Clued In New York – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to Manhattan
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In focus: Bad Roman – June 2023
Things are beginning to happen here again. The opening of a new restaurant has been a rare thing of late, and there just hasn’t been much to report on. That’s why we’re so pleased to recommend a newcomer to the dining scene: Bad Roman. For those travelers who are familiar with the Quality Branded restaurant group, this is one of theirs. The decidedly over-the-top plating and wild interior designs remind us of the style of the Big Mamma Group restaurants in London. That means we were already disposed to love it even before eating there. Top notch ingredients define their Italian cuisine and bring justice to the place. It’s sudden popularity means that it’s not easy to get a reservation, but you should try anyway. Open Table automatically opens up reservations for Bad Roman at midnight three weeks prior. The fastest clickers will be rewarded. It’s located on the third floor of 10 Columbus Circle.
In focus: NY’s Museum of Modern Art – March 2023
There are modern art museums all over the world and some are just not that great. This one is the exception, and is an important, major museum. Located right in mid-town at 11 West 53rd Street, it’s also easy to get to. Some of the best reasons to visit MOMA are often their highly unusual temporary installations. Currently, there’s one by artist Georgia O’Keeffe. While best known for her flower paintings, she also excelled at works in charcoal, pencil, watercolor, and pastel. This special exhibition actually features O’Keeffe’s working methods. You’ll see how she reworked the same subject matters over and over, transforming them as she did. These pieces from the 1930s and ‘40s are amazing but won’t be at MOMA long. If it peaks your interest or if you just crave truly great modern art masterpieces, reserve a convenient timed-entry ticket here.
Airport transfer fees and taxi fares increase – February 2023
Anyone purchasing our Clued In New York ebook previous to this announcement should note the change in prices listed for getting to and from the airports. For arrivals at JFK Intl. Airport, see the new listing is below. We are currently working to update all of the fares for airport transfers and will republish on Amazon in the coming days to reflect this.
For around $87: Taxi flat fare of $70 plus bridge tolls, assorted fees, and tip.
For around $14: AirTrain’s Metrocard fare of $9 to the Long Island Railroad’s (LIRR) shuttle service in Queens for another $5. This new “Madison” line pulls right into Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal near 47th Street.
For around $12: AirTrain’s Metrocard fare of $9 to the subway in Queens for another $2.75 with continuing service to Manhattan,
For around $60 to $100: Use an online car service; NYC has both Lyft, Uber, and Carmel.
For free: Complimentary Hotel Shuttle Vans can be made available if you are lucky enough to have been offered one by your hotel.
In focus: The brand new Madison train line – February 2023
When other websites are touting where to eat on Valentine’s Day, we’ve decided to go in a different direction due to some wonderful news regarding airport transfers in and out of NYC. Okay –not terribly romantic perhaps but important for your wallet. Let us explain…
Since the pandemic, those convenient and affordable coach-style buses that ran every few minutes from spots in Manhattan to JFK International Airport understandably vanished. Now it’s three years later and they have not returned. This means that all travelers have to take a very expensive taxi or Uber for around $80 to $100, or take the short AirTrain ride to an area of Queens to catch the subway which was cheap but not safe –especially with all your luggage!
All that changed last week with the grand opening of the new Madison Train Line created by the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). It takes travelers from Grand Central Terminal in midtown to connect directly with the AirTrain which runs the JFK terminals. The total price is around $13 in either direction. And bypassing all that traffic means it’s fast too. The $11 billion project included putting a new entrance on Madison Avenue as well as making this line conveniently connected inside to the rest of Grand Central. So fancy! It’s the biggest LIRR expansion in a century. Check this website for hours and details.
By the way, for those travelers who thought the AirTrain was one of those rail lines that whisked visitors from JFK to Manhattan, that is incorrect. The AirTrain is (and has always been) a short-route ‘loop’ that connects the airport terminals to a section of Queens that is not far from the airport itself. Now it has something viable to connect to!
Pastry obsession solved – New York City- January 2023
There’s nothing that can fill a cold, empty feeling in the tummy like pastry… really good pastry. It’s true that our local obsession with it switches around depending on the season, but right now it lies firmly with Maz-eh-dah Bakery at 28 Greenwich Avenue in Manhattan. The incredible assortment, and especially the custard-filled donut, offers their clientele a mind-blowing bakery experience. Opens early everyday.
