January 5, 2014

Day Date: Get Some Game

It’s almost week 19 of the NFL football season and arguably one of the most important and exciting weekends (if you are a football fan). Looking for a good way to spend time with your significant other and still catch the game? Look no further.

THE FIRST

Bark: Bark is a simple, no frills, hotdog and burger establishment. Everything is either made in-house or sourced (somewhat) locally. Their seasonal menu includes a kale salad, crispy brussel sprouts, and a heritage pork burger. All their draft beer is from Sixpoint Brewery, a local brewery in Redhook, Brooklyn. This is the perfect lunch to get you in the mood for an afternoon of football without the crazy stadium pricing.

474 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY

THE SECOND

Pacific Standard: After stumbling upon this bar the other weekend, I cannot imagine a better, more comfy place to watch football. Watching a game at Pacific Standard feels like watching a game in your own living room. There are couches and tables in the back room where the game is displayed on a large projector screen. The bar features a large draft beer menu, which can be viewed on their blog, and during the colder months they have been known to feature mulled wine.

82 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

THE THIRD

Alchemy: After you’ve had you fill of football, head over to Alchemy for a sweet finish to the day. Their dessert menu includes items such as Sticky Guinness Pudding, Apple Cheddar Crisp, and Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. If those desserts can’t end your day on a high note, I don’t know what can.

56 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

See the map of this date here. Enjoy!

December 23, 2013

Holiday Inspired Date: O Christmas Tree

by MER

There are so many Christmas trees in New York that you didn’t even know about! Everyone has heard about the Rockefeller tree, but did you know there is a beautiful tree on Wall Street? Or that there is a tree decorated with origami animals and shapes in the American Museum of Natural History? Since you now know, it’s time to visit. Make it a day and take in eight fabulous trees throughout NYC from Central Park to Wall Street.

THE FIRST

NYC Christmas Tree Tour: Below is a list of eight Christmas trees throughout New York City that are worth visiting during this holiday season. If you are up for the adventure, visit all eight (be sure to wear comfortable shoes!). If not, pick and choose based on your schedule and interests.

American Museum of Natural History, 79th and Central Park West: Origami tree to the theme of “Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful.” Wine (ask for it in a to-go coffee cup) and other items are available for purchase inside the museum around the corner from the tree. Tickets are required, but you only need to make a donation of any amount you choose. Go to the ticket counters and not the kiosks.
The Met, 82nd and 5th: Tree with an 18th century Neapolitan nativity scene. Tickets are required again, same deal as before.
Lincoln Square (Dante Park), 63rd and Broadway: 25 foot Norway Spruce
The Plaza, 56th and 5th Ave: Ornaments compliments of Saks 5th Avenue. Time to stop at The Plaza Food Hall. See below.
Rockefeller Center, 49th and 5th Ave: 12 ton Norway spruce that is 76 feet tall, about 75 years old, and hails from Connecticut.
Bryant Park, 41st and 6th: 50 foot Norway spruce. Time to stop at Celsius. See below.
Washington Square Park, 7th and 5th: 45 foot, Vermont raised tree
New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street and Nassau Street: 62 foot high, 37 foot wide Blue Spruce, hails from Bury, Quebec.

THE SECOND

The Plaza Food Hall: According to their website, The Plaza Food Hall was established as a place, “where locals, tourists, and hotel guests alike could meet, dine, and shop in a space akin to European food halls not typically found in the United States.” With the option of full service dine in or communal-style grab and go, this meal can be as formal or informal as you want. Wine can be purchased by the bottle and the food options include everything from your standard meat and cheese platter to fro-yo. The NY Magazine profile recommends, “prime-rib sliders or fresh oysters, chermoula-marinated grilled shrimp or grilled branzino, red-velvet Curly Cakes cupcakes.” Stop in for a quick bite before or after visiting the hotel in the iconic Plaza Hotel.

THE THIRD

Celsius: Celsius is a temporary 7,000 square foot restaurant, bar, and event space with amazing Bryant Park views that include the tree and ice-skating rink. It is open from November 5, 2013 - March 2, 2014 and its drink menu is truly winter inspired and extremely delicious. Pop in before or after viewing the Bryant Park Christmas tree to warm up and imbibe. Try the Irish Winter, Jameson irish whiskey, Kahlua, freshly brewed coffee and whipped cream, or the Winter Fizz, Abolut vodka, infused pama liquer, fresh lemon juice, topped with prosecco. They also have a great food menu. Avoid the lines and head to the bar seating area where you can order drinks and food without the wait.

Shout out to my new friend Giff who put this tour together which provided for a very fun day exploring NYC and getting to know new friends. Hope you have as much fun as we did! See the map of this date here. Enjoy!

