner each day (which also makes sense). Other than that, don't do Sushi on Mondays... or is it SUndays? The fish market is closed one or both of those days, so you're getting older fish. And call first- some places are closed Mondays.5- dunno6- IIRC, I mentioned Century 21 dept store next to Ground Zero... your ladies will be find a lot there on the cheap (it's a giant discount store, but with a huge range of price-point and product- my fashion designer wife and I do a ton of our clothes shopping there. be forewarned- it's hit or miss, so don't go in expecting to buy anything particular.Met and Nat History museums entry fees are "suggested donations". Give what you want for your family- seriously. I have friends who still give a buck.More importantly, we need to come up with some rules of the road for you guys so my surly neighbors and I don't get all sidewalk-ragey on you.

School me on these rules of the road. Cars have right of way over pedestrians. Walk fast. Don't stand touristy like and gawk on a sidewalk. What could possibly go wrong with 5 Californians on a New York sidewalk?

 

[RC94]

OK, starting to flesh out potential itinerary. Thinking of going midweek to American Idiot and Fuerza Bruta - cheaper, easier to get tickets. Wanted to split up the musicals, so Yankee game on Wednesday makes sense. Starting with those 3 events, want to work in sightseeing via ferry, walking tours and eating all over, Top of the Rock, etc with Museums. Add in Central Park bike rental, Belmont Park, shopping, etc.Saturday June 11th - arrive late afternoonSunday, June 12thMonday, June 13thTuesday, June 14th – American Idiot – 7pmWednesday, June 15th - Yankees vs. Rangers, 7:05pmThursday, June 16th - Fuerza Bruta – 8pmFriday, June 17thSaturday, June 18th - depart late afternoonQuestions:1) Better to do bike rental in Central Park on Sunday or on a weekday? Didn't know if it would be too crowded on a Sunday or on the contrary better with more people2) Best way to start the real first day of the trip on Sunday? Ferry ride? Bus tour? Heard bus tour great way to get a feel for the city.3) Top of the Rock - better during the day or night (summer)4) Suggestions of best itin's for certain days if you were doing the trip?5) Any of the multi-attraction passes (e.g. City Pass) worth it?6) Any good discount tips (gonna be a pricey trip to be sure)

Not sure if you specifically want to do a Yankee game, but imo Citi is the nicer place to catch a game and the Mets have a home date that Friday. Also, you have the option of a Yankee day game on Thursday which would get out in plenty of time for the show.1) I wouldn't lock into any specific day for the bike trip - I'd wait until you knew what the weather was going to be. 4) Long list in this thread, you're better off figuring out if there is something specific you want to eat (best pastrami, best pizza, etc) or if you want recommendation for where you'll be5) Only if you're going to hit up multiple attractions6) You don't have any museums listed on your trip, but they're certainly cost effective entertainment, with or without the discount. Tastes vary, but its hard to go wrong with the Met or the Natural History Museum.

1- as a guy who spent a lot of time on a bike and running in CP, I'd recommend not doing this on a weekend... insanely crowded and dangerous navigating around (lots of weekend warriors thinking they're the next Lance Armstrong and riding much faster than traffic or their skills can handle, along with tons of tourists meandering out into traffic and a lot more dogs too). Things might have changed, but the roadway was off-limit to cars after 10 or so during the week- I'd look into that before committing to riding on a certain day. It's car off-limits all weekend.2- I don't know about bus-tours... they're obviously popular, but seem a bit hermetic and creepy to me (like going to the zoo, except we locals are the animals and you're the ones in a cage). Why not just spend the day walking around where your hotel is? Times Square? Walk across town to Rockefeller Center and just poke around, maybe do top of the rock then.3- I recently did this for the first time- we went during the day and it was phenomenal how much you could see. Night time would be cool, but just in terms of seeing for miles and miles and really getting an amazing perspective on how NYC lays out, I'd say the day is better.4- Where you eat should be less about the day and more about where you're checking out in your itinerary... unless you'll want to head home to freshen up before dinner each day (which also makes sense). Other than that, don't do Sushi on Mondays... or is it SUndays? The fish market is closed one or both of those days, so you're getting older fish. And call first- some places are closed Mondays.5- dunno6- IIRC, I mentioned Century 21 dept store next to Ground Zero... your ladies will be find a lot there on the cheap (it's a giant discount store, but with a huge range of price-point and product- my fashion designer wife and I do a ton of our clothes shopping there. be forewarned- it's hit or miss, so don't go in expecting to buy anything particular.Met and Nat History museums entry fees are "suggested donations". Give what you want for your family- seriously. I have friends who still give a buck.More importantly, we need to come up with some rules of the road for you guys so my surly neighbors and I don't get all sidewalk-ragey on you.

