Shopper Diva

Street Talk in Times Square is a Scam

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:25:00 +0000

I work in Times Square and cannot stand that every block I walk on I have to be solicited by these Street Talk guys. As the New York Post has reported, this organization is the newest scam created by the founders of the now-defunct United Homeless Organization (UHO). The UHO raked in thousands of dollars that went toward personal shopping sprees.

Not one penny you give to these guys goes to the people you think it will go to.

Not one penny.

So don't feel guilty when you walk past them, and they yell out at you, "Won't you donate a few pennies for the homeless?" "How are you doing today, ma'am?" "How about you with the pretty sunglasses?" "...or the pretty smile?"

Just walk on by and continue to enjoy Times Square.

New York City Restaurants: Celebrity Chefs and Cookbooks

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:34:00 +0000

You've eaten at the restaurant, now take home the cookbook! New York City restaurants are not without their coveted celebrity chefs. Reputable and well-established New York City restaurants by celebrity chefs, such as Mario Batali, are numerous and well-received.

Patsy's Landmark Italian Restaurant Classic Italian Recipes, featuring a wide variety of Italian specialties organized into eight different sections. A truly comprehensive cookbook. Where is Patsy's? 236 West 56th Street, New York - (212) 247-3491

Enjoy renowned Babbo's Italian Restaurant by Chef Mario Batali at home with these extraordinary and innovative recipes. Got an Italian sweet tooth? Mario also published Babbo's delectable Italian sweet recipes. Babbo's is located in Greenwich Village 110 Waverly Pl # ANew York - (212) 777-0303

Lydia Mattichio Bastianich has three Italian restaurants in New York: Del Posto, Becco, Felidia. In addition to her PBS show, "Lydia's Italy", Lydia has published several comprehensive Italian cookbooks, such as her latest one: Lydia Cooks From the Heart of Italy, featuring 175 regional recipes from throughout Italy. Del Posto: 85 10th Avenue, New York - (212) 497-8090; Becco: 355 W 46th St, New York - (212) 397-7597; Felidia: 243 East 58th Street, New York - (212) 758-1479

Yes, Manhattan has other cuisines too. Check out Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill southwest-style cookbook based on his successful restaurant (one of several), Mesa Grill, in Union Square at 102 5th Avenue, New York - (212) 807-7400

Daniel Boulud has several outstanding restaurants in New York; enjoy his cookbook, The Fourth Star, based on his first New York City restaurant, DANIEL, aka Cafe Boulud: 20 East 76th Street, New York - (212) 772-2600. Others are DBGB Kitchen & Bar: 299 Bowery, New York - (212) 933-5300, and Bar Boulud: 1900 Broadway, New York - (212) 595-0303.

What are some celebrity chef-owned restaurants you have been to?

Night of the Cookers: 767 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:16:00 +0000

Recently dined with a friend at the "sexy southern" cuisine-type bistro in the Fort Greene / downtown section of Brooklyn on a Friday evening. With music and funky lighting, this is a good place to come and unwind. I enjoyed a blackened catfish wrap that tasted pretty good except it was somewhat on the salty side. This moderate-priced establishment has a two-part bar with table seating along the sides and ample seating in the back.

They feature an eclectic assortment of cocktails as well as a wide variety of appetizers, entrees and sandwiches. A sampling of menu items available include: fried calamari, catfish fingers, quesadillas; Catfish and Shrimp Po-boys sandwiches; blackened seafood platter, surf and turf entrees and much more.

During our visit, service was efficient and the staff was both attentive and friendly.

Overall, I would say this is an okay place; could be better. Aside from their extensive cocktail menu, I honestly wasn't all that impressed with the ambience. Perhaps "sexy southern" and "bistro" don't quite go together. The concept, as interpreted by Night of the Cookers, was somewhat confusing to me.

I wouldn't rule out going there again because I didn't get to try the cocktails yet. The restaurant is located on Fulton Street where there are numerous other establishments for you to consider. So take a stroll, check out menus, and see what else you'd like to try.

They also serve a jazz brunch on Sundays from Noon until 4:00 PM.

Night of the Cookers is located at 767 Fulton Street between Lafayette Ave and Green Ave, not far from the popular Habana Outpost. Use HopStop for directions on how to get there with mass transit.Best of Brooklyn restaurants and more.

New York City 2011 Restaurant Guide and More

Halloween Parties in New York City 2010

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:19:00 +0000

Last year, I posted all about Brooklyn Halloween parties. This year, I'll try not to be so biased about my own borough. I searched for Halloween parties in New York 2010 and the first result that appeared is a comprehensive events listing of all things Halloween in Manhattan.

The site is comprehensive resembling their more popular New Year's Eve site. Be sure and check it out. The annual New York Village Halloween Parade is now in its 38th year and has received several distinctive titles in the parade world. I plan on attending this year though I'm not sure about the Halloween costume; the parade theme is "Memento Mori" - Remembrance of Death.

Of all the Halloween parties happening in the city, I personally would like to attend the one at the Hotel Rivington in the Lower East Side. I have been to the bar/lounge before and like the atmosphere and vibe of the place. It has that subtle goth appearance, yet it is quietly elegant and classy.

Halloween in Brooklyn will be just as fun as it will definitely have some parties of its own though it looks like some of the usual suspects from last year may have opted out for this year. Also, the thing to remember about Brooklyn is that it's far more laid back than Manhattan could ever be (not that Manhattan wants to be laid back!). Keep this in mind when planning your night out.

Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg has two parties planned; however, the evening party is sold out. If you want to party all day though, then head to their afternoon event to kick off Halloween before continuing on to another party. Union Hall in Park Slope is hosting another Halloween party but this one's on Saturday, Oct. 30th. It's a late starter too so if you're up for an all-nighter, then head there for the midnight event. Halloween parties in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn are somewhat scarce. Dish Restaurant on 3rd Ave announced on Twitter that they are having a Halloween costume party on Sat, Oct. 30. See the top of the post for the flyer. They are offering several dinner options as well as a $100 prize for the best costume.

If you love old skool latin freestyle, then don't miss this Halloween party in Bay Ridge with George Lamond! Cafe Remy is kicking off their Halloween extravaganza with free admission before 11:00 PM. Cafe Remy used to be located near the World Trade Center (Remy Lounge) but took over another well-known Bay Ridge supper club (TJ Bentleys) a few years ago. Check out the party details at LatinClubs.com. Cafe Remy is located at 7110 3rd Avenue & 71st Street in Brooklyn. Take the R train to Bay Ridge Avenue.

Don't forget a Halloween costume!

Keep checking back as venues may not have updated their websites yet; although it's too close to Halloween for them not to have done so. If you know of any parties, leave a comment here with all the details.

Happy

New York City 2011 Restaurant Guide and More

*Tip: Use online trip planners for directions and bus/train recommendations. MTA's Trip Planner or HopStop.

Sources: ClubPlanet.com, Halloween NYC

Moving? Try a New York City Moving Discount Finder

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:11:00 +0000

You may need a moving service for your move to or from New York; maybe you have been looking for one. Hopefully, you are doing your research well beyond the pricing. Speaking of pricing, if you're feeling overwhelmed at the amount of moving companies available as well as their hefty prices, check out a moving discount finder who has already negotiated savings on moving quotes.

