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.

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!

The Plaza is Back

On our ventures around town this weekend, we couldn’t help but be drawn in by the hundreds of tourists and New Yorker’s alike flocking to the reopening of the famed Plaza Hotel. Two years after closing its doors for renovation, the $400 million project is leaving people with something to talk about. One of the highlights of the restoration – an 1,800 square foot stained-glass ceiling in the Palm Court dining room, portraying a backlit yellow and green geometric design trimmed with roses.
The new renovations have also added something modern to the hotels old-fashioned opulence. Included in each room is a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and digital touch screens, but they have kept in the true name of the Plaza with 24-karat gold plated faucets, crystal chandeliers and mosaic tiled bathroom floors.
Although the Plaza looked more like the latest tourist attraction than a five star hotel this weekend, the true Grand Opening is not set until May 10. By then, the famous Oak Bar will be running, as well as a new lounge called the Rose Club. And for our inner-fashionista’s, over 160,000 square feet of high-end retail space will be in place.

Happy Leap Year!

Niagara Falls to New York

While New York is still fighting through the remaining months of winter, we are looking forward to things to come. This Summer, our city will welcome its first Waterfalls. Denmark born Artist Olafur Eliasson will present his monumental work of art, The New York City Waterfalls, in his attempt to insert nature into an urban cityscape.
Beginning mid-July, Circle Line Cruises will offer a 30-minute tour of the Waterfalls, including the exhibit at the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Pier 35 and Pier 4 in Brooklyn. Here guests will experience an in depth look at the displays, along with an audio introduction and insights from the artist behind them.

Something Fishy

While there are many interesting smells in New York, today fishy could be on the top of the list. This week announced the unveiling of a tropical paradise in the middle of Staten Island. Ferry passengers didn’t know what hit them as they arrived into the Staten Island terminal, greeted by tanks holding over 400 tropical fish. The project, costing $750,000, is set to be a major attraction on Staten Island. The 8-foot high tanks include unique tropical fish in beautiful coral reef settings which aims to promote a tranquil environment for the millions of people who flow through the station each year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Of course we all know that the color for Valentine’s Day is red. Last night, in preparation of America’s most romantic holiday, we celebrated in red at Top of the Rock in support of The American Heart Disease Association's Go Red For Women Campaign. This 2nd annual special event united many New Yorker’s at one of the greatest places to view the Big Apple. With 360 degree unobstructed views, not even the rain could stop us from taking a moment to enjoy our great city!

A Shady History

As if creating allergy-free kittens and duplicating Mary’s little lambs wasn’t enough – New Yorker’s will now have the opportunity to find shade in the clones of Central Park’s own trees. As part of Mayor Bloomberg’s promise to plant one million new trees by 2017, arborists have been removing 12-inch branch ends from some of the Park’s oldest trees, as well as a sample of 25 others which will be cultivated and eventually planted throughout the city’s 5 boroughs. Will the Mayor’s plan to turn our city into a tree laden forest be successful? We have our doubts. However, we can still take comfort in the fact that our little clone-lings will provide shade for years to come.

Dog Lover's Unite!

We’ve all been waiting with baited breath. The time has once again come, as New York welcomes the 132nd Westminster Dog Show on February 11th & 12th. Tune in to see prancing Poodles, yippy Yorkies, and our favorite, the mindless Maltese, as they battle it out for the claim of Top Dog.
Still didn’t satisfy your desire for all things dog? Head over to Bonhams New York, where several dog collars once owned by the Duke of Windsor will be on display. Set to be auctioned off - 5 leather collars worn by the Duchess’ pug, said to be valued at $3,000.

Let It Snow!

While the weather in New York has been anything but typical, (we were wearing shorts last night and mittens this morning), Central Park is still embracing our legendary blustery winters with the 3rd Annual Winter Jam. Snow Guns and air compressors will be hooked up to city hydrants this weekend, creating a winter wonderland throughout the park. A skiers delight, the park will welcome its first ever snow flume, which will be two-stories high and over 80-feet long. BYO skiis or borrow some from the Park’s department. Not a skier? Enjoy the 500-foot cross country loop along Sheep’s Meadow. Make sure to check out the Bandshell, where you can enjoy live music and hot chocolate throughout the event.