The truth about Christmas Day in Manhattan – December 2022
If you had the good taste to choose New York City for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Sunday, December 25 when most of the city’s sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. New Yorkers typically have the day off from work to spend time at home with loved ones. The Manhattan restaurants that will be open and happily serving seem to be on the increase lately, a fabulous thing for locals who don’t observe it or simply don’t like to cook. While the dining choices are not at all shabby, they do come with a price and get booked up quickly. That means you may have to be strategic and plan ahead…
1) If you want to be served a nice meal and don’t mind paying a premium price, book your table now. Our favorite restaurant Red Farm is open that day and happily serves its regular menu. 2) In midtown, the gorgeous Saint Patrick’s Cathedral will be celebrating Mass at many times during the day with no ticket required so check the link above for the exact schedule. 3) If you like shopping, the Holiday Shops at Winter Village will be open on December 25 inside Bryant Park. 4) You can go for an uncrowded view from the top of the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock as both will be open that day as well. 5) Stroll past the Christmas window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue without the usual crowds! 6) The city’s two outdoor ice rinks will be open, one in Central Park and one at Rockefeller Center. 7) The Rockettes will be performing that day at Radio City Music Hall, and many Broadway shows will also be welcoming audiences in. 8) Be out and about after twilight too; slowly but surely other folks will begin to fill the streets and it’s actually quite fun. Merry Christmas!
In Focus: Ice Skating in NYC – November 2022
Most people know about the small ice rink at Rockefeller Center because it’s world famous. But we prefer the larger Wollman Rink in Central Park, which is situated just off Fifth Avenue near 65th Street. It’s behind the Central Park Zoo so you can’t see it from the street. It is glorious somehow, with both trees and skyscrapers all around you as you skate. Are you just visiting here and and not packing those old ice skates? Not a problem…they have a large indoor rental service right there on the property. (Their season runs from late October through the first Sunday in April.)
Enjoy a fall visit to the Neue Galerie – October 2022
Whether you’ve seen the Helen Mirren film, The Woman in Gold or not, don’t miss a chance to visit Manhattan’s fabulous Neue Galerie on the upper east side. Inside, like a shining star, is the famous Klimt painting from that film and she is stunning. After being stolen by the Nazi’s and then later displayed at Vienna’s Belvedere art museum, it is now permanently at the Neue. This is thanks to her niece who fought for the right for it to come to NYC, as well as to philanthropist Ronald Lauder who paid $135 million specifically so it could be here. And the sausages at the museum’s lovely Café Sabarsky are absolutely delicious.
Visit real speakeasy bars with a knowledgeable guide – September 2022
You might not have considered taking a night tour while you’re away from your daily grind but it’s a fun way to learn about New York’s fascinating past. This one will undoubtedly become a cherished memory. Our friends at Alex’s Tours know just where to go so that you can experience prohibition era speakeasies, secret taverns, and the famous bars that have survived the decades. An award winning cocktail is included and you can purchase additional beverages if you desire. Here’s a handy link to his informative nighttime tour that’s held in the historic lower east side neighborhood of Manhattan. Just book it through the website calendar. Details about other speakeasies in Manhattan can be found in our Clued In New York book.
Climb on the outside of a skyscraper – August 2022
If you’re coming to New York and have nerves of steal, don’t miss this new, ultimate heart-pounding experience. Our friends at City Climb will literally hook you up and let you go. They boast the highest open-air building ascents in the world where climbers can now scale the outside of a Manhattan skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground. It’s an adventure unlike any other and will be an achievement that you’ll remember forever. Quick tip: If you can’t stand to look at the photos they’ve posted then you may not be ready for this adventure. If you are, you can book it right on their website. Good luck.
Where to have a delicious lunch on the cheap – July 2022
No, we’re not going to send you for a pizza slice somewhere… you can figure that out by yourself. We’re thinking along the lines of a deli; an Italian deli to be specific. The best one in town. Centrally located in the Chelsea neighborhood, Pisillo Italian Panini will provide you with a lunch that’s delicious and filling but won’t break the bank. The hoagies (as we New Yorkers call them) are giant and cannot be eaten by one person. This means that their $16.00 price tag is really only $8.00 or less per person. If you want to spend less than that here in NYC, you will have to go find that pizza slice! Pisillo is open daily until 4pm and located at 124 West 25th Street.
Visit something special that’s probably off your radar – June 2022
This month, all of our City-Extras will highlight an awesome local sight that you’ve probably never heard of. (If you have, kudos to you!) In New York City that has to be the ultra-historic Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan. Since its opening in 1762, this tavern has been the place where important events surrounding the Revolutionary War took place. The infamous Sons of Liberty group regularly held their meetings here. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton also dined here just one week before their duel.
