It's a little more than 24 hours before our shuttles start rolling down to Washington DC to take people to the Inauguration festivities. So far, we have had to rent 3 buses to give us more capacity. The demand has been huge. Lots of people want to go to Washington DC, but there are no trains, buses, or planes with seats left. We're apparently one of the few companies with seats still available to get from New York City to Washington DC for the Inauguration of President Obama.
I'm in DC right now, and the excitement is palpable. I've been in several hotels today, "making the rounds," and everywhere you go there are people getting dressed for their ball. I heard one woman say she was going to a "Soul Food Festival" that one of her old friends is throwing at their house.
The free concert today was a huge success. I haven't heard a count of how many people were there, but it sure looked like several hundred thousand.
Our tours and shuttles have been delayed with all the traffic (mostly pedestrian), but so far it's been better than we expected.
There are plenty of portable restrooms everywhere you go. All of the Smithsonian Museums, the Old Post Office, and the Reagan Visitors' Center are all open, all day, so there won't be any problem finding someplace to keep warm if you plan to be out on the mall all day.
Stay tuned for more information, as it becomes available.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Valentine’s Day in New York City
The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park (Two West St.; 212.344.0800)
Known for over the top extravagance, the Ritz-Carlton has previously featured Valentine’s Day packages for upwards of $850,000 (private jet, flawless diamond, butler and Bentley included), but for those of us with seemingly shallow pockets, the waterfront five star hotel has more reasonable alternatives. Their decadent Chocolate Bar, aptly located on the 14th floor, hosts a sumptuous gourmet buffet consisting of chocolate desserts, carnival-themed chocolate sculptures, bottomless champagne and some of the most spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. This romantic getaway is definitely worth the steep price-tag.
Romantic Dinner
One if By Land, Two if By Sea (17 Barrow St.; 212-255-8649) has been awarded "Most Romantic Restaurant in New York" by a number of dining experts. On Valentine’s Day your choice will result in a rich, succulent meal complemented by the soft glow of a fireplace and tunage provided by a baby grand piano. Aureole (34 E. 61st St.; 212.319.1660) is another great option in Manhattan’s Upper East Side which offers an exclusive aphrodisiac tasting menu on Valentine’s Day.
Carriage Ride in Central Park
For $34, you and your sweetheart could be driven through Central Park under a warm blanket in a carriage. What could possibly be more romantic on Valentine's Day?
Tiffany's (727 Fifth Avenue on 57th St. & Fifth Ave.)
“The best place in the world, where nothing bad can happen,” was the working mantra of Breakfast at Tiffany’s protagonist Holly Golightly, but for your loved one, it’s the truth. With thousands upon thousands of square feet iced in diamonds of every shape and facet, you’ve got nothing but options my friend. Lucky for you, Tiffany representatives are by your side helping you pick the perfect piece of bling. It’s hard to get it wrong when diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Flute Wine Bar (40 East 20th St. ; 212.529.7870)
Gramercy locale Flute is the perfect spot for cuddling with your Valentine. You can bask in the romantic ambiance set off by rows of champagne bottles reaching a dramatic ceiling, candle lit lounge, fireplaces and warm artwork. While you’re there, try one of their signature drinks like the Green Kimono (a sparkling melon cucumber martini) or Mambo King (a coconut lime martini). You could also opt for the traditional but always welcome, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne duo.
Champagne Limo Ride
Call up Onboard Tours and set up a private champagne limo ride around Manhattan while enjoying a gorgeous view of the city. We’ll take you to all the romantic hot spots and even plan your itinerary based on your preferences. Our New York City connoisseurs can recommend the best restaurants, sights and attractions for your romantic night on the town.
Empire State Building Observation Deck
It’s been done in “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle”, but to witness the majestic views from atop the Empire State Building alit on Valentines Day is a something you can’t see in movies. A quick whisk away to the 86th floor and small $26 fee later, you and your loved one will be greeted by the sparkling sights of New York City while standing quite literally on top of the world.
Known for over the top extravagance, the Ritz-Carlton has previously featured Valentine’s Day packages for upwards of $850,000 (private jet, flawless diamond, butler and Bentley included), but for those of us with seemingly shallow pockets, the waterfront five star hotel has more reasonable alternatives. Their decadent Chocolate Bar, aptly located on the 14th floor, hosts a sumptuous gourmet buffet consisting of chocolate desserts, carnival-themed chocolate sculptures, bottomless champagne and some of the most spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. This romantic getaway is definitely worth the steep price-tag.