Food For Thought

Drop to your knees, our dreams have come true. Pinkberry – you know the little frozen yogurt shops that have New Yorker’s in a frenzy even in the most frigid of weather – has announced its third almighty flavor. All hail Coffee flavored swirly goodness. As if the people of New York are not supplied with enough caffeine to revive the dead, we can now use its power to withstand the lines you will be waiting in 20 degree weather to consume the sweet treat. Personally, I get as much enjoyment watching the pink-a-holics from across 2nd Avenue while sipping a pint at the local pub. If only we put this much energy into working out at the gym…

5 Reasons We Love Terminal 5

While we all know that flying is not on our top 5 list of things we heart, we still found 5 reasons to love JFK’s new Terminal 5:

1. 1 checkpoint with 20 lanes. Benefit: Since we can now check-in from home, you will know instantly how long the wait is when arriving at the checkpoint.

2. The Marketplace. Benefit: 55,000 square foot food & retail mecca said to include free WiFi, flat panel information screens, and shopping boutiques.

3. 100 seats at every gate. Benefit: You will not be sitting on the ground or sleeping in the stand up position.

4. Easily visible Bathrooms. Benefits: No longer will you need to ask every person within a 20 foot radius if they know where the bathroom is.

5. Colossal baggage carousels. Benefit: With 6 new carousels, snag your bag and hail a cab.

Uptown Heading Downtown

Ground Zero will be welcoming yet another newcomer to the area – The Four Seasons Hotel – expected to be completed by 2011. The hotel will be situated on 22 floors of the planned 80 story building, and will hold the distinction of being the tallest residential structure in New York City. This will also be the Four Seasons first property built in the city in over 15 years, and is sure to be a huge draw to the downtown area. A spa, indoor pool, fitness center and high-end restaurant are just a few of the luxury amenities the 175-room hotel plans to feature.

Who Will Win, Part II

If (aka when) the Giants win the Superbowl today, New Yorker’s are ready to show some love. Here is the rundown:

Who: Our New York Superbowl Champion Giants

When: Tuesday, 10 AM to 2 PM

What: Victory Parade and Ceremony

Where: A Parade up Broadway to City Hall for a Grandstand Celebration Ceremony

Why: Because We Love New York!

Happy Groundhog Day!

The Verdict is in: 6 more weeks of Winter! Brrr...

Magnolia verses Buttercup

No, this is not an introduction to Strawberry Shortcake’s new movie. Magnolia Bakery, the West Village cupcake hot spot known for its butter-cream and crumbly creations has opened a second café on the Upper West Side. Already in operation, Magnolia has become somewhat of a cupcake phenomenon, selling out of their confectionary concoctions in their first days of operation.

Didn’t get enough sugary sweets? Hit up the nearby and equally popular Buttercup Bake Shop, Crumbs, or Bouchon Bakery, and see for yourself who takes the cake.

FDNY Rises to the Occasion

New York’s very own Fire Department will be trained using a new state of the art simulator aimed at battling high-rise fires. The 4-story building, housed on Randall’s Island, will include residential and office layouts along with a mock fire command station. The $4.5 M flame thrower is scheduled to be completed by next year, and will add to the FDNY Fire Academy’s artillery of top-of-the-line training techniques. Once again we come to thank the almighty protectors of our city’s fickle flames.

There's Nothing That Money Can't Buy

As New Yorker’s, we are always looking for the newest scene among the nearly endless enticing eateries. While it certainly sounds great in theory, sometimes unless you know somebody who knows somebody, getting into that scene can be harder than finding a seat on the 6 train at rush hour. Now, thanks to the creators of tablexchange.com, all of our foodie prayers are answered. Simply choose the restaurant, choose an available time, and voila – For around $25 you can buy your way up the social ladder to the top of the restaurant chain. So go on New York – impress your honey and elevate your social status by scoring the most coveted seats for the city's elite.

Lose the 'Tude Dude

Taxi drivers beware. New York may never have to deal with another rude taxi driver again – that is if the Taxi Police have anything to do with it. What began with complaints from passengers has led to an official crack down on cabbies who don’t mind their manners. Filed under “Operation Secret Rider”, these private taxi police are fining drivers up to $350 for infractions from cell phone talking to being just plain rude. If only we could initiate these rules on the mailman, deli clerk, hostess, delivery guy…

Cold as Ice

Looking for something to do this weekend in New York to take the chill off? Well, you won’t find it at the Rubin Museum of Art, where Dutchman Wim Hof (aka The Ice Man) will plunge himself into an ice tub in an attempt to break his previous record of 1 hour and 11 minutes submerged within a frosty bath. Through the ancient Tibetan practice of tumo, Wim is said to be able to control the temperature of his body through meditation. In our own show of mind over matter, we will be braving the elements to enjoy a steamy hot chocolate at the local café.