NY, NY
I arrive thursday night, chill friday, and then will leave probably late afternoon on Saturday. (Andrew is possibly coming depending on his work schedule)
DISCLAIMER: NEW YORK IS AWESOME AND THERE ARE SO MANY COOL AND INTERESTING PLACES, LISTED IS ONLY A VERY SMALL FEW--THEY MAY NOT BE THE BEST, BUT THEY ARE WHAT I KNOW
PLACES
the highline
an old elevated subway track converted into a park. This park is absolutely beautiful, and I would say this is a must (especially if you go to Chelsea Market first to grab a picnic, or at sunset)--Wait to go to here---I want to take you and Walker ; )
the brooklyn bridge
I highly recommend walking across it. Its just nice. (Especially if the weather is good).
central park
duh. so good.
lincoln center
in my opinion, the most beautiful building/plaza in nyc
THINGS
super cool, if not for the 'finds' for the fun of the event, and for the people watching--downside-its not cheap as you might assume.
the one linked is awesome, but the dates are few and far between--I am planning on taking you guys to one market that is off the hook--see 'park slope'
this is actually a cool way to see the city. Plus you will be in Red Hook Brooklyn which is has a slew of places in itself (see Red Hook)
just research stuff. I know in the summer there are ALOT of free concerts/events that happen in the park that are always fun.
FOOD
Mario Bitali's child. A marvel of a place. I just went there for the first time and have mixed feelings. Essentially its a large indoor marketplace modeled after the marketplaces of Italy. There are meat vendors, fish vendors, cheesemongers, pasta makers, coffee experts, etc. etc. ec. and small little restaurant like places scattered along the way. The 'thing' is- we eat what we sell, we sell what we eat...so- the restaurants only use goods from the market, and everything is made fresh. I haven't eaten at a restaurant, but I drooled over other people's food. You literally see the chef walk over to the cheese guy, pick out a cheese, then use it in a dish he is making. Its cool. BUT its so fucking new york crowded it almost makes you crazy.
A large indoor market place scattered with little food vendors, the building and the layout is super cool, but I wouldn't say the food is super amazing (compared to Eataly that is), but the area around is pretty cool.
You know the stuff--the brick and mortar store is located in front of their chocolate making kitchen, and although there is nothing extremely special about the place- its cool to see and they have samples of their chocolate nom nom. I would only go if you are in the area (which you most likely will be if you go to any of the following restaurants)
Yum yum yum. Andrew's favorite. Venezuelan food- don't look at anything on the menu other than the Arepas. Okay, you can look, but get an Arepa. There are two locations: One on the lower east side, and one in Williamsburg. I prefer the one in WIlliamsburg, because they have a cozy outdoor area, but the menu is the same at both locations.
YUM YUM YUM. My favorite place. Barbeque. Fucking good barbeque. And an amazing beer selection. GO HERE. (or actually--don't go--wait for me and we can go together!)
Two restaurants, same owners. Really basic, seasonal, 'pure' food. I have been to Marlow and Sons for brunch and nearly keeled over after eating a 'scone with cream'. This place isn't mind blowing, but it sure is good. I have not been to Diner, but have heard amazing things about it (and they are right next door to each other)
caffeine fix? great coffee.
yummy veggies. good brunch. nice atmosphere.
haven't been, but have it is on my list. I have also stared inside. It looks great.
yummy yummy yummy.
really good donuts, but they are the best when fresh (like 7am--and there is always a line blah)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/
random, semi-creepy, but ooo soo good.
SHOPPING
cool brooklyny mens clothes (but I would call it unisex)-- I'm really into men's clothing at the moment.
I hate shopping in NY. crowded, but there are some awesome stores and I am sure you know better than I.
NEIGHBORHOODS
williamsburg, brooklyn
AKA Hipster nation. This admittedly ugly part of Brooklyn is home to every hipster ever. I want to hate this place but can't. There are just too many good places to eat here, too many cool kids to watch, and risd alumni galore. Home to Mast Brothers Chocolate, Marlow and Sons, and Brooklyn Circus. I have a feeling Walker will not like this area.
park slope, brooklyn
This is the hood in which I resided in my small NY stint. Home to many a beautiful brownstone, Prospect Park (Brooklyn's Central Park), and land of hip moms clad with strollers. I love walking around these parts--the neighborhood is the attraction (the restaurants aren't amazing, and although the park is nice--sucks compared to central), however, there is a baller farmer's market here every saturday that I would HIGHLY recommend you go to (that is, if you like people watching, dog watching, testing hipster canned jams, and the most delicious grapes on earth)--let's do this together if your still around Saturday morn.
chelsea
My favorite area in Manhattan. Boulevard like streets (which come as a surprising relief after the congested tiny streets/tall buildings of the rest of the city), lofty style buildings, galleries and home to my FAVORITE new york spot: the highline.
greenwich village
super cute
dumbo
'district under the manhattan bridge overpass' (I think thats what it came from) weird. But a cool area on the very edge of brooklyn. Its a small neighborhood that is literally under the Brooklyn Bridge. There is a lovely little park there that sits next to the water, and there is also a 'legendary' pizza place here Grimaldi's---never been, but hear its great.
red hook, brooklyn
this is a bizarre area of brooklyn, that I would not recommend going to EXCEPT I am because of one thing FOOD. This rundown, industrial area of brooklyn is host to many an artist/deisgner studio (because of the large studio spaces and low rent)--it is not 'hipster' like williamsburg by any means, instead it is a largely low-income latino neighborhood. In the middle of the area, there is a community soccer field, and around noontime food trucks galore gather around it's perimeter. Delicious and cheap Mexican food. Nearby is the BEST grocery store in the world, Fairway. I know, you are asking yourself 'why go to a grocery store on my short trip'--there is no explanation other than I love grocery stores and this one is awesome, and it has a back patio area that looks out to lady liberty herself.
- Meg.
