What makes New York New York?

What makes New York New York?

Is it the rich history, vibrant arts and culture, or fantastic nightclubs that make New York such a great city? What sets it apart from other global metropolis such as Barcelona, Moscow, Tokyo, or London? The answer to this question may depend on who you ask. Well, this article explores 6 reasons why New York is one of the most glorious cities in the world.

The Skyline

There’s no disputing that New York has one of the most majestic skylines of all cities in the world. From the Empire State building to the Chrysler building, New York is home to breathtaking architecture. The fantastic skyline is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit New York City each year. To take in panoramic views of the city, visit the One World Observatory on the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center. You’ll be able to see the Hudson River, the 5 Boroughs of New York, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller all from one staging point. The Brooklyn Bridge Park, located on the East River, offers breathtaking views of the lower side of Manhattan. This is a perfect spot for a weekend picnic. If you have a few hundred dollars to spare, pay for a helicopter tour of New York and take the majestic views right from above.

The Entertainment

You probably have heard about NYC being referred to as the city that never sleeps – there’s a good reason for this. The city has an epic nightlife. While most other American cities slumber by 2 am, the part in New York is still going strong at this time. And this doesn’t necessarily have to do with the bar and club scene. Restaurants, hookup spots, markets, and holes in the wall are open till early morning. What’s more, Broadway shows, countless museum tours, and talk show opportunities are up for grabs regardless the time of day. And let’s not forget about the vibrant street art that is evident throughout the city.

The Food

Where else on the planet would you get authentic French, Mexican, Colombian, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Laotian, Vietnamese, Caribbean and Indian food all in one place? There’s a good reason the City of New York is referred to as America’s melting pot. There are all types of diners in this place, from curbside to upscale. Get hungry while walking on the street? There’s almost always a good eatery around the corner. And don’t forget to spoil yourself at street food car in Manhattan.

The Rich History

While you’re enjoying all the majesty of New York, take a break and indulge in the city’s fascinating history. Visit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and other hotspot to learn more about New York’s moving heritage. It’s estimated that up to 40% of Americans citizens have ancestors who at some point passed via New York City. Visit Ellis Island to understand the comprehend migrations that forged modern-day United States.

The Music and pop culture

New York attracts all types of music, from street performers to famous names. The city has inspired an entire punk rock movement. There’s a lot of hip hop going on here, with legends such as Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, The Beastie Boys, Run DMC and Notorious BIG dominating the space.

What’s more, New York City is a reference point for pop culture. A lot of major television shows and movies have been set in NYC. Think about shows Sex and the City, Friends, and films like Spider-Man.

The Subway

Many first time New York visitors find the subway stations extremely intimidating. But once you get the hang of it, there’s no better way of getting around the city. New York has a vibrant subway network, with stations every other street corner. And while you wait in one of the stations, there are tons of singers, dancers, musicians, and rappers to keep you entertained as they try to make it in this huge city. The next time you are in New York, make sure to familiarize and make full use of the subway system.

Everything you need to know about the Upper West Side New York

Everything you need to know about the Upper West Side New York

Bracketed by Central Park and Riverside Park, Upper West Side is a leafy residential Manhattan neighborhood. It is characterized by twin towered apartment buildings, and often depicted on movies and TV shows. Upper West Side is the neighborhood where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan lived in You’ve Got Mail. It’s common to see families pushing strollers or walking dogs here. Upper West Side also has a deep sense of culture. There’s the American Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the Beacon Theatre, as well as numerous eateries, shopping and nightlife opportunities.

Landmarks in Upper West Side

If you are an architecture buff, the Upper West Side has no shortage of landmarks. The Eldorado, Majestic, San Remo, and Century Apartments that were built in the 1930s all dot the landmark here. Other apartment complexes include the Ansonia, the Dakota, the Apthorp and Beresford. From elegant row houses to neoclassical monuments of worship and museum, the Upper West Side boasts incredible architectural riches.

Entertainment spots

The Upper West Side is a highbrow entertainment hotspot. The Lincoln Center (16.3 acre complex) hosts the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, jazz at Lincoln Center, and at least 8 other performing arts organizations. Visitors here can relax by the fountain on the campus’s extensive plaza before or after each show. Along Broadway stands the Beacon Theatre. This is an art deco music hall that first opened its doors in 1929. One of the area’s foremost landmarks, Beacon Theatre has hosted legends such as Michael Jackson, Allman Brothers, and the Rolling Stones. Close by in uptown is the Symphony Space, where several theatres showcase dance, music, comedy, readings, screenings, drama, and more. Whether you’re looking for an electrifying jazz session or a vibrant literary salon, the Upper West Side has got a lot to offer.