New York City movers can be quite expensive if you haven't already come across some of the rates. A moving discount finder who doesn't charge a fee is a smart addition to your moving plan. Such a finder has previously negotiated good discounts with a few moving companies in the New York City area. It's a good idea, however, to always do your own research (reliability, insurability, ethical, complaints, etc) on these companies that you obtain discounted moving quotes on. Check out the Better Business Bureau for a good starting point to this research.

Moving to another state? Discounts on other states are also available as well as on movers within New York State. So take advantage of these services but make sure they're free! And remember to conduct extensive research on the moving companies themselves. Some annoying legwork now will leave you with a peaceful move later and save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Don't skimp where it's necessary not to.

Mother's Day Brunch Picks in Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Book your reservation now for Cebu Bistro in Bay Ridge. Scrumptious french toast and mimosas abound here and will tantalize your tastebuds. The decor lives up to its name as a bistro. The space is wide and expansive with several rooms. Be prepared for slow service, however. At least that was my experience going there on a Friday. Not sure what it would be like on Mother's Day.

For another bistro experience, check out the quaint venue, St. Germain. Eggs benedict and other reliable brunch picks will satisfy your palette.

Enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline while enjoying a latin-flavored brunch at Alma in the Gowanus/Red Hook section. Hopefully, the weather will be warm enough for you to sit outside in order to get that skyline view. Call ahead for details and to make a reservation.

For more listings in Brooklyn, check out this listing I compiled from restaurant week.

Here's one last pick: The Surf Bar in Williamsburg is for the hip mom and offers garden seating. Be prepared to get sandy feet if you wear open shoes!

Enjoy!

Open Letter to the Food Network and all Food Television Shows

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:38:00 +0000

Dear Food Network, Paula Deen, Giada de Laurentiis, Ellie Krieger, Lidia Bastianich, Jacques Pepin, Rachael Ray, Tyler Florence, Alex Guaraschelli, Bobby Flay, Barefoot Contessa, Big Daddy, Sunny Anderson, and many, many more:

I love watching your shows and learning all about the rich traditions of cooking in our diverse cultures.

After leaving an abusive relationship, I have of late developed a need to stop eating meat due to the incessant violence in the slaughterhouses and just the realization that our exploding population can do better without it. One symptom of my trauma (post traumatic stress disorder) is actually the loss of desire for meat, especially red meat.

I've given thought as to how the meat ends up in our supermarkets and on our plates, something that had been in the back of mind previously, as I’m sure it has for many others. After viewing a chilling interview of a former Tyson chicken employee turned vegetarian and activist, I would ask if you would consider using your influence to steer your viewers away from using meat (and even fish) and replacing them in traditional dishes with other alternatives.

I understand you are only as powerful as your sponsors enable you – the Food Network is pressured by commercialism to push products on us, such as the Japanese bread crumbs. Your viewers are educated and discerning – they have picked up on these stratagems :)

But without anyone speaking up, nothing will change. So, I thought, I would at least speak up. "According to natural law, [normal human beings] should be the ones to set the pace; moral law is derived from their nature. Power should be in the hands of normal people." I’m not an activist and do not believe in simply showing the world the evils of killing animals without also offering some plausible alternatives to eating meat. Otherwise, we’re just annoying people and making them feel bad for ten minutes. Then, they go back to buying meat because that’s the only thing they understand provides them with protein. It’s also a rich part of nearly any cultural tradition in this world.

If you would use your considerable influence and popularity to steer Food Television into a more humane direction, I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. In the end, we will be healthier and the torture chambers, aka slaughterhouses, that employ some of the most sadistic and ignorant people (it starts at the top, though), will no longer have a need to supply our "demand" for meat.

"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."

"Again, economics - capitalism disguised as 'democracy' - controls the reality."

Eating Animals

R.I.P. Virgil Butler - Your compassion and courage will not go unnoticed up above. Read his blog.
Follow me on Twitter * Connect with me on Facebook * or MySpace *

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

New York City Restaurants and Slaughterhouses: What's the Connection?

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:02:00 +0000

I've been struggling lately with really and truly giving thought to how the meat ends up on my plate when I'm at a restaurant in New York or whereever in the world. I believe many of us don't give it a second thought because 1) if we really knew what went on in slaughterhouses and on the factory farms we'd never eat meat and fish again, and 2) if we really knew what went on in restaurants, we would never eat out again.

Being vegetarian is considered "uncool" in this country because eating meat especially steak, is a sign of money. You'll never see Wall Street bankers take clients to a vegetarian restaurant; it's pretty much the steakhouse if you want to impress.

Our meat and fish-eating society has been brainwashed by marketing campaigns and so-called health campaigns that state that eating meat (the so-called right kinds) should be part of a healthy diet. In reality, and with a dose of common sense, we know this simply isn't accurate. Fruits and vegetables can provide our complete protein needs. However, the four companies that have been monopolizing nearly our entire country's meat supply (not sure about fish) would have you believe otherwise. Check out this article on slaughterhouse processing. It's informative and mind-opening. Don't worry, it's not very gruesome or anything; some of it came to light by the media (that powerful media which is too-often controlled by the government and by other interest groups). But you can clearly see the negative effect global industrialization and over-population is having.

I believe that if we are ever to advance as a civilization, then killing select animals and fish for food somehow have to be removed from our daily diet. Eating meat is primitive, something cavemen did before understanding all the benefits of vegetables and fruits (and how to grow them). On the other end of the spectrum, there have been civilizations that thrived on eating grains, fruits, and vegetables.

We are populating this Earth like never before and one unfortunate and giant side effect is the miserable existence of animals and fish in captivity, living like sardines in filthy conditions and waiting to die so we can eat them. Whew, that's deep.

I don't claim to be a vegetarian, as I've written numerous reviews of my dining experiences in New York City restaurants where I had steak, fish, and more. However, the issue has been weighing heavily on my mind for some time now. Never before have I actually given so much thought to how a cow becomes a juicy piece of steak which I slather with artery-clogging steak sauce and eat with a side of shrimp farmed in China in the most unimaginable conditions. I don't know how to be a vegetarian and get the necessary protein.

As most of us probably feel, I don't know how much I can stomach in uncovering the process by which a cow goes through the machine that kills and maims it...you get the gruesome picture. I once stumbled across this beef equipment catalog while searching for something completely unrelated (and innocent). So much ignorance in the world has kept so many of us in the dark for far too long.

Ignorance is not bliss, not when it causes cancer. And not when it makes us, as a whole civilization, look nothing more than a brutal, ignorant, and primitive lot.

Further reading: Eating Animals

Getting your complete protein.

Interview of a former Tyson chicken employee

Image courtesy: Vintage Food Ads

Rise of the New York Luxury Bagel

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:37:00 +0000

It's no secret that we New Yorkers love our bagels. I'm no exception. In fact, I think it's safe to say I'm addicted to them. When I was working in midtown, Manhattan, I would have one every day, toasted with butter. Actually, I prefer my bagel extra toasted with extra butter. Ever since the price increase of bread and bread products a couple of years ago, it seems everything else has gone up also; coffee, milk, eggs, and so on. All these increases transformed the breakfast market, specifically the New York staples of bagels and the obligatory accompanying coffee.

