The two year renovation of the Intrepid is finally complete! New Yorker’s will welcome back the acclaimed 41,434 ton steel air-craft carrier today, which was commissioned to serve in World War II. Behind the Scenes is what it’s all about, with guests now able to view areas like the Foc’sle (aka the area of the ship that controls the anchors) and crew quarters, giving a real perspective on life aboard the Intrepid. While the official opening date isn’t until November 8, the partnering Museum next door is full steam ahead for incredible events at this one-of-a-kind venue.Thursday, October 02, 2008
Intrepid Makes Waves
The two year renovation of the Intrepid is finally complete! New Yorker’s will welcome back the acclaimed 41,434 ton steel air-craft carrier today, which was commissioned to serve in World War II. Behind the Scenes is what it’s all about, with guests now able to view areas like the Foc’sle (aka the area of the ship that controls the anchors) and crew quarters, giving a real perspective on life aboard the Intrepid. While the official opening date isn’t until November 8, the partnering Museum next door is full steam ahead for incredible events at this one-of-a-kind venue.Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Word on the Street
Say what? Magnolia Bakery to open a 3rd location near Rockefeller Center? Say it isn't so. Monday, September 29, 2008
Sushi Goes Italian
From gray skies to sunny Rome, a great new addition is about to hit Midtown Manhattan. Obika’, the cheese-tastic eatery first opened in the Eternal City, will be landing in the IBM Building this December. Modeled after Japanese sushi-bars, Obika’ is replacing fish with cheese to create delicious concoctions like Mozzarella rolls (Rolled and Sliced Mozzarella di Bufala Campana with Speck and Radicchio) and its own Mozzarella Bar. Bon appétit!Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Batman
Our favorite Illusionist is at it again. David Blaine, the Brooklyn-born magician, will be dangling above Wollman Rink in Central Park – The same spot where he will remain hanging for the next three days. While this is just a stint in the long list of ridiculous stunts (remember the 72 hours emerged in ice?), Blaine is claiming this one to be the most difficult. Calling on sheer willpower inspired by his hero, Harry Houdini, he will hang without sleep or food for the next 60 hours. We checked out David in all his glory this morning, and must say, this one is better left to the winged-creature of the night.Monday, September 22, 2008
Fall into Autumn, Part I
In ode to my favorite season/holiday/weather in the New York City, this next month will be dedicated to welcoming Fall. Now presenting - Fall into Autumn, 2008.Check out the Queens County Farm Museum Apple Festival, featuring cider-press demos, hayrides, and apples tastings. This year the Musuem plans on breaking the nation’s record for the largest apple cobbler ever baked.
Pick Your Own at the Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival in Staten Island. Along with pumpkin picking, face painting, arts and crafts and a Victorian carousel will be offered, free of charge.
To inspire your inner goblin, the Puppetry Arts Theatre in Brooklyn is presenting its third annual Haunted Halloween Carnival. The theater will be providing puppetry workshops, along with a super-spooky haunted house and silent auction.
The New York Botanical Garden will be offering lessons on how to prepare the garden for the frigid months. Hang around and take some sketches of the beautiful fall foliage.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pin Up
Looking for a place to wear two-tone shoes, slide across freshly waxed floors, and knock down the competition? Typical run-of-the-mill bowling alleys are no longer making the cut?Enter the latest in luxe bowling. The newest bowling venue in the city, boasting 26 state of the art lanes, will be setting up pins this October. The main floor is situated into private suites separated by dramatic draping, and includes 2 large screen TV’s, lounge seating and its own billiard table. The venue will also feature an upscale private room, labeled the Luxe Lounge. The Lounge, featuring 4 lanes of bowling, a private bar with lounge area and a 3D (24 foot!) movie screen will be sure to show your employees how VIP they are.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Bullseye Bodega
The official opening day for the Target Bullseye Bodegas proved to be too much to handle. Today swarms of New Yorker’s looking for a bargain bombarded the Bullseye pop-up stores in an effort to snag chic wares for less coin. Over 22 designers are selling their chic wares in the 4 pop-up Target brand stores located throughout the city, with one each in Union Square, Midtown, Soho and the East Village. We took a stroll over to the Midtown store (located in the former Delta Sky 360 Lounge) to take in the show. Sigerson Morrison flats and Anya Hindmarch clutches were flying off the shelves faster than Delta’s fee hikes. Too bad this store will be here and gone in a New York minute.Thursday, September 11, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Meet the Mets
