CoRiNn'S NeW yOrK

58

2005-05-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

This lounge is located on W 58th Street between Park and Madison Ave and is a very cool but expensive night out 58 a.k.a AuBAR.

I recommend only going to this place if your traveling with a large group, at least 10 or more. Here's my reasoning... It's about 25 per person to enter. Unless you get on some stupid guest list or your a girl and get there ridiculously early. To sit at a table you must by a minimum of two bottles and one must be hard liquor.

We purchased a bottle of champagne and a bottle of Absolut Vodka. Now, I know this price is going to sound outrageous but our bill came out to $560. But, if you get a table your cover charge is lifted. To buy a shot or a martini at the bar would cost you $12 each and don't forget the tip! The cheapest drink of the night was pineapple and vodka for $10.

So, we all ended up paying $56 a head which came out to less then the cover charge and tow drinks. The perks about sitting at this table were the free unlimited french fries, the strawberries for the champaign and all the fixings to mix the drinks grapefruit juice, cranberry juice,lemons and limes.

The decor of the place was pretty cool... Burgundy walls and drapes with dark wood tables and zebra furniture. There was only one bar which was a little annoying because the place was packed. The dance floor was pretty small but the music was awesome. A great mix of dance, hip hop and some old school jams.

Senor Swanky's

2005-05-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

I discovered this place by pure accident one late night in the village. It obviously is a Mexican food restaurant and it is very small. It's located on Bleeker Street and it could be considered a "dive" bar but interestingly enough I liked it. I only recommend this place for the brave, or the New Yorkers who can prepare themselves :)

I wouldn't say its a close to a five star place and the service isn't top notch but it has the best margaritas for low prices in all different flavors...mango, peach, strawberry... You name it they have it. There dishes run anywhere from $10-20.

The decor is quite cheesy... chili pepper lights, corona flags and spanish music. It's small and dark but it is an experience. So, I wouldn't say plan to be here all night or bring your date here. I do say after bar hoping all over the village, your feeling a buzz, craving some salty food and more alcohol stop by before you go home. Just to say you've been there. Good luck!

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

2005-05-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

If your ever in the city during the holiday season...Say right after you go ice skating in Central Park :) please stop by Rockefeller Center and check out the tree.

It so beautiful and it always put me the holiday spirit. There are a dozen white wicker angels that line the path to the enormous tree. Don't forget to bring your camera...But if you do there are professionals photographers that will take your picture if your willing to pay about $30. Now, I didn't make this investment being a broke college student my digital did the trick but my aunt did and it was an amazing picture. So, if you have the cash, splurge :)

Word of advice be sure to go somewhere between 7-11pm because I have shown up just around midnight when the shut the lights off...Complete disappointment! You can also watch the ice skaters... Some fall and some of very impressive LOL. I went on New Years Eve around 8ish and it was awesome not crowded at all... Made sure to steer clear of Times Square festivities. There is actually a whole story about how the history of this tree lighting ceremony, check it out.

Central Park

2005-04-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

I know this might seem a little weird that its April and I'm talking about this but it's something you must do if your in the city during the Christmas holiday... you should go ice skating in Central Park.

I know a lot of you might be asking why there and not Rockerfeller Center? Well let me explain... Rockerfeller Center is amazing and you must go to see the tree (which will probably be another one of my posts) but the skating rink is very very small and the line is always very very long! Not to mention very very crowded with people who have no idea how to skate and at times are dangerous.

Central Park is beautiful all year round... some of you might even remeber the recent art exhibit called THE GATES
(scroll down past pics to see the story).

But I say it's most beautiful in the winter. I was lucky enough be taken there by my boyfriend on New Years Eve and it was a lot of fun.

There are two rinks to choose from either Wollman Rink located between 62nd and 63rd Streets or Lasker Rink located between 106th and 108th Street. We chooseWollman ,which has been around since the early 1950's and has been popular since the day it opened.

This rink is much bigger then the one in Rockerfeller Center. The wait was only about 20 minutes. Word to the wise you can save a lot of money if you bring your own skates! For those of you who don't know how to skates lessons are avialable. The best part of this rink is the awesome back drop of the NYC sky line. If your up to it try skating at night it is truly romantic :)

Here I am showing off my skates!

For those of you who won't attempt the skating thing there are benches for spectators but you must pay a fee to sit! I can't recall the price of admission but it had to be under $20. If you've skated your heart out and your feeling chilly take a break and go inside to the snack bar. It can get a little expensive so don't go there on an empty stomach and stick to the hot chocolate :)

This should definately be on your agenda during the holiday season if your in New York. C'mon live a little lace up those skates and get moving!