December 17, 2013

Date Night: From a Different Perspective

by MER

As winter rolls in not so subtly (so much snow already?!), so do out of town guests. Everyone wants to see NYC over the holidays and that means that you need to keep them entertained. While many people will do the standard Rockefeller tree, store fronts on Broadway, and ice skating at (insert name) park, it would seem sensible to do something a little different and unique. Hopefully the date below provides you with a plan that will “wow” your guest/s and keep you away from all those tourists.

THE FIRST

TØRST: Recently named one of “The 23 Hottest Craft Beer Bars in America Right Now” by Eater, this is a great stop for a quick craft beer before your trip around the New York Harbor. This bar features a “flux capacitor” which supposedly through science allows beers to be served perfectly- you be the judge. TØRST is serving 21 beers on tap and over 200 bottles and therefore the options are endless.

615 Manhattan Ave., nr. Nassau Ave., Greenpoint

THE SECOND

The Water Table: Brooklyn’s first dinner boat is open for business. In December, the dinners are only available Fridays and Saturdays and require reservations. The boat is The Revolution, a WWII vessel that has been transformed into a floating restaurant that travels from Greenpoint around the Statue of Liberty and back. The meal is prix fixe with New England inspired comfort food, including items such as corn chowder and bolognese with polenta and ricotta. What better way to see the city then on a boat with a great meal?

India Street Pier, India St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

THE THIRD

The Gutter: Now that everyone has been wined and dined, it is time to get your bowl on (the round, typically black, with three holes kind). The Gutter is a bar with a bowling ally. They are open seven days a week and on Fridays and Saturdays they are open until 4AM, which makes it the perfect post- dinner activity (bowling is cash only!). Check the calendar before you head out to make sure there isn’t a special event going on.

200 North 14th Stree Bet. Berry and Wythe, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Hope this date lives up to your guests' expectations of what NYC is all about. To see a map, click here. Enjoy!

December 3, 2013

Holiday Inspired Date: Tis the Season

by MER

The holiday season is finally here and that means that your days can be filled with holiday-esque experiences that live up to the season. Looking for something special to do this week? See below.

THE FIRST

Burger Joint at The Parker Meridien: This is the burger joint that is hidden in the corner of The Parker Meridien under a neon sign. The burger here typically frequents the “Top Burgers in NYC” lists and unfortunately almost everyone knows about it. If you are taking the day off or just in town for the holidays, this is a good stop before heading outdoors for some holiday activities.

119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

THE SECOND

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting: This only happens once a year and it is probably something everyone should be a part of at least once in their lifetime. The tree lighting this year will take place on Wednesday, December 4th at 9PM but the festivities begin at 7PM. For the best view of the tree in all its glory, it is recommended that you arrive sometime between 3PM and 4PM to get a spot on either side of the rink on 50th or 49th street, directly in front of Saks Fifth Avenue facing 30 Rockefeller Plaza. For more tips on getting the most out of the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting check out 10 Tips For Watching The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Live by Anthony Quintano. Don’t forget to bundle up- it could be cold out there.

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10011

THE THIRD

Serendipity 3: Now that you have witnessed in person what millions watch on television, it is most likely time to warm up. To continue with the holiday theme head over to Serendipity 3. If you’ve seen the movie, Serendipity, you know that they ice skate before heading for hot chocolate but you just did something equally if not more cool. Serendipity 3 is known for their desserts and more specifically their famous frozen hot chocolate. The wait can be pretty long, but maybe you will have a serendipitous holiday moment and it will all be worth it.

225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

Hope this night is everything you expected and if not you know that you never have to do it again. Get your map of this date here. Enjoy!

November 20, 2013

Date Night: Cozy Up

by MER

While New York seems very far away from a cozy cabin in the woods, where you can cuddle up next to a fire, there is a way to get close (or as close as it gets) to recreating this experience in the city. On those cold winter nights, head out to pretend you sitting around a campfire, outside your cabin, looking up at the stars with someone special.

THE FIRST

Henry’s End: To get in the spirit, head over to Henry’s End for their annual Wild Game menu. This menu includes items like Gnocchi with Wild Boar Ragout, Venison, and Herb Crusted Elk Chops. Let someone else do the hunting and cooking- you can just pretend you spent your day in the woods. According to Yelp reviews, it can get crowded so either call ahead (718-834-1776) or make a reservation if you have a party of three or more.

44 Henry Street, Brooklyn Heights, New York 11201

THE SECOND

Black Mountain Wine House: After filling up on game, head over to the Black Mountain Wine House, regarded as one of the most romantic date spots in Brooklyn. They only have wine and beer for drinks, but they do have a fireplace and it feels like a quaint little cottage.

415 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

THE THIRD

Camp: Finish up the night with a time old dessert- s’mores! If you are looking for a cozy, blast from the past, check out Camp. At camp you can not only get a cocktail, but you can also roast a marshmallow. What better way to cozy up to you new (or old) special someone? They even have Big Bunk Hunter so you can continue to pretend you’re not in New York.

179 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

For a map of this date, click here. Enjoy!