“Yada yada yada”

Cue slap bass line.  If you’re a pop culture fan and love TV and film, then you can’t pass Morningside Heights without a visit to Tom’s Restaurant.  Made famous by the 1990’s hit sitcom Seinfeld, the restaurants iconic neon sign was used as the exterior establishing shot for the show’s “Monk’s Café”.  As the interiors scenes were shot on a Los Angeles sound stage, they share few similarities with the original restaurant’s interior. Seinfeld and his friends would regularly share the same booth for food, which may suggest they must have lived in the area.

The story goes that the production crew was shooting the restaurant one morning in 1990 and the restaurant owner came out wondering what they were using it for, they responded saying “just some pilot”.

Located on the corner of 112^th and Broadway, the restaurant sits neatly in the quiet streets of one of Manhattans highest points.  Morningside Heights is sometimes called a college town, housing major institutions such as Columbia and Barnard College.  Along with academia, the small borough has numerous churches and chapels.  Being a great place to walk, it is nestled between two parks, one of which edges the Hudson River.  If your visit to the city brings you up to Morningside Heights, I recommend spending an afternoon building an appetite walking the many sites and finally sitting down at Tom’s for some food.

Arguably the most famous diner, Tom’s fame is also maintained by Suzanne Vega’s 1987 song “Tom’s Diner”.  Family owned since the 1940’s, the diner satisfies nearby students and residents.  Serving classic American Food, anything with hand-cut steak fries and a shake is guaranteed to be good.  You will have to stop by if you’re ever in the area.

Learn more at their website.

– by Nick Wiesner

Ode to the Hudson by Alex Alston

Among the many worthwhile places to visit in Tribeca I would have to recommend the Hudson River Greenway running parallel to West St. between Stuyvesant High School and Canal Street.  Now I’m personally a sucker for a body of water so my opinion is definitely a little biased.  I absolutely loved walking down this part of the greenway, which is a paved stretch bordered on the right (as you walk north) by just enough greenery and a lot of interestingly shaped rocks.  I found the steady sound of the water’s incessant slap against the concrete wall combined with the absolutely amazing view of the night-time New Jersey sky to be one of the most relaxing spots in Tribeca.  For those who want to be alone, this stretch of the greenway is great for private conversations or just thinking.  The Statue of Liberty, lighted in the distance, was particularly charming.  For those that like to keep busy there were ducks to feed and free binocularesque devices with which to view Jersey.   The cool air from the water combined with steady breezes make this spot great for lounging on particularly warm nights.  As amazing of a place as it is, I noted that it was not at all crowded.  This was probably due to the timing of my visit, around 10:00 p.m., but I hardly saw anyone save the occasional jogger and a few dedicated dog-walkers.  The area is very well lit, and given that it is in Tribeca, I don’t think safety is an issue at all.  I did run across a couple of security guards patrolling just as the park closed and they were very cordial.  Finally, there are even basketball and tennis courts as well as parking located on this stretch.  I won’t pretend to have done this place justice in such few words but if you ever have the chance it is definitely worth a visit.  I’m sure the sunset there is marvelous.

Great Bakery by Albert Chang

It’s late in the afternoon.  I find all of the Lower East Side interesting with the historic landmarks and the traditional Chinese cultural aspects mixed with the Jewish parts.  The people that inhabit display their pride in their native countries by speaking their native dialects and sell their homeland’s traditional goods to other people of that culture.  Being Chinese myself, I had to indulge in the cultural limelight.  The traditional Chinese Bakery called Great Bakery was the first place I came upon to decide to indulge.  

Inside of the bakery, the selection of cross cultural desserts is numerous.   I can’t imagine another place where one can find traditional western fruit cakes and croissants and traditional Chinese desserts like egg tarts in the same display window.  The bakers and the customers are typical first generation Chinese citizens doing business in that they are bartering and negotiating prices vigorously and loudly.  I notice a treat that stems from being a mixture of the two cultures East and West, the roll cake. 

The slice of roll cake has the right fluff and creaminess to indulge in.  I was very pleased with the treat, since I haven’t had it in some years.  I wished I could try all the treats in the selection, but I don’t have the time nor the money at the moment.  I will make a point.  If anybody wants to try all different kinds of Chinese treats and have the pastries they are used to, I highly recommend this place, Great Bakery.