School me on these rules of the road. Cars have right of way over pedestrians. Walk fast. Don't stand touristy like and gawk on a sidewalk. What could possibly go wrong with 5 Californians on a New York sidewalk?

A lot of the drivers of the yellow cars will give you a ride to a requested destination provided you pay them.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey Brooklyn guys-

I'm looking at a pad on 4th and 13th tomorrow (being called "Park Slope").

Any thoughts on this neighborhood? Google Street doesn't make it look too appetizing.

I might have mentioned once or twice I lived there for eight years...If you had ask me when I lived there, I would have said stay away from that hell hole. Its nowheresville - not even South Slope (traditionally below 9th St btwn 5th Ave and 8th Ave). But there have been a ton of new condo buildings built along Fourth Ave. When I moved there, and for much of the time I lived there, it was strictly commercial (typically car repair or car wash or U-Haul rental type stuff) or light industrial. That has changed, a lot.

I still think the original housing stock below 9th along Fourth is mostly ugly, narrow clapboards or not very charming brick. But if you are looking at a newish building (and I see a couple near that intersection). might be worthwhile. Wish it was PS 107 - you need to be east a couple avenues.

PS 124 review

school map (tick a box to see school boundaries)

BL- thanks! awesome stuff as always. It's a new building, so I'll see. the hood looks pretty dumpy though (per google street).

 

[El Floppo]

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

Baoguette is pretty solidI remember El FLoppo raving about Numpang

What's the word on Nicky's Vietnamese*? Love the one on Atlantic Ave - spicy classic is awesome, and not too many places something that good for $5.*ETA - I'm asking about the one at 2nd and Ave A, have only been to their Brooklyn location.

Numpang :drool:Farenheit 451 House was around the corner from Nicky's so I ate there a couple times when it opened up. Meh. But super cheap.

 

[El Floppo]

School me on these rules of the road. Cars have right of way over pedestrians. Walk fast. Don't stand touristy like and gawk on a sidewalk. What could possibly go wrong with 5 Californians on a New York sidewalk?

Treat our sidewalk like your rush hour highway and we won't have too many problems. And don't forget that even if you don't see people in front of you, there's somebody behind that's trying to get by. Main thing, you're going to have to figure out your walking flight pattern with 5 people- 2-1-2? 2-2-1? Walk three across and whoever's on the outside of the three is going to get shoulder charged by every single passerby.Oh- don't stop at the top of the subway steps to get your bearings.Hydrate.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

Had a burger and fries at Corner Bistro tonight

Still excellent

Plus $2.75 McSorleys

Ha, didn't even read this in the Daily News yesterday:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/bes...-diner-good-too

Mmmm, Corner Bistro

Dayum you. I seriously have to have a cheeseburger tonight after seeing that (and I'm a once every six months burger kind of guy).

Same here. Probably had 3 burgers since I was in NYC last year and went to Corner Bistro. I'll probably go back in a couple weeks. We just beat the rush last time. Need to make sure we do the same this time.

I really can't wait to munch on some Vietnamese sandwiches. Crazy how there isn't anything like it around here. So simple and good. Anyone have an absolute stand out for those?

Baoguette is pretty solidI remember El FLoppo raving about Numpang

Both places are excellent! Baoguette cafe is the location I visit. Pretty sure its the same menu. The sloppy bao is crazy good!And that pork belly sandwich at numpang is outstanding!

 

[El Floppo]

Hey Brooklyn guys-

I'm looking at a pad on 4th and 13th tomorrow (being called "Park Slope").

Any thoughts on this neighborhood? Google Street doesn't make it look too appetizing.

I might have mentioned once or twice I lived there for eight years...If you had ask me when I lived there, I would have said stay away from that hell hole. Its nowheresville - not even South Slope (traditionally below 9th St btwn 5th Ave and 8th Ave). But there have been a ton of new condo buildings built along Fourth Ave. When I moved there, and for much of the time I lived there, it was strictly commercial (typically car repair or car wash or U-Haul rental type stuff) or light industrial. That has changed, a lot.

I still think the original housing stock below 9th along Fourth is mostly ugly, narrow clapboards or not very charming brick. But if you are looking at a newish building (and I see a couple near that intersection). might be worthwhile. Wish it was PS 107 - you need to be east a couple avenues.

PS 124 review

school map (tick a box to see school boundaries)

BL- thanks! awesome stuff as always. It's a new building, so I'll see. the hood looks pretty dumpy though (per google street).

Decent pad, neighborhood is neither here nor there... with the emphasis on not much there. Very cute realtor though, so it was a wash.

 

[Major]

School me on these rules of the road. Cars have right of way over pedestrians. Walk fast. Don't stand touristy like and gawk on a sidewalk. What could possibly go wrong with 5 Californians on a New York sidewalk?