Brunch locations

The Upper West Side neighborhood has numerous brunch spots to complete its homey, residential feel. Feeling very hungry? Grab generous portions of popular menu items at the Good Enough to Eat joint on Columbus Avenue. There are waffles stuffed with bacon, sharp cheddar, and many other options to lift your spirits. If you’d like to get a real feel of Manhattan, head to Sarabeth’s. This is an upscale, green-awning classic that specializes in fun twists. Other mentionable brunch spots include the Caffe Storico, which is located inside the New York Historical Society. Barney Greengrass and Zabar’s are both excellent places to grab the classic New York morning meal – bagels and lox!

Upscale dining opportunities

The Upper West Side is a well-acknowledged upscale dining center. There’s a long list on the menu if you are looking for an awesome place to sit down for a lovely dinner. Tessa and RedFarm are among the most favorite picks in the area. The Leopard at des Artistes and Bar Boulud are two more places that need no introduction. Jean Georges is one of the top-rated French restaurants in the world. Tom Valenti’s Ouest has red leather booths where you can relax as you sip a martini. Farm-fresh dishes are also available here. The Fish Tag is a renowned Mediterranean seafood spot, while the Time Warner Center hosts acclaimed restaurants such as Thomas Keller’s Per Se, and A Voce Landmarc. Indeed, there’s not enough space on this page to explore all of Upper West Side’s finest dining spots.

Vibrant nightlife

Upper West Side has plenty of nightlife for your adventurous side. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center serves live jazz every night, and offers fantastic soul food and drinks. Another great place to enjoy jazz while you eat is Cleopatra’s Needle – located at 92nd Street along Broadway. Their mostly Middle Eastern menu is very popular. At The Dead Poet, cocktails are named after authors, so you can gulp down Robert Frost or Edgar Allan Poe. If you’re looking for an open air bar, there’s no better place to be than the Boat Basin Café.

Shopping

Some of the busiest commercial shopping strips in Upper West Side include Broadway, Columbus Avenue, and Amsterdam Avenue. Zabar’s – located on Broadway – opened its doors back in 1934 as a counter for smoked fish. Today – it’s a major spot where folks stop for bagels, coffee, knishes, homemade soups, and fish. Across the street at Westsider Rare and Used Books is a haven for bookworms. Here, you can find some very rare selections. Knitty City is the place to be if you need tools to complete any type of project. Across the American Museum of national History is the 79th Street Greenmarket, where you can stock up a week’s worth of fresh produce.

Recreation

The Upper West Side is one of the city’s best green spaces. Its literary sandwiched between stunning waterfront views and green spaces. Riverside Park sprinkles in some green along the Trump-constructed condos that loom overhead. It’s one of many extended parks and paths along the Hudson River that go all the way downtown. All this scenic stretch is calibrated by running and biking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, cafes, public art, and baseball fields. In warmer months, the Manhattan Community Boathouse offers free kayaking tips from the 72nd Street pier. New York’s most popular park, Central Park, run’s alongside Upper West Side’s eastern boundary. Central park offers immense recreational opportunities, from the 55-acre Great Lawn to the Shakespeare Garden and Strawberry Fields.

6 best restaurants in Upper West Side New York

6 best restaurants in Upper West Side New York

The Upper West Side offers a vibrant fine dining scene, with many luxury restaurants calling the neighborhood home. Whether you’re looking to grab a glass of wine after a hectic work day, or planning a family diner out – there are plenty of options on the table. This page highlights the best 7 restaurants in New York’s best neighborhood – the Upper West Side.

1)     Jacob’s Pickles

This is no doubt the best restaurant in Upper West Side New York. This is a Southern comfort food spot that serves generous portions. They have excellent fried chicken, biscuit sandwiches and matzo ball soup. The cocktails, beers, and root beer on tap round out the menu in a very comfortable setting with tall windows.

2)     The Ribbon

For food lovers, the Ribbon was one of the best things that happened to the Upper West Side NYC. This foodservice joint is created by the same people who are behind the Blue Ribbon Empire. It serves signature dishes, from roasted chicken to excellent oysters and bone marrow. In addition to the great bites, the Ribbon also comes out as a great place to hang out, thanks to a lovely ambience.

3)     Awadh

The Awadh makes awesome northern Indian food like kebabs, slow-cooked meats, and biryani prepared in clay pots with naan spread on the top. All these are worth the trip here, and there’s much more to catch if you’re on an empty stomach. A two story joint, the Awadh has plenty of room for everyone, and it’s definitely a must-do if you consider yourself a food buff.