Fraunces Tavern is one of the top spots for true Americana in NYC. Originally built as a private residence in 1719, it was turned into a tavern and has remained so ever since. It is open everyday until late and offers visitors dining, a bar room, an upstairs piano bar, and a small museum room. Don’t miss the Happy Hour oysters!
Visit the Met Museum’s reopening of its Costume Institute – May 2022
This anthology of fashion is titled In America and takes a deep look at what has defined American fashion through the years. Opening to the public on May 7, it features truly amazing finds from the cape worn by George Washington at his inauguration to the actual jacket that Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated. Presented in rooms that display a decidedly more theatrical style than we have seen here before, this exhibit is extremely visual and a lot of fun. Pertinent info can be found at the website above. Don’t miss it!
Easter Treats abound at Manhattan’s “Stick With Me” – April 2022
As the holiday approaches, so does the need for new sweets. If you want to go lux this year, head over to the fabulous candy shop called Stick With Me. This place will solve all of your gifting challenges albeit for a price. Homemade bonbons in unexpected gourmet flavors like Bananas Foster, Black Sesame, Cassis, and Passion Fruit taste as good as they look. The candymaker was a pastry chef before turning her passion to chocolates, and none of her artistic skill has gone to waste. They also offers delicate caramels and fudge wrapped in clear twisted cellophane. Don’t miss this place! Open daily from noon to 7pm at 202 Mott Street, NYC – Telephone 646-918-6336
Need a good reason to come to NYC? – February 2022
We have just the one! Elton John will be bringing his final tour to New York’s Madison Square Garden amphitheater this month. Be part of history as the famed musician winds down his long career with live performances of his chart-topping, original songs. Grab your tickets here as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. This is definitely a once in a lifetime event.
Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime – January 2022
You might not think so right now, but travel will be returning in a big way and those who plan now will reap the benefits. As the pandemic fades, try to be one of the first to make a trip to New York and enjoy it in a blissfully uncrowded way. Try making a detailed yet fluid itinerary without precise dates. Pencil in the days of the week only, noting which of your preferred sights are closed on Sundays or Mondays, etc. This will give you a basic framework on which to build your dream journey.
The more you can plan beforehand, the better it will be. At Clued In Travel Books we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Dinner reservations are especially likely to fill up if not made in advance. As for the best sights, well, these must be booked ahead (due to the requirements of contactless service.) And with absolutely everyone now booking ahead, these too are more likely to sell out.
Travelers visiting our particular website probably understand this so we won’t beat a dead horse. If you are the type of traveler who likes to go somewhere with no plans or reservations in order to just see where fate takes you, we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”
So, grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a city you knew nothing about is suddenly as familiar as can be. It’s almost magical.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
The folks here at Clued In Travel Books wish you and yours a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with lots of love and lots of food. If you avoid conversations about religion, politics, and mask mandates you’ll be just fine! Let’s hope we get back to some normalcy in 2022, especially in regard to travel. It’s what we live for.
All the best to all of you, Dean & Andie
Our brand new edition for 2022 has arrived – December 2021
Some things have changed in New York, but much has stayed the same. We’ worked hard on finishing our brand new version of Clued In New York for 2022. If you’re curious about it, use the link above to see the current product page. Enjoy!
An Effortless Thanksgiving in Manhattan – November 2021
Most of us cooked our own meal for Thanksgiving last year (for obvious reasons.) This is not necessarily the norm in New York City; many New Yorkers like to enjoy an upscale holiday meal at one of the city’s great restaurants. As a visitor, this would be a necessity. So for all you travelers to NYC this year (on the holiday or otherwise!) we must mention the exquisite culinary experience that awaits you at Lincoln Ristorante. Yes, it usually serves up incredible Italian food but it not limited in this way on Thanksgiving.
Centrally located at Lincoln Center near Broadway and 65th Street, we can honestly say that Lincoln is one of our all-time favorite restaurants in the world. It is where we spent our Thanksgiving right before the pandemic hit. Obviously, reservations are necessary so give them a call at 212-359-6500. Bon appetit!
Summer Happenings / July 2021
There have not been many major events in New York City lately, but the ones that are here are hard to miss and positively worth mentioning. The Natural History Museum (AMNH) at 86th Street and Central Park West has just opened a new exhibit in their gems wing and it’s a winner! With its 2,000 permanent specimens of gems and jewelry, this wing was already great. Add to that a temporary exhibit titled Beautiful Creatures and a visit is definitely in order. Check out the current safety details right there on their website.
