Around the World in NYC

Description:

What started in 1969 with a small display in a classroom in East Harlem is today the only museum in America dedicated to Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American art. The northernmost Museum Mile institution has a permanent exhibit ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to photographic art and video. The display of santos de palo (wood-carved religious figurines) is noteworthy, as is "Taíno, Ancient Voyagers of the Caribbean," dedicated to the highly developed cultures that Columbus encountered when he landed in the "New World." The well-curated exhibitions tend to focus on 20th-century artists and contemporary subjects. A massive renovation closed the gallery space through summer of 2009, but by the time you read this, the expanded galleries should be in operation.

Our Local Expert Says:

The museum cafes, Cafe Sabarsky and Cafe Fliedermaus, offer up Viennese specialties (emphasis on pastry, such as strudels and Linzertorte) in a cozy, refined atmosphere.

Description:

This museum is dedicated to German and Austrian art and design, with a particular focus on the early 20th century. Displayed on two floors, the collection features painting, works on paper, decorative arts, and other media from such artists as Klimt, Kokoschka, Kandinsky, Klee, and leaders of the Wiener Werkstätte decorative arts and Bauhaus applied arts movements, such as Adolf Loos and Mies van der Rohe, respectively. The gallery made headlines in 2006 when it acquired Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I -- dubbed the Golden Adele -- for a record-setting $135 million. The museum floated the idea of adding a high premium (up to $50) to view its new masterpiece, but the outcry caused the management to reconsider. You can see the Golden Adele for the $15 admission fee, without extra charge. In Fall 2008 through early 2009, you can see the work of Alfred Kubin, and Spring 2009 brings the exhibition "The Birth Of Expressionism: Brücke In Dresden And Berlin, 1905-13" through the end of June. Once occupied by Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III, the impeccably restored, landmark-designated 1914 Carrère & Hastings building (they built the New York Public Library as well) is worth a look itself. Cafe Sabarsky is modeled on a Viennese cafe, so museumgoers in need of a snack break can expect a fine Linzer torte.

Description:

This new neighbor to Café Sabarsky is located on the Upper East Side, nestled within the Neue Galarie premises. After an interesting walk through the gallery, step into the café for authentic Austrian treats. Sausages, Spaetzle, Wiener Schnitzel and most other popular names line the food menu. Crowds pour in even during the afternoons, so make sure you go well in advance to enjoy the treats of Vienna.

Description:

Don't be fooled by the simple appearance of Sripraphai. The food here is as terrific as the prices. Crispy Dried Catfish, Chili-Pepper Salad, Fiery Beef Panang, Minced Pork - the list is endless. Get here early because its usually packed and they don't take reservations. Tip: Enjoy your wonderful Thai meal alfresco because it can really get cramped inside. If you are stuffed, pack some coconut-rice confections or milk pudding for the road.

Description:

This museum, founded in 1988, is dedicated to all the immigrants who came to New York City during the 1800s, but in particular to the occupants of this one-time tenement on Orchard Street. See life as new Americans experienced it in Chinatown, Little Italy and elsewhere on the Lower East Side through photos, displays and memorabilia. The gallery is free.

Description:

The air is filled with spices, the dining experience is memorable and the cost is low. Add the antique Afghan musical instruments, throw pillows and oriental rugs, and you have a truly exotic destination. Vegetable soup with noodles and yogurt, scallion dumplings with yogurt-mint sauce, and pumpkin-filled turnovers are popular appetizers. Try entrees like quorma sabz (pieces of lamb and scallions sautéed with spinach and coriander), or chopped beef patties with basmati rice and lots of hot spices.

Our Local Expert Says:

Veselka's famous borscht, made with beef stock and pork butt, draws beet-loving fans to proclaim it the best borscht in the city.

Description:

Whenever the craving hits for hearty eastern European fare at old-world prices, Veselka fits the bill with fluffy and light (if that's possible) pierogi (small doughy envelopes filled with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut), kasha varnishkes (cracked buckwheat and noodles with mushroom sauce), stuffed cabbage, grilled Polish kielbasa, freshly made potato pancakes, and such classic soups as a sublime borscht. Breakfast is special here. If all you want is a burger, don't worry -- it's a classic, too.

Despite the authentic fare, the diner is comfortable, modern, and appealing, with an artsy slant and delicious house-made desserts. Veselka surpasses its status as a popular after-hours hangout with clubbers and other night owls to be a favorite at any hour.

Description:

This peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn boasts a diverse community of 60,000 people and a broad, sandy beach with a historic boardwalk. Its selection of amusement parks and attractions may have seen better days, but they can still provide a rich slice of Americana and a day of family fun during a spring or summer visit. As a major resort and amusement destination, Coney Island reached its peak in the early 20th century. Its popularity declined after World War II and for many years it was sorely neglected, but in recent years the area has been revitalized with the opening of KeySpan Park, home of the minor league baseball team the Brooklyn Cyclones. In addition to the Cyclones fans that swarm the area in spring and summer, Coney Island attracts thousands to its annual Mermaid Parade, which takes place on Surf Avenue every summer and features an array of floats and performers in crazy costumes. Another star attraction is the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand, which opened in 1916 and quickly became a landmark. Its annual hot dog eating contest, held every July 4th since Nathan's opened, has recently attracted widespread attention, including international television coverage.

Those coming to Coney Island shouldn't miss the Astroland Amusement Park, with its selection of rides including the historic Cyclone, built in 1927 and one of the oldest roller coasters still operating in the United States. Wonderwheel Amusement Park provides an even bigger selection of thrill rides, while the Coney Island Aquarium houses dolphins and sea lions. The Riegelmann boardwalk, another landmark, stretches continuously along the beach from West 37th Street in the community of Seagate through Coney Island proper and Brighton Beach to the beginning of the community of Manhattan Beach, a distance of approximately two-and-a-half miles.

Description:

Primarily a Russian food joint because of the owner's background, this restaurant has a lot to offer besides vodka. It also has a wine list if the fiery Russian water does not go well with your taste buds. Another great part about this place is the fact that they have live music every night. This makes a delightful place to dine at or dance, because they have a floor where the staff will beg to see your moves. Albeit the decibel level is a tad bit too high, though what do you expect from a restaurant with a live band and lots of vodka?