New York City Street Fairs

Each year from April through October (depending on the weather) neighborhoods throughout New York City host street fairs. Streets are closed to traffic and tents and booths are set up as temporary store fronts for all kinds of merchandise.

From handcrafted wind-chimes to discount cosmetics to second hand jewelry to local clothing vendors, street fairs offer a shopping smorgasbord.

It is always such a pleasant surprise to be out on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and run across a New York City street fair. They are usually crowded, but unlike the fast paced, crammed in, irritated crowds that you might experience during say rush hour, the street fair crowds are casual, laid back and are usually quite amiable. It is almost as though the street fair is a designated chill zone.

The smell of freshly roasted sweet corn on the cob wafts down the street and mingles with the aroma of polish sausage being smoked on the grill. Ice cold lemonade, carmeled apples, spicy chicken shishkababs and fruit filled crepes are all characteristic fare for these community gatherings.

Neighbors greet each other and catch up while they stroll from tent to tent as they survey the wares.

I love looking through the original art work or chic sundresses. My BF can always be found browsing the CD's, DVD's or gadgets. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours and more than a couple of bucks.

Insider Tips:

• Take cash, the outdoor venue makes it a challenge to use credit cards.
• Treat yourself to a nice hot ear of roasted corn slathered in butter. MMMM. MMMM.
• Check out the NYC.gov website for a schedule of the New York City Street Fairs or try these links:

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/mancb7/html/street_fairs/street_fairs.shtml

http://home2.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0/

The Best BBQ in NYC

For the last 15 years, I have been conducting a very scientific study of the best barbecue joints in New York City. I have conducted exhaustive research and have employed a myriad of methodology for this study. I am proud to now present the findings to you.

TOP 5 BBQ JOINS IN NYC


DINOSAUR'S BAR-B-QUE in Harlem
Summer time is the time for barbecue and Dinosaur's Bar-B-Que on 131st Street and 12th Avenue offers the best in town. The roadhouse atmosphere and hot live bands are just garnish for the amazing cuisine. The food is spicy, surprising and comfortable. Their menu includes some southern favorites along with a few Cajun delights and even some worldly dishes such as churrasco chicken steak and Korean style beef ribs. They have a great bar and you have got to try their fried green tomatoes. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. The menu is moderately priced and their staff is very friendly and quick. Make sure to make reservations on the weekends because the joint is hopping. Check out their website for a schedule of entertainment and special events. http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/

SPANKY'S BBQ
From blackened catfish and gumbo to juicy burgers and succulent ribeyes, Spanky's offers anything and everything you could want from a barbecue joint. Their slogan is "Big butts, we got 'em" and if you ate there on a regular basis you'd have one too. The food is so good you will definitely want to wear pants with an elastic waist. Located in the middle of Times Square at 127 West 43rd Street they are very conveniently located and very reasonably priced. This is the perfect spot for folks looking for delicious down home food in the heart of NYC. Their rather entertaining website can provide you with a look at their menu and other helpful information. http://www.spankysnyc.com/

DALLAS BBQ
Admittedly he décor is a little cheesy. It looks like my grandfather decorated it, but the food is tasty and the portions are huge. The down and dirty, no-frills barbeque will leave you licking your fingers. My father loves the beef ribs and I always enjoy the brisket or the pulled pork. And believe it or not, their salads are good too. Of course Dallas BBQ is famous for their "Texas Sized" frozen drinks because really who doesn't enjoy a giant frozen, fruity, girly drink? Their plates are very inexpensive and there are lots of locations. This chain is quite popular in NYC so the atmosphere is often crowded and a little chaotic. Go to their website to find the location nearest you. http://www.bbqnyc.com/

VIRGIL'S REAL BARBEQUE
A traditional American barbeque restaurant you will leave Virgil's full and happy. Their menu draws inspiration from around the country offering Memphis pork ribs, Owensboro lamb, smoked Maryland ham and Texas brisket to name a few. With sides and appetizers that include hushpuppies and buttermilk onion rings any barbeque lover would enjoy the bill of fare. The atmosphere is pure small town Americana. Virgil's offers a moderately price menu and is located in Times Square at 152 West 44th Street just East of Broadway. For more information check out their website http://www.virgilsbbq.com/

HILL COUNTRY BARBEQUE AND MARKET
If you want an honest to god barbeque experience you should try Hill Country Barbeque. Nothing pretentious, nothing fancy, just some of the best barbeque you will ever have. Mostly smoked or dry-rubbed, their entrees are served on butcher paper and priced by the pound. And they know that the only thing better than good food is good music. Located at 30 West 26th Street they are easily accessible by public transportation. Get there early as they are often very crowded and sometimes literally sell out of food. http://www.hillcountryny.com/about_hill_country.php

Insider Tips:

• Don't wear a white shirt but do wear loose fitting pants.