P.S. Since this is a form of exercise make sure you stretch before you get out there! Just Kidding! LOL

Serendipity 3

2005-04-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Serendipity 3 is located on 60th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue and is the coolest ice cream palor I've been to. It is a small place vintage looking place with marble tables and cane backed chairs. Warning if you are going to visit on a shot summer night and you don't have reservations be prepared to wait for at least 45 minutes.

The downstairs is full of old fashion ice cream palor memorabilia and souvenirs to purchase. Upstairs is where you will be seated, again, I must warn you its very small and a bit crowded around the table if your traveling in a large group but I definitely think it is worth the trip.

Every time I've gone there I've ordered dessert, however, they do serve American style food. Such as hamburgers, and sandwiches but I've heard that there food is below average so stick with the desserts.

I must recommend the Frozen Hot Chocolate made from 14 kinds of chocolate into a yummy slushy treat! (If you love this drink enough you can buy the special mix and make it at home). Also, every dessert that you order will be huge, so go on an empty stomach or find someone to share your dessert with. I hear that the banana split is also amazing (but I'm not a banana fan so I wouldn't know). All the desserts are reasonably priced I'd say majority of the treats are less then $10 check out the menu.

I hear this place is also known as a celebrity hot spot. Although, the few times I've been there I haven't spotted any! So keep your eyes open for Tom Cruise of Melanie Griffith who frequent this place often.

Buttercup Bake Shop

2005-04-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

If you are interesting in tasting the best cupcake you've ever had you must visit the Buttercup Bake Shop in midtown on 2nd Avenue. I know a lot of you are probably thinking the last time I had a cupcake I was years ago but it's time to break the chain.

I was introduced to this wonderful place by Connie, an employee at my internship this summer in Manhattan. We just finished eating lunch and started walking back to the office when we walked by this wonderful little store and she said we had to stop in. She said I had to try one of these cupcakes. I was so full I couldn't even think of eating another thing plus looking at the multi-color gigantic cupcakes in the display case I thought there was no way I'd finish one. Just a few words about the actual store... It is quite small and the walls are a light yellow... They have huge display cases and there are about 3 tables towards the back to sit (but I feel like the majority of their business is ordered and picked up).

I'm not a big cupcake fan, I prefer ice cream or cake for my dessert. But this is one exception to the rule. I selected the yummy yellow cupcake with chocolate icing. It was delicious and buttery. It honestly tasted like something my grama would spend hours in the kitchen baking for a special occasion. Oh yea and just to let you know there's always room to fit and completely finish a gigantic Buttercup Bake Shop cupcake.

They also offer all kinds of cakes, muffins and buns as well. They also do personalized birthday cakes! A single cupcake costs $1.75...definately well worth it!!! If you don't believe me check out somequotes from the critics such as:

newyork.citysearch.com
"From the second you enter the close-quartered shop, you're enveloped in a relentless, sensual maelstrom of heavenly scents, ooey-gooey icing and eye-popping frosting swirls. However, all the goods are ensconced safely in cases and it's still bad form to press your nose up against the glass."

New York Press Awarded Best Cupcakes in NYC 2002

Lot 61

2005-03-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

the bar Lot 61 in Chelsea is located on West 21 Street between 10th and 11th Avenue. This review is a little different from my others... I'm writing about Lot 61 to warn you to stay away from this place.

I went to this bar for Thanksgiving Eve (one of the biggest party nights of the year in Manhattan for the 20something crowd) because my friends were all pumped about it. One of the main reasons why they thought this place would be great is because celebrities supposedly hang out there, like Paris Hilton (in my eyes she's far from a celebrity but thats a whole other discussion!). That should have been my first warning.

My second warning should have been the looks of this place from the outside... what a dump! It's located on this dark run down street and it looks like a big warehouse, a black run down building with a small neon sign "Lot 61". Surprise surprise it used to be a truck garage...how nice!

The cover charge was obviously ridiculous, I can't remember the exact price. But a green apple martini is $12. What a rip off in such a small glass too. By the way a bottle of beer was $8. I was not impressed by the snotty bartenders twirling bottles and taking forever to serve you.

As for the actual atmosphere, quite dull, and I can't imagine why celebrities would want to hang out in an old garage. Walls are black, there's only one bar, not much decoration or places to sit for that matter. They think placing a couple of mirrors around the place makes it pretty (I think not!)

The only good thing about this place is the music. The DJ's that show up here are incredible. Good thing I like to dance or that night would have been a total disaster.

So a word to the wise, please steer clear of this place. It's not worth the money or the time!

P.S. They have an official site if you wanna check it out but its awful... just the address and nothing else... Lot (horrible) 61

John's Pizzeria

2005-03-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

This is one place that you must visit if you are in New York. John's Pizzeria is located in the "theater district" on West 44th Street between Broadway and eighth Avenue. From the outside it doesn't look like that much but I mark this place one of the coolest pizzeria I've ever been too.