As if the opening of the new Mets Stadium isn’t enough to get us pumped up for next year’s season, Citi Field Stadium has announced a 60,000 square-foot event space which can be available for exclusive events for those in the know. Even home plate is not off limits, but only if you have a special NYC connection (and lucky for you – we do!). So come and Meet the Mets up close, word on the street is Shackman Associates has the hook up!Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Beams of Hope
Today officially marks the placement of the first beam for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. While not slated to be completed until 9/11/2011, the beam is giving New Yorker’s hopes of rebuilding the past. At 7,700 pounds, moving the beams to their current location has been no easy task. Before the beams make their way to the Big Apple, they are sent around the country where tens of thousands of people can sign it and leave messages of hope. The first set of signed beams will be displayed at the upcoming Jets verses Giants home opener at Giants stadium later this week. Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Byrne Baby Byrne
Musician turned Artist turned Biking Enthusiast David Byrne has done it again. Normally, we don't like to lavish one single person with too much praise, but this guy won't stop catching our attention (not that we're complaining). Byrne, best known as the front man for the popular band Talking Heads, and most recently with his "Playing the Building" installation (see below), has taken it to the streets. Today, the New York City Department of Transportation has installed nine new bikes racks, created by Byrne, throughout the city’s streets. Aimed to increase bicycle use and beautify the streets, the racks are inspired from New York neighborhoods and activities. The dollar-sign named “Wall Street” is located in the heart of Wall Street. The guitar “Hipster” design is in the vibrant musical neighborhood of Williamsburg, and “Jersey”, a design of a car’s silhouette near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, are just a few of the neighborhood friendly installations around the city.Monday, August 04, 2008
What Happened to the Friendly Skies?
As airline carriers are seeking out ways to counter the rising fuel costs, the friendly skies have hit our wallets harder than ever. Airlines are letting their FEE-dom ring, with new charges for what once were standard amenities.Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sound Off
Renowned artist David Byrne is sounding off. After teaming up with the public art organization Creative Time, Byrne has created quite a stir with his latest bizarre installment. Titled “Playing the Building”, the sound-based interactive exhibit has been sending tingles up the spines of all who come into contact with it. The exhibit is simple – a single wooden organ situated on the cavernous 2nd floor of the Battery Maritime Building. The organ is attached by wires to the building's windows, columns, walls and pipes, which when ‘played’ creates one eerie sounding performance. But don’t expect this organ at your local worship – the howls, squeals, and rattles of the organ are best left for Halloween, not holy hour.Thursday, July 17, 2008
I Love New York
46 million people visited New York City last year, drawn in by the bright lights, Broadway shows, and of course, the weakened US Dollar. Check out the stats:Ranking as the top 5 markets where NYC is the #1 destination –
#1 United Kingdom, #2 Germany, #3France, #4 Scandinavia, #5 Italy.
Top 5 Broadway shows that we can’t get enough of –
#1 Wicked, #2 Jersey Boys, #3 The Lion King, #4 Mary Poppins, #5 Mamma Mia.
The influx of tourists has also brought in increase in spending, up 34% from last year to nearly 28 billion dollars at the close of 2007.
Who says old age has to come with a price tag? According to Crain’s New York annual NYC statistic guide, they’ve concluded that New Yorker’s 19.7 million residents are healthier than the average American. So much healthier, in fact, that we live a full year longer than our fellow American. Just good genes? Doubtful. Reports show that our City’s superb hospitals, avid anti-smoking campaigns, and amount of walking have all added up to one healthy bod.
New Yorker’s also have a creative edge that no one else can match. A whopping 91% of registered voters in NY reported that they’ve been to a cultural or sporting event in the past year. Over 50% said they’ve been to an art museum. With New York also ranking as the #1 most diverse city in the world, it’s no wonder that New Yorker’s have a cultural outlet like no other.