“Opening in the new Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, Beautiful Creatures showcases exquisite historic and contemporary jewelry inspired by the animal kingdom.”
In Focus: Central Park/ June 2021
C’mon, is there any park cooler than Manhattan’s Central Park? We can’t think of any. Maybe we’re just partial to it. But whatever the case we thought we’d share some of its great spots to visit in summer. This whopping 843-acre 19th-century park was once nothing more than rocks and dry brush and today can be boasted that it’s completely man made. Completely. It was designed, planted, and created by Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Here are our favorite spots to visit: romantic Belvedere Castle, the lakeside Boat House, the (Conservatory Water) remote-controlled boat pond, the fancy Conservatory Gardens, the relaxing frog pond, the C.P. Zoo, and last but definitely not least, Bethesda Fountain. We hope you’ll see them all! Print out a Central Park map and take it with you… it really helps keep you from inadvertently going in circles.
We’re back! May 2021
Clued In cities all over the place are beginning to come back to life. Because of all the recent positive changes, we have just updated our travel books to be current for summer 2021. We will continue to update them as things change further. In anticipation of future travel, we welcome you back to New York and to the world!
Taxi Clues for NYC / March 2020
Since some travelers are looking to avoid crowds and mass transit this spring, we’re providing at-a-glace info regarding official taxi cabs in the Big Apple. While not as inexpensive, a taxi will make you feel more confident and get you where you’re going in style. And if your party is more than a single rider, it can be a great value. Just budget it in!
- Official NYC taxis are yellow. Don’t hire unauthorized drivers to take you anywhere.
- Only taxis with their center roof light numbers lit are available for hire. Don’t hail one with its roof light off unless you want everyone to know you are a tourist.
- If you are having trouble finding one that is available, go where taxis go. This could be the nearest hotel or hot spot and wait your turn in their active taxi queue.
- Tips are expected but don’t need to be more than a dollar or two (within the city). If you’re taking a taxi to or from the airport, the driver’s tip should be at least 15% of the total fare, especially if he/she assists with any luggage.
- A maximum of four people are allowed in a yellow cab, although a child 7 or under may sit on someone’s lap. Due to space constraints, the fourth person will have to sit in front with the driver.
- NYC also offers Uber, Via-Car, and Lyft
AROUND TOWN:
- Within the city the rates are $2.50 initial charge, plus 50 cents per 1/5 mile, 50 cents MTA State Surcharge, 30 cents Improvement Surcharge, 50 cents overnight surcharge 8pm to 6am, a $1.00 rush hour surcharge from 4pm to 8pm on weekdays, excluding holidays, plus a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50
- The good news? There is no extra charge for more than one passenger, your luggage, or paying with a credit card. The on-screen rate message should read: “Rate #01 – Standard City Rate.”
- Make sure to always take your receipt in case you leave something in the cab!
- Green Taxis operate locally and pick up in areas north of 116th Street.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
- Trips between the LGA Airport are charged the standard metered fare.
- Trips between Manhattan and the JFK Airport charge a fixed rate of $52. plus 50 cents MTA State Surcharge, 30 cents Improvement Surcharge, a $4.50 rush hour surcharge (4pm to 8pm weekdays, excluding legal holidays, any road tolls, plus a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50. We know, it’s ridiculous.
- Trips between Manhattan and the EWR Airport charge the standard metered fare plus a $17.50 Newark Surcharge, 30 cents Improvement Surcharge, plus road tolls… and will include the drivers’ return tolls too. The on-screen rate message should read “Rate #3 – Newark Airport.”
Our Manhattan NTK / February 2020
Every so often, we like to add a Need-to-Know for our favorite cities. With a new year and new decade upon us, it’s time to mention a seasonal pastime that has all of New York talking! Bumper Cars on Ice is back again this year in mid-town’s Bryant Park but will end on February 28th. That means you need to book by February 9th if you want to get reserved tickets! Slide, spin, and laugh your day away with this unique diversion. So fun!
Treat yourself to a totally amazing pie – January 2020
We’ll be adding this humble pie shop to the “Treats” section of our next edition but since that’s a ways off, we just had to tell our readers about it right now. Peete’s Pies on the Lower East Side of Manhattan (and in Brooklyn too) is definitely our latest obsession. Their homemade pies are all butter and taste better than any we have ever had. Voted best pies in New York state, it’s clearly not just us that thinks so! The pecan-enhanced crumble on their Pear Crumble Pie is simply to die for and is our current favorite, but everything they make is divine and worth a trip downtown. Trust us on this one.
