ExplorerPod.com

We had this really long winded intro up here but I think this email I received recently was just about right in describing the people of New York City ..

THERE IS NO NORTH AND SOUTH. IT’S ‘UPTOWN’ OR ‘DOWNTOWN.’ AND EAST OR WEST IS ‘CROSS-TOWN.’ IF YOU’RE REALLY FROM NEW YORK YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CONCEPT OF WHERE NORTH AND SOUTH ARE .. YOU RIDE IN A SUBWAY CAR WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE SEATS AVAILABLE.. YOU TAKE THE TRAIN HOME AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHERE ON THE PLATFORM THE DOORS WILL OPEN THAT WILL LEAVE YOU RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE EXIT STAIRWAY.. YOU KNOW WHAT A ‘REGULAR’ COFFEE IS.
IT’S NOT MANHATTAN, IT’S THE ‘CITY.’ YOU CROSS THE STREET ANYWHERE BUT ON THE CORNERS AND YOU YELL AT CARS FOR NOT RESPECTING YOUR RIGHT TO DO IT.. YOU MOVE 3,000 MILES AWAY, SPEND 10 YEARS

LEARNING THE LOCAL LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE STILL KNOW YOU’RE FROM BROOKLYN OR THE BRONX THE MINUTE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH.. YOU RETURN AFTER 10 YEARS AND THE FIRST FOODS YOU WANT ARE A ‘REAL’ PIZZA AND A ‘REAL’ BAGEL.. YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ALL THE DIFFERENT RAY’S PIZZAS.. YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE MISTAKEN IMPRESSION THAT ANY HUMAN BEING WOULD BE ABLE TO ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND A P.A. ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE SUBWAY.. PIZZA IN ANY OTHER CITY JUST ISN’T AS GOOD.. YOU GET READY TO ORDER DINNER AND MUST CHOOSE FROM THE MAJOR FOOD GROUPS WHICH ARE: CHINESE, ITALIAN, MEXICAN OR DINER.

YOU’RE NOT THE LEAST BIT INTERESTED IN GOING TO TIMES SQUARE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.
YOUR INTERNAL CLOCK IS PERMANENTLY SET TO KNOW WHEN ALTERNATE SIDE OF THE STREET PARKING REGULATIONS ARE IN EFFECT.

YOU KNOW WHAT A BODEGA IS.. SOMEONE BUMPS INTO YOU, AND YOU AUTOMATICALLY CHECK FOR YOUR WALLET.. YOU DON’T EVEN NOTICE THE LADY WALKING DOWN THE ROAD HAVING A PERFECTLY NORMAL CONVERSATION WITH HERSELF.. YOU PAY ‘ONLY’ $230 A MONTH TO PARK YOUR CAR. YOU CRINGE AT HEARING PEOPLE PRONOUNCE HOUSTON ST. LIKE THE CITY IN TEXAS.. THE PRESIDENTIAL VISIT IS A MAJOR TRAFFIC JAM, NOT AN HONOR.. YOU CAN NAP ON THE SUBWAY AND NEVER MISS YOUR STOP.. THE DELI GUY GIVES YOU A STRAW WITH ANY BEVERAGE YOU BUY. YOU SEE A PERSON WALKING 5 OR 6 DOGS AT ONCE … AND IT’S NORMAL.. THAT’S NEW YORK , BABY! YA GOTTA LOVE IT.

NYC was built (and still runs) on its neighborhoods. You’ll find that each has its own character, so get out and explore. People from all walks of life are really what make this place so special.

Restaurants

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New York has so many types of food – from American to Japanese, from French to Asian – you can find anything and everything in this City. Where else can you walk down the street and smell the aromas from innumerable food stands that line the streets and the kitchens that pack them in every night? The diversity of NYC is unparalleled to any other. Here are some of our favorites:

Gascogne: If you can’t make it out to Paris, make sure you can find your way to this charming French bistro in the city’s Chelsea district. With French-speaking waiters, indoor/outdoor seating and culinary indulgences, this place can make you forget you’re in NYC! The escargots and foie gras are always a pleaser! Gascogne is located on Eighth Ave. (Between 17th & 18th Streets).

B-Bar and Grill (formerly Bowery Bar): A popular summertime setting with indoor/outdoor ambiance, B-Bar is great for summer drinks and dinner on the patio. The place is known to draw A-listers and occasional celebrities. The grill offers delicious appetizers and the calamari & popcorn shrimp are always a great choice! B Bar is located on East 4th & Bowery.