Treat our sidewalk like your rush hour highway and we won't have too many problems. And don't forget that even if you don't see people in front of you, there's somebody behind that's trying to get by.

Main thing, you're going to have to figure out your walking flight pattern with 5 people- 2-1-2? 2-2-1? Walk three across and whoever's on the outside of the three is going to get shoulder charged by every single passerby.

Oh- don't stop at the top of the subway steps to get your bearings.

Hydrate.

Very important...don't the whole sidewalk.....feel free to walk at your own pace and enjoy it but don't block the entire sidewalk with your group. NYCers can tolerate slow walkers (even though it's annoying) but I f'ing hate groups that block the entire sidewalk and make me walk in the street. I normally give them a shoulder brush when I walk past (very irksome). Also, when taking the subway, LET THE PASSENGERS OUT FIRST when you're trying to board. The subway generally won't leave you as the conductor will allow for crowds to board.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

 

[El Floppo]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

I was just about to recommend something, and realized I haven't eaten over in the WVil in years. Anisa? One of my favorite NY restaurants. Don't even know if it still exists.eta: and I still made a recommendation.

 

[RC94]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

What kind of food are you in the mood for? There are a bunch of recommendations in my master list post. I haven't updated it in a while but there are still about 75 total restaurants there and probably at least 5 to 10 of them are in the West Village.

 

[RC94]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

I was just about to recommend something, and realized I haven't eaten over in the WVil in years. Anisa? One of my favorite NY restaurants. Don't even know if it still exists.eta: and I still made a recommendation.

Annisa at 13 Barrow St. (b/t 7th and W 4th). 28 food rating in Zagats but fairly expensive.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Interesting. Sitting in a bar on Barrow right next door to Annisa RIGHT NOW. Wonder if a table at 8 PM on a Sat night without a reservation is possible. Seems like a longshot.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

What kind of food are you in the mood for? There are a bunch of recommendations in my master list post. I haven't updated it in a while but there are still about 75 total restaurants there and probably at least 5 to 10 of them are in the West Village.

No real food preference. Can't navigate your list very well on this Blackberry.

 

[RC94]

Give it a shot. Looks like it's worth a try. I am going to go there at some point as well since it looks really good.

 

[Major]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

What kind of food are you in the mood for? There are a bunch of recommendations in my master list post. I haven't updated it in a while but there are still about 75 total restaurants there and probably at least 5 to 10 of them are in the West Village.

No real food preference. Can't navigate your list very well on this Blackberry.

I like Little Owl with the lady or Employees Only for a more festive atmosphere infused with cocktailsedit: Spotted Pig is great (a little closer to the MPD but far enough away to not be overwhelmed with douchebaggery

 

[El Floppo]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

What kind of food are you in the mood for? There are a bunch of recommendations in my master list post. I haven't updated it in a while but there are still about 75 total restaurants there and probably at least 5 to 10 of them are in the West Village.

No real food preference. Can't navigate your list very well on this Blackberry.

I like Little Owl with the lady or Employees Only for a more festive atmosphere infused with cocktailsedit: Spotted Pig is great (a little closer to the MPD but far enough away to not be overwhelmed with douchebaggery

I can tell you from repeat experinece that Annisa IS awesome. But I'd definitely listen to Major on things that are more current and/or trendy

 

[Major]

Any restaurant recs in the West Village area? Feel like I always eat at the same places down here.

What kind of food are you in the mood for? There are a bunch of recommendations in my master list post. I haven't updated it in a while but there are still about 75 total restaurants there and probably at least 5 to 10 of them are in the West Village.

No real food preference. Can't navigate your list very well on this Blackberry.

I like Little Owl with the lady or Employees Only for a more festive atmosphere infused with cocktailsedit: Spotted Pig is great (a little closer to the MPD but far enough away to not be overwhelmed with douchebaggery

I can tell you from repeat experinece that Annisa IS awesome. But I'd definitely listen to Major on things that are more current and/or trendy

never been there...just read some reviews - sounds

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I was all set on Annisa but buddy "didn't want to pay that much.". So instead we ate at the bar. Kinda disappointed. Will need to go to Annisa soon. Read a bunch of reviews and it seems awesome. I've walked past that place a hundred times (I work like 6 blocks away) and never made the connection with Anita Lo. Thanks all.

 

[Koya]

My eyes, they burn.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

So bad. So so so so so bad.

 

[BobbyLayne]

So bad. So so so so so bad.

I'd vote this post up but I've reached my quota.

