Winter in NY feels cold and long but mostly cold. The good thing is that there are lots of indoor options to keep you entertained. It's one of the times when you relish the underground subway walks and tunnels that keep you warm for as long as possible.
CHELSEA MARKET - This indoor market has something for everyone. It's opposite Google's NY headquarters with its' subtle white sign rather than trademark primary-colored logo so you could easily miss it.
**TASTY TIP: Look out for The Tuck Shop outlet inside the market where homesick Aussies can get gourmet pork and fennel sausage rolls and a variety of gourmet meat pies. Next door to it, the guys also set up a book exchange with this hilarious sign:
PDT - aka 'Please Don't Tell'. Drinking is of course another way to keep warm and the crew at PDT include mixologists who make some incredible cocktails. The entrance to this bar is through a phone booth inside a hot dog store!?! Yes, it's as unusual but fun as it sounds. Look for 'Crif Dogs' from the street in East Village. Once you locate the phone booth, follow the instructions and dial the number on the old phone, then await your surprise. A novel and charming bar once inside but perenially busy. I had a very festive drink as you can see.
**TASTY TIP: Crif Dogs is a favorite place of Anthony Bourdain and David Chang. According to Bourdain, once inside PDT, you can order more gourmet hot dogs including one favored by Chang that has kim chi and special chilli sauce (See Bourdain's episode of the Layover on NYC).
IFC Film Center - This art house film theatre has special events. I attended a film screening of footage to commemorate 10 years since Interpol released their first album, 'Turn On the Bright Lights' that was followed by a Q&A with Sam and Dan from the band as well as a panel including Ryan Schreiber (Pitchfork) (all pictured) for the cost of a standard film, $13.50!
*TIP: Check their listings online and try to book in advance where possible.
**TASTY TIP: Their candy bar offers more gourmet treats than your usual one with interesting flavored popcorn, ice creams and more.
High Line - On a sunny day, despite the cold, you'll see locals sun-baking on the recliners facing West on the High Line. I got amongst it this year but it felt funny to be shedding my down jacket, donning sunglasses and a beanie at the same time. Don't forget to look up as you walk the High Line for the changing art. This stunning piece is up around W 20-30th streets.
**TASTY TIP: Look out for the seasonal food vendors on The High Line around W 14th - 20th streets. They are not just any old food vendors but gourmet ones from popular local restaurants including Northern Spy Food Co.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - They describe themselves as a 'honky tonk rib joint'! This famous institution specialises in dry rubbed and slow pit smoked ribs of all types and kinds. Check out the menu below to get an idea of their 'hunger scale'. Any monster stomachs out there?
Items are priced to encourage everyone to order one of their 'sampler' plates which come in different combinations. I tried the one with 1/4 roasted chicken, beef briskey and 3 pork ribs. All the main dishes come with your choice of 2 sides and cornbread. I selected the butternut squash (with candied pecan clusters) and the corn with peppers, both of which were better than they looked. All that food for only $15.95!
**TASTY TIP: Make a booking online through Open Table HERE otherwise the wait can be an hour which is hard if you have a 'monster' hunger! Also, even if you have a reservation, expect to be told to wait at the bar so that you order some drinks. Give the cocktails a miss though. There's a reason that they're so cheap.
Brooklyn Bowl - It's a place where you can bowl, eat gourmet diner food, have drinks and watch great bands without having to go back into the cold. I saw 'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!' for $20 recently who warmed up the crowd in their unique way.
Strawberry Fields, Central Park - Whether or not you're a Beatles fan, this place deserves a regular visit. It's a beautiful spot within Central Park and the 'Imagine' mosaic tribute to John Lennon is moving.
Rockwood Music Hall - This is a great venue to see musicians in a small and intimate setting which also happens to be free. Capacity is around 40 people. I got to see Joan Wasser (aka Joan as Policewoman) play some songs from her forthcoming album here.
*TIP: It is free entry here but you are expected to buy a few drinks when the waitress comes around to take your order. Non-alcoholic drinks are fine but no water requests please! Note that there is no food served but there are plenty of restaurants nearby in the Lower East Side.
MOMA PS1 - If you like MoMA then, you will enjoy it's little sister, only 3 subway stops away in Long Island City. It's a smaller space but still a great set up to showcase contemporary, cutting edge and challenging art.
*TIP: MoMA is free on Fridays from 4pm. If you go then, that same ticket entitles you to free entry to MoMA PS1 within 1 month.
**TASTY TIP - Whilst you're there, check out the 'classroom' themed cafeteria run by the same owners as the previously very popular M. Wells restaurant. See what the New York times said HERE. So this is where those old exam table/chair pieces from High School went!
Sushi - I actually can't remember where I ate the plate of sushi rolls below but it isn't that important. I just wanted to highlight that in NYC, sushi restaurants always offer spicy tuna or spicy salmon as an option, unlike in Sydney. It essentially consists of minced fish mixed with some spicy mayonnaise that is not in fact very spicy at all so don't hesitate to try it. It's great.
Ending on a healthy note, my next update will feature some CHEAP EATS in NYC (yes, it is possible) and some lesser-known but interesting sights.
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