Some Insider information

Well its 2008 so I suppose its only appropriate to reach out to friends and family via the blogger-sphere--but I can't say I am a natural at it yet, this is my 1st time, so bear with me.

Our weekend is approaching fast so hopefully this will be a fun way to get everyone excited and informed on all the important NYC details.

For so many of our out-of-town guests this is a first time visit to the big apple. To be quite honest, one weekend, and a wedding weekend at that, is simply NOT enough time to get the full NYC flair. But I hope to help you try and hit some high points while your here.

Should I start with Food?

Favorite Pizza: Lombardi's, Located in Nolita John's of Bleeker Located in the West Village

John's Ambrosia

Best Bagels: Ess-a-Bagel for great salmon and whitefish salad, Murray's Bagels

Best Frou Frou Brunch Spots: 9th Street Market. (tiny and always a wait but entirely worth it!)
Paris Commune where we sat face to face with Doogie Howser. Really yummy.
Clinton Street Bakery Amazing pancakes all day long....


Some of our favorite neighborhood haunts:
Our go-to lunch, brunch, dinner or coffee spot: Grey Dog Coffee (Founded by two Wolverines) one location around the corner from our apt in Greenwich Village and the original in the heart of the charming West Village. My go to--Market Salad with Marinated Tofu or a Turkey Burger (Editors note: screw that, get a sandwich).
Westville for amazing home cooking, market veggies and just all around goodness, Great hot dogs, ruebens, salads--all around just great! East village location is a bit bigger then the west village location and is often easier to get seated at.

Great Soups: Karen's on Astor The corn chowder and red bean chili is AMAZING. Everything is vegan, vegetarian or dairy free--but don't let that put you off....its good!

Frozen Yogurt: Pink Berry For guests staying at the Raddison or Giraffe this location is particularly convenient--though they can be found scattered around the city See Map , Forty Carrots at Bloomingdales-Located on 59th Street and Lexington Ave (4, 5, 6, N, R Trains to 59th Street. Sunway entrance to store available!)

Best Diners: Moonstruck Diners are all over the city...pretty consistently great. Big salads and omlettes. Just what you would expect from a solid diner. We frequent the one on 2nd avenue at 5th street.
For those staying in Midtown a Nadler favorite is Viand on 62nd and Madison. Its small--best for 1 or 2 people for a quick and delicious bite, a NYC staple.

Shopping areas:
Bleeker Street--Start at the corner of Bleeker and 8th avenue and follow the street south through the west village. The walk is pretty. The window shopping is super! And you can pass the line at the famous Magnolia Bakery--and laugh at all the tourists waiting all day to taste a buttery cupcake. NOT worth the wait. But this area has a ton of local flair, a village feel, prewar architecture and noteworthy landmark buildings.

NOLITA (North of Little Italy) has a ton of hip (mostly expensive) up and coming designer boutigues.
Take the 6 train to Bleeker street/Broadway Lafayette stop and ask anyone for Mulberry, Mott, Elizabeth Street. These three streets between Houston and Spring streets are full of amazing shops, young hipster folk and yummy restaurants.

SOHO (South of Houston): Take the 6 train to Spring Street or to Bleeker/ Broadway Lafayette and you cannot missit. Cross to the West side of Broadway and immerse yourself in some of New York's most intense shopping for fashion and home. Warning--lots and lots of tourists in the area on weekends.

Department Stores: Bloomingdales, Bergdorf, Barney's, Bendels, Saks and Macy's to Name a few.
Saks shoe department has its own zip code its so massive!

For Kids: FAO Schwartz See the notable Piano from the movie BIG.
Economy Candy on Manhattan's Lower East Side is my personal paradise. Are you nostalgic for your childhood candy thats just impossible to find? Find everything you ever remember from your childhood here....special note-I worked in the building above economy candy for 2 years and need to recommend-chocolate dipped oreo cookies as my personal favorite.

Parks: Washington Square--you'll find musicians, NYU students, West village locals, serious chess and lots of benches and grassy nooks. Union Square you are likely to stumble upon a political rally of sorts, skateboarders taking down unsuspecting pedestrians, and a really wonderful farmers market on Saturdays with fresh fruit, baked goods, flowers and more. Tompkins Square Park will give you an edgier east village feel and near access to lots of vintage stores and thrift shops. For animal lovers all parks listed above have dog runs which for all you suburban and rural folk is probably a strange urban phenomenon.
The picture above was taken only a few weeks ago when 500 people descended on Union Square Park for an annual Pillow Fight. Indeed, very very random--and in my opinion, gross.

Alright, more later with best people watching, best fruit stand guy location, Where to find mango on a stick, bars/nightlife and more......

How'd I do for my first time? This took more time then I feel comfortable admitting to.