Per Se: You’ll go running down the streets in glee after dining here (located at 10 Columbus Circle, between 58th and 59th Sts.). With a French-New American menu that changes daily, this pricey culinary experience is a worthwhile treat for your senses (the dishes are as delicious as they are colorful). Whatever you do, begin your meal with the “Oysters and Pears” and make sure you save enough room for the “Coffee and Doughnuts” dessert. Jackets are required, but you do under it is up to you.

Il Mulino: This is the epitome of an Old New York hangout, the restaurant boasts some of the best Italian food you’ll ever eat. Located in the West Village (on 86 W. Third St., between Sullivan & Thompson and near NYU), the place is small, crowded & quite loud, but the food makes it all worth while. Bring your appetite (portions are big enough to feed a small country) and your wallet.

Bruno Jamais: An ultimate one-stop shop experience in the Upper East Side, this isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find a sophisticated and swanky restaurant/lounge like Bruno Jamais. Housed in a townhouse on East 81st Street (between 5th and Madison), the venue boasts beautiful and modern living room-like rooms overflowing with many Euro jetsetters and locals who want to groove while they dine. Music at the restaurant spans everything from soul to hip hop – along with some 70’s and 80’s hits everyone love to hear. Though food may become secondary in a place like this, it is outstanding nonetheless! The menu offerings are superb (Lobster Brulee and Striped Bass are a must), with a special late night menu that’s served till dawn (well, almost – 4 a.m.).

Dos Caminos (Soho): With made-to-order guacamole and some of the best margaritas in town (in addition to more than 150 tequila selections), you can’t go wrong with the city’s top Mexican spot. With indoor and outdoor seating options, this place brings the fiesta downtown! Dos Caminos is located at West Broadway & Houston (along with a location on Park Avenue and a Midtown location opening in Fall ‘06).

Jean Georges: It’s simple, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten can’t get it wrong (ever!) This restaurant, inside the Trump International Hotel, is as sophisticated as it is superb. Located off Columbus Circle (1 Central Park West, between 60th and 61st Sts.), this divine masterpiece offers a formal dining room, more casual cafe and an outdoor terrace for those cool summer nights. Don’t you dare leave without sampling the baby scallops and the four-part citrus tasting.

Babbo: Who doesn’t love Mario Batali? With its trademark pasta tasting menu, make sure you aren’t watching your waistline when you arrive at this two-story townhouse. You’ll find that the simplest ingredients have never tasted so good! Everything is tasty but we fancy the ravioli with beef cheeks and the goat cheese tortellini. Reservations are a must. Babbo is located at 110 Waverly Pl., between 6th Ave. and MacDougal.

Una Pizza Napoletana: Seriously, who needs Italy? This is, by far, the best pizza in the City – “The Best, Jerry…the best.” Each bite is light, fragrant and oh-so delish! The buffalo mozzarella is shipped directly from Italy and pairs nicely with the finger-licking-good basil-infused tomato sauce. Una Pizza (349 E. 12th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves.) is not to be missed.

Bouchon Bakery: Located on Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Building, this casual French Boulangerie is anything but plain. You’ll find everything from mouth-watering fresh croissants, to good-ol’ PB&J sandwiches. This place has the best tuna fish sandwich we’ve ever had. And, did we mention they make their own hand-made chocolates?

Momofuku Noodle Bar: If you need a quick ramen fix – this is your spot. Just be prepared to wait (they don’t take reservations). And, if you don’t mind getting packed in like sardines and eating thigh-to-thigh with your fellow patrons – find your way to this amazing noodle bar. The three-variety steamed buns (pork, chicken or shitake) are worth the trip and the wait. Momofuku is located at 163 First Ave. (at 10th St.).

Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man: Talk about Chocolicious! This chocolate laboratory, bar, shop and restaurant is meant to fulfill the deep dark fantasies of every chocolate lover out there. Inside, you will find a bar that dispenses hot and cold drinks like dark chocolate granite or the Chockie (a thick chocolate milkshake with a peanut base). This sweet-tooth haven offers everything from dip n’ roll your own popsicles to varieties of warm chocolate soup topped with marshmallows and strawberries and chocolate pizza. But if you really want to catch a buzz, try the Mexican hot chocolate with nutmeg and red chilies. Max Brenner is located at 841 Broadway (Bet. 13th & 14th Sts.) More info at www.maxbrenner.com

Vento Trattoria: A trendy and swanky hot spot in the Meatpacking District, Vento boasts exposed brick walls, rough wood beams and a profusion of windows – affording diners some of the best people watching around. And the food, is just as good! The menu at Vento is full of crowd pleasing options, best of which are the wood-fired pizzas (Macellaio), the rosemary potatoes, the delectable meatballs (Baby Polpette) and the decadent pasta options (try the casarecci garnished with peas, prosciutto and truffles or the fettucine with braised duck). Those of you interested in a nightcap after dinner, head on down to the sultry subterranean spot, Level V, in the basement. Vento is located at 675 Hudson St. (at 13^th St.).

