March 10, 2014

Day Date: An Extra Hour of Light

While we did not actually get an extra hour back in our busy days, we did get an extra hour of light. It could be almost more exciting after the desolate winter we’ve experienced. Spring is slowly creeping up on us (cool if it’s more than a creep!) and the sun has been shining a little bit more each day. The better the weather, the more people want to get out and do something new. While we are not prepared for a full day outside, we can fake it till we make it (there) and schedule some cool spots to check out over the weekend.

THE FIRST

The Brooklyn Flea Market: The Brooklyn Flea Market, open Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 6PM, is a combination of the best garage sale, the best food that is constantly blogged about and the coolest up and coming artists. Yes, it’s in Brooklyn, but you can get there by BOAT. Take a cruise down/up the East River over to Williamsburg to the indoor warehouse-like space. There is one level of cramped quarters that you can get lost forever in. Grab a donut from Dough (read: do not miss) and mill around the almost 200 booths featuring everything from hand made jewelry to vintage toy cars. There is something for everyone at The Brooklyn Flea Market. The market will move outdoors very soon (April 5th to be exact), so this may be your last chance to check it out at this spot.

80 North 5th St. (at Wythe Ave.), Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

THE SECOND

The Commodore: There is no doubt that after The Brooklyn Flea Market, you will want to get away from crowds and, if you didn’t eat too much, be hungry. Enter next stop: The Commodore. Frankly, there is nothing sunshine-y about The Commodore, however there is an incredible chicken sandwich and a no frills bar that is bound to satisfy. At the end of the day though, you are going for the chicken. It’s a thing, and you are Williamsburg, so just do it- just don’t take a vegetarian (although there are some fabulous vegetarian friendly options). The Commodore opens at 4PM, so if you are early peruse the nearby shops and all the glory Williamsburg has to offer.

366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

THE THIRD

The Ides Bar: Not sure there are many more picturesque ways to end a date than taking in a rooftop view of the sun setting and the Manhattan skyline. The Ides bar, situated above the Wythe Hotel, is a great place to end the night (or just get it started). They open at 2PM and stay open until 2AM on the weekends. There is a line occasionally, however you’ll be there early enough it shouldn’t be a problem. Grab a drink, settling in for the sun to set, and see where the night takes you.

80 Wythe Ave, New York, NY 11211

My advice: don’t take that extra hour of light at the end of the day for granted. You can see a map of this date here. Enjoy!

February 24, 2014

Day Date: Easy Like Sunday Morning

by MER

It's been a long weekend, you've had a productive Saturday, and you want to see that someone you met Friday night. Take control of your Sunday and head out for the essentials: coffee, a breakfast sandwich, and a craft beer. All you need is some company (and hopefully that company is as good as you remember them being Friday night).

THE FIRST

The Frog’s Crown: A new and interesting coffee shop is an important thing to find. The Frog’s Crown features a coconut latte and a Venezuelan hot chocolate and people swear by both. A warm, caffeinated drink is the perfect start to any day and The Frog’s Crown does it right. So do yourself a favor- get up, get out of bed, and start the day right.

204 Spring St. (Spring St. between Sullivan St. & 6th Ave.), New York, NY 10012

THE SECOND

Murray’s Cheese Shop: If you haven’t had a breakfast sandwich from Murray’s Cheese Shop, you have been royally missing out. The Breakfast Melt is the perfect combo of egg, cheese, and bacon on an English muffin. It does get messy, so grab extra napkins and don’t be afraid to go for it. There is no seating inside Murray’s Cheese Shop, so grab the melt(s) to go and head over to Father Demo’s Square for a seat.

254 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

THE THIRD

Upright Brew House: Opened early for coffee and brunch, Upright Brew House has 12 beers on taps, 66 beers in bottles, and 6 beers in cans to choose from. Happy hour is daily from 2PM to 7PM with $2 off all draft beer. There is even a downstairs with pinball machines. Get your day drinking on.

547 Hudson St. New York, NY10014

Hope it works out for you. If not, at least there was pinball. See map of this date here. Enjoy!

February 10, 2014

Day Date: Snowy Parks Need Attention Too

by MER

How often do you go out and explore when it's cold outside? The answer for most is probably rarely. Winter makes people become hermits, staying indoors, only opening the door for Seamless. Spend a day in New York, trying out some new restaurants and expanding your knowledge of the world. This date even includes a stroll through Central Park- it may not be summer, but it's still beautiful.

THE FIRST

Levain Bakery: Sometimes a day needs to start with something sweet and that is perfectly fine. Levain Bakery has the best cookie I have ever eaten in my 27 years of life. They serve four varieties, chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, dark chocolate chip and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. They also have other options including rolls, pastries, and breads (banana chocolate chip anyone?). I will warn you that the cookies are massive, but you have to get at least two. Save one for your stroll through the park (see below).

