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2012 has been an exciting year – one that has taken me to 11 countries and six domestic cities. Here are the top five posts that you all deemed the most worthy of reading throughout the year. Allow me to get misty eyed and thank you for all the comments, “likes” and views this year. I look forward to more adventures in 2013 and cannot wait to share with all of you.
This journey from last January took us to Cancun of yesteryear, where girls strip down to the very bare minimum and beefcake dudes line up to drink tequila out of their belly buttons. It makes me smile that my readers found this to be the most popular post.
2. an affair with anthony bourdain
Not surprisingly, my encounter with my hero (and the hero of many of my readers, I’m sure) was worthy of your attention.
3. airport idiocy: top five pet peeves
We all have been to the airport, so we all know just how much of a hassle they can be. Plus, everyone likes reading complaint pieces where they get to say, “oh yes, that is soooo true!”
4. five overrated restaurants in nyc
I don my snark cap and tell you that those restaurants with the $$$$ rating just aren’t that worth it.
Every summer I make a list of the top 50 things in New York that I would love do between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You all came along on that journey with me this summer. I hope you were able to create some memories of your own!
Like what you have read this year? Follow me on Twitter at @tripptravelogue, or “like” me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trippintravelogue. Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!!
If you have never been to Memphis I feel for you. That city holds a very dear place in my heart. It could be because of the slamming barbecue food, the chilling Civil Rights Museum or views of the Mississippi, but the truth is it’s because that city is abuzz as the sun goes down and the seedy parts of your soul come alive to blues music.
New Yorkers will be unleashing their soulful angst tomorrow night, July 11 through Thursday July 12, as the Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival comes to the World Financial Center.
Blues legends Buddy Guy and Neko Case will be the headliners at the second annual event. Other acts include Charles Bradley and John Mayall – both of whom have made deep trenches in the world of blues music today.
Best part? The festival is FREE! Performances will run from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. both nights. For now, enjoy some of the soulful stylings of Mr. Johnny Holiday, Memphis blues legend.
View of Manhattan’s Upper East Side from Roosevelt Island
There is nothing wrong with seeing your own city through the eyes of a tourist. Most local New Yorkers are so obsessed with seeking out the “underground” and the “obscure,” that they miss some of the amazing parts of the city that have been deemed a little too “obvious.”
I can give you a long list of locals who have never been to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, because they figured that these structures have always been here so they’ll hit them eventually. Not to be morbid, but I know many people that never visited the World Trade Center, owing that to the same mentality. The point is, you can’t predict the future so you might as well soak up every little ounce of your own city. You never know what hidden gems you will find. Carpe diem and all that sh*t.
Taking my own advice, yesterday I decided to explore Roosevelt Island. From 1921 until 1973, Roosevelt Island was known as Welfare Island, and before that Blackwell’s Island. In the 19th century it was home to the New York City Lunatic Asylum, as well. It runs for approximately 40 blocks in the East River. Truth be told, there still isn’t much on the island today – unless you are into exploring hospitals and apartment buildings. But if you are looking for a bite to eat, a frosty beverage and a killer view, keep reading.
Along the west side of the island, just steps from the F train, is Pier NYC, a small wharf with a wet bar and both a raw bar and BBQ stall. Good to know: The seafood stall, Santos seafood shack, is the brainchild of former Per Se man David Santos. The BBQ joint, John Brown’s Smokehouse, is helmed by Josh Bowen of Long Island City BBQ fame. We sat sipping ice cold beers and indulging in shrimp cocktail while watching the yachts and sailboats cruise against the Manhattan skyline. Not bad for a 90-degree Sunday. Beers are a little pricey ($8), but you are doing something touristy so it’s to be expected. Note: The raw bar accepts credit card but the BBQ joint is cash only.
Roosevelt Island can be accessed from Queens via a bridge at Vernon Boulevard and 36th Avenue. The F train also stops on the island, or you could take the sky tram from Manhattan.
New York is known for many things, but Southern BBQ is not one of them. As I consider BBQ to be some sort of epicurean gospel, when I hear of a new joint in NYC to scope out, you can bet that I’ll be there.
During last year’s Summer of Fun series, I wanted desperately to investigate The Smoke Joint in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, but alas, there just was not enough time. So this summer, it went to the top of my list…and I kicked myself for having not gone sooner.
Stepping into the restaurant is like pulling over to the side of a dusty southern road and stepping into a wood shack with smokers smoking and flames licking turning hunks of meat. However, once you get a look at the list of obscure bourbons and artfully concocted cocktails, it’s easy to remember that you are still in Brooklyn’s hipster-meets-haute center.