• Ask for extra napkins or wet wipes



• If you can make reservations do. Otherwise show up early.



• Try something new. You won't be disappointed.

Let’s Go Yankees

When you think of New York City, you think of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and of course the New York Yankees. The Pinstriped athletes are one of the most iconic symbols of New York City.

After the last game of this season, Yankee Stadium will be torn down and replaced with a bigger, newer, state-of-the-art stadium. (Currently the 2 arenas stand across the street from one another.) I wanted to attend a game in “the house that Ruth built” before it was razed. And so we purchased our tickets and headed out to the ballpark.

We had great seats, in the upper deck just right of home plate. We could see the entire diamond and it provided us with a fantastic view of all the action. We were surrounded by a seasoned group of colorful and opinionated fans who intermittently yelled out good natured one-liners at the opposing team.

We got into the spirit too as we root, root rooted for the home team. We leapt to our feet and cheered at the top of our voices when A-Rod hit the only homerun of the game. We chuckled and gave each other knowing glances when Derek Jeter bunted, making it to 1st base, but more importantly allowing another player to score a run.

I eagerly anticipated each of the traditional elements of the game. I couldn’t wait to grab a couple of franks and brews. I was delighted when the vendors called their wares “Beer Here!” and actually threw bags of Cracker Jacks to their customers in the stands. It tickled me when the diamond combers performed their coordinated dance routine to "YMCA" during the seventh inning stretch. I was touched as the 50,682 people who were in attendance at the game all got to their feet to sing “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

It was an outstanding evening. The Yankees shutdown the Oriels, 8 to nothing. The weather was perfect and we had a great time.

While it was all very lovely, there were a few things that made the experience… well, less than ideal. For example, I think there are too many distractions. Honestly, between the DJ and the ads, games and interviews on the jumbo screen there wasn’t really time to watch the game. Several times I found myself looking at the screen and missed some key plays.

Also, getting through security can be a hassle. No bags, satchels, briefcases or backpacks are allowed. Unless you are a regular attendee, you wouldn't know this. If you have a bag, you can check it at the bowling alley across the street from the stadium for $5. (But of course there is a line and that’s another 5 bucks you weren’t planning on spending). Security guards search all purses and pat-down some patrons.

Depending on where the seats are, tickets go for $12 to $400. Check out the Yankees' website for a complete schedule and ticket prices.


Insider Tips

• Don't bring a bag. I wish there was a list of rules I could point you to, but the closest I could find is the A to Z stadium guide.


• Bring extra cash. We only spent $25 per ticket, but we spent over $60 on food.


• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time to get through security and find your seats.


• Use public transportation. There is parking, but it is expensive and inconvenient. Subways and buses make stops at the stadium. I recommend HopStop.

Sunny day at the South Street Sea Port

Visiting the South Street Sea Port is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing, warm, sunny day in NYC. There are some great restaurants featuring mouthwatering seafood. There are boutiques and shops, the South Street Sea Port Museum, some very entertaining street performers, the Bodies exhibit and one of the best bookstores in the city, The Strand.

My BF and I choose an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating called Il Porto. Situated on Fulton Street, it was the perfect vantage point for watching the tourists and locals alike as they strolled down the promenade. We were also able to appreciate the colonial architecture that surrounded us. The restaurant itself however left something to be desired. The warm weather crowds overwhelmed the staff of Il Porto. After being seated we were presented with a basket of bread that was burned black and was simply inedible. We waited nearly 30 minutes before our waitress was able to come to our table. The entrees were very good, but over priced. (Although it is interesting to note that the closer to the water’s edge, the more expensive the food becomes.) The final issue was that there was only one functioning stall in the lady’s room, which translated into a half-hour wait to use the facilities. We found ourselves wishing we had opted for the upscale street food; hotdogs or fish-and-chips that were available on the pier or lunching at Carmine’s Italian Seafood restaurant (one of our favorites) just North of Fulton Street.