Not all bagels are the same. And you do get what you pay for, sometimes. The standard delis you see throughout, you know, the ones with the huge lunch buffets, have bagels that are just ok. They're your standard bagels that you can still get for around $1; with coffee, $2.25 or $2.50.

However, the "premium" breakfast and lunch outlets, the fancy-looking ones with granite outfitting and fancy yellow lighting, feature what I call, the luxury bagel. The taste and texture of this bagel blows all the other bagels out of the water. They toast up better, they taste better with butter, and they pair wonderfully with a medium coffee. It makes you want to linger a while to savor each bite. The only drawback to this glorified dough is well, just that: dough. You'll need to shell out anywhere from $.25 to $.75 extra for a bagel with butter and a coffee.

I was downtown in the Financial District not too long ago and was looking forward to having breakfast in my old work neighborhood. There was a deli there that wasn't a "premium" deli yet they had one of the best bagels. It was decently priced, back in the day anyway. Well, they must have achieved super star status after 9/11 because there they were charging a hefty $3.45 for a bagel with butter and medium coffee. Yikes. When did breakfast cost nearly as much as lunch (lunch at the street vendor, of course)?

Brooklyn is also an offender lately. I went into a premium deli in Bay Ridge which I last visited a couple of months ago. At that time, they were already charging $2.70 for the same combo as above. However, on this very recent occasion, I shelled out $3.20. It's daunting how business owners can simply raise the price at such levels on a whim. Another Bay Ridge premium bagel hut is charging $2.70 while yet another one is at $2.75 last time I checked (a couple of months ago).

I remember the good old days at Checker Gourmet Deli on Madison Ave where I paid $1.45 for a bagel with butter and coffee (Checker has long since closed and has been replaced by a premium lunch outlet chain). And the bagel tasted great, although I don't remember them being as big as they have gotten in recent years. The luxury bagel, like all super-sized foods, is probably loaded with more calories than ever before. But alas, the market for the luxury bagel, as with the super sized meals, has arrived. And I thoroughly enjoy eating it, which is probably why owners can get away with raising the prices as frequently and as haphazardly as they do. Oh, and then there's the "tip" jar at the counter. I'm sorry, but I thought tips were meant for staff that serve you at a restaurant? But that's another topic, I suppose.

Not for Tourists guide to Brooklyn 2010

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a former Tyson chicken employee

Follow me on Twitter * Connect with me on Facebook * or MySpace * Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Image courtesy: thisteensweightlossplan.wordpress.com

Georgia Diner - A Queens Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:59:00 +0000

My first review for a venue in Queens is on a wonderful American staple: the diner. In fact, this un-Georgian peach in Elmhurst, Queens has been a "diner mecca" since the late 70s. I like the little peach accents though, such as the place mats. And you can't miss the big peach on the exterior sign! I enjoyed a hearty brunch there with a good friend of mine who recently purchased a condo in nearby Rego Park. I like this diner particularly as it boasts a free parking lot which is a rarity on Queens Boulevard.

It was a brisk Saturday, and the diner was at capacity. However, the service was friendly, smooth and efficient. As I do at nearly every brunch session, I ordered french toast, this one with challah bread. It was so moist and delicious, unlike many others I have had at diners. I also ordered an egg over-medium (note: if you want over-medium, order over-well). Mine was runny but still tasted good. The coffee tasted fresh and was appropriately hot.

My friend ordered the belgian waffle with apples, a scrumptious dish with warm apples inside the waffle and topped with ice cream and whipped cream. A nice side of bacon and hot coffee completed this fabulous brunch.

I enjoyed catching up with my friend in the comfortable little booth. I already told my friend that we need to go back there as soon as possible.

Afterwards, there's plenty of shopping practically next door, such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. However, you will need to move your car, as the parking is only for the duration of the dining experience. But that's ok, because Target has a parking lot (though it's not free).

Georgia Diner (no website): 8655 Queens Boulevard; Flushing, NY 11373-4427; Tel: (718) 651-9000

Use HopStop for subway/bus directions.

ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a former Tyson chicken employee

The Neighborhoods of Queens (Neighborhoods of New York City)

Follow me on Twitter * Connect with me on Facebook * or MySpace * Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Bergdorf Goodman Bar III: New York, NY

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:40:00 +0000

For a full and delicious lunch at one of the swankiest department stores in New York, head on over to Bergdorf Goodman's Bar III restaurant. Located in the men's department on the third floor, Bar III is a full-service establishment that is cozy in size but quietly elegant in its decor and furnishings.

The restaurant reached full capacity during my visit on a weekday during peak lunch time. However, there was no wait to be seated. The staff was efficient at keeping things moving along well. I never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appetizer and entree. I ordered one of the specials that day, Lentil Soup. It was hearty with bits of carrots, tasted fresh, and was absolutely satisfying. My friend had the Mixed Greens Salad which came with hearty tomato slices. It was a delicious starter salad.

For accompanying wines, I had Pinot Grigio, and my friend had the Sauvignon Blanc. They were a wonderful addition to lunch. I always recommend a nice glass of wine with lunch!

The entrees were even better than the starters. The Tuna Salad Sandwich came in thick slices of brioche bread and tasted fresh and flavorful. The Open Face Crab Cake Sandwich tasted equally satisfying as it was artfully presented with a dollop of accompanying sauce and vibrant salad greens.

Of course, we had to try the desserts along with indulging in a cappuccino. The Creme Brulee was delicious with fresh raspberries inside as well as atop the dessert. It was tastefully presented. The Brownie a la Mode was also attractively presented in the way the brownie pieces were cut and arranged. The ice cream scoops on top included a caramel topping which made it super delicious.

Reservations recommended during peak lunch times.

Expensive $$$ (But worth it for a treat)

Bar III at Bergdorf Goodman: Location: Men's Store, Third Floor, 5th Avenue at 58th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212.339.3326. Use HopStop for bus/subway info.

Get your ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants guide and be in the know about all the notable openings and closings as well as tons of further refined categories to help you select the best restaurant for your needs.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a former Tyson chicken employee

Follow me on Twitter * Connect with me on Facebook or MySpace * Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Taking Auto Repair to the Next Level

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:59:00 +0000

It seems as if just about everything is online these days, including auto repair. In big cities like New York and San Francisco, prices for auto repair can run the spectrum from low to high. Having the ability to find a reliable and fair-priced auto mechanic is no easy feat. An online auto repair service that is neither affiliated with a car company or an auto repair company can provide unbiased information, such as company ratings and customer satisfaction.

New York auto repair or San Francisco auto repair is taken to a whole new level in a professional setting online. Read customer reviews and select a mechanic based on unbiased star ratings. Need a timing belt replaced? Take the estimate given by your usual guy and match it against the online system to ensure fair pricing. You will receive information, such as what to look for during the replacement process.