 

[jamny]

Two great reasons to visit MoMA right now:<b>Picasso: Guitars 1912–1914</b> - refreshing theme bookended by two sculptures. The dates are interesting to me - this is right around the time his wife left him for good, his father died, a new lover moved in (only to die of tuberculosis), and its precisely at this moment he moves from representational 3-D cubism to abstract cubism. The focus of this show (apparently) is on his experimentation during this transitional period. Members preview today and tomorrow, opens Sunday. There is a gallery talk on the 27th. <b>Abstract Expressionist New York</b> - this has been going on since last fall and continues through April, but if you haven't seen it, you HAVE to make a point of getting to it. It covers that magical period of the late 40s and early 50s when (for the first time ever, really) American artists were out in the forefront of a worldwide art movement. NYC was the center of it all, and it set the tone for everything that followed. Its all the usual suspects - Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, David Smith - but its such a treat to see them all in one place. Mind boggling to realize nothing was borrowed - this is all from the MoMA archives, and includes many pieces that are rarely shown.

So I lucked out and got a call to do a site survey for an upcoming job at MOMA. Since I had a visitors pass for the meeting I got to walk around the museum afterwards. And without my wife, who can deal with art and has actually become a fan of certain artists, but I usually rush a little when I'm with her.Absolutely loved the Abstract Expressionism exhibit. I'm actually really excited after having seen it. I was in a bit of a rut with art and seeing this collection was just the jolt I needed. Seeing the early works of Pollack and Rothko before they developed their signature styles was awesome. I was glad I had pen and paper for the job I came for because I jotted down names to look into: Richard Pousette-Dart, Clyfford Still, Philip Guston, Ad Reinhardt, Richard Matta and James Esnor. I'm familiar with the bigger names, love Pollack, not sure if I love or hate Rothko. Great, great exhibit. Had a nice, leisurely walk around the rest of the museum. Always amazing. The more I see from Picasso, the less I like him. I appreciate what he did but don't find a lot of his stuff appealing. Although Guernica is still one of the most impressive works I've ever seen. I especially dislike his cubism vs. Bracque period. Not a fan of the Guitars exhibit. And give me a break with that Warhol exhibit. It gets your attention when you walk in but I'm sorry, that's not art.....imo.artsnob rant over.....

 

[El Floppo]

Two great reasons to visit MoMA right now:<b>Picasso: Guitars 1912–1914</b> - refreshing theme bookended by two sculptures. The dates are interesting to me - this is right around the time his wife left him for good, his father died, a new lover moved in (only to die of tuberculosis), and its precisely at this moment he moves from representational 3-D cubism to abstract cubism. The focus of this show (apparently) is on his experimentation during this transitional period. Members preview today and tomorrow, opens Sunday. There is a gallery talk on the 27th. <b>Abstract Expressionist New York</b> - this has been going on since last fall and continues through April, but if you haven't seen it, you HAVE to make a point of getting to it. It covers that magical period of the late 40s and early 50s when (for the first time ever, really) American artists were out in the forefront of a worldwide art movement. NYC was the center of it all, and it set the tone for everything that followed. Its all the usual suspects - Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, David Smith - but its such a treat to see them all in one place. Mind boggling to realize nothing was borrowed - this is all from the MoMA archives, and includes many pieces that are rarely shown.

So I lucked out and got a call to do a site survey for an upcoming job at MOMA. Since I had a visitors pass for the meeting I got to walk around the museum afterwards. And without my wife, who can deal with art and has actually become a fan of certain artists, but I usually rush a little when I'm with her.Absolutely loved the Abstract Expressionism exhibit. I'm actually really excited after having seen it. I was in a bit of a rut with art and seeing this collection was just the jolt I needed. Seeing the early works of Pollack and Rothko before they developed their signature styles was awesome. I was glad I had pen and paper for the job I came for because I jotted down names to look into: Richard Pousette-Dart, Clyfford Still, Philip Guston, Ad Reinhardt, Richard Matta and James Esnor. I'm familiar with the bigger names, love Pollack, not sure if I love or hate Rothko. Great, great exhibit. Had a nice, leisurely walk around the rest of the museum. Always amazing. The more I see from Picasso, the less I like him. I appreciate what he did but don't find a lot of his stuff appealing. Although Guernica is still one of the most impressive works I've ever seen. I especially dislike his cubism vs. Bracque period. Not a fan of the Guitars exhibit. And give me a break with that Warhol exhibit. It gets your attention when you walk in but I'm sorry, that's not art.....imo.artsnob rant over.....

Strange, to me, that you like the abstract expressionism but not what Picasso was doing... but that's ok.I haven't been up yet to see the exhibit- but Guston was a fave of mine when I was in grad school. Was there any Diebenkorn? I'm sure I just mangled his name- but he was West Coast... CA maybe artist that was a little later than most of that group IIRC, but did some beautiful stuff.