Nolita: Sitting Still by Hilary Landa

Strolling down Nolita’s quaint, yet energetic streets on a warm summer afternoon, I was welcomed into this lovely neighborhood by a host of lively cafes, cute boutiques, and an undeniably fun, relaxed environment. With such a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and clothing stores, right away it was clear to see that this area definitely had something to provide everyone. Nolita’s slower-paced, comfortable atmosphere presents New Yorkers with the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a delightful lunch with family, explore all of the different shops with the girls, or go out on a romantic date with that special someone.
However, the heart of Nolita continues to be St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral located on the corner of Prince and Mulberry Streets. Established in 1815, this beautiful landmark was New York’s first Cathedral Church, truly giving the area a unique touch of historical ambiance. The breathtaking cathedral was simply open for the public to enter, which I whole-heartedly took advantage of during my walk through the area. The colorful stain-glass windows depicting various biblical scenes, the inviting mahogany benches seating numerous scattered people with their heads bowed and hands clasped, and calming spiritual atmosphere created a peaceful, yet majestic environment, the cathedral acting as a quiet, rejuvenating haven from the often noisy, busy streets of New York. I slowly walked into the dimly lit cathedral observing the large marble altar, ornately carved reredos, and elegant organ and just sat taking it all in for a few moments. From my short time here in New York, I have found that sometimes you just need to sit still for a while. Sometimes you need to escape the go, go, go pace of the city and catch your breath, regroup, reflect, put things in perspective, and that is what St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and Nolita as a whole offer its New Yorkers.

Columbus Circle by Bridget Gomez

I am no stranger to these city streets, yet it is always nice to discover an unfamiliar area. Recently, I visited Columbus Circle and was completely captivated by what I found. With the Time Warner Center, the Trump International Tower and Hotel and Central Park all on the circle’s periphery, it is no wonder that the area is always buzzing with activity.

When I stepped out of the subway, I was immediately immersed in a flurry of movement from businessmen, students, and tourists all walking about to get to their destinations. It seemed unreal that there would be so many amazing structures in one glance as I looked across toward the park – the steel globe of the Trump Towers, golden statues at the entrance of Central Park, the circle itself, with its fountain and marvelous statue of Columbus at its center.

The architecture of the surrounding buildings gave me the distinct impression that I was in an important business hub of the city. Yet this business-like atmosphere with men and women in their power suits seemingly sprinting through the city streets was mixed with a funky brand of people, most of whom were of a younger generation. Meshed into this already strange group were many tourists excitedly taking pictures of all the sights. If it weren’t for the buildings, I wouldn’t have been able to get a read on just what kind of place Columbus Circle was.

Perhaps most telling of the kind of area Columbus Circle is are the Shops at Columbus Circle within the Time Warner Center. With stores like Coach, and J.Crew and a floor devoted to high-end restaurants, this shopping center is most definitely a place worth checking out. Upon entering, I was astounded by the amazing atrium into which I was received. I was greeted by “Adam and Eve,” sculptures by the acclaimed sculptor Botero. On the second floor was a display of original artwork for the upcoming World Cup for soccer and the third and fourth floors contained upscale restaurants, bakeries and stores. I could have spent hours exploring this building alone!

I greatly enjoyed getting to know Columbus Circle and look forward to going back. It is an extremely fun and vibrant area that truly represents the concrete jungle that is New York City.



Columbus Circle

Central Park: A Public Space to Call Your Own

Eliza French

Universality and specificity simultaneously mark every experience in Central Park. Since the contest for its design in 1858, decisions about every aspect of the park have been fodder for public debate. Central Park may have been conceptualized as the city’s ultimate public space, but New Yorkers take decisions about it very personally. Walking around the park on a sunny afternoon, I could see why.

Passing through Strawberry Fields,  Sheep Meadow, the Bandstand, etc.  gave me the quintessential “Sunday in the Park” experience, but it also allowed for an equally unique experience, inherently unrepeatable because of the specific sights, sounds, and people. I came back the next day for a Memorial Day picnic with a few friends. Everyone had our idea, but everyone did it differently. Some played card games, others tanned in beachwear, while we were content to laze on the grass beside our impressive spread of food.

The public-private agreement between the city of New York and the Central Park Conservancy best characterizes the park’s duality – both its spirit of openness to all the city’s inhabitants and the recognition that each visitor has his or her  own expectations of the park. Established in 1980, the Conservancy has  shared responsibility with the city officially since 1998. Many CEOs of major corporations are part of the Conservancy, and people have questioned the integrity of their actions given that such strong private interests are trusted to administer the city’s most iconic public park. Today, the Conservancy sponsors a full program of (mostly free) events and has managed to improve the state of Central Park.