Where to enjoy an amazing holiday dinner – December 2019
We love having a meal with a festive menu at holiday time, and for a very cool one, head uptown to Harlem and savor some hearty soul food at Red Rooster (owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson.) This is the perfect place to eat good food without the “stuffy” atmosphere of those expensive hotel restaurants in mid-town. Red Rooster is offering both an a la carte menu and a prix fix family-style menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here’s a sampling of their prix fix dishes:
Housemade cornbread with pumpkin butter / Jerk Short Ribs or Roasted Branzino / Cheesy grits, collard greens, or garlic mashed potatoes with chives / Chocolate cake with pistachios or cranberry gateau
See the Met Museum as never before – November 2019
Our friends at Viator are now offering a fabulous “Empty Met” opportunity! You can now take a special guided tour and see its best treasures before the museum opens. No lines to get in, no crazy ticket queues, and no crowds! This is how true enthusiasts should see The Metropolitan Museum, the largest art museum in the world. Fantastic! Click here for more information.
Halloween party-time in New York City – October 2019
Our recommendations for NYC in autumn usually include gallery openings or new restaurants, but our new series of “Bored In” travel books have inspired us to go in a spookier direction this year. While the creepiest thing in Manhattan is probably just walking through the garment district late at night, there are some fun Halloween parties going on. The biggest one is held at on the west side of Manhattan in midtown. Yes, it’s the huge Monster Ball, where ghouls can dance and party until 5am. If you want to attend this costumed event, you’ll need to book your tickets as soon as possible at their official website here. You can choose either regular admission or a VIP spot that includes alcohol. (Note that the ball takes place on Saturday, October 26th this year.) Happy Halloween!
It’s the start of the social season in NYC – September 2019
There’s a lot going on in this so-called capital of the world, so if you’re planning to visit during the fall season, snag a ticket soon for the famed Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center beginning on September 23rd. Whether you’re an opera fan or not, a performance in this impressive opera house should definitely be on your bucket list, and they offer so many different performances that there’s definitely something for everyone. As of this posting there are still seats available this month and next.
In addition, legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld will be performing stand-up at the Beacon Theatre (on the Upper West Side) on September 20, October 25, October 26 and November 22. As of this posting, tickets are still available. Check the Beacon’s website for more info.
Yes, bliss can be found for free in NYC – August 2019
NYC’s annual Yoga in Bryant Park (Sixth Avenue at 42nd Street) continues through the month of August. This is a huge free event that you can join just by showing up with your mat. The one hour classes have different instructors throughout the event which are held on Tuesday mornings at 10am on the upper terrace, and also on Thursday evenings at 6pm right on the lawn. All levels are welcome so come find your inner peace among the trees and skyscrapers!
In focus: Fraunces Tavern – July 2019
While writing about the famous Tolbooth Tavern on our City-Extras page for Edinburgh, we got to thinking about New York’s oldest: the Fraunces Tavern. It is very famous to locals but not as well known to visitors. We think it’s worth the trip downtown for its historical significance as well as just to down a few pints of lager. Ever wonder where General George Washington gave his formal farewell to the officers of the Continental Army? It was right here in 1783. There’s even a famous engraving of the event. You’ll find Fraunces Tavern where it’s been since 1719 (making it 300 years old) at 54 Pearl Street at the corner of Broad Street. It is New York’s oldest surviving building. There’s now an adjoining museum too.
Start of the ballet season – May 2019
The famed American Ballet Theatre company will once again take over the gorgeous Metropolitan Opera House with performances from May 13 to July 6. Classic favorites and new premieres will be featured and you can still snag a good seat if you book now. Never been to a real ballet performance? Give it a try; you’ll be very surprised. Visit their website for all the current offerings and seasonal calendar. Feeling fancy? Their special Gala performance is scheduled for the evening of May 20th.
Update as of April 21, 2019:
The NYC subway monthly Metrocard fee was raised from $121 to $127. Traveler/readers purchasing our Clued In New York after April 22 already have this corrected information.
In Focus: Where to brunch in New York City – April 2019
April and May bring better weather and moderate temperatures to the Northeast so why not make a celebration of it by enjoying a really delicious brunch… in Manhattan that means a leisurely couple of hours with friends and loved ones at the Clinton Street Baking Company. This charming cafe on the lower east side is unassuming but packs a wallop when it comes to the food! Try their spectacular blueberry pancakes or chicken with waffles and feel stuffed until dinnertime. Book ahead through their website, get your name on the waitlist, and then stroll the historic neighborhood while you wait for your table-is-ready text!