Declutter paperwork and store all your information for your Honda Accord online. Finally, track maintenance done and specific parts installed/replaced. Everything is organized and easy to find should you ever need to sell your car, for instance. Like an online medical dictionary, learn the terms used by your mechanic so you can respond knowledgeably. Tools like these and others, and especially customer service ratings, are propelling auto repair service to a whole other level. It's about time.

Cebu Bistro: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Cebu is a top-rated bistro in the heart of Bay Ridge, a wonderful little neighborhood in the borough of Brooklyn. It is a lovely venue reminiscent of old New York with its dark wood furnishings, two large bars, and a quaint restroom. Yes, you must visit the restroom. The restaurant is spacious with three rooms. An old friend of mine and I went there to catch up and enjoyed a hearty brunch off of a prix-fixe menu for $12. The staff was friendly and accommodating.

Among several choices was what I always order when having brunch: french toast. But it was not your ordinary diner french toast. This dish made with challah bread was infused with vanilla and orange and came topped with almond butter compote and sliced almonds. If that does not sound appetizing enough, they also have belgian waffles with warm bananas.

Ok, I won't give anymore away. The food took somewhat long to arrive (20 min or maybe it was 25 min). My friend and I were catching up so I did not take too much notice although it did feel somewhat long. The prix fixe also included coffee and mimosa (with other options included). I asked for an egg on the side (over-medium), and although it was made over-easy, it still tasted good. I dunked the french toast in the egg yolk. What could be better really?

On the whole, I would definitely come back. I would want to try lunch or dinner, as I can only imagine it being delicious like the brunch. Although I have read some negative staff reviews of this place, my visit was completely positive, and the staff was professional and efficient (albeit the slightly long wait for the food). When we arrived, it was not yet busy. However, soon after, people started coming in regularly so it filled up somewhat. Not that this should be an excuse for the delay.

Moderate $$

Cebu Bistro: 8801 3rd Ave (corner of 88th Street) Brooklyn, NY 11209; Tel: (347) 673-1376. They do not have their own website, it seems, except for a MySpace page. The page also contains their menu. It has not been updated for a year, so the prices might be off. Reservations recommended (even for brunch). We had an 11:30 AM reservation (they open at 11:00 AM). They have outdoor seating (for warmer temps; I don't think they have outdoor heaters).

*Update (10/12/10) - Cebu now has a website.

Take the R train to the 86th Street station. Use HopStop for detailed bus/train directions.

Get your ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants guide and be in the know for the all the spots throughout the five boroughs. Looking for an even more local guide, then I would recommend the Not for Tourists 2010 Guide to New York City.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***
Getting your complete protein

Interview of a former Tyson chicken employee

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Follow me on Twitter * Connect with me on Facebook or MySpace * Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Comments / questions welcome.

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2010 in New York's Swanky Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:32:00 +0000

New York parties peak at New Year's Eve when the whole city gets dressed up and the celebratory vibe is felt throughout. If swanky is what you are looking for, then Manhattan is the place to be. The many clubs and halls throughout the city will be offering tickets for purchase, so it is best to buy early as prices do generally go up as New Year's Eve draws closer. Check out New Year's Eve Central for a look at all the upcoming parties.

Ticket levels vary based on what you are getting for your money. There are also different entry times that will affect the price you pay. For an earlier entry (e.g., 9:00 PM), there might be food served. The cheapest entry will be after midnight, anywhere from 12:30 AM to 2:00 AM. Treat yourself to a moderately priced ticket deal, and you will get the most out of this highly-celebrated night.

Another site to check out for New Year's Eve tickets is New Year's NYC. Detailed information about the tons of venues offering parties is available. You can purchase your ticket there directly, making it easy to plan your night. Don't forget to get a dazzling outfit!

If you're looking for something low key and inexpensive, check out my listings for parties in Brooklyn.

Get your complete guide to New York City restaurants for 2010 with ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants. This one's especially for the locals, the Not for Tourists 2010 Guide to New York City.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***
Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

HopStop for train/bus info and directions.
If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Use

Comments / questions welcome.Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC
Follow me on Twitter

Connect with me on Facebook

New Year's Eve 2010 in Brooklyn, NY: Events & Dining

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Avoid ghastly prices in Manhattan and ring in New Year's Eve 2010 in Brooklyn, your very own backyard. Brooklyn has some great New Year's parties if you are looking for something less formal with a lot less drama as well as a lower price tag. Imagine: prices going up as the date draws nearer, only in Manhattan. Some of these listings include dinner (where noted). Check out what I found so far for Thursday, December 31, 2009:

Music/Dancing/Live Music + 1 comedy show and an 18-hour party (see further below for dinner options that may or may not include dancing/live music)
The Bell House: In Park Slope by the Gowanus area, The Bell House is a large venue, actually a 1920s warehouse. This year's theme is Rock 'n Soul with bands, Obits and Eli Paperboy Reed, performing as well as Subway Soul Club's DJs spinning. There will also be special guests. Party starts at 8:00 PM, get your tickets early as last year was sold out. Advance tickets are $30 ($40 at the door). Free champagne (of the canned variety) with admission. Food is available for purchase. Door prizes and party favors are also featured. Credit cards are accepted. 149 7th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues. Directions.

Barge Music: Located at the Fulton Ferry Landing. For an evening of classical music, this floating concert hall located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge should make for a memorable night. Their New Year's Eve event starts at 7:30 PM. It is somewhat pricey at $150, considering all you are getting is champagne and cookies. However, this venue features fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline. It should be a nice evening. Their performance rundown will consist of Bach and Brandenburg concertos. Directions.

Grand Army Plaza (pictured above): Located at Prospect Park. Brooklyn's largest New Year's Eve party with fireworks and entertainment is not to be missed. The best viewing locations for the fireworks are within Grand Army Plaza, along West Drive in Prospect Park, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street. The event is free. Hot refreshments are available. Get there early if you are driving. Starts at 11:00 PM. Fireworks are at midnight.
Last Exit Bar: Located in Brooklyn Heights at 136 Atlantic Avenue at Clinton Street. I went there recently and liked the venue for its hip atmosphere and decent size. They even have a DJ spinning a combination of old school classics as well as new stuff. But no one danced. However, they are having a New Year's Eve party. The details are fuzzy, but they are offering a free champagne toast at midnight. I will update this when more information is available. Below is their flyer. It has a very unassuming exterior but it's not that hard to find. Check the website for train info. Alternatively, you can use HopStop for directions and which trains/buses to take. I love that website.
the Difference at Douglas Street Loft: Hip-hop, house, afro-beat, rock, break beats, and R&B from the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's with an open bar from 9:00 PM until 4:00 AM. They are not disclosing their address until after you rsvp. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Source: newyork.going.com
Freddy's Backroom Bar featuring Sweetrock: Located in Prospect Heights at 485 Dean Street at 6th Avenue. Listen to live music by Sweetrock (Electroacoustic/Indie/Roots) plus other bands at one of New York's best dive bars starting at 8:00 PM. Source: yelp.com
Culture Barn: Located in Clinton Hill (?) at 22 Claver Place (between Putnam and Fulton). Reggae fans will appreciate this party, "2010 Movement of Jah People." "FOUNDATION Reggae Tunes from Brooklyn's Strictest Soundsystems Ruddy Virgo Int'l with Selecta Bigga Mention (on vinyl) and Natural Mystik Soldiers (playin all the islands' artists roots & culture)." Party starts at 9:00 PM. $15 Advance / $20 Door. Food will be served, and there will also be giveaways. Source: irieone.com
Club Europa: Located in Greenpoint at 98 Meserole Street (On the Corner of Manhattan Avenue). This party promises non-stop dancing and a 2-hour open bar from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. "Famous Buddies presenting Trouble & Bass all-stars The Captain & Star Eyes, Party Like Us Records heavy hitters AC Slater, Udachi & B.Rich, our dearest Jubliee from Nightshifters, and lest we not forget Finger on the Pulse DJs." Giveaways, prizes, and free champagne toast. Advance tickets are $25 / Door $35 plus VIP ticket options. Source: outside.in