After lunch, we sauntered over to the pier, grabbed a mocha frappicino from Seattle’s Best Coffee and took in the street performers – a dance troupe and a magician. Then we drifted through the shops and stores at the mall followed by wandering through the neighborhood and checking out the pubs and restaurants that are not along the main fairway. To top off the afternoon, we visited The Strand, browsed through the new and used books and made a few purchases.

Good food, good companionship and a beautiful day, who could ask for more?

Insider Tips:

• If you haven’t seen the Bodies exhibit, I would recommend it. It is fascinating and educational. However some people may find it disturbing.
• The views from the restaurants on the pier are great and the food is tasty, but you might want to check out the other options in the area.
• Leave yourself some time to browse through The Strand. They offer $1.00 used books plus an incredible selection of new books as well.
• Give yourself a few hours and take your time. An afternoon at the pier is all about chilling out.
• Bring sunglasses.

New York Style Pizza

I love pizza and I am not alone. It is reported that Americans spent over $34 Billion dollars on pizza last year. It is not surprising that New York City had the honor of introducing pizza to the United States. In 1897 Italian immigrant, Gennaro Lombardi opened a grocery on Spring Street in Little Italy. He sold a "tomato pie" by the slice to the poor local workers for lunch. The lunch special was so popular that in 1905, Lombardi’s Pizzeria was established and became the first pizzeria in America. The blue collar origins of this quick, easy and inexpensive meal helped create what is known today as New York Style Pizza; large slices of thin crust pizza that can be folded in half and eaten while on the run.

Lombardi's closed its doors in 1984, but was reopened a decade later by Gennaro's grandson. The current establishment stands only 1 block from the original location and continues the family tradition by creating Gennaro's original pizzas along with some new options.

While there is no dispute that Lombardi's is the country's first pizzeria, apparently there are some who believe that Lombardi's employee, Pero Totonno was actually the mastermind behind the "tomato pie" and was in fact New York's first master pizziola. In 1924 Totonno opened his own pizzeria in Coney Island which now has the distinction of being the "oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the U.S. run by the same family." Totonno's currently has several locations and is renown through out the city for having some of the best and freshest pizza in town.

Of course I have my favorite spots such as John's Pizzeria. When John Sasso first established his pizzeria in 1929, he knew that while the food had to be delicious it was the ambiance that makes the experience. Both of his current locations stay true to this belief by featuring some extraordinary architectural elements. When the original John's (located on Sullivan Street) lost it's lease, Sasso dismantled the entire restaurant and had it reinstalled at the new location on Bleeker Street. "The original booths, neon sign, tin ceilings, and black and white checkered floor create an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by." While it is enchanting to enjoy the original décor, it is a true delight to receive a piping hot pizza fresh from the 79 year old brick oven, which was rebuilt brick-by-brick. And if you enjoy that, you will love the 44th Street location. Housed in what was once the Gospel Tabernacle Church (build in 1888) the establishment still features an amazing five-story stained glass cupola and is known as the largest pizzeria in the country.

Other favorite pies include Two Boots Pizza, Arturo's and Number 28 Pizza from Naples.

Of course there are still national chains like Papa John's and Domino's and there are more local chains like Ray's Pizza and Famiglia, but every neighborhood in NYC has a corner pizzeria. They are as much a part of the culture as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. And while I enjoy Chicago style pizza and California style pizza, there is nothing as satisfying as a big slice of New York style pizza.

Insider Tips:

• Forget the diet and indulge.


• Skip the national chains and try the corner pizzeria.


• John's on 44th is very busy right before theatre time. Plan to go early or after 8:30pm.


• Have some fun and try new toppings.

Everyone plays NYC

One of the cool things about living here is that everyone plays NYC. If you follow a specific performer, a band, a dance company, an artist, etc….eventually, they will have a performance or exhibit here.