Just a few reasons why I Love New York.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Freedom for Lady Liberty
7 years after the Statue of Liberty’s crown officially closed for business, the federal government is entertaining the idea of reopening Lady Liberty’s crown to the public. While the pedestal of the statue has remained open since 2004, the crown and narrow staircase leading up to it has been closed after the September 11 attacks, for what we have been told, indefinitely.But things are finally looking up! The Park Service is currently taking bids from engineering firms to have the structure comply with current safety codes. Although the process could take longer than we hope for, with the bid time taking up to a year, New Yorker’s and visitors alike are excited at the prospect of once again climbing to the top of Lady Liberty and seeing what she has been keeping an eye on for over 100 years.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Central Park Pizza Party
It’s like any other Saturday. You’re stranded in Manhattan (because you are too broke to go to the Hampton’s), and you head over to Central Park to get some sun on your pasty skin (because your cubicle is in the deepest darkest corner of the office, guaranteeing 0% sunlight 100% of the time). You grab your book and blanket, and sit down in the Park for some quality R&R. Then it hits you. You are starving, but you are trapped in the middle of Sheep’s Meadow, and the only way out involves dodging 3 Frisbee games, 2 kite flyers, a crying baby, and a dog off his leash.Fear no more, park dwelling junkies! Slice, the trendy pizzeria offering deliciously healthy pizzas, now delivers to Central Park! So go on, enjoy your day off, and let Slice do the work. Check it out here!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Rough Riders
Looking for a place to cool off this summer? Why not take it underground? No, I’m not recommending a late night rendezvous in the local subway car, but I am telling you to get off your butt and watch some girls kick butt at New York’s only all-female roller derby league.Monday, June 30, 2008
Warm Up to Summer
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Center’s “Warm Up” series. Every Saturday until Labor Day, Warm Up offers live music and DJ acts that have become one of New York’s most anticipated events. With the series becoming so popular, people across the globe are even taking notice. The Observer (UK) ranked it as one of the “20 Hottest Beach Parties in the World”. Even the New Yorker’s bible, Time Out, voted Warm Up the “best club” in New York City (if you consider a club one that closes by 9pm).
And if this hasn’t knocked your socks off yet, the 10th anniversary of the series will be bringing forth the wildest collection of bands and DJ’s yet – punk, funk, electronic and psychedelic – creating a 6 hour musical phenomenon for you to get your groove on.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Gray Skies
With Café Gray officially vacated from the famed Time Warner Center, the third-floor space will welcome another renowned restaurant slated to open in the current space early next year. A Voce, the second restaurant to open under the same name, will be setting up shop at the new uptown location. Offering modern Italian cuisine, the interior of A Voce will feature a modern-industrial look that will no doubt impress even the toughest of critics.Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Park It
Yesterday, the Mayor of New York declared Park Avenue a ‘No Driving’ zone every Saturday of the summer. The closures, stretching all the way from the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street, will give way to cyclists, tourists, and pedestrians who will no doubt enjoy the car-free Avenue. Fitness, dance, and yoga classes as well as bike repair and water stations are among the outdoor recreations passerby’s can enjoy. While there is some speculation that that the closing of Park Avenue will just create a parking lot in the rest of the city, there is no doubt that New York City’s biking elite will enjoy the 7 mile stretch of cab-free cruising.Thursday, June 05, 2008
The Buzz Around Town
The rain couldn’t keep us locked up for one more night as we ventured over to the Palace Hotel for a summer BBQ celebration in the Courtyard. And in true Palace style we feasted – Lobsters, a raw bar, crab legs and the best mac & cheese on the east coast were just a few of the delectable choices for us to divulge our taste buds with. And while we dabbled with the ice cream station, and enjoyed our corn on the cob, we perked an ear up for some good Palace gossip. Not to be confused with our favorite show Gossip Girl (also shot at the Palace Hotel), this gossip came in the form of a brand new cocktail bar situated in the Courtyard of the hotel for the entire summer. Say it isn’t so? A full bar for us to wash away our work stress right inside of the tree lined courtyard off of Madison Avenue? Our sources say it’s true, but only time will tell. More updates to come… Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Quit Horsing Around
As summer quickly approaches, we thought it would only be fitting to send an ode to a Hampton’s pastime that was once reserved only for NYC bankers and their millions. Polo. Not to be confused with the “casual Friday” staple, Polo has landed in a somewhat unlikely location. Stationed on Governors Island, the Manhattan Polo Classic will be competing with the view of Manhattan as their backdrop for the first time in over 70 years. Are you a NYC Banker? Weasel your way into the VIP tent where a gourmet lunch and Veuve champagne is yours for the taking. Once the match is over, take some time to walk around the tiny 172-acre island (22 city blocks for us New Yorker’s), and check out the sites. Crowds and the City
Thousands of faithful fans came to Radio City Music hall from all over the world to show their support for the cult that is Sex & the City. Over 6,000 people showed up to try and catch a glimpse of the fabulous 4some of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Dressed in their finest Manolo Blahniks, fans braved thunderstorms and extreme heat to be the first to see the movie premier in all its glory. With only enough seats for 2,000, the mob turned unruly, with many being turned away before they even reached the door.Luckily for us, there are plenty of watering holes nearby (like the Oak Room at the Plaza) where fans could sip on Cosmo’s and dream of their fairytale wedding to Mr. Big.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Now That's a View

#1 Highbar – Slated to open early next week, this midtown rooftop on West 48th Street welcomes rooftop revelers with a stellar view and simple backyard grill food like hot dogs and hamburgers. Drawbacks? No pool. See #2.