I sampled the pulled pork sandwich (because that is one dish I can never say no to). It comes with pickles and cole slaw, but be sure to leave room for sides. The mac & cheese is epic, as is the corn bread.
Some in our dinner party felt that the sandwich was a bit too greasy, but you can order the pulled pork as a platter without the bun if that is your concern. Personally, I don’t mind a little grease dripping down to my elbows, however when you’re off to see a lecture at the nearby Brooklyn Academy of Music (as we were), you may not want to be smelling of pork.
Anyway, this restaurant gets my vote and is yet another reason to venture outside of Manhattan.
“If you don’t get out of the street you WILL get hit by a bus,” NYPD.
This is what I love about New Yorkers: 1) Our unabashed desire to not miss out on anything, causing us to jump in lines or into crowds without really knowing what we are there for. 2) Our complete disregard for auto traffic, and 3) The lack of disappointment we feel even when something is a complete bust.
Over 100 people gathered on the corner of E 34th Street and Park Avenue last night (and hundreds more at other prime intersections throughout the city) to witness Manhattanhenge – that special time of year when the setting sun perfectly aligns with the street grid, washing steel with sun. And sure, it would have been as poetic as that were it not for the giant-ass cloud covering said sun.
One cloud in the whole damn sky and it was blocking the sun. But c’est la vie, am I right? That didn’t stop hordes of people from running into the middle of the intersection at red lights to snap pictures, nor did it stop the mingling of like-minded wannabe astronomers. And really, no matter that it was a failure. We all live relatively close by…except for that couple that drove 400 miles to see the spectacle. Yeah…that blows.
But fear not. For those of you who attempted this time and were bummed, there will be another shot to see the half sun on the grid on July 12, and the full sun on July 11.
With Memorial Day Weekend fast-approaching, it is time to formally introduce the Summer of Fun 2012 list. For those of you unfamiliar with Summer of Fun, it is that time in New York when we go out and explore just why this is arguably the best city in the world (and we also go out in search of justification for the ridiculous rent prices we all pay to be here).
Summer of Fun officially kicks off Wednesday, May 30, with Manhattanhenge and will run through Labor Day.
So for those of you looking for things to do in NYC this summer, here is what I will (be attempting to) do and report back on. Feel free to join in on the journey.
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- Manhattanhenge, May 29/30, when the sunset aligns with NYC’s grid.
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- 2nd Annual Summer Spit BBQ, June 3, Studio Square, Astoria. Join Chef David Burke and brewmaster Jim Koch on June 3 for a day full of unlimited pork goodness and Sam Adams on tap. The event is held at Astoria’s Studio Square, 36th Street between 35th and 36th avenues.
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- Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival. Celebrate the Blues downtown at the World Financial Center’s waterfront Plaza as new stars join great legends for a two-day musical tribute to the history and continuing legacy of the Blues on July 11 – 12, 2012.
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- NYC’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Head out to Flushing Meadows Park (for free!) for a weekend full of ornately decorated dragon boats racing up and down the river, much like is done in China and Hong Kong.
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- Jazz Lawn Party. Step back to the Roaring 20s this summer during the 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. Held June 16 and 17, and August 18 and 19, Governor’s Island transforms to a scene right out of the Great Gatsby, complete with period games, music and food.
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- The Color Run, August 25-26. Join fellow New Yorkers for a rainbow of a 5k. Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color. 1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink, and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.” As the runners/walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR RUN Zones, they will be blitzed by volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR.
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- Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, Astoria. Many have tried, many have failed. To house a beer garden in a major metropolis is not an easy feat. However, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens has withstood the test of time and continues to be the number one spot for outdoor German imbibing.
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- Blues on Bleeker Street. The blues halls on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village are reminiscent of a Memphis nightscape. Wander in and out of bars along the street and take in the soulful sounds and a few bottles of suds.
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- The Staten Island Ferry. Ahh, New York’s “other” borough. Whether you approve of it or not, Staten Island is a very real part of New York. You want your Italian gravy at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, or a quick ride into Bayonne, NJ? Staten Island is meant to be experienced.
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- Little Brazil. W 46th Street in New York is home to Little Brazil, one of the smaller ethnic neighborhoods in NYC, but no less vibrant. Wander down this street for your own little taste of Rio and Sao Paulo.
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- Brooklyn Cyclones. Sure, it’s not the Majors, but Minor League baseball promotes conversation! Head out to Coney Island’s MCU Park to represent Brooklyn’s finest!
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- Rooftop Films. Where can you catch a good flick this summer? Up on the roof, of course. During the summer months, New York City’s rooftops light up with movie screens as tons of hipsters head up for some city cinematics.
