Archive for Fun Stuff
Where to Eat on the Upper East Side
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View Michael Lomonaco in a larger map
Michael Lomonaco shares some of his Upper East Side Favorites
Pizza by the Slice: Italian Village
Pizza by the Pie: John’s Pizzeria
Cheap Burger: J.G. Melon
Fancy Burger: Jones Wood Foundry
Sandwich: 2nd Ave Deli
Coffee: Oren’s Daily Roast
Bagels: Tal Bagels
Chinese: Pig Heaven
Breakfast: E.A.T
Bar: Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle
Ice Cream/Gelato: Sant Ambroeus
Falafel: Melange Food Fair
Late Night Eats: Cascabel Taqueria
Date night: Crown
Can’t-miss Neighborhood Spot: Sandoro’s
From Serious Eats NY
Childproofing: Get Down on Their Level
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s every parent’s worst nightmare; an accident harms your little darling, especially a preventable accident. Outlets, dresser drawers and cabinets filled with chemicals are child magnets. Being naturally curious, a child will explore everything with their hands and mouth. Choking, shock and strangulation hazards are everywhere.
Some advice from the experts:
- Start before the child comes
- Get down on their level. Crawl around on your hands and knees and see things from a child’s perspective
- Outlets: use outlet covers with horizontally sliding doors. Easy for parents to use, don’t need to be removed and reinserted. Check out Safety 1st Swivel Outlet cover about $2.25, or Levitons Decora tamper-resistant duplex receptacle, $2.50 at Home Depot.
- Choking and strangulation hazards: Cords on window treatments and power cords. Secure the electric cords out of reach with Safety 1st’s Cord Short’ner, about $4. Forego the venetian blinds for something that is completely cordless.
- Secure the TV to the wall, a child reaching and grabbing could tip the TV onto themselves.
- Secure furniture more than 30 inches tall with wall restraints. Be sure to screw the straps into a wall stud.
- With all the temptations in the kitchen and bath, toxic chemicals, sharp utensils, etc., think Operation Lockdown:
- Use latches that automatically reset upon closing. Safety 1st No-Drill Deluxe latch kit (about $31/set of 4) uses a magnetic handle to release the latch. Once installed, keeping track of the handle will be the hardest part.
- In the bath, get a toilet lock. KidCo makes one that automatically resets and is relatively easy to clean (about $15).
- Keep the bathroom doors closed and put child-proof doorknob covers on the knobs.
- Stairs: Use a child safety gate top and bottom.
While this list isn’t all inclusive, it gives you a good start. Consider calling in a consultant. Every home is different, and poses different potential hazards.
Based on New York Times article by Bob TedeschiOctober 26, 2011
Central Park: Seasons On The Terrace
Posted by: | CommentsCentral Park is one of the most important works of art in America. And for 30 years, the Central Park Conservancy has worked to maintain this living masterpiece and enhance the public’s enjoyment of its visionary design. What better way to celebrate the Park’s success than with a stunning art installation befitting of New York City’s premier museum without walls?
Narrated by Kevin Bacon this incredible marriage of art and technology takes you through a year in the life of Central Park. With musical selections from Sting’s Symphonicities, this digital artwork lets Central Park admirers from around the globe enjoy its colorful spring blooms, green summer lawns, rust-colored fall foliage and snowy winter landscapes – all without traveling an inch. Originally projected onto Bethesda Terrace during a live event on October 13, Seasons is making its online debut today.
As I tweeted last night @reGeezer:
Celebrated anniversary at Del Posto in Meat Packing District. Had 7 course tasting menu- local ingredients paired w/Italian EVOO+wine. Wow!
Below is the menu from Del Posto’s site. Our favorites were the ostrich and the 100 Layer lasagne!
Menu Tradizionale
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ASSAGGI |
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Del Posto CRUDO with Homegrown Herbs & Burrata |
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Apician Spiced OSTRICH, Date Conserva, Lovage & Barley Crisps |
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Sheep’s Milk Ricotta NUDI di Uovo, Bird’s Nest Style |
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100 Layer LASAGNE alla Piastra |
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VEAL Braciole, Roasted Porcini alla Cacciatore & Broccoli Blossoms |
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PECORINO Fresco with Warm Eucalyptus Honey and Saffron |
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Nectarine ARROSTO, Basil Gelato & Grilled Lemon Cake |
New York City: Spring 2010-All Dressed Up and Ready For Spring!
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Rejoice fashionistas, spring is definitely in the air! New stores, new concepts and new celebrations abound. It’s time for spring cleaning; make room for the fabulous new offerings coming soon to an avenue near you.