Antibalas at The Knitting Factory: Located in Williamsburg at 361 Metropolitan Ave at Havemeyer Ave. Directions. Brooklyn band Antibalas is known for its "legendary Africalia! dance parties." Party starts at 9:00 PM (show starts at 10:00 PM). Tickets are $25. Source: newyork.timeout.com
Zebulon Cafe Concert: Located in Williamsburg at 258 Wythe Ave between Metropolitan Ave and North 3rd St. Skeletons Big Band plus others tba will be playing at Zebulon Cafe for a no-cover charge event. Yes, that's right, it's free. They have a food/snack menu but I'm checking to see if they will be serving food on New Year's Eve. Party starts at 10:00 PM. Source: newyork.timeout.com
Lovers Rock Ball: Located in East New York at The Platinum Loft, 807 Stanley Avenue between Ashford and Cleveland Streets. Soca lovers unite and have a blast for only $35 (other options available), which includes premium top shelf open bar and a buffet from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Also, if you're the party hard type, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at 6:00 AM. Party favors and a champagne toast plus tons of dancing with a surprise guest performance.
Hello BK featuring the Aladdin Project (formerly The Hook): Located in Red Hook at 18 Commerce St (between Columbia and Richards Sts). $50 advance tickets ($65 at the door) gets you "two floors of music as well as an outdoor patio. The patio will feature a heated hookah lounge offering yummy traditional chai and sweets." Swedish and other international performers along with a psychedelic lighting show makes this a unique New Year's Eve party in Brooklyn. More info and to purchase tickets.
Murray Hill Comedy Show with DJ/Dancing: Located in Dumbo at the Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main St (corner of Water St). Directions. Ring in the New Year with comedian Murray Hill. Dance to classics afterwards. Show starts at 10:30 PM. Tickets start at $25 (includes a champagne toast) with higher options for seating and open bar. Source: VillageVoice.com
Public Assembly: Located in Williamsburg at 70 North 6th Street (between Wythe and Kent Sts). Directions. This ultra dive bar is featuring two parties. The front room will feature The Ohio Party (further details to be posted on their website) and the back room has an "18 hour party of mayhem" of techno/house music called, "Blood and Thunder IV." (pictured below). Party starts at 10:00 PM and will go nonstop until 4:00 PM (not AM)! No price information available.

Get your complete guide to New York City restaurants for 2010 with ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants. This one's especially for the locals, the Not for Tourists 2010 Guide to New York City.

>>>Dinner (some venues have music/dancing/live music, as noted)
Morton's Steakhouse: Located in downtown Brooklyn next to the Marriott hotel, Morton's is featuring a New Year's Eve dinner menu for $49.99 per person ($99.99 for two). Their a la carte menu will also be available. Read my review here. 339 Adams Street at Willoughby Street.

Pane e Vino: Located in Cobble Hill, this Italian restaurant features a four course prix-fixe w. choices, dancing, and watch the ball drop live. ($65/w. cocktail; $75/ w. a bottle of Champagne; $85/wine for two; $115/full open bar for 3 hours). Make a reservation at Open Table. 174 Smith Street between Warren St. and Wyckoff St. Special feature: they have a heated garden.
Scottadito Osteria Toscana: Located in Park Slope, I went to this restaurant for New Year's last year. I enjoyed it, and the food was good. It's Italian/Tuscan. However, I felt rushed, as there was another seating after us. So I would recommend, as with all restaurants offering multi-seatings, that if you want to stay for the midnight toast (and who doesn't?), then reserve the later seating (and as soon as possible).
Also, this restaurant features additional seating on the lower level which I did not like. The waiter kindly seated us upstairs at my request. The New Year's Eve prix fixe menu is tasty and is $69 per person and includes a bottle of champagne per couple. The seating was somewhat tight but that's to be expected I guess. Overall, I had a decent time. 788A Union Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Directions.
MonkeyTown featuring band Exceptor: Located in Williamsburg at 58 North 3rd St between Kent and Wythe Aves. For only $35, enjoy a 3-course prix fixe dinner (6:00 PM to 11:00 PM) and for $10, listen to live music from Exceptor in the front room (11:00 PM to 4:00 AM). Reservations recommended.
First Acoustics Folk and Dance Concert Dinner/Dancing: Located in Brooklyn Heights at 50 Monroe Place at Pierrepont St. Directions. Enjoy a concert with the Fort Greene Project featuring Selah Eric Spruiell, the "music reflects an eclectic melange of sound. Serious practitioners of the Jazz idiom, their roots run deep into Rock, Soul, Spoken Word and stone cold Blues, with a topspin of churning funk." For $75 enjoy dinner at 8:00 PM and a concert and dancing from 9:00 PM until 1:00 AM. Source: firstacoustics.org
Grand Prospect Hall: Located in Park Slope at 263 Prospect Avenue (between 5th and 6th Aves). This is the ultimate Brooklyn party if you are looking for elegance and the whole package. 9:00 PM to 3:30 AM, for $175, enjoy an extensive cocktail reception, 5-course dinner, a viennese hour, open bar and breakfast to go along with live shows, a DJ, noisemakers, and more.

Bookmark this blog, as I will make updates to this post (or perhaps publish another one) as the date draws nearer, as most establishments have not yet posted their New Year's Eve plans. But it's Brooklyn, so fuhgedaboudit.

Get your complete guide to New York City restaurants for 2010 with ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants. This one's especially for the locals, the Not for Tourists 2010 Guide to New York City.

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

Use HopStop for train/bus info and directions.

List your Brooklyn New Year's Eve event here! Email me with the details.
If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Other sources: CitySearch.com, OpenTable.com, Timeout.com, About.com

New York City Christmas Gift Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Show your love for this great city with these New York City Christmas gift ornaments. Check out the suitcase ornament below! Whether you live here or visited, these ornaments are keepsakes and can be personalized with a message, name, date, or anything else.

The New York Personalized Christmas Ornament is unique, blending together the elements that characterize New York, such as the Statue of Liberty.

What's a visit to New York without at least witnessing the swarms of yellow taxi cabs gliding down Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue (all the avenues, really). Check out the New York City Taxi Personalized Christmas Ornament. It's quite a sight!

Ah, New York during the holidays; there's simply nothing like it anywhere! Get the New York City Letters Personalized Christmas Ornament and personalize it with your name or year you visited or something else!

