In Love...in the Big Apple

Description:

Previously known as the Eastside Inn, this hotel came under new management. It is now an attractive, minimalist, chic boutique location with a helpful and capable staff. It is in the sedate Gramercy Park neighborhood and near the fine restaurants and excitement of the Flatiron District. Other attractions are only a short taxi ride away, including Rockefeller Center and the popular Theater District. All rooms feature room service, as well as a hairdryer and ironing board.

Description:

Überarchitect David Rockwell transformed the magnificent 1911 Guardian Life building overlooking leafy Union Square into a new gem, successfully fusing original Beaux Arts detailing with bold, clean-lined modernism and a relaxing, grown-up air. Rooms boast distinctive touches, such as luminous mother-of-pearl counters in the bathrooms. Star chef Todd English's Mediterranean-accented Olives restaurant gets raves, and nightclub impresario Rande Gerber's dark and sultry Underbar is just downstairs.

Description:

Opened in March 2006 by Andrew Carmellini, this modern Italian restaurant near Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District quickly earned raves for its fancy, inventive fare. The decor is posh and elegant, including large windows and dark wood, and the crowd is no less so. Carmellini left A Voce in 2009, and Chef Missy Robbins (late of Spiaggia in Chicago) has taken the reins, producing food that the New York Times critic Sam Sifton has called "edible art." Pasta is made in-house every day, and decorated with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Description:

This new upscale American is arguably the most exciting Manhattan restaurant to open in years. Owned by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (who remains chef of nearby Gramercy Tavern), Craft utilizes only the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. One bite of his Roasted Scallops will make you a believer. The catch here is that you choose everything on your plate, including the sauce and side dishes to go with your entrée; but do not worry - the knowledgeable waiters will be glad to give you suggestions.

Description:

A recent addition to the upper echelons of Manhattan's restaurant scene, Tabla offers two dining experiences in one-the more expensive upstairs Tabla, and the casual Tabla Bread Bar downstairs. Either way, you will taste Chef Floyd Cardoz's inspiring upscale interpretations of Indian cuisine. The Indian-born Cardoz received classic French training, which he applies to such dishes as Crab Cakes in a crisp Papadum shell. Restaurateur Danny Meyer owns this establishment, in addition to Eleven Madison Park next door and famed locations Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe.

Description:

This tiny, adorable bistro features ivy covered windows, potted plants and wood paneling, all of which help to create a cheery atmosphere. The fare is simple but hearty. Chicken Potpie with dumplings, homemade soups and Strawberry Shortcake will make you think you are at your favorite aunt's home. The wait staff is pleasant but always busy, so be patient. Their BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy is a great draw. No reservations are accepted. Cash only.

Description:

A tin and gold painted ceiling and a full view of the open kitchen is what greets you at The Little Owl. The cuisine is a mix of classical American and Mediterranean. The contemporary menu comprises of dishes made by seasonal ingredients of the freshest quality, which is always a good sign. Saying that The Little Owl pays attention to detail is an understatement. First timers and regulars will agree, the restaurant goes to lengths to accommodate its patrons, whether it means customizing a dish which is not on the menu, remembering someone's favorite dish or even getting a particular bottle of wine from elsewhere. The Pork Chop is a special favorite at The Little Owl, so maybe the crispy soft-shell crab and the duck confit will have to await future visits.

Description:

Got a date fixed and planning on the venue? You have to consider this tranquil bar, which was a Turkish antique shop prior to its bar status. The decor is in green and red with a few old urns (Turkish of course) put up in nooks and corners. The bar can pour you about 60 kinds of wine. Avid eaters can go for the Lebni, which is almost yoghurt with a lot of cheese. Only don't stuff too much of it, as there is no Turkish bath to relax. One more Turks and Frogs is located at 458 Greenwich Street.

Description:

New York is the world's premier performing-arts city, and Lincoln Center is its premier institution. Whenever you're planning an evening's entertainment, check the offerings here, which can include opera, dance, symphonies, jazz, theater, film, and more -- from the classics to the contemporary. Lincoln Center's many buildings serve as permanent homes to their own companies as well as major stops for world-class performance troupes from around the globe.

Resident companies include the following: The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (tel. 212/875-5788; www.chambermusicsociety.org) performs at Alice Tully Hall or the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Rehearsal Studio, often in the company of such high-caliber guests as Anne Sofie von Otter and Midori. The Film Society of Lincoln Center (tel. 212/875-5600 for automated schedule; tel. 212/875-5601 for box office; www.filmlinc.com) screens a daily schedule of movies at the Walter Reade Theater, and hosts notable film and video festivals, as well as the Reel to Real program for kids, pairing silent screen classics with live performance. Lincoln Center Theater (tel. 212/362-7600; www.lct.org) consists of the Vivian Beaumont Theater, a modern,...