#2 Pooldeck – With its grand opening earlier this month at the Empire Hotel, this rooftop bar has, you guessed it, a pool. While the space itself isn’t massive (reps say it can hold a max of 150 guests), it will be a refreshing addition to the city. Drawbacks? Too small to get your groove on. See #3.
#3 230 Fifth – Okay. 230 Fifth is not the newest roof on the block, but we still feel it deserves our attention. With over 1,200 square feet of rooftop space, complete with an up close view of the Empire State Building, this rooftop still takes the cake as the place to see and be seen among New Yorker’s.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Rinkside Sips
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Duck and Hide
While many other cities have already welcomed the Duck to their home turf, none can beat New York’s. This half boat/half bus has been spreading its wings throughout the city, offering a unique tour of both land and sea. The 1 hour tour begins in the heart of Times Square, followed by a trip to the Hudson River for a taste of the high seas. Want to give the duck a spin? Be forewarned – each guest on the Duck is equipped with a “quacker”, which the company’s ensures will give each guest a “quacken good time”. There are a few other words that come to mind when I hear the outbreak of quacking devices by 50 tourists in duck hats as I’m trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll down the block… Foie Gras and duck confit to name a few.Monday, April 28, 2008
Going Local

While Los Angeles may be the hub of all things celebrity, New York has proven they can hold their own. NYC & Company has launched a “Just Ask the Locals” campaign where our favorite celebs tell us their hot spot of the hour. From restaurants to shopping to nightlife, superstar locals like P. Diddy, Robert De Niro, Matt Lauer and Ivanka Trump have all cast their vote on what’s hot in the city that never sleeps. The campaign will be featured throughout JFK Airport and New York’s Port Authority, but don’t blink your eyes – Hot spots like these are here and gone in a New York minute.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Yo Mario!
Noted as the only time you’ll get anything for free in New York, Mario (you know, of Mario & Luigi) was stationed outside Midtown today hailing cabs for our busy New Yorker’s. Mario’s free rides are thanks to the promotion of Nintendo’s new racing game - Mario Kart Wii. The game, due to hit stores on April 27, is packages with a Wii wheel controller, which creates the feel of a real race car when steered. But why buy the game when a simple New York cab ride will simulate racing through obstacles (aka pedestrians) at record speeds, risking life and limb at every turn? Sign me up.Friday, April 18, 2008
Earth to New York
Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not help out our fellow Earth. Grand Central Terminal is hosting an all-weekend festival to celebrate and school us in easy ways to go green. With more than 60 environmental companies, non-profit organizations, and Earth Day New York sponsors, there will be plenty of product samples, Yoga lessons, and volunteer opportunities to satisfy all 8 million of us New Yorker’s. Still not sold? Experience the wall climb – on the side of a 36 foot, vegetable oil powered bus. We aren’t sure if the bus will be moving while we scale it, but we hope it will be. Monday, April 14, 2008
Hands off the Pope Mobile!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Gettin' Figgy With It

Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Polar Bear Attacks New York Subway
So, the headline isn’t exactly true, but eye catching none the less. This is exactly what NYC art student Joshua Allen Harris had in mind when creating inflatable animals out of garbage bags. While to the naked eye the animals look like nothing more than a pile of garbage on a subway grate, they quickly take on a life of their own with the updraft of a subway train going by below ground. As the wind blows upward through the grates, Harris’ animals fill with air and inflate to life-size animals. After the train has left the station, the bags gracefully deflate into just another piece of trash. Keep an eye out – included in Harris’ entourage is a 6-foot giraffe, ready to jump up on unsuspecting dwellers.Saturday, April 05, 2008
Cherry Watch
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Take it to the Streets
While many of us pass it daily, most may not realize that a piece of Germany’s history stands proud amongst the skyscrapers and hubbub of the City.Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Makeover at the Morgan
It’s renovation central in New York City, with the latest being the renovation of the Morgans Hotel. The chic midtown hotel will begin its $9 Million facelift on May 18 with a total overhaul of the entire hotel. Slated to be completed in September, the hotel will eventually boast a refurbished lobby, guestrooms and penthouse. A high-tech business center will also be added.But don’t fret just yet – The hotel group’s other stylish hotels – the Royalton and the Hudson, will remain open and welcome to guests during the renovations.