Take New York home with you in a suitcase! New York City Suitcase Personalized Christmas Ornament

Enjoy FREE Shipping on Orders of 5 or more Ornaments!

Also, check out these popular posts: European landmark Christmas ornaments on Kris Kringle For Singles and Big City Christmas Ornaments, such as Boston and Philly!

Follow LiViNg In ThE nYc on Twitter * Connect on Facebook * or MySpace *

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Havana Central: Live Cuban Music & Great Food

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Atmosphere and tasty dining of the Cuban variety are what you can find at New York's Havana Central. I enjoyed a Saturday night meal not too long ago with a good friend of mine. High ceilings, palm trees and decorative vintage poster art create a festive dining atmosphere. The noise level was comfortable even with the live band playing Cuban classics, including my favorite, "Guantanamera". I cannot wait to tell you about the dessert we had.

The menu offers an array of delicious culinary classics and modern creations. I enjoyed a shrimp sofrito empanada for an apppetizer. Spicy and scrumptious. It went well with a refreshing margarita. My friend and I both decided to get salad entrees for the main course. I went with a sugarcane lime chicken salad with fresh chunks of avocado, black beans, and corn. It was delicious. My friend had a steak salad with avocado, tomato, and manchego cheese. I just wanted to try everything on the menu!
Ok, now for my favorite part...dessert. We shared a dulche de leche cheesecake, and the taste of it was phenomenal. It was not too sweet, and the dulce de leche topping was well, over the top. Simply delicioso.

The affordable prices make this a restaurant to revisit very, very soon and maybe even on a monthly basis. Live music, great food, reasonable prices, and atmosphere - what more can you ask for in a New York City restaurant?

Moderate $$

Havana Central has three locations: Union Square, Times Square, and West End. I visited the Union Square location. 22 E 17th St, (between Broadway & 5th Avenue) New York, NY‎ - (212) 414-4999‎. Use HopStop for subway/bus info. Reservations recommended, especially on Saturday nights. We waited about 45 minutes for a table but there is also a small bar available to wait by.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Authentic Cuban Cuisine By Martha

ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Bed Bug Prevention While Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:09:00 +0000

It is an unfortunate side effect to traveling in big, popular cities like New York that you can bring bed bugs home with you if the hotel is infested (even an upscale hotel). Increased global travel has made the bed bug the number one pest problem in the western hemisphere today. There are preventive measures you can take that will not ruin your vacation.

Some of these tips may be inconvenient but if they can ward off bed bugs from "hitching" a ride back to your dwelling, then they are well worth implementing. Of course, this goes both ways, so if you have or suspect you have bed bugs in your own dwelling, call a professional exterminator as soon as possible. Preventing the spread of bed bugs is everyone's business.

For comprehensive information on what a bed bug is, identifying them, and managing them, read this article from the Harvard School of Public Health. Better yet, watch an informative and eye-opening 15-minute video on bed bugs in homes and hotels (courtesy of the Bed Bug Blog). Below are tips to help prevent bed bugs from coming home with you from your travels:

Hotel booking.

Customer reviews are a goldmine of information on hotels, especially the ones in New York (it's unfortunate, but true). Read hotel customer reviews before booking your hotel.
Call the hotel to inquire about bed bug issues. They may or may not be honest, but you should ask anyway.
Check out the Bed Bug Registry to see if the hotel you are interested in is listed. Take note, however, that some listed hotels may have taken care of the problem since the issue occurred.

Packing.

Travel light! You will see why...
Although the above-mentioned sources give wonderful information on bed bugs, and my post is mostly about prevention of bringing them home, I will stress here that bed bugs hibernate for months at a time, and a suitcase is a prime hiding spot. While you may or may not have or have had a bed bug problem in your dwelling, following precautions help everyone contain the problem or potential problem. Try to get non-fabric, hardshell luggage. Otherwise, thoroughly wash the suitcase before packing, using a scrub brush against the fabric. Wash it with warm water and soap. Towel dry, use a blowdryer, or let air dry (but keep it off the floor, away from the bed, and wall). Try to wash it during the day. Then, once dry, seal the suitcase in an air-tight luggage encasement or container until you are ready to pack.
It is good practice to not place your suitcase on the floor while packing. Also, do not place it near your bed or the wall.
Place your belongings in air-tight bags (toiletries, underwear, socks, electronics, computer, clothing, jacket) and seal tight. This will either isolate the bed bugs lurking in these items or prevent them from getting in.
Try to bring clothes that are machine washable at high temperatures for when you return home. Better yet, locate an offsite laundromat to wash your clothes before bringing them inside your home after your trip. Try a dissolvable laundry bag.
Bring plastic packing bags for clothing storage during the trip as well as dirty clothes (pre-sort clothes so they are ready to throw in the wash or bring to the dry cleaners immediately when you return home). If bringing to the dry cleaners, alert them to the bed bug concern so they can take precautionary measures for their own sake. These bags are wonderful space savers, as they are air-tight.

Upon hotel room arrival.

Place the luggage on a rack (bring a small flashlight with you to inspect the rack) or desk away from the bed and wall. Never place it on the floor.
Keep belongings in the sealed ziploc bags at all times, especially overnight, only opening them when you need to use the contents inside. Keep clothes in sealed plastic bags, not drawers or closets. Keep the suitcase closed, preferably in a luggage encasement for optimum protection. Don't put anything on or near the bed or any upholstered items, like chairs.
Inspect the bed as best as you can by pulling back the sheets and checking under the mattress. If you see signs of the bed bugs, alert hotel management and request another room on the other side of the hotel and perform the same inspection there. You can check the headboard as well, though this may be difficult to do by yourself or otherwise.
Here's an off the wall tip but it may help: "Take a roll of clear packing tape with you while you travel. Wrap the legs of the bed sticky side out to trap the bed bugs trying to get to you." (Courtesy: Ezine Articles)

Packing upon departure and returning home.

Hopefully, you will have kept your ziploc bags sealed throughout your stay. Pack these and pre-sorted dirty (or clean) clothing (sealed in the plastic packing bags).
Upon returning home. Refrain from unpacking inside your home. Unpack in the garage, in the car, or outside of the door. If you have no other alternative, unpack in the bathtub. You should be ok if you encased your luggage all throughout the trip.
Immediately or as soon as possible, throw the pre-sorted clothes in the wash and launder at the highest temperature. Wash unworn, clean clothing as well. If it is not possible to wash clothes right away, consider placing them in the freezer (while still in the plastic bags and room permitting) until you can wash them (in hot water temperature).
In the bathtub, wash the suitcase (if fabric) after unpacking. You could skip this step if you encased your luggage all throughout the trip. Simply wash it with warm water and soap. Use a scrub brush on the fabric. Towel dry, use a blowdryer, or let air dry (but keep it off the floor, away from the bed, and wall). Another alternative is to keep the luggage outside overnight, if it is freezing weather. I would personally still wash it as well.
Once dry, close all compartments of the suitcase and store in an airtight, heavy duty plastic bag for future use.