Divine Bar: This wine bar is exactly what you need to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. An attractive staff pours a flight of Californian reds to educate your taste buds while folks mingle with the hip crowd around the roomy chrome bar. On Tuesdays, learn how to make authentic Spanish Sangria and on Saturdays groove to fun 80’s tunes (just make sure you dig in your closet for your Cindy Lauper tights first). Daddy O’s: Craving some good ol’ comfort food? Have we got the place for you! Never has a burger and tator tots tasted this divine. Located in the West Village, this relaxed spot is the ideal hangout for folks wanting to escape the pretentious carb-counting crowd you find in this city. Bars & Nightlife The City comes alive at night (and its usually when most are tucking themselves in for a good night’s sleep!). Times Square has more lights than a sound stage and feels like midday even at 2:00 am. With so many people in town each and every night (and I mean, each and every night) there are plenty of special occasions that must be celebrated. Whether you’re out for a birthday, promotion, or the eminent “Girls Night Out” – here are some journeyPod Picks: Maritime Hotel: Yes, we are listing a hotel as a pick for our Nightlife category and it’s not because of what goes on behind closed hotel room doors. The entire city block is just one big open air extravaganza right out of South Beach. Located at 363 West 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.), this place was once the headquarters for the National Maritime Union. Now, it’s a glamorous Chelsea Hotel that draws a trendy nightlife scene. Among its hot spots are Matsuri – sushi restaurant, a Japanese-themed nightclub called Hiro and La Bottega – a bar/trattoria which extends outside into a 6,000 square foot patio. Ah, and how can we forget to mention the party cabanas on the terrace?! Pacha: Talk about a high energy import that lets you explore the vibe of Ibiza without stepping foot outside NYC (located at 618 W. 46th St. – between 11th Ave. and West Side Hwy). This international nightclub transports club-goers from NYC to the steamy tropics, featuring four floors (and 30,000 square feet) of options. Navigate a maze of staircases, palm trees, mirrors and tarp canopies. You’ll find drop down projection screens, staging runways, and intimate retreats (check out the Jacuzzi-style booths). Passerby: Screwdrivers are back and somehow they made the Greyhound even cooler. Their juicer will freshen up your cocktails and their glowing “Saturday Night Fever” dance floor will liven up your evening. A stylish little hole-in-the-wall that features great drinks and an easy, laid-back crowd. Passerby is located at 436 W. 15th St. (between Ninth & 10th Aves.). White Horse Tavern: A super-popular West Village institution, White Horse Tavern is quiet, literary, and features lots of wood – a former haunt of Dylan Thomas. Good for a few laid-back Happy Hour pints with old friends and colleagues. Just make sure you’re not watching your waste line if you decide to order grub – the big juicy burgers and slab-cut fries are worth the calories! White Horse Tavern is located on Hudson & 11th Street. Bungalow 8: With so many luxuries offered at this honeymoon-suite locale, who has anytime for sleep? If you’re looking for great drinks and interesting snacks, this mini-resort provides it. A hospitality-themed lounge, Bungalow 8 offers everything but the mint on your pillow. Perfect for night-owls who have trouble turning in. Bungalow 8 is located at 515 W. 27th St. (between 10th & 11th Aves.). Unless you want to tangle with large bouncers, call ahead for the guest list as reservations are very much required. Gypsy Tea: Despite the name, there’s no Stevie Nicks vibe here. But what you will find is a two-level hip-hop destination where you’ll often see sections full of A-listers from the fashion and celebrity world. With four unique lounge settings (and over 10,000 square feet) of banquette-like seating, cushy pillars, a grand aquarium and room to dance, most flock to Gypsy Tea for its VIP section and bottle service. Make sure to taste the house specialty – The Gypsy Cosmo! Rated 2005’s Hottest New Lounge, Gypsy Tea can be found at 22 W. 24th St. (between 5th & 6th Aves.). Pink Elephant: Bring a few credit cards and your swankiest shoes when you visit this luxurious bottle service venue (located at 527 W. 27th St., between 10th & 11th Aves.). With a pheromone-shooting scent machine, you’ll find your libido-sparking hormones at full attention and the scene completely intoxicating! The door can be tough, but