Romantic Dinner
One if By Land, Two if By Sea (17 Barrow St.; 212-255-8649) has been awarded "Most Romantic Restaurant in New York" by a number of dining experts. On Valentine’s Day your choice will result in a rich, succulent meal complemented by the soft glow of a fireplace and tunage provided by a baby grand piano. Aureole (34 E. 61st St.; 212.319.1660) is another great option in Manhattan’s Upper East Side which offers an exclusive aphrodisiac tasting menu on Valentine’s Day.
Carriage Ride in Central Park
For $34, you and your sweetheart could be driven through Central Park under a warm blanket in a carriage. What could possibly be more romantic on Valentine's Day?
Tiffany's (727 Fifth Avenue on 57th St. & Fifth Ave.)
“The best place in the world, where nothing bad can happen,” was the working mantra of Breakfast at Tiffany’s protagonist Holly Golightly, but for your loved one, it’s the truth. With thousands upon thousands of square feet iced in diamonds of every shape and facet, you’ve got nothing but options my friend. Lucky for you, Tiffany representatives are by your side helping you pick the perfect piece of bling. It’s hard to get it wrong when diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Flute Wine Bar (40 East 20th St. ; 212.529.7870)
Gramercy locale Flute is the perfect spot for cuddling with your Valentine. You can bask in the romantic ambiance set off by rows of champagne bottles reaching a dramatic ceiling, candle lit lounge, fireplaces and warm artwork. While you’re there, try one of their signature drinks like the Green Kimono (a sparkling melon cucumber martini) or Mambo King (a coconut lime martini). You could also opt for the traditional but always welcome, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne duo.
Champagne Limo Ride
Call up Onboard Tours and set up a private champagne limo ride around Manhattan while enjoying a gorgeous view of the city. We’ll take you to all the romantic hot spots and even plan your itinerary based on your preferences. Our New York City connoisseurs can recommend the best restaurants, sights and attractions for your romantic night on the town.
Empire State Building Observation Deck
It’s been done in “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle”, but to witness the majestic views from atop the Empire State Building alit on Valentines Day is a something you can’t see in movies. A quick whisk away to the 86th floor and small $26 fee later, you and your loved one will be greeted by the sparkling sights of New York City while standing quite literally on top of the world.
NYC Underground Hot Spots
Café Select (212 Lafayette St. b/w Kenmare and Spring)
Open since last Fall, Café Select is surrounded by enormous buzz which is either a result of abundant wine flow or their acclaimed bratwurst. The Soho spot, creation of Serge Becker (The Box, La Esquina) not only boasts a $45 prix-fixe menu, it also offers a “bring your own wine” accommodations. The restaurant/bar also hosts a hipster underground 1920’s-esque boiler room in the basement. The up and coming secret spot comes equipped with a stealthy back door entrance; it doesn’t get much cooler than this.
Bacaro (136 Division St. b/w Orchard and Ludlow)
The location for a romantic date or wine filled evening, rustic Venetian bar Bacaro sets the perfect tone with exposed brick, candle lit, brick vaulted private dining and the warmth of fire, vino and possibly your date. The bar snacks aren’t exactly peanuts and pretzels either; instead, owner Frank DeCarlo lures in patrons with his delicious crostini, fried stuffed olives, mozzarella and marinated sardines.
The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd St.)
There’s no better view of the city than the romantic rooftop café that sits atop the Metropolitan Museum, where wine, art, hot foreign tourists, and vast views of Central Park unite on this fifth floor garden. It promises one of the most amazing drinking experiences you can find in the city, providing breath-taking views of the Manhattan skyline and sculpture installations that change seasonally.
Double Crown (316 Bowery at Bleecker)
The inspiration for this low-key retreat, 19th century British Colonialism in the Far East, lends to its transformation complete with soft lighting, Arabic arches, rosewood columns and intricate detailing. But the main attraction are the innovative creations in food and drinks. Favorites include Tandoori Foie Gras, coronation chicken tea sandwiches and jam cocktails made from spreadable fruit.
Terrior (413 East 12th Street, between First Avenue and Avenue A)
This East Village wine bar, brainchild of Grieco and Canora (of Insieme and Hearth) serves a multitude of wines along with mini Italian dishes like calamari salad, fried sage leaves with lamb sausage, and Parmesan dumpling soup. It also features a happy hour that serves up five wines for five bucks, a deal practically unheard of in New York City.