THE SECOND

American Museum of Natural History: A day of exploration that is informative and educational makes you feel incredibly productive. Museums are not just for kids. Head over to the American Museum of Natural History to explore the wonders of the world. There is a T-Rex, and poisonous frogs, and Theodore Roosevelt, oh my. Get lost in the museum for an hour... or four.

THE SECOND AND A HALF

Central Park: In order to get from the UWS to the UES you can walk through Central Park and take in the massive green space in all its snowy glory.

THE THIRD

Heidi’s House: The restaurant may be as small as its menu, but you can’t go wrong with your choice of dish. The main dishes include a hamburger, paella, pasta of the day, and macaroni and cheese. Do you need any other options? The wine list is extensive and they have birch beer! Happy hour is daily from 5PM – 6PM and offers $2 off wine and $1 off beer and some mini snacks to share at a discounted price. Call ahead to put your name in to make sure you get a table.

It may be cold but that doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. Get out and explore this wonderful city- just make sure to have your snow boots on. See a map of this date here. Enjoy!

February 7, 2014

Date Night: Not a Valentine's Day Date

by MER

While The Curated Date does curate great date ideas, we think a Valentine’s Day date idea needs to come from you. It should be thoughtful and unique but it doesn’t have to be extravagant. It should be tailored for your relationship and no one date idea will work for everyone so we’re avoiding it (sorry!). However, if you are looking for a date night for any other day of the week, try out the date below.

THE FIRST

Bar Below Rye: Make this your first stop and get a cocktail and an app. With an elegant, speakeasy feel, The Bar Below Rye is open Monday through Saturday from 7PM ‘til late (or whatever that means) and features at 2 for 1 happy hour from 7PM to 8PM each day. The menu is casual, but still features the duck meatloaf sandwich, a popular item from the restaurant above, Rye.

247 S. 1st Street Brooklyn, NY 11211

THE SECOND

Nitehawk: Billed as “New York’s original cinema eatery,” Nitehawk combines the cinema experience with a large selection of alcohol and food. What better way to enjoy a movie than with tater tots and whiskey? The movie selection is limited but is top notch. Pick your drinks and food and settle in for one of your most enjoyable movie watching experiences in NYC.

136 Metropolitan Avenue between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue

THE THIRD

Brooklyn Winery: Finish your night off at Brooklyn Winery, where premium small batch wines are produced and available on tap at the wine bar. Discuss the movie and drink wine exclusively made in Brooklyn, either by the glass or in flights. The Wine Bar is open Monday through Thursday until 12AM and Friday and Saturday until 1AM.

213 N 8th St‎ Brooklyn, NY 11211

I hope your Valentine's Day plans are as solid as this date. You can view a map of this date here. Enjoy!

January 17, 2014

Date Night: Going Out > Staying In

by MER

It's still winter, but the sun has been poking through recently. After spending too many weekend nights indoors, ordering in and watching movies, avoiding the treacherous cold, it’s time to get out. No matter what you say, a date does not involve staying in. Here is your guide to getting back out on the town and having a real date, outside of your living room.

THE FIRST

Little Branch: Start the night off right with a cocktail that is mixed to perfection at Little Branch. This speak easy style cocktail bar is below the street (through a grungy looking brown door), dimly lit, and has the perfect ice for whatever drink you choose. Either pick an old fashion cocktail off the menu, that will be made with the freshest ingredients, or leave it up to the bartender to create something you will enjoy. Live jazz spices up the scene, Sunday through Thursday around 10:30PM. Little Branch is cash only so come prepared.

THE SECOND

L’Artusi: You can’t go wrong at L’Artusi. From the extensive wine list to the absolutely perfect brussel sprouts, L’Artusi is the perfect date spot. Get a pasta and a meat or fish to share and a few vegetables on the side. The spaghetti is simple and spicy and gnocchi is rich and filling. I recommend making a reservation, but there is always the option to dine at the bar if the wait it too long. No matter what you end up ordering, your meal will be amazing.

THE THIRD

Momofuku Milk Bar: After such a delicious meal, you may not have room for dessert (especially if you already tried the Hazelnut Chocolate Torta at L’Artusi). Even if you think you don’t, you must stop by Momofuku Milk Bar on your way home. Momofuku features non-traditional, yet exceptionally delicious desserts, such as Birthday Cake Truffles, Cereal Milk Soft serve, and a Compost Cookie. Trust me, go.

Trust me, you will be happy you got out of the house. See a map of this date here. Enjoy!