In Focus: Dog Show – February 2019
For a completely different experience in New York in February, there’s nothing better (or more unusual) than an evening at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the famed Madison Square Garden indoor super-arena. This huge televised event is held over two consecutive nights with judging of different breed groups on each. You can buy tickets for one or both starting at $40, and can find out which breeds are scheduled at the website below. If you’ve never been in an arena with 20,000 dog enthusiasts, let us tell you it’s a trip. Held this year on February 11 & 12: See the dogs!
Where to shop the sales – January 2019
Like many cities across the U.S., New York puts its best designer items on sale after the holidays and begins presenting its spring collections. If you’re visiting New York in January and have the urge to do some shopping (or just want to come home with one really special item) now is the time. The most famous shopping streets in New York are Fifth Avenue (between 50th and 59th Streets) and Madison Avenue (between 59th and 72nd Streets.) These two shopping avenues run north/south on the city’s East Side, not far from Central Park. For those who are unfamiliar with Manhattan, this means that the best shopping can be found right in the city center, not far from most of its famous museums. This may be helpful to know even if you don’t plan on hitting the boutiques… being aware of this type of location also tells you precisely where a city’s most desirable neighborhoods are. That’s usually where you’ll also find some of the best hotels, and some top-notch restaurants too.
New Year’s Eve in New York City – December 2018
If you’ll be one of the thousands coming to New York for New Year’s Eve, you’ll probably end up in Times Square. This is a travel destination that many have on their bucket lists and hope to do at least once. The problem with this particular celebration is two-fold: NYC is always very cold on December 31 and has been known to hit the below zero mark; it’s also so popular, that to gain entrance to the main part of the square (which is free) you have to go there at least six hours early. No bathrooms, no heaters, no freedom to move about because all the entrances to the area are controlled by the NYPD. You can’t run in and out to get a coffee or more handwarmers. If you have this kind of perseverance than good for you– you might even be seen on TV! If something a bit calmer is needed, don’t worry. There are many places that celebrate, including top restaurants like Hakkasan which will be offering a prix fixe menu. If you want to get dressed up and spend some real money, grab a reservation for dinner and dancing at the Rainbow Room located on the 65th floor of 30 Rock. Wherever you end up, treat yourself to an award-winning brunch the next day at Norma’s on West 56th Street. Check out their incredible menu here.
Autumn In New York – November 2018
If you’ll be one of the clever travelers coming to NYC before the onslaught of visitors who descend upon it for Christmas and New Year’s then good for you. You may not have the opportunity to spend your actual holiday in the Big Apple, but you’ll get a taste of what this incredible city is really like for its local residents. Why not try for a table at the fabulous restaurant, Buddakan or finally see the musical, The Book of Mormon ? Both will make for great memories. We welcome you to our city and hope you’ll grab a copy of Clued In New York. It has info not found in other guides which is exactly why it stands apart from the rest!
In Focus: Halloween – October 2018
NYC is famous for its huge, free-participation Halloween Parade and this year promises to have temperatures that are 15 degrees warmer than usual. That’s a real plus, especially for those sexier skimpy costumes. If you plan on being in Manhattan on Wednesday, October 31, be sure to pack a costume and join the fun. This year’s theme is “I Am A Robot” but all styles of costume are welcome. (Only persons in costume may join in the parade.) Enter the procession at 6th Avenue and Canal Street between 6:30 pm and 8:30pm to show off your look to the thousands that watch from the sidewalks. You will have the time of your life!
Dining Update – September 2018
We’ve discovered another restaurant that’s worthy of our “food made with love” standard. It will be included in the soon-to-be-unveiled 2019 edition of Clued In New York but as usual we can’t wait because we’re too excited for our readers to know about it. It’s called Maison Pickle and is a kind of southern meets French-American cuisine. Whatever it is, it’s delicious! The portions are huge, the ingredients fresh, and the menu offers something for everyone in your party. Their website doesn’t do it justice but here it is anyway. Their twenty-four layer chocolate cake is our new reason for living.
In Focus: September Happenings – September 2018
We simply adore “Broadway Week.” It’s a Buy-One Get-One-Free ticket event and it’s coming up soon. If you’re heading to the Big Apple between September 3-16, go online and purchase two for one tickets to a Broadway show! Once the participating shows are announced on August 15, Ticketmaster will provide direct links to purchase some of these special tickets. Just use code BWAYWK before check-out. Shows not handled by Ticketmaster will be listed for purchase through Telecharge after the announcement at NYCgo.com.