Although some see Central Park as a place to briefly escape the city, touring Central Park was the perfect way for me to get to know the city, its people ,and its politics – during my first few weeks here.

Shilpa Sachdeva: Feeling BOLD??

Since arriving in New York, I have learned many new things. Some, such as convenient “street smarts”, were learned over time, through hilariously close calls with the finest characters New York has to offer, as my friends and I navigated the never-ending city and subway systen. Others were more intellectually stimulating, and gained from evenings spent experiencing enriching plays and exhibits, followed by engaging in interesting class discussions.

However, much was learned by chance. While doing my walking tour of Broadway in the Upper West Side, I learned of the rivalries between the specialty supermarkets lined up around 74^th street. Our local Durham Whole Foods pales in comparison to grocery giants Fairway and Citarella, which boast “the largest selection of frozen seafood” or “kosher selections to die for”. The caliber of their products is evident from their packaging and their prices, and further confirmed by the steady stream of people flowing in and out of the busy doors. Always searching for ways to “one-up” each other, neither will disappoint; however, I would recommend my adventurous classmates all experience something completely different and visit Fairway before the summer is up. Fairway prides itself on being “foie gras central”, and you might want to try this delicious delicacy before it’s too late!! At Fairway I learned about foie gras (also by chance), which is a gourmet meat made from fattened duck liver. In the past two months, local animal rights activists have staged protests regarding the dish, which is supposedly only available when birds are force-fed in order to engorge their livers to the proper fatty consistency. There are efforts in progress to ban selling it in New York; the controversial meat can not be sold in Chicago. Get it while you can, and make this summer one to remember!!

Foie Gras Central. (image courtesy of brooklynpaper.com)

Central Park West: The Gold Coast, by Samantha Perkins

As I walked down the Upper West Side’s Gold Coast on a sunny Sunday in May, I found the neighborhood most welcoming.  Families and happy couples strolled past me, leisurely soaking up the sun and discussing plans for the rest of their day.  Meanwhile, I took in the sights of the beautiful Parisian and Italianate architecture of the apartment buildings along Central Park West, styles I deemed fit to line the Western border of the picturesque Central Park.

Although I found all of the buildings and sites on my walking tour very unique and intimate to their surroundings, my favorite part of the Gold Coast lies on the opposite side of the street.  As I crossed the street at 66^th and Central Park West, I spotted a few shaded benches, inviting me to sit and observe the scenery.  And so I sat.  I sat right across from 55 Central Park West, the notorious setting of Ghost Busters, and people-watched for an hour or so.  From this shaded spot, I observed families on their way to Central Park, excited to spend the day away from work to enjoy time with one another.  Children lined up at a street vendor’s stand to buy cool, refreshing lemonade.  Due to the sweltering heat, I followed their examples.

As I left my shaded bench, I ventured into the park and found a quiet place to read my book near the entrance.  Since then, I’ve returned to this very location whenever I need a place to relax, away from the busy atmosphere of Washington Square and the occasional stress of my internship.  I’d recommend it to anyone—New Yorkers and visitors, like myself, who simply wish to get away for a few hours within the oasis of the Upper West Side.  I found Central Park West to be a homey escape.

HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, by Sydney Jones

It’s dusk in New York City, and the incandescent rays of the sunset reflect off the skyscrapers on 6^th Avenue into the designer sunglasses of the yuppies as they exit their office buildings for the day. The swift breeze and slightly opaque sky paint the perfect setting for a summer evening. The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival marks the onset of summer for many New Yorkers, and the blissful ambiance that pervades the air leads locals to the lawn of Bryant Park to enjoy a classic movie.

From Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Bonnie and Clyde and Rosemary’s Baby, New Yorkers flock to the park to enjoy these favorite pastime films underneath the city lights and glistening stars. The jovial scene becomes effervescent, extending beyond the movie screen to the moviegoers as they sip wine and share laughs with friends both old and new on the bright green lawn. New Yorkers and tourists bond over their mutual anticipation and discuss the city’s best pizza and most modish nightclub while patiently awaiting the show. One young artist showcases his guitar skills while another woman excitedly shrieks when she recognizes an old colleague from high school and her husband across the lawn. Needless to say, the atmosphere couldn’t be any better.

After relishing the movie, a few observers slowly make their way in the direction of their homes; however, most others remain lounging on the lawn or transfer to the surrounding chairs and tables throughout Bryant Park to continue the merriment of the evening. A few more espressos and anecdotes later, the New Yorkers finally call it a night but already look forward to next week when they will again have an opportunity to enjoy another great film in the urban oasis that is Bryant Park.