Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Black List Project

The Black List Project might sound like a clandestine mafia association, but don’t let the sharp name fool you. The mastermind of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Elvis Mitchell, The Black List Project is actually a personal documentary which follows a journey into what being black in America is really about. Among the sounds and sights in the film are infamous names in literature, entertainment, sports and education including the likes of Serena Williams, Chris Rock, Colin Powell, Toni Morrison, Russell Simmons, Al Sharpton, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, and Sean Combs. Photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders captures twenty-five striking portraits which will be presented at the Brooklyn Museum now through March 29, 2009.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Inauguration Express

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.

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.

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.

Poker Face

(Club at Grand Opening; Doors Open Jan. 9, 139 Norfolk St b/w Rivington & Stanton)

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.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Ice Skating In New York City

The Pond at Bryant Park (Bryant Park, b/w 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave; October 25, 2008 through January 25, 2009)
Seaport Ice (Pier 17, South St. and Fulton St.; November 28-February 28, 2009; Open Daily, 10:00a.m.-10:00p.m.)
Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink (Rockefeller Center b/w 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave;. $19/adult & $12.50/child; October 11- January 9, 2009)
Wollman Rink in Central Park (Central Park South at 59th St. and 6th Ave.; October 23-April 5, 2009)
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (Pier 61 on 23rd Street & the Hudson River; open year round)Lasker Rink in Central Park (Central Park b/w 106th and 108th Streets; select times and dates throughout Winter)
Polar Rink at the American Museum of Natural History (79th Street and Central Park West;, 79th Street and Central Park West; November 22-February 29, 2009; $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, and $8 for children 3-12 years old)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

NYC Holiday Event Schedule 2008

Shows and Events
Radio City Christmas Spectacular- The Rockettes kick up their heels this year to a fresh routine of The Twelve Days of Christmas and audience members get the full effect with a flying LED screen. (Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020; November 7 - December 30, 2008; $40 - $100)
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square- Sidewalks come alive with street performances by musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and much more.
(Lincoln Square- Broadway from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street; December 1, 2008)
The Nutcracker- Angels, snowflakes and fairies galore prance delicately across the Lincoln Center stage in a show that delights children and adult alike.
(New York State Theater, Columbus Avenue & 63rd Street, Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023; November 28 - January 3, 2009; $10 - $215)
Grand Central Terminal's Kaleidoscope Light Show- Christmas lights seem to diminish slightly next to the grand light displays on the Sky Ceiling. (Grand Central Terminal, E 42nd St at Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017; November 30 - December 31, 2008; Free)

Activities
NYC Winter Restaurant Week 2008- Features three course or five course prix-fixe menus from New York City hot spots like Del Posto, Oceana and Safran for a fraction of the price. (January 21-25 and January 28- February 1st)
Lucky Magazine Lucky Shops Event- Designer merchandise with bargain price tags, and a portion of proceeds benefit the Robin Hood Foundation. Need we say more?(Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St; Nov. 7-8)
Original Women Holiday Celebration and Shopping Event- Delicate hand crafted jewelry with 10% of proceeds donated to CARE. (Society of Illustrators: 128 East 63rd Street, between Lex. and Park Ave.; Monday, December 8, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 pm)

Holiday Windows
Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Displays (424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street)Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Displays (Fifth Avenue and 57th Street)
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (611 Fifth Avenue)
Barneys New York Christmas Window Displays (660 Madison Avenue at 61st St.)
Bloomingdales Christmas Window Displays (Lexington Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street)
Macy's Christmas Window Displays (Herald Square, between 34th and 35th on Broadway)


Not Just For Kids
The Museum of the City of New York 2008 Children’s Holiday Party-Arts, crafts, magic shows, a buffet supper and meeting with Santa Claus is enough to get any child in the holiday spirit. (Museum of the City of New York1220 Fifth Avenue; Monday, December 8, from 3-6pm; visit
http://www.mcny.org/support/CHP.html for ticket information)
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central- Abandon all adult like inhibitions and divulge into a full throttle North Pole fantasy universe. (Grand Central Terminal, E 42nd St at Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017; November 25 - January 4, 2009; Free)
Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden-An entire miniature display of New York City attractions created from all natural material and glittering lights surround model trains. (New York Botanical Garden, 200th St and Kazimiroff Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458; November 23 - January 11, 2009; Adult $20; Senior $18; Child (3-12) $7; Child (0-2) Free)

Zoos
Wild Holiday Party and Presents to the Animals- The inhabitants of Central Park Zoo unwrap scrumptious snacks as onlookers watch in delight.
(Central Park Zoo, 64th St and Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10020; December 6 - December 21, 2008; Adult $8; Senior $4; Child (3-12) $3)
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo- Features favorites like The Holiday Express Train and Polar Bear Express Experience along with music, story telling and live reindeer. (Open Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 on Fridays & Saturdays. Dec. 16 - Jan. 6 nightly (closed Dec. 24); Tickets: $10 adults, $6 children. Rides $2 additional)

Museums
The Metropolitan Museum Annual Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche- Unveiling of traditional Christmas Tree and 18th century Nativity scene. (1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street; November 25, 2008–January 6, 2009)The American Museum of Natural History Holiday Dinosaurs and Origami Tree- Over 500 origami creations construct a larger and life tree and 19 ft barosaurs dazzle spectators. (79 Street And Central Park West; November 24, 2008—January 1, 2009)

Trees and Lights
Central Park Holiday Lighting- Crafts, carolers, cookies and hot chocolate surround the holiday lights in Central Park.
Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting- Tuesday, December 9, 20084:30 p.m
Hanukkah in New York City- The eight-day Festival of Lights begins on December 21, 2008.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Guide- December 3, 2008 from 7-9 p.m.