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- City Island. Just off the coast of…the Bronx…sits a sleepy little fisherman’s island, right here in our own city. Head to City Island for a break from the buzz and some freaking fresh seafood.
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- Brennan & Carr. Who doesn’t love hot beef? I know I do. And yes, that is what she said. This Sheepshead Bay establishment serves up hot roast beef dipped three ways. I really don’t know how else to convince you.
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- Roosevelt Island. Smack dab in the East River, Roosevelt Island (formerly known as Welfare Island), is steeped in history and killer views of New York. AND…you can walk there from Astoria, so you know I’m hooked.
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- Apotheke. Ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top 100 bars in the world, Apotheke is an off-the-beaten-path gem on Doyers Street in Chinatown. If you do happen to find it, you’ll discover crazy cocktails, a luxe lounge scene, and a surprisingly good playlist.
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- The Smoke Joint. Located in Fort Greene, The Smoke Joint is a BBQ haven that you won’t want to miss. Why? This is New York BBQ. What? Yeah you’re intrigued. So you should check it out. 87 South Elliot Place.
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- Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos. Perhaps you didn’t know this about me, but I am obsessed with all things Anthony Bourdain. On an episode of No Reservations, the legend himself visited New York’s outerboroughs, notably this mom-and-pop taco shop in Bushwick. It’s the real deal.
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- The Pickle Guys. A pickle emporium on the Lower East Side. What says summer like a pickled vegetable in Tompkins Square Park? Not much, I say. Not much at all.
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- The Frick Collection. The Frick Collection is a compilation of European paintings, sculptures, porcelain and furniture. It’s just one of those museums in New York that you should really see.
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- Broad Channel. This random little beach community in Queens is a collection of waterways and bridges – it is one of New York’s more laid back communities, and a must-see for all nautical fans.
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- Eataly. Yeah…really late to this party. But I’ve never been. I hear it is overpriced and overhyped, but I like food and I like the idea of eating lots of different kinds of it in one location. Bring it on, Batali.
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- Sunrise at Coney Island. What better way to end a debaucherous night out in New York with a subway ride all the way out to Coney Island to catch the sunrise? Take the N/Q line all the way to the end and stroll along the boardwalk to catch the magic moment. Do me a favor and don’t go alone, okay? I don’t need to hear any horror stories. Be smart, people.
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- The Campbell Apartment. Located in Grand Central Terminal, this once-office of a 1920s’ mogul serves up classic cocktails in a dimly lit, borderline kitschy setting.
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- pdt. This is just a personal vendetta. pdt (short for Please Don’t Tell) is a speakeasy in the back of New York’s famed hotdog joint, Crif Dogs. I was denied entry to this exclusive backroom, so I will make it a personal goal this summer to get back. But for those of you without a hatchet to bury, it’s still pretty cool. Mixologists concoct magical elixirs while you gobble up hotdogs with weird toppings. You don’t have to be completely sold, but you will be. Oh, you will be.
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- Porchetta. Porchetta isn’t new, but this little hole-in-the-wall on E 7th Street in the East Village recently obtained its beer/wine license. ABOUT TIME. What could be better than a succulent porchetta sandwich and a glass of red wine? If you haven’t been, this is the time to go.
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- 5Pointz Graffiti. Have you ever ridden the 7 train? I mean past Grand Central and all the way into Queens. Have you? If you have, you’ve passed by a giant warehouse plastered in vibrant graffiti art. This is 5Pointz Graffiti, and it is a real thing. Tours are offered weekly where you can learn the stories behind the art and see the artists in action.
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- Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club. Sand, fire pits, beers on tap and skyline views. Nothing sounds more like summer in New York. Oh, and it’s open at noon every day. Accessible by the A, C, J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 at Fulton Street. The Beekman Beer Garden is located at Beekman Street and South Street on the north side of Pier 17.
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- Red Hook Food Vendors. Purveyors from all across Latin America gather in Brooklyn’s Red Hook to serve up local delicacies. Oh yeha, and people play soccer. Soccer and a papusa. That sounds lovely. Corner of Bay and Clinton St. Brooklyn, NY Subway: F & G to Smith-9 Streets
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- Beauty & Essex. Hidden behind a door at an obscure pawn shop on the Lower East Side sits this ultra-chic cocktail bar and restaurant. It’s pretty gimmicky and quite expensive, but it is definitely a place to see some A-listers and feel fancy for an evening.