This past week, was my birthday and so in celebration, my BF and I had dinner at a little Mexican restaurant in Union Square called El Cantinero. The cuisine is nothing fancy, but it sure satisfies that guilty pleasure serving up piping hot dishes smothered in cheese and salsa. And the margaritas hit the spot as well. They also offer all-you-can-eat Mondays for only $11.95. For location and specials check out their website at http://www.elcantineronyc.com/.

Following dinner, we met friends and headed to the Union Square Theatre where I had the opportunity to see a stand-up comedian/actor whom I have followed and enjoyed for several years, Mr. Eddie Izzard. Performing at 10:30pm (following nightly performances of JUMP, the Korean production that features martial arts and acrobatic displays) Eddie performs for nearly 2 hours.

While being a moderately sized auditorium (500 seats), the Union Square Theatre is probably one of the more intimate spaces in which you will see Mr. Izzard perform. It is so very nice when, without the help of cameras or monitors, you can see the performer's face and feel like you are actually a participant of the performance. This is taken a step further when, Eddie who obviously feels quite at ease, often responds to and sometimes encourages his audience to talk to him while on stage.

The British comedian is known for his monologuesque performances that provide commentary on current political events as well as human culture in an historical and societal context. And of course there is also the little fact that he sometimes dresses like a woman. And in case you were thinking it might only be a shtick, I have actually seen Mr. Izzard riding the New York City subway in his best "executive transvestite" gear.

I admit, I was slightly disappointed when Eddie walked out on stage in jeans and a sports jacket, but the disappointment quickly evaporated and I thoroughly enjoyed his quick witted anecdotes. From the origins of the word "assassins" as explained by Wikipedia to the communication efforts of mute giraffes to the question of the existence of God it was an entertaining and enlightening evening.

By the way, Eddie claims that not all the information on his Wikipedia page is correct, but he didn't say which facts were false and he has refrained from making corrections. See what you think.

Eddie Izzard plays the Union Square Theatre through March 8th. For the remaining dates and tickets visit TicketMaster.

For more information about Eddie or future events, visit http://www.eddieizzard.com./

Insider Tips:

• Many people come into the city to see a specific performance. However, if you happen to be in the metropolitan area and are looking for something to do, you may be surprised by what you discover. Here are some good sites to start with:
  
  City Search - http://www.citysearch.com/
  NYC Tourist - http://www.nyctourist.com/
  NYC Visit - http://www.nycvisit.com/
  Smartix - http://www.smartix.com/
  Ticket Master - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
  Or pick up a copy of Time Out New York http://www.timeout.com/
  


• El Cantinero is a great place for a cheap date especially on Mondays for their all-you-can-eat night. Make sure to read the all-you-can-eat rules at the bottom of the menu. They're good for a hoot. "It is all you can eat, not all you can waste."

Celebrating away from the crowds

If you are like me and the loud, raucous crowds of Time Square seem a bit overwhelming, you might opt for a different kind of New Year's celebration.

My boyfriend (my BF) and I spent this New Year's having a very romantic meal at the River Room which is located at 145th Street and Riverside Drive. Far from the screaming party goers of midtown, this upper west side venue is sharp and elegant. The amazing view of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge is definitely worth traveling the few extra blocks.

The special prefix New Year's menu created by Executive Chef Idris Muhammad included some Cajun favorites along with some exquisite holiday fair. The most popular item on the menu was of course the lobster, a luxurious dish that melted in your mouth and made you want to savor every single bite. The deconstructed banana split that was offered as dessert was a surprising dish that perfectly balanced sweet and salty. At $95 a person (not including drinks or tip) the three course meal was a little expensive for me and my BF, but it was only part of the experience.

Live jazz with a Caribbean twist enlivened the ambiance and soon had happy couples swinging and swaying on the small dance floor.

My only criticism of the evening was that service was slow. The staff seemed overburdened by the holiday crowd, but they kept up their spirits and were friendly despite the demands of the full house.

A champagne toast at New Year's followed by more dancing and drinking was a lovely way to say goodbye to 2007 and ring in 2008.

A lovely spot for anyone looking to have a romantic meal with one of the best views in Manhattan, the River Room is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday - Sunday with live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays. For hours and menus check out their website at http://www.theriverroomofharlem.com/.