4)     Sushi of Gari

This is where you feast on the best sushi in all of the Upper West Side. You’ll pay more (particularly if you choose Gari’s famous omakase), but its well worth it. Every seat here allows guests to see the chef’s craft their cui9sine in the virtual sushi studio.

5)     Jean-Georges

This is a restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongrichten, one of the most famous chefs who has build a successful culinary empire around the globe. This Upper West Side location is known for its French haute cuisine. The salmon tartare and young garlic soup here has legendary status, and this joint is almost always bustling with top-tier executives, well-dressed ladies, and Winston-wearing guests.

6)     Marlow Bistro

Located south of Columbia’s campus, Marlow Bistro offers a rustic menu including delights from the Mediterranean and Europe. You get to enjoy a rich meal in a charming, exposed-brick space setting. The menu here has a lot to offer – from easy pastas and pizzas to truffle-stuffed chicken and tuna crudo.

8 fascinating things you might not know about New York’s Upper West Side

8 fascinating things you might not know about New York’s Upper West Side

New York is one of the most visited and recognizable places on the planet. The Upper West Side, New York’s number one neighborhood, is in many ways the heart of the city. Sandwiched between two majestic parks, the Upper West Side offers a rich blend of architecture, culture, shopping and entertainment. This article explores 7 less known facts about this stately neighborhood.

#1 A village was put down to make way for Central Park

Way before the brownstones and banks moved in, this neighborhood was an open, ‘barren’ land marked with vegetable gardens, occasional shanties, and huge rock outgrowths. Morningside Heights – currently a separate neighborhood – was once part of the Upper West Side and was a famous rural farm at the time of the revolutionary war.

Between 1825 and 1857, the area was known as Seneca Village. This was a safe, small, enclave of several hundred people that was established by liberated black folks. When construction commenced on Central Park back in the 1850s, the village was brought down and its residents displaced.

#2 Both Beresford and San Remo were sold in the 1940s

The Upper West Side is famous for its elegant, ornate apartment blocks, including the Dakota, the Beresford, Ansonia, San Remo and El Dorado. Synonymous with luxury and attracting who’s who resident, both the Beresford and San Remo are located on 145 Central Park West. Around the time of the Great Depression, these buildings were not so swanky and even had problems finding steady owners. By 1940, the San Remo and Beresford were sold away in one package for just $25,000. Unbelievable, isn’t it?

#3 Columbia University is located where a former asylum for the insane sat  

About 26 acres of land surrounding 116th Street used to host the Bloomingdale Asylum. Open between 1821 and 1892, this was the only insane asylum of its type in the entire state. Various reports seem to claim that the kind of care provided here was indeed questionable. In 1872, a New York Tribune journalist infiltrated the facility and documented serious abuses, including blind men that were beaten by angry keepers. According to the journalist – Julius Chambers – there were also cases of brutal treatment, filthy baths, foul food, and very vulgar attendants. Columbia acquired the real estate in 1982 and utilized some of the existing buildings. Currently, all that still remains of the old facility is Buell Hall, which is the site where wealthy male clients were treated.

#4 A little Tudor village sits on 95th Street

On the west 95th Street, close to West End Avenue is an iron gate that opens into a tiny movie set-like street that is landmarked by Tudor-style homes. There’s also Pomander Walk, a complex built back in 1921 to model a London play stage set. This Tudor village boasts a total of 27 homes, and boasts elegant street lamps, flower boxes, and well-manicured shrubbery. Unfortunately, it’s only open to residents, so you’ll need to have a friend there to experience all this drowsy English village awesomeness.

#5 The Dakota is haunted

You probably are going to resist this one, but wait until I present the facts. There are numerous reports that the Dakota – a 132 years old structure – is haunted by a number of spirits. Residents have reported seeing a little blend haired girl, and a young boy in a brown suit. There’s also the ghost of John Lennon, which some residents say they have seen.

#6 Best collection of tulips in all of NYC

You probably have seen one of those huge flower beds in Brooklyn and the New York Botanical Gardens. But the West Side Community Garden, situated on West 89th and 90th Streets, has an outstanding collection of tulips. This privately operated garden is entirely run by volunteers. It used to be an empty lot till the 1970s, and now includes a vegetable garden, an amphitheater, and a flower garden. Every April, this UPW garden hosts the Tulip Festival as thousands of blooming flowers blast the garden with color.