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- Fox & Jane. This one may be just for the ladies (and if gentlemen are interested, that’s cool. I don’t judge). This Lower East Side salon and finishing “bar” is a full service salon with alcoholic incentive. 154 Orchard Street, Store B New York, NY 10002.
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- Parm. Parm: breaded meat (or eggplant), doused in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Essentially, heaven. And when you put it on a roll…I don’t even know if there’s a word for that kind of euphoria. Parm at 248 Mulberry Street can make parm out of anything. Anything. Have I said enough?
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- The Odeon. Tribeca’s The Odeon is an institution for brunch. (By the way, brunch is a religious experience in New York. We don’t f*ck around.) If you can manage to drag your bones out of bed before 3 p.m., head down to The Odeon to settle your stomach and soul.
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- Museum of Sex. I’m not sure if this really needs elaboration. It’s a museum of sex. That must appeal to some of you. 233 Fifth Avenue.
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- Home Sweet Home. Head to this bar on Friday nights for some kind of retro/90s sock hop. Head to 131 Chrystie Street between Delancey and Broome. There is dancing every other night, as well. But something intrigues me about a retro sock hop.
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- Rocks Off Concert Cruise. The Rocks Off Concert Cruise series is a three-hour booze cruise around Manhattan featuring live music and alcohol. There’s a Pearl Jam cover band schedule for this summer. Enough said.
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- Russian and Turkish Baths. In operation is 1892, the Russian & Turkish baths on E 10th Street have been mellowing out New Yorkers. The facilities have been newly renovated and include a Russian sauna, ice pool, Swedish shower, Turkish room and other intriguing therapeutic things.
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- L.I.C. Bar. L.I.C. Bar, in Long Island City, has a 100-year history and a hot summer scene. I suggest checking out this watering hole on Wednesday evenings when dogs are welcome and the backyard opens up into a barbecue bash.
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- Skydive the Ranch. About an hour and a half outside of New York in Gardiner, New York is Skydive the Ranch, a tandem skydive facility where….people jump out of planes with parachutes strapped to them.
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- Scott’s Pizza Tour. Put your feet to the pavement and check out some of New York City’s most famous pizzerias. You can also do a tour by bus, but that just seems ridiculously lazy. Walking tours are approximately $35.
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- Flushing, Queens’ Korean Scene. Flushing, Queens (last stop on the 7 train) is an emporium of authentic Korean restaurants. Take the train, take the day, wander around and Korea yourself.
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- Governor’s Island. Take the ferry to this island off Manhattan’s southern tip. Rent bikes, explore the bar scene or lay out in the sun and enjoy some piece and quiet away from the mainland.
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- Harlem Week. What once began in 1974 as “Harlem Day” has been expanded into a week-long tribute to all that makes Harlem fascinating and fantastic. We’re a little early on this so the dates haven’t been finalized, but we’ll get back to you.
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- Sandy Hook Beach. This seven-mile stretch of beach in New Jersey is a lovely way to escape for an afternoon. The Jersey Shore bound ferry will sail you through New York Harbor where you can view Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse, The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Hoffman Island, Swinburne Island, West Bank Lighthouse, and Romer Shoal Lighthouse.
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- The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. This overt ice cream parlor has garnered quite a reputation for itself as being big, gay and delicious. The lines speak for itself. Note: This is on the same block as Porchetta. See where I’m going with this?
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- Jane’s Carousel. According to the website, “Jane’s Carousel was created in 1922, the heyday of the American Carousel, by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (P.T.C.). Designated as P.T.C. No. 61, it was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, then a prosperous steel-making city. The Carousel has been fully restored back to it’s original elegance.” I don’t know…it’s an historic carousel in a glass case on the East River. Get on board.
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- Astoria’s Little Egypt. Hookah houses and Egyptian restaurants flank Astoria’s historic Steinway Street. Sit al fresco smoking on some hookah pipes, drinking Arabic tea and eating some very, very weird things.
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- Strawberry Fields. Bring your camera, your ipod and your favorite herbal refreshment and watch the freaks pay homage to the Beatles at this iconic New York tourist trap.
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- K-town Karaoke. New York’s Koreatown (E 32 Street) is home to a bevy of late-night karaoke parlors. If you have the burning urge to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” at 3 a.m., this is probably where you should go to do so.
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- New York lightning storm. This item is a bit dependent on New York’s weather, but typically in the summer the humidity and other…meteorological factors…create these wickedly intense rain and lightning storms (ask a weatherman for details. I’m a writer.). Don’t miss out on these spectacular natural events. Take a walk in it, revel in it. Stop by the river and watch the sky crack with the white fire. Just don’t carry any metal on you or go swimming. Live on the wild side.