Protect yourself. Get mattress encasements, and more to prevent bed bugs from biting you. Got any tips? Please let us know, leave a comment!! The more educated we are on this topic, the cleaner we can keep our homes and the hotels we stay in. Above all, it's important to not freak out! Get out there and explore the world. Bed bugs are a nuisance but they are not dangerous. By taking precautionary measures, you can help to safeguard against these creatures.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Last-minute NYC deals: Hotels from $119

Thanksgiving Week Travel Deals: Hotels from $38!

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC and get reviews of restaurants, stores, and more.

Sources: ArticleBase, RestAssuredMC, BedBugger, U. of Minnesota, Harvard U., Suite 101, Get Rid of Bed Bugs at Home, Buzzle, Ezine Articles

Big City Christmas Ornaments: New York and More

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:12:00 +0000

This Christmas, be reminded of the good memories of the year with Christmas ornaments of New York City and beyond. Traveling to different places deserves to be remembered and talked about. Hang Christmas ornaments that reflect your journey.

They are a fun addition to your tree and a lively conversation starter. Personalize the ornament with the year you visited or other message, such as if it was a family vacation or honeymoon. If you went to Europe, consider these European landmark Christmas ornaments, such as the Eiffel Tower, London Bridge, and more.

My favorite is this New York Personalized Christmas Ornament.

Philadelphia Christmas Ornament. I like the Liberty Bell in this ornament. The text link will show you a slightly different version of this ornament from the picture link below.

Boston Christmas Ornament. Boston is an elegant city with rich history.

Personalize these ornaments and get them for yourself or as a gift. Travel often! FREE Shipping on Orders of 5 or more Ornaments.

Also, check out: European landmark Christmas ornaments and New York City Christmas gift ornaments.

Also, check out these Black Friday shopping deals and free shipping offers on Christmas decorations, personalized gifts, tableware, more kitchen gadgets, small kitchen appliances, and so much more from The Single Kitchen.

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Blue Fin for Breakfast: Times Square

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:56:00 +0000

In the very core of Times Square in the W Hotel, good breakfast can be had. Pumpkin pancakes with a side of thick cut applewood bacon is as good as it sounds. I went there recently for breakfast and enjoyed a delicious meal. My friend actually had the above-mentioned pancakes but I took a few awesome bites. The pancakes featured cranberries and candied walnuts. My goodness, they were so flavorful. The bacon was appropriately crunchy and tasted great.

I had the cinnamon brioche french toast. It came topped with fresh berries of all kinds: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. The accompanying meyer lemon cream made this breakfast dish a decadent one. I had a cup of exceptional cappuccino, and it was breakfast heaven for me. I know I usually do not start my post with the food, but this is an exception.
The Blue Fin is a refreshing, bright, large space with high ceilings. A winding staircase with decorative art and comfortable seating makes for a pleasant dining experience. The staff is decent, not overly friendly, but professional and efficient. The price category is towards the expensive price point, but well worth it if you are looking for a decent place to get breakfast.

As the name suggests, the restaurant is primarily a seafood venue. Connected to the W Hotel, the restaurant offers a full day's meals of breakfast, brunch (on weekends), lunch, and dinner. Based on my experience with breakfast there, I would love to go there for dinner. The wild striped bass sounds delectable with chorizo and melted leeks. They especially feature a long sushi bar with a variety of raw bar picks. In the front of the restaurant, a bar comes alive in the evenings offering a vibrant nightlife option.

Blue Fin is located at 1567 Broadway and 47th Street. Tel: 212.918.1400

Expensive $$$

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

ZAGAT 2010 New York City Restaurants

The Best New York Hotel Deals are here! - Thanksgiving Sale: Save up to 30% on hotels in New York! Expires 11/26/09 If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC - Get this and other New York City restaurant and store reviews from me, Shopper Diva. No spam. Fuggedaboutit.

Comments / questions welcome.

Images courtesy: schematiclife.blogspot.com, wirednewyork.com
Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

Online Auto Repair Source Puts Customer Satisfaction First

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Brooklyn Halloween Parties

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Halloween in New York is an exciting holiday. Autumn has fully descended on us, making days shorter and nights longer. On one particular night, the streets of lower New York City come alive with vivid and outrageous costumes. New York's Annual Halloween Parade in the Village provides lively entertainment and is free and open to anyone. This is by far the most popular event on October 31.

*For Halloween Parties 2010, visit my new post: Halloween Parties in New York City.

However, New York is a big city, and there are numerous other events going on. I have scoured the net to come up with a few evening and nighttime listings in the borough of Brooklyn. One of the biggest differences between Manhattan parties and Brooklyn parties is the type of music available. In Manhattan, you have all kinds of music and DJs. But in Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, etc), not counting eastern and southern Brooklyn (Canarsie, Bensonhurst, etc) it's more of a laidback scene with mostly alternative rock. If you want to relax and not experience the drama of the Manhattan clubscene and high prices, then come to Brooklyn!

Brooklyn Halloween Parties for Saturday, October 31, 2009

Greenpoint
"The Greatest Halloween Party Ever:" The Annihilation of Oz at The Warsaw, 261 Driggs Ave, 8:00 PM, Costume a must! Features a ball pit (remember those colorful plastic balls you used to dive into as a kid at birthday parties?). Tickets are $20.

Bed-Stuy
The Market Hotel: They don't seem to have their own website, except for a MySpace page showing upcoming shows, so I provided a link to Yelp where you can read some mixed reviews about the venue. The party will feature rock bands, such as with Mount Eerie, Liturgy; they almost always have rock bands playing there, it seems. Price is unknown, and I couldn't locate a phone number. Their email address is listed on their MySpace page. Here's the address with train/directions I got from their page: 1142 Myrtle Ave @ Broadway (in Brooklyn) J,M,Z trains to Myrtle Ave. It's 30 feet from the door. L train to Jefferson; it's about 7 blocks, kinda longish, get a friend to walk with you. G train to Myrtle/Willoughby; t's about 5 blocks, again, kinda longish, get a friend to walk with you.

Park Slope
Tim Fite's Halloween Party (click on the link, then scroll down to the event): 8:00 PM, $12
From the band's MySpace page, the music type listed is Alternative /Country / Hip Hop. I have been to Union Hall and like this venue. It's large and comfy with couch seating as well as bar seating. A full bar menu is on hand. 702 Union St at 5th Ave.

Halloween at The Bell House: Also in Park Slope in the Gowanus area is a large venue featuring two shows, one at 7:30 PM and one at 11:00 PM. Prices range from $15-18. 149 7th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues. Credit cards are accepted. Food menu and drink menu available. Directions.

Williamsburg
Brooklyn Bowl is having a party at 10:00 PM. Details are not yet posted on their website. I found this event here. However, they are definitely having a show earlier in the evening at 6:00 PM and at 9:00 PM with free admission if you wear a costume. Otherwise, admission for the shows is only $5. 61 Wythe Avenue between N. 11th & 12th streets. Directions.

Vice Halloween Bash: Also in Williamsburg, Vice Magazine is celebrating its 15th birthday on Halloween. Supposedly, it's a free event (with RSVP). It will be held in an unoccupied warehouse on North 10th Street between Berry and Wythe in Williamsburg, directly across the street from the Vice offices. Should be a smashing event what with a proposed $250K budget! Definitely wear your costume to this party. Features an open bar and a skate ramp. No other details are available.