This Spud's For You
While most of New York avoids carbohydrates much like a flesh-eating disease, we welcome with open arms the newest in a string of “specialty” restaurants. Totally Baked, a 14-seat counter-service restaurant has opened on West 18th Street, with only one item on the menu – the Potato. But buyer beware, this is no ordinary spud. The 14-ounce, stuff your own potato comes with your basic toppings like cheese, sour cream and bacon, but dares to be different with add-ons like seared Ahi Tuna and Clam Chowder. Our favorite is the Wild Mushroom potato, loaded with chanterelle, shitake, oyster and crimini mushrooms, topped with challots, chives and a heaping of manchego cheese. Dare to be different? Try the $55 Truffle potato, which comes loaded with truffle butter, truffle oil, truffle salt, and of course, a clogged artery.Monday, March 24, 2008
Life's A Beach
Long Island City’s favorite playground, Water Taxi Beach, has just received their newest shipment of you guessed it – sand. New Yorker’s can now sink their feet into the revived Beach, which will nearly double its size for the 2008 season. Burgers, beers, and volleyball games will all be in full effect when the beach officially opens this May. The additional 500 tons of sand is being shipped directly from Long Island, so for those of you who can’t make it out to the Hampton’s this summer (or can’t afford to), you can bring a little piece of the Hampton’s glamorous sand to you. Dig in.Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Soho Takes it to the Streets
Starting Memorial Day, Soho-savvy shoppers will get to enjoy their jaunts car-free. The area, best known for its avant-garde clothing and flea market bargains, will be shutting down Price Street to vehicles every Sunday, so that fashion-forward eyes can roam freely through the streets. The city’s plan to introduce Sunday strolling has led some residents to worry that the free roam will turn into a boisterous festival rather than a public promenade, but the Department of Transportation confirms that “This is not San Gennaro – there’s no funnel cake.” Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Want to honor thy Irishman? Search no further than St. Patrick’s Roman Cathedral. Looking to take your pride to the street? Show your Gaelic love and cheer on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (on 5th Avenue, from 44th to 86th Street). Feel that your love is best shown through your passion for beer? Stop by Connolly’s Pub where they have live Irish music, delicious brews and the almighty “Irish corned beef”.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Monster Bash at the MoMa
Last night, the Museum of Modern Art opened its doors to us for a private reception and first-hand view of the two newest installations at the Museum. The first, Color Chart, reflects some forty artists (including Andy Worhol and Frank Stella), and is the first major exhibit devoted to the transformation of color throughout time. The second, and perhaps one of the most awesome exhibits on display, is Design and the Elastic Mind. Put simply, the exhibit shows a designers ability to take advances in technology and turn it into usable art. The exhibits are wild – but none beats the interactive “Shadow Monster” exhibit.Thursday, March 13, 2008
M-E-T-S Mets, Mets, Mets!
We are finally nearing home plate with the completion of the new Met's Stadium. The latest additions? An eye to the environment. While we aren’t changing the team color to green just yet, included in the designs for the new Stadium are a “green roof” on the administration building, recycled steel throughout the core of the stadium, low-flow plumbing and energy efficient lighting for the field. The new stadium, dubbed Citi Field, is set to open for the 2009 season.In other Mets news, Shea Stadium has announced that their final 2008 season will officially be designated a “Smoke Free Zone”. No longer will smokers have the luxury of smoking butts throughout the Stadium, including the ramps. Like the rest of New York City, smokers will be summoned to go great measures to get their smoke on – Limited to a reserved area outside of the Stadium gates. My heart pours out to you, old faithful smoker, as not even a Triple Grand Slam can keep you in your seat to enjoy your last season at Shea.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Water-less Fountain
In New York’s ongoing quest to go green, we have welcomed yet another spectacle to the infamous Rockefeller Center. Now through April 4, check out the Electric Fountain, a spectacular 3D light sculpture, which will illuminate the Plaza at Rockefeller Center. The 35 foot public artwork is made out of 3,390 LED bulbs, created to replicate the movement of water. With nearly 350,000 people strolling through Rockefeller Plaza complex each day, the Fountain will be sure to make a splash.Friday, March 07, 2008
Vodka Dreams
In our city’s never ending search for what’s hot, things got down-right chilly as we attended the Vodka on Ice event at one of the city’s premier venues. The Loft, located at Rockefeller Center, offers a beautiful raw space with a huge rooftop garden and reflecting pond. It was here that we were introduced to a variety of organic vodkas, all paired with fruit purees – lollypop style (yummy!). The pops were seated on a bed of ice and displayed with fruit fusion name tags like razzmatazz raspberry and lavender lemon. We mingled, we sipped, and by the end of the evening, things were buzzing in more ways than one!