Description:

The Metropolitan Opera House, with its wonderful Chagall paintings and grand arches, is arguably the most impressive building in the Lincoln Center complex. The space is divided between the Metropolitan Opera during the autumn and winter, and the American Ballet Theatre in the spring. Prices for the opera are not cheap, unless you are willing to stand on line Saturday morning for a ticket. Ballet performances are predominately in the classical style.

Description:

Previously known as the Eastside Inn, this hotel came under new management. It is now an attractive, minimalist, chic boutique location with a helpful and capable staff. It is in the sedate Gramercy Park neighborhood and near the fine restaurants and excitement of the Flatiron District. Other attractions are only a short taxi ride away, including Rockefeller Center and the popular Theater District. All rooms feature room service, as well as a hairdryer and ironing board.

Description:

Überarchitect David Rockwell transformed the magnificent 1911 Guardian Life building overlooking leafy Union Square into a new gem, successfully fusing original Beaux Arts detailing with bold, clean-lined modernism and a relaxing, grown-up air. Rooms boast distinctive touches, such as luminous mother-of-pearl counters in the bathrooms. Star chef Todd English's Mediterranean-accented Olives restaurant gets raves, and nightclub impresario Rande Gerber's dark and sultry Underbar is just downstairs.

Our Local Expert Says:

For just a few of the many diversions available in the park, check out some advanced roller blading skills at "The Hill" west of Sheep's Meadow, or have a drink/meal at the Boathouse, near 74th Street on the east side of Rowboat Lake and open all summer.

Description:

The idea for Central Park was born in 1858, which a competition was held to choose a design for what would be the first public park built in America. The winners were Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose Greensward plan proposed an entirely man-made park that would be intended only for public use, as a refuge from the relentless rhythms of New York City's already overcrowded streets. It took more than 15 years and $14 million (the equivalent of about $200 million today) to build the Park, with its 843 acres and six-mile perimeter extending from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue and from 59th Street to 110th Street. Those 843 acres include 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 7 different bodies of water totaling some 150 acres.

Starting in 1980, a public-private partnership between New York City and the Central Park Conservancy restored and preserved Central Park, and attendance has only been rising in recent years. Now, more than 25 million visitors per year stroll its 58 miles of pedestrian paths, go horseback riding on 4.5 miles of bridle paths, bike or jog on its 6.5 miles of winding roads, or simply relax on the grass or on the nearly 9,000 benches provided.... read more

Description:

If you are looking out for a picnic spot where you can throw a frisbee around with your friends, then head out to this sprawling green spot. Since it is nestled in the old industrial area, one can't help but notice the two huge warehouses nearby. The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park offers a great view of the bridge and lower Manhattan on a clear day.

Description:

Previously known as the Eastside Inn, this hotel came under new management. It is now an attractive, minimalist, chic boutique location with a helpful and capable staff. It is in the sedate Gramercy Park neighborhood and near the fine restaurants and excitement of the Flatiron District. Other attractions are only a short taxi ride away, including Rockefeller Center and the popular Theater District. All rooms feature room service, as well as a hairdryer and ironing board.

Description:

Überarchitect David Rockwell transformed the magnificent 1911 Guardian Life building overlooking leafy Union Square into a new gem, successfully fusing original Beaux Arts detailing with bold, clean-lined modernism and a relaxing, grown-up air. Rooms boast distinctive touches, such as luminous mother-of-pearl counters in the bathrooms. Star chef Todd English's Mediterranean-accented Olives restaurant gets raves, and nightclub impresario Rande Gerber's dark and sultry Underbar is just downstairs.

Description:

Pretty lights suspended from the ceiling, wooden furnishings, and a cozy bar define this restaurant's interiors. It has some highly unusual fare on its menu, which is why it is quite popular - for the more adventurous at heart, there are such dishes as Confit Rabbit, Snail & Oxtail Ravioli, and even Grilled Kangaroo! If you don't feel up to such items, there are dishes like Roast New Zealand Snapper, and Goan Vegetable Curry with Steamed Rice. There are a few wines to round off any meal, and the staff is highly obliging too.

Our Local Expert Says:

This spot is known for its trendy comfort food, like mac and cheese rolls - that classic standby flavored with gouda cheese and wrapped in crispy phyllo dough.

Description:

24 Prince has staked its claim on the kingdom of gastronomic delights, with a good old American menu that has even the critics drooling! Though it does not offer much variety, the food is unbelievably satisfying. Some of the crowd favorites include French Onion Soup, the Meat and Cheese Plate, Fish and Chips, Meatloaf, and Fingerling Chips. The prices won't burn a hole in your pocket, and the ambience is good enough to treat your friends there.