Hint: Based on past experience, Ticketmaster will probably offer Aladdin, Frozen, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Wicked. The shows offered through nycgo.com will probably be A Bronx Tale, Anastasia, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Chicago, The Children, Farinelli and the King, Hello, Dolly!, John Lithgow: Stories by Heart, Latin History for Morons, Once on This Island, The Parisian Woman, Phantom of the Opera, and School of Rock. If you’re wondering about Hamilton being a participant in Broadway Week, the answer is yes, when hell freezes over.
In Focus: Casablanca Hotel, NYC – July 2018
This summer we’re featuring some of our favorite hotels and in Manhattan that means the Casablanca Hotel. Their motto is generous hospitality but we think that’s an understatement. Not only does this charming place make you feel like you’re staying inside someone’s grand home, the complimentary offerings are many. A sumptuous breakfast, evening wine and cheese, WiFi, bottled water, concierge services, all-day coffee, cookies and fruit, comfortable beds, and in-room DVD player & library are some of what you can expect. This is a very rare thing in New York City. Once inside, the bustling city seems to simply slip away and you’ll have a hard time believing you’re just sixty feet from Times Square!
In Focus: To bike or not to bike – June 2018
Okay, you’re planning a New York visit (or are already there) and you’re curious about bike rentals. This is perfectly understandable, especially considering the crazy traffic and weaving taxis of Manhattan. We actually think it’s a super-fun thing to do and heartily recommend it. Here’s why:
You can rent a bike from the inexpensive and very reputable bike service BikeRent NYC right at the 59th Street/ Fifth Avenue entrance of Central Park. This means that you and your loved ones don’t even have to get near the traffic. Central Park is huge and has miles of paths for you to speed along with the wind at your back. Helmets and locks come-with for free so you’ll be able to stash your bike whenever you want an take advantage of some of the beautiful things to see there. We simply love the Bathesda Fountain! Give it a try… just dress comfortably, and “work off” that glorious Red Farm dinner from the night before. (Skip the horse carriage ride because it’s boring, you can’t see the horse when you’re in the carriage, it’s too quick, it’s super expensive, and it’s cruel for the horses.) Go biking instead.
May update: Awaiting your upcoming trip
If you’re like us, you like to think about your travel almost as much as doing it! For those dreamers and planners, we thought we’d take a moment to introduce you to our favorite live viewers, Skyline Webcams. Through their terrific website, we’ve watched everything from the New Year’s celebration at Times Square to the traffic jams in midtown. You just never know what you’re going to see. You might just get inspired to travel somewhere you’ve never even considered, like Malta where Skyline actually has an underwater live cam checking out all those fish! So fun.
In Focus: Hunting for Pasticcini in NYC – April 2018
We know, we know… there are suddenly Eataly stores everywhere now, even in Florence, Italy! But at Manhattan’s downtown location something very special is happening. Head Pastry Chef Katia Delogu is creating teensy-weensy Italian pastries and desserts that are simply beautiful. Even though these “pasticcini” (as they are called) are bite-sized, no exception has been taken in regard to using only the finest Italian and American ingredients. They are simply delicious! Go and discover them yourself at the Eataly attached to the new Oculus transportation hub. (There are a few at the Flatiron location too, but not many.) Open daily from 7am to 11pm: 4 World Trade Center (101 Liberty Street) 3rd floor, Downtown Manhattan – 212-897-2895
In Focus: Cathedral of St. John the Divine – March 2018
Many visitors to New York City have no idea that on Manhattan’s upper, upper west side (at 110th St. and Amsterdam Avenue) there’s a stonemason’d Gothic/Romanesque Revival cathedral that is the second largest in the world, surpassed only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Needless to say, St. John the Divine is totally worth a visit and is easily accessible by subway or taxi from midtown. The immensity of its interior must be seen to be believed and is awe inspiring, especially when one considers that it has been being built stone by stone the old fashioned way and is still being built as we speak! For something different, check it out and don’t miss the huge pipe organ. Admission is free, and Marlow Bistro (just opposite) is a great place to stop for an upscale lunch while you’re in the area.
In Focus: The Chinese New Year takes Manhattan – February 2018
If you’re visiting New York City in late February this year, don’t miss the exotic and colorful Chinese New Year Parade & Festival. On February 25 from 1pm to 5pm, downtown’s Chinatown neighborhood will rock with spectacle. The parade will start on Canal Street and continue on Mott Street and then over to Broome Street. Viewing is free, as is the neighborhood festival. Meal suggestions are our specialty so here are a few for that day: Chinese Tuxedo (expensive), or 456-Shanghai (cheap). Both are delicious! Or, you could simply head up to the West Village and have an early supper at our favorite, Red Farm on Hudson Street. Gong hei fat choy and Gong she fa tsai!
