Dining in New York City (Part One)
by nicolaitan
Nothing is perfect and dining at New York City's best restaurants is no exception. Over the years, we have learned a few things which may be of help.
Dining when there are no reservations - many middle tier and some better restaurants ( Centolire, Bella Blu) allow dining at the bar, which we have done many times. The bartender is thrilled because the number of drinks ordered will not decrease but the extra tip from your meal will go right into his or her pocket. Just ask - you will be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Pick your night for a special upscale meal - avoid Saturday nights. Many excellent midtier restaurants (Lusardi, Portofino Grille) can offer excellent food and attentive service during the week but have a hard time with the full house that Saturday night usually brings. Service becomes ragged and hurried, food quality may not always be the best. This malady can even afflict some of the top restaurants in NYC occasionally ( including our beloved Coco Pazzo). If you are only going to have one top flight meal, aim for Tuesday Thursday and Sunday nights.
Eat well without breaking your bankroll - many of New York's finest have lunch menus which are much cheaper than dinner menus, but prepared with the same quality and delivered with the same service. You get an opportunity to eat 4 star for a 2 or 3 star price.
Dress appropriately - in New York, as anywhere in the world, a better dressed diner will get a table when "none are available" and the service will improve as well. Having done it both ways, we have no question as to the reliability of this paragraph.
save big bucks.$$$$
by Pod
If your going sight-seeing in New York you must buy a City Pass.you only have to visit 3 of the 7 top atractions that you get in for free and you have got your money back. you also get other offers. it lasts for 9 days from date of purchase.
go to New York City. This...
by jasmit08
go to New York City. This city, the most heavily populated in the US, is one of the major attractions of NY, and for good reason!
New York is known for Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and such gala award celebrations as the Grammies. Music is everywhere in New York, in world famous halls, in small clubs, along the streets by performers.
Here are a few of the music hot-spots:
Apollo Theatre
Carnegie Hall. The world's greatest music talents have showcased here, including everyone from Enrico Caruso to the Beatles.
Greenwich Village, at the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal streets. The clubs in the village are at the center of the jazz, beat, rock and folk movement.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, is the marble monument to music is home to the Metropolitan Opera House, New York State Theater, Julliard School, and other concert and recital organizations.
Radio City Music Hall, is where concerts and popular musicals take place.
Being from South Africa, I had...
by mikever
Being from South Africa, I had often heard how everything in the USA is bigger than I.ve seen before. Well, that's quite true. All the usual tourist attractions are a must - The Empire State Building, Central Park, The guggenheim Museum, Statue of Liberty - these are all musts when in the Big Apple! I have alway heard that New Yorkers are very unfriendly but, one on a train, we climbed out at a station underground and had no idea what direction to take. Half way up the stairs to ground level we met a man and asked him for some information. He not only gave the info freely but retraced his steps to the top of the stairs and set us firmly on our way! I always relate this story to as many people as I can so that I can change their perception of New Yorkers!
Here's another view of the...
by viajera67
Here's another view of the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge bike path. The photo was taken in late August 2001 - just in time. I really miss this particular view, but make no mistake, the skyline is still fabulous!