Let me explain... It starts when you walk in, on your right hand side is a very impressive candle lit bar. You will be hanging out here until your table is ready (there is always a wait but it goes by quickly and it is worth standing at the bar for 10 minutes). Once you pass the bar you enter into a gigantic room with high cathedral ceilings and beautiful stain glass windows (P.S. this used to be a church!)and a mural of Manhattan that covers an entire wall.

John's offers a variety of Italian dishes... I recommend the Calamari (yummy) and the Magherita pizza (thin crusted, coal-fired to perfection). If pizza isn't your thing they have many other choices 9 different pastas, calzones, sandwiches, salads etc all served in family style portions. That's not even the best part... the best part is the prices! A large pie will only cost you $12, a bottle of decent wine under $25!

If your looking for an interesting place with delicious food for a great price this is your spot!

Metro 53

2005-03-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Metro 53 is a bar/lounge/restaurant located in mid town Manhattan on West 53rd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. On the weekends you can expect to wait in line for about 15 minutes and deal with some snotty bouncers but it's worth it. Usually there's a cover charge of about $10.

Metro has two floors but to be honest with you I spend most of my time on the first floor. The main feature on the first floor is the huge marble top wrap around bar. Drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders are pretty quick with your order. Do sit in those huge comfy high backed booths, you can definately sit 6 comfortably. This is a cool place to just hang out, listen to some music and enjoy the company of friends. I bet it would be a good time if you went to watch a game as well, since there's at least 4 big televsions suspended from the walls down stairs and more upstairs.

As for the restaurant part of this place their menu seems full of options at decent prices. But I'd be lying if I said I ate any of it. Upstairs is the lounge area which has cool orange and brown couches and big colorful paintings of all types of celebrities on the walls. The bar is a beautiful mahogany brown that has a really cool brick wall backdrop. If you felt like bustin a move, right near here would be the place. Don't miss the three huge plasma screen televisions mounted on the walls up there either.

All in all I say this is a cool place to hang out, with a good crowd and great music. If you are ever in mid town Manhattan check this place out.

ESPN Zone

2005-03-03T01:57:00.000-08:00

The ESPN Zone is located in Time Square on Broadway off 42nd street and I'm a huge fan! I'd like to classify it as a grown up Chuckie Cheese. For those of you who were deprived of such a place when you were younger let me help you out. ESPN Zone is a restaurant, bar and game room all in one. For those of you who are familiar with Dave & Busters, ESPN Zone is very similar. It is divided into three floors. The first floor is for souvenirs located in the "Sports Center Studio", the second floor has the restaurant/bar area, and the third floor has the interactive games.

To be totally honest I have not visited that souvenir store once. I'd rather spend my money on the games.

Moving on to Floor Two... The Restaurant/Bar Area is pretty cool. Starting with the dining room try to request a table on the perimeter of the dining area and you won't be disappointed. As seen in this picture... it has huge glass windows that overlook Time Square (absolutely amazing!). As food the food I can't complain but it's nothing special. It's American cuisine, moderately priced (if you stick to the basics). If your going just for drinks make sure not to plant yourself at a bar stool,(unless your goal is to get hammered then it's all you buddy) venture down a few steps into the "lounge" area. There are black leather recliner chairs and high back booths all pointed in the direction of what seems to be over 100 televisions and a sports news ticker. Every sport you can imagine is broadcasted all day. Here's a plus, if you have to us the restroom but your afraid to miss a minute of the game, no worries! There's a TV in every stall, above every urinal and even on the ceiling!

Now for the Interactive Game Floor (hooray!)WARNING this can get expensive but it's a good time. To start this adventure you need to purchase a game card. A $25 one is affordable and gives a chance to play at least 10 games. It works just like a debit card. There's all different types of games! There's a free throw basketball game, an interactive boxing game, a bowling lane, NHL 2 Night (try to get a slap shot past the moving goalie) and my personal fav air hockey (yea I'm cheesy and old fashion, whatever!!!) just to name a few.

Basically, this place is fun for all ages. So, next time your in Manhattan and looking for something fun to do that's different stop by the ESPN Zone.

Hello There & Welcome to New York

2005-02-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know a little on what this blog is about...
I'm a New Yorker born and raised, Staten Island to be exact. I love where I'm from and Manhattan has always been a special place for me. From when I was little and my whole family used to go ice skating in Rockerfeller Center with Santa (including my 75 yr old grandpa) to now at the age of 21 experiencing a different aspect, the night life. Periodically, I will be posting fun things to do in Manhattan such as plays to attend, restaurants to dine in, bars to party in etc. Maybe you'll find one of my postings interesting and might just have the urge to travel to NYC and check it out.