#7 Some of the best NYC movies have been filmed here

Did you watch ‘You’ve Got Mail’? Well, this NYC-centric movie was staged right here in Upper West Side. This New York neighborhood tends to be very photogenic, attracting film makers from all over the country. Other notable movies that have been staged here include Black Swan, Ghostbusters, and Michael Douglas’s Fatal Attraction. Even better, these are just but a few of the many movies that highlight Upper West Side’s cinematic appeal.

#8 New york has some of the highest Nursing home costs in the U.S

You may not be surprised to learn that just as New York has a high cost of living it also has some of the highest nursing home facility costs in the United States. Medicaid will not cover the costs of Long-term Care in new york and a year of care can run you and upwards of $394,200 in just Manhattan. Check out the average costs of long-term care in new york here.

How to organize a super-successful community event

How to organize a super-successful community event

They say a successful event is a like an orchestra’s concert. A conductor is required to coordinate everything. Without a plan, everything may seem complicated and daunting. You’ll need to communicate clearly, reign in your budget, and plan for the unexpected in order for everything to run smoothly. This page offers 10 incredible tips to plan and execute a super successful community event.

1.      Start with the basics

Before anything else, you want to be very clear about what you want to achieve with the community event you are planning. As the popular truism goes, ‘fail to plan and plan to fail’. Do you want to raise money for a particular community cause? Do you want to bring community members together, or do you wish to promote certain aspects of the community? Answering all these questions well in advance will get you started on the right note.

2.      Get a team

After answering the basic questions, the next step towards holding a successful community event is to pull a team together. Getting the right team can make things a whole lot easier. How big the team is will be determined by the scale of your event. If possible, get volunteers on board. Make sure every member of your community event team knows and understands their roles and responsibilities. Have a team leader who can delegate everything and make sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.

3.      Make a list of needs

What are you going to need before and during the event? Are you going to need certain supplies or services? Make a list. Doing this well in advance helps uncover any gaps in your plan. If you want your event to run hitch-free, you want to get everything ready well in advance. Nobody needs the last-minute rush where you try to get important stuff just when it’s about to be needed.

4.      Sort your budget

Create a solid budget and be very clear about all the variables. Create room for contingency expenses in your budget. Are you going to be collecting entrance or attendance fees? Be very clear about any income generated from your event. Identify the breakeven point and prepare to find savings if things do not work out as you predicted.

5.      Get the message out

Now that you have done most of what needs to be done to prepare for a successful event, it’s time to get the word out there. Think about how you want to reach the various audiences that you are targeting. If you’ll require an upfront commitment, make sure that this information is included in your messaging. Making your communication very clear is very important. So if people will need to buy tickets before or after the events, let them know so.

In addition to getting the word out there, you also need to maximize exposure by marketing your community event. Think what the best strategies to pass the word out to your targets are. Nowadays, a lot of people are on social media and you can use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Blog about it, and have a call to action encouraging people to come. In many cases, having a good location or popular sponsors can help make marketing your event much easier.

6.      Make it as inexpensive as possible (or free)

Consider making your event free. Special grants and donations can help make this possible. If not, create a proper budget and remove unnecessary expenses to make your event as inexpensive as possible. When you make your event inexpensive, you make it accessible to more people. This is particularly important if you want your event to bring together as many community members as possible.

7.      Keep things simple

Whether you are planning a big community event in the neighborhood park, or a small gathering in your backyard – it is always important to keep everything simple. Make sure to keep the entertainment incidental. The music should not be too loud, and shouldn’t play till late either. Foster conversation during the event by inserting members of your team in the crowd. Encourage everyone to be responsible for themselves and their kids. Think about what it takes to make the event day run smooth for everyone.

8.      Don’t panic when things go wrong

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you plan for a successful event. Something somewhere goes wrong. You need to be ready to think outside the box and come up with solutions to problems that may spring up during the course of your community event. Be very organized, plan ahead, and make sure that you arrange everything well in advance. However, if problems show up, remember that problem solving can be fun.

9.      Be agile

In this past-faced world, being agile can mean the difference between a successful and a failing community event. The fact that things have always been done in a certain way does not mean you have to follow the same path. Always look for new, better ways of doing things so you can get better results. Be open to trying new strategies to market your event and bring community members on board.

10. Learn and evaluate

As you hold your event, it is also very important to learn and evaluate. Collecting feedback is absolutely important especially if you are looking to hold another event in the near future. Learn what worked and reinforce it, and correct what didn’t work out so great. This way, you’ll realize that you are getting more and more success with every other event.

Planning and running events can be a lot of fun. It’s like picking up the distinct pieces in a jigsaw puzzle and making them fit together. With the tips we have highlighted in this page, you are ready to go right ahead and execute a super-successful community event.