worth the trouble for the crowd AND staff you’ll find when you enter the gates. Pink Elephant boasts a kinetic lighting system, argon lasers and a liquid nitrogen gas tank catapulted from the ceiling (for those moments when the dance floor gets too heated). Tortilla Flats: There’s a party every night at this small Tex-Mex joint. Great for food and margaritas (try the strawberry one – you can get them by the pitchers), Tortilla Flats is a cheap and fun cantina that’s always crowded with post-work folks looking for a good time. Its located on Washington Street & 12th. Trailer Park Lounge: Located at 23rd Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues) this place is an ode to an old trailer park – screen door, unmatched vinyl chairs, velvet pictures of Elvis, Marilyn and more. This is the place to be if you want good comfort food (try the sweet potato fries, tator tots and mac n’ cheese) and big potent drinks (the margaritas are the size of your head!) after a hellish day with the boss. With its kitschy decor, Trailer Park is a great place – sans pretension or attitude. Dive 75: A dimly lit watering hole with four TV’s, 19 beers on tap, a free Wi-Fi connection, a 155-gallon fish tank, board games up the kazoo (Uno, Monopoly, Connect Four) and friendly waiters that make you feel like home – who needs anything else? Dive 75 (located at 101 W. 75th St. – between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves.) is no dive at all!. BLVD: If you want a lounge, a dance-floor and food under one roof – this is the place that delivers all three (and with class). Located on Bowery (at Spring Street) BLVD is a mega one-stop shop that you can check out for a pre-dinner drink or to spend the entire evening. Great for a first date and when you’re not sure where the night is going to take you (no need for an “emergency phone call from a friend”) – its easy to get lost in the crowd in this tri-level complex. b.e.d. N.Y.: Manhattan, we’d like you guys to meet South Beach. Beautiful people, beautiful space – this bi-level penthouse located at W. 27th Street, is the city’s first downtown restaurant that offers two dining floors, a 360-degree rooftop view of the midtown skyline and beds for dining, drinking, and just chillin. The beds invite everyone to be a wee bit more “free spirited.” Whoever said you can’t dress up to go to bed? Sutton Place: This laid back, yet hip bar is your multi-option destination. Whether you’re meeting your BF for some late night drinks or just watching the big game, Sutton Place is where it’s at. The venue features 15 televisions with four large-screen projectors, a separate lounge with a fireplace and a 46 foot rooftop retreat. Sutton Place is located at 1015 2nd Ave. (between 53rd and 54th Sts.). 230 Fifth: Planning an after-work soiree with your colleagues or a weekend nightcap with your new guy? This expansive (can accommodate nearly 1,000 guests) deco-style penthouse lounge and tropical wraparound rooftop have views that even Trump should envy! Where else can you find almost 360 (unobstructed) degree views alongside palm trees? 230 Fifth is located where else but, 230 Fifth? (At the corner of 27th St.). Le Bryant Park Cafe: A trendy outdoor bar perfect for singles and people watching during those balmy summer nights in NYC. Sitting at this place in the warmer months can make you feel like you’re in Paris. They host free jazz and other performances throughout the week (with free outdoor movie nights on Mondays). During off season, the singles scene travels indoor to the Bryant Park Grill. The Cafe is located at 476 5th Ave. (at 41st St.). Shopping

It’s the only city in the world where you can forget to pack your little black dress and you’re not out of luck. Just simply run across the street and buy anything you need with ease. That brings us to a journeyPod Pick for all you shopaholics out there. Century 21 (which is way downtown, but worth the cab fare or subway to 22 Cortland St., between Church & Bdwy.). No, not the real estate moguls – Century 21 is a retail store with great deals on top designers and a bargain-hunter’s dream. If brand names are your weakness, you’ll savor every moment while pawing through the medley of racks of designer duds. Where else can you pick up an Armani suit at 50% off or save hundreds on that dress that’s all the rage?

NY Shout-outs to: Special Agent JR & Dave, who is special in his own way!
Written by journeypod.com – your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, the hottest nightlife, and the coolest restaurants. It’s the insiders guide to luxury and vip access around the world.