Sweetiepie (19 Greenwich Ave, b/w 10th St. & Christopher)
Ever wish your local absinthe getaway concurrently sold dessert? Lo and behold Greenwich restaurant Sweetiepie, an eclectic and peculiar mixture of dessert bar, restaurant and absinthe den all wrapped in one. The West Village spot is surrounded by a mysterious feminine aura which can be found chief in the whimsical décor like pink marble floors, mirrored walls and ceilings, and opulent deep red banquettes, oh and a giant golden birdcage available to seat six. With so much going on, you will naturally be ordering absinthe and indulging into one of the many sumptuous desserts like a twenty-scoop ice-cream sundae, the “Raspberry and Rose Petal Foole” or delightful silver dollar pancakes.
Open since last Fall, Café Select is surrounded by enormous buzz which is either a result of abundant wine flow or their acclaimed bratwurst. The Soho spot, creation of Serge Becker (The Box, La Esquina) not only boasts a $45 prix-fixe menu, it also offers a “bring your own wine” accommodations. The restaurant/bar also hosts a hipster underground 1920’s-esque boiler room in the basement. The up and coming secret spot comes equipped with a stealthy back door entrance; it doesn’t get much cooler than this.
Bacaro (136 Division St. b/w Orchard and Ludlow)
The location for a romantic date or wine filled evening, rustic Venetian bar Bacaro sets the perfect tone with exposed brick, candle lit, brick vaulted private dining and the warmth of fire, vino and possibly your date. The bar snacks aren’t exactly peanuts and pretzels either; instead, owner Frank DeCarlo lures in patrons with his delicious crostini, fried stuffed olives, mozzarella and marinated sardines.
The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd St.)
There’s no better view of the city than the romantic rooftop café that sits atop the Metropolitan Museum, where wine, art, hot foreign tourists, and vast views of Central Park unite on this fifth floor garden. It promises one of the most amazing drinking experiences you can find in the city, providing breath-taking views of the Manhattan skyline and sculpture installations that change seasonally.
Double Crown (316 Bowery at Bleecker)
The inspiration for this low-key retreat, 19th century British Colonialism in the Far East, lends to its transformation complete with soft lighting, Arabic arches, rosewood columns and intricate detailing. But the main attraction are the innovative creations in food and drinks. Favorites include Tandoori Foie Gras, coronation chicken tea sandwiches and jam cocktails made from spreadable fruit.
Terrior (413 East 12th Street, between First Avenue and Avenue A)
This East Village wine bar, brainchild of Grieco and Canora (of Insieme and Hearth) serves a multitude of wines along with mini Italian dishes like calamari salad, fried sage leaves with lamb sausage, and Parmesan dumpling soup. It also features a happy hour that serves up five wines for five bucks, a deal practically unheard of in New York City.
Sweetiepie (19 Greenwich Ave, b/w 10th St. & Christopher)
Ever wish your local absinthe getaway concurrently sold dessert? Lo and behold Greenwich restaurant Sweetiepie, an eclectic and peculiar mixture of dessert bar, restaurant and absinthe den all wrapped in one. The West Village spot is surrounded by a mysterious feminine aura which can be found chief in the whimsical décor like pink marble floors, mirrored walls and ceilings, and opulent deep red banquettes, oh and a giant golden birdcage available to seat six. With so much going on, you will naturally be ordering absinthe and indulging into one of the many sumptuous desserts like a twenty-scoop ice-cream sundae, the “Raspberry and Rose Petal Foole” or delightful silver dollar pancakes.
Poker Face
Despite popular myth, poker dens are not dead and gone, instead they have raised their stakes with posh locales like the new and very legal might I add, card lounge Club which ups the ante from your usual less than mediocre poker pad.
Although small, Club promises all the makings of an authentic card game; chips, witty dealer, nine-player tournament table, and Grade-A bar complete with cocktail waitress. For $12 bucks a pop, you can buy-in for a riveting game of Hold ‘Em and spend the rest of the night collecting chips from your adversaries (or vice versa). By the end of the night, your chip count is recorded for future purpose (the higher your count, the lower your future buy-ins) and who knows, you might even advance to the championship tournament in March. And you thought Vegas was the only place to show your cards.
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