Update for the Met Museum – February 2018
There will be change in the admission policy at New York’s famed Metropolitan Museum of Art which is our #1 sight recommendation in Clued In New York. Beginning in March 2018, their forty year policy of allowing visitors to “pay what they want” for admission will be replaced with a mandatory fixed amount of $25 (unless you can show proof of local residency in the tri-state area.) The full price ticket will be good for entry for three days in a row. Revisions to the Clued In New York ebook are underway and will be reflected in books purchased from February onward.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from New York City 2017!
Enjoy a spectacular holiday season in New York. The giant Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is lit, the Broadway shows and the Met Opera are in full swing, New York City Ballet is presenting its delightful production of The Nutcracker with a full orchestra, and the Rockettes are kicking up their legs at the world famous Radio City Music Hall. Need some last minute gifts? The Big Apple’s huge department stores are decked out, and the city vibe is spirited everywhere you go. Want a delicious holiday meal? Our top pick, Red Farm, has two locations and you can snag a table there for a truly scrumptious meal on Christmas or New Year’s much easier than on regular days. And don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art –it will take your breath away. If you are heading to Times Square for the New Year’s Eve celebration, be sure to get there several hours early so you’re not too far back. We like the area closest to 45th Street. Tip: Choose a hotel in the central section of Manhattan to make your visit truly special.
In Focus: Your October NtK/ September – 2017
New York’s famous costumed parade on Halloween night in Greenwich Village hardly needs to be mentioned. If you have a costume, just join in by lining up anytime between 6:30pm and 9pm at Sixth Avenue and Canal Street… if you don’t have a costume, watch others vie for attention in this fun, memorable celebration. This year’s theme is “Cabinet of Curiosities.”
For something spooky but different, stop by Central Park’s Harlem Meer pond at Fifth avenue and 110th Street after 4pm on the Sunday before Halloween. The annual Pumpkin Flotilla could make your own jack o’lantern a star! And that’s your NYC October need-to-know.
Where to have breakfast when you don’t like anything near your hotel/ July 2017
Fried chicken on pancakes? You better believe it. And Maison Pickle (conveniently located on Manhattan’s upper west side) excels at this type of cooking. The best part? You can have a brunch quality experience any day of the week. Open M-F at 10am and Sat-Sun at 9am. Say Hi for us!
In Focus: Rooftop Bars/ May 2017
It never fails. In New York City, the month of May has simply glorious weather which inevitably brings a desire for us to be out on a rooftop somewhere. NYC has many great rooftop spots, each in their own way special and unique. This is why our 2018 Clued In New York edition will have an entire section dedicated the Rooftop Bars. For now, we want to recommend the one named after its own address: 230 FIFTH. They have both an indoor penthouse restaurant with a view, as well an outdoor garden area with umbrellas and heat lamps. It’s as if they’re determined to maintain an accessible rooftop area year round–and so they do. Granted, we would not recommend it during a blizzard. Two other rooftops that we love in-season are The Refinery and the Empire Hotel.
230 FIFTH is located at 27th Street in the flatiron district and they are one of the few places we have found that offer a true Happy Hour (on drinks AND food) from 4pm to 7pm. Just go!
In Focus: Special Event/ April 2017
The annual Tribeca Film Festival takes place in lower Manhattan from April 19 to April 30 and will once again bring celebrities and movie aficionados to the Big Apple. You too can be part of this wonderful event so visit their official website for more information.
Update: January 2017
We are pleased to announce the fabulous 2017 edition of Clued In New York, available only at Amazon.com… Boqueria is a new recommendation from our Manhattan team and is definitely worth a look. We just adore their bacon-wrapped, stuffed dates. Yum!
Our other new fav is the petite Greenwich Village restaurant Quality Eats. You will have a memorable meal there for sure– if you can get in. Reserve early exclusively through their website. We just love their bacon-peanut butter-jalapeno jelly appetizer.
Update: Fall 2016
Visitors to the Big Apple this fall will be among the first to discover and explore downtown’s newest spectacle: the Oculus transportation hub and shopping mall, which is just steps from the 911 Memorial and 1 World Trade Center. This enormous, winged-dove arcade is unusual to say the least, and is likely to impress even the booshiest New Yorker.
Clued In Travel Books 2023 