Union Pool: Another Williamsburg event with bands, this one is also free. A unique twist is that they are showing a double feature of classic Halloween horror films. Features drink specials. 484 Union Avenue, corner of Union & Meeker.
Habana Outpost: One last worthy party mention is also in Williamsburg. It is free. Wear a costume to win prizes. 9:00 PM. 757 Fulton Street (Corner of South Portland). More info.
*Tip: Use online trip planners for directions and bus/train recommendations. MTA's Trip Planner or HopStop. They are wonderful tools!
Another wonderful and comprehensive events site is JoonBug.com. It is a well put together site offering event and party listings. I would also recommend checking out this Halloween Guide.

Some of the details are still murky. Stay tuned for updates! Well, there you have it, Brooklyn's finest events on Halloween. Fuggedaboutit. If you know of any others, please let us know! Don't forget to buy a Halloween costume!

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Zagat 2009/2010 New York City Nightlife

A brand new way to see New York

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Follow me on Twitter.

Sources: outside.in.com, nymag.com, brooklynvegan.com, citysearch.com, 24seven.brooklyn.blogspot.com, clintonhillblog.com, halloweenparties.com, halloween-nyc.com, joonbug.com, yelp.com, observer.com, grubstreet.com

New York City Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:43:00 +0000

As a follow-up to a post on my other blog, Kris Kringle for Singles, about holiday volunteering ideas for singles, this post is about the myriad of New York City volunteers that will be needed, single or not, for this holiday season. In a recession such as this one, the first volunteer organizations to suffer are the smaller, lesser-known ones.

Immediately upon doing a search for local NYC volunteer organizations, the first viable site that came up was, NYC Service. This site was launched by Mayor Bloomberg earlier this year as an initiative to bring volunteers and opportunities together. It is a database for volunteers and volunteer-seekers alike. Volunteers can search for opportunities or create one. The database contains smaller, local organizations that either need ongoing or one-time help with an event.
As of now, the events for the Thankgiving and Christmas holidays have not yet posted, it seems.

Another local organization is New York Cares, which acts similarly to NYC Service. However, New York Cares has been around a lot longer. I used to volunteer for them. They have an outstanding database of volunteer events all year long that are ongoing, especially in public schools, shelters, senior centers, adult education, animal care, and parks. Their holiday volunteer opportunities are numerous and well-organized by various Team Leaders. Holiday drives for coats, canned food, toys, and more events will require hundreds of helping hands.

NY.com has an extensive listing of local volunteer organizations in and around New York City. Some of these organizations are City Harvest, City Meals on Wheels, Coalition for the Homeless, and Women in Need. You can directly contact these organizations for their volunteer needs during the holidays and beyond.

So whether you will volunteer with the more popular organizations, such as the United Way, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army or volunteer with one of the local organizations, such as the East River Development Alliance in Queens or the Child Development Support Corporation in Brooklyn, your help is needed this holiday season.

Learn more about national volunteer databases.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***
>>>>Also, check out these Black Friday shopping deals and free shipping offers on Christmas decorations, personalized gifts, tableware, more kitchen gadgets, small kitchen appliances, and so much more.

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC

Upper West Side Shopping Picks

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Manhattan’s many diverse pockets of neighborhoods and sections lend itself to a variety of offerings unlike many other cities. The Upper West Side, with its vicinity to Central Park, is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. If you want to do your grocery shopping and clothes shopping in one afternoon, head to the upper west side, in particular to the Broadway and 72nd Street area. One stop away from Columbus Circle on the number 2 train, it is slightly less touristy. On a Saturday, local residents are running errands and enjoying a day of window shopping as well as brunch with friends.

Start with The NorthFace situated on the corner of Broadway and 72nd Street. A large, two-level sports store featuring apparel and outdoor equipment for activities, such as hiking, camping, and running. On a recent shopping trip there, I was happy to find socks with wick technology that help keep feet dry while running or working out. They also had base layers made of bamboo which aids in keeping the body dry. The staff is friendly and will work with you to find what you need. Free Ground Shipping on orders over $150. No Code Needed. Valid 10.01.09 - 10.31.09

A couple of blocks away, on 75th Street, is Barney's Co-op, a smaller version of their main department store. Selections in fine fashion, such as Marc Jacobs bags, as well as apparel and select outerwear are on display here. The Co-op has a more urban flair than its traditional store. It is one level and features both men's and women's apparel and accessories.

Born to Shop New York: The Ultimate Guide for People Who Love to Shop

On the way to Barney's, you will pass Fairway Market, a large and bustling "supermarket" of wholesome and organic products. Not as spacious as Brooklyn's Red Hook location, Fairway offers a vast amount of meats, cheeses, fish, organic fruits and vegetables as well as other packaged products. You can sample their various olive oils. It's a fun place to go but beware of heightened traffic there on Saturdays and Sundays.

Get your bargain shopping fix at Loehmann's, just doors down from Fairway. Browse for brand name apparel, shoes and accessories as well as homegoods and housewares at marked-down prices. Currently, they are having their Fall sale with up to 70% off.

There are many more stores to browse in the area. You could spend a decent afternoon there. If you continue walking north to 80th Street, head one block East over to Amsterdam Avenue and enjoy lunch at Cafe con Leche, an inexpensive Cuban eatery offering pernil, nachos, avocado salad stuffed with shrimp and other delicious choices. 424 Amsterdam Ave, New York 10024
(Btwn 80th & 81st St) Tel: 212-595-7000.

***Please read: Open Letter to the Food Network***

Book your New York activities now. Enjoy New York with the Pass

Subscribe to LiViNg In ThE NyC and get this and future posts about living in New York city emailed to you. No spam. Fuhgedaboutit.

Getting your complete protein

Interview of a Former Tyson Chicken Slaughterhouse Employee

If you liked this post, bookmark to your favorite sites or readers, share it!

Comments / questions welcome.

Navigating the Foot Traffic in New York City

noreply@blogger.com (ShopperDiva) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:05:00 +0000

The greatest city is also one of the most traffic-congested cities in the world. Walking in New York City is nearly as challenging as driving in the Big Apple. It truly is a mesmerizing place, however, if you are not careful, you could be "hit" by an oncoming passersby who is in a hurry. In New York, every minute truly counts.

You are constantly looking left and right before trying to get a closer look at that lovely dress in the window, to make sure you will not be cutting anyone off. Midtown (especially Times Square), Downtown, Chinatown and even the old, beautiful neighborhood of Soho are the main culprits of congested sidewalks. It gets especially challenging during rush hour and lunch hour, as swarms of office workers make their way to and from their offices, expertly navigating streets and the tourist crowd.

Even amidst such things though, as a continuous stream of foot traffic, New York is really a city for everyone. Shops, attractions, and restaurants are numerous and diverse in their offerings as are transportation options. In Times Square, it truly is a city that never sleeps. Bright lights can fool you into thinking it's daytime, not late at night! There are so many things to do and see that you will be oblivious to all passersby, although they are sometimes a sight to see as well.