What's in the Area?
What to Do in NYC
While you can still take the ferry to Liberty Island and see the Statue
of Liberty, and take a tour around the statue, you can't trek to the top
or visit the museum. That's the bad news. The good news: pretty much everything
else in Manhattan that was closed down after 9/11 has reopened. There
are literally thousands of things to see and do! Which of course leaves
you with a dilemma. Where to go and what to do first? We thought we'd
start you off with "a few of our favorite things." We promise
we've checked 'em out personally. But in case you don't trust us, look
under "Related Links" (at right) for other great places for
ideas.
See (some classic sights):
Get Artsy
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on 5th Avenue at 82nd Street,
is dauntingly huge; break it down by checking out a special exhibition
or two. We spent the Saturday of our first weekend together here, at a
Vermeer exhibit.
Park Yourself
We love Central Park. We run there, we rollerblade there, we ice
skate there, we even got engaged there! Le Parker Meridien is near the
southwest entrance to the Park at Columbus Circle. Further up, on the
East Side at 106th Street, are the three little horticultural jewels that
form the Conservatory Gardens, where we took our engagement pictures.
A Great Day in Harlem
Interested in Harlem's second Renaissance? Head up north of Central Park,
to 125th Street, to find the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Cotton Club,
the Apollo, and Striver's Row, where jazz greats once lived.
Book 'Em
You can't actually check books out at the New York Public Library, on
5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, but who needs to? You'll be
too busy gazing in awe at the neoclassical architecture and design. Then
pop around the corner for lunch in Bryant Park, one of Manhattan's prettiest
little green spots.
Eat and Drink:
Sushi Samba
7. 87 7th Avenue, at Barrow Street
Latino-Japanese fusion, pretty good sushi and fun drinks in a classic
hip West Village atmosphere. Better known as "Where Evan met Michael."
Aquavit
13 West 54th, between Fifth and Sixth
High-concept Scandinavian food from an Ethiopian-born chef named Samuelsson.
Really.
Blue Smoke
116 East 27th, between Park and Lex
Serious BBQ in the Flatiron district. Churrascaria Plataforma. 316 W.
49th, between 8th and 9th. All-you-can-eat Brazilian "rodizio."
If you like a constant flow of waiters offering you meat on skewers, this
is your place.
Norma's
In the Parker Meridien
Best brunch in town; no reservations, but worth the wait. Bring your appetite.
HanGawi
12 East 32nd, between 5th and Madison
A quiet, temple-like Koreatown classic; heaven for vegetarians. Be prepared
to take your shoes off.
La Palapa
77 St. Marks Place at First Avenue, East Village
Comfy, colorful, and inventive, with an unusual array of spices. Not your
standard Mexican. Neither is...
Rosa Mexicana
61 Columbus Avenue, near Lincoln Center
Order the pomegranate margaritas, and unless you're deathly allergic to
avocados, don't miss the guacamole prepared at your table.
McSorley's Old Ale House
15 East 7th, between Bowery and Second Ave, East Village
This New York classic pub has been serving its own ales longer than any
other bar in the city. Sawdust on the floor, an old pot-bellied stove,
a house cat, and "light or dark" only, please. Lit buffs will
recognize the place from Joseph Mitchell's "McSorley's Wonderful
Saloon."
Potion Lounge
370 Columbus Avenue, between 77th and 78th Sts
Like your drinks colorful? Say no more.
Be Merry (a bit of everything else):
Those Lights Are Bright on Broadway
We recommend "Into the Woods," a hilarious and thought-provoking
revival of the Sondheim classic, starring Gina's old college pal, Steve
DeRosa, as the Baker. (Go Steve!) Broadhurst Theater, 235 W. 44th St,
212-239-6200. You can get half-price same-day tickets for some shows at
the TKTS booth in Times Square, but be prepared to stand in line.
Jazz It Up
The Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd between Sixth Ave and McDougal in the West Village,
may be overpriced but we love it still, since the ultimately romantic
night we saw Nancy Wilson play here. Check listings at newyorkmetro.com.
Osaka
50 West 56th, between 5th and 6th Aves. No, it's not a "massage parlor,"
it's the latest trendy post-date NYC phenomenon. We endorse the couples
massage package, at $100 per person for 2 hours. Open until the wee hours!
Shop
Exit Le Parker Meridien. Walk east a couple of blocks until you hit 5th
Avenue. Turn right. Or left. 'Nuff said.
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