Faith Hope Consolo, Chairman, Retail Leasing and Sales Division
of Prudential Douglas Elliman recently published the shop ’til you drop Spring 2010 New York Retail Leasing Report
Which Spot In Central Park Was Voted Most Romantic?
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As the snow falls heavily in Manhattan, I received an update from the Central Park Conservancy. Reminding me of Valentines Day (note to self: Send flowers to Les), I did wonder which was the most romantic spot in Central Park.
The answer? Bow Bridge. Check this and see what so many have said about Bow Bridge. Even in the snow of winter! Or read about Central Park’s most romantic stories.
The story behind Bow Bridge…
- Named for its resemblance to a violinist’s or archer’s — or Cupid’s — bow, Bow Bridge’s dreamy setting over the sprawling Lake has inspired many a lovers’ stroll.
- Designed by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux and his assistant Jacob Wrey Mould and built in 1862, Bow Bridge is the second-oldest cast-iron bridge in the United States. The Bridge spans 60 feet across the Lake, linking the cultivated and flowering landscape of Cherry Hill with the rustic and sprawling woods of the Ramble.
- Bow Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the Park and is provides the romantic backdrop for many wedding proposals and classic film shots.
Don’t worry spring is on the way…
The Good Old Days
Posted by: | CommentsSomeone sent this to us. Can you relate?
1974: KEG
2009: EKG
1974: Acid rock
2009: Acid reflux
1974: Moving to California because it’s cool
2009: Moving to California because it’s warm
1974: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
2009: Trying NOT to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
1974: Seeds and stems
2009: Roughage
1974: Hoping for a BMW
2009: Hoping for a BM
1974: The Grateful Dead
2009: Dr. Kevorkian
1974: Going to a new, hip joint
2009 Receiving a new hip joint
1974: Rolling Stones
2009: Kidney Stones
1974: Being called into the principal’s office
2009: Calling the principal’s office
1974: Screw the system
2009: Upgrade the system
1974: Disco
2009: Costco
1974: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
2009: Children begging you to get their heads shaved
1974: Passing the drivers’ test
2009: Passing the vision test
1974: Whatever
2009: Depends
Support Manhattan’s Recovery: Spend Your Federal Housing Stimulus
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Fed housing credit?
Local media has been commenting since last August that New Yorkers seem to be blasé about the Recovery Package offer of $8,000 toward a new home. However, it was so popular nationally that Congress has extended that, and added a $6,500 offer for current owners who move.
Well, I wouldn’t pass it up if I were in the home market right now, and put my team to work finding out what you might buy with that free cash. Some new furniture and décor are obvious choices, and almost everyone needs something for their new home.
Or you could use it for other kinds of fun. Given my favorite pastimes, I might figure out how many lovely restaurant meals I could savor, including cuisine hot spots my wife and I usually reserve for special occasions.
But you have many other options. For about $600 to $1,600 you could score a pair of trendy Christian Louboutin shoes or boots at Saks, which offers 96 choices at your fingertips. Or there’s the current Prada event with hot items coming up, now available for pre-orders. While at Sak’s you could also pick up a steal on men’s watches, such as Breil Milano’s stainless steel chronograph strap watch at $1,250.
Or how about a Hermes bag? For classic Hermes, you can’t go wrong with the Birkin bag, starting at $6,000. Here’s a entire blog dedicated to the Birkin.
Here’s a tidbit from a local fashion blog: “Katie Holmes & Suri: Spotted on Madison Avenue of New York, little Suri had her own pint-sized version of Mom’s orange Hermes shopping bag. Later on, Katie was seen with a rare burgundy Garden Party Handbag that looked more like a boarding bag. The Hermes handbag offset her black pencil skirt and red heels. With all the goodies that could be stuffed into that spacious bag, Holmes was ready for anything.” The Evelyne, starting a bit under $2,500, is très chic now.
You can toast your new home with a rare champagne. Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1993 is just $399.00 per 750 ml. bottle, limited to one per customer at Astor Wines. Salon Blanc de Blanc, Le Mesnil – 1997 is more expensive at $459.99, but in greater supply. You can buy a case of 6 for $2621.94.
Does your new co-op or condo allow pooches? How about using your savings for today’s most expensive, pure bred, a Samoyed, starting at $3,000 or an English Bulldog at around $2,500. On the other hand, if you adopt a nice homeless puppy from a shelter approved by the Humane Society, you’ll have lots of money to buy dog food and a really fancy collar, $18 and up from wwww.muttropolis.com.
And let’s not forget the sports fans. How about season tickets to the Yankees next year? Despite the World Series victory, top prices will actually decline, with field level seats at $250 per game for season ticket holders, down from $325 this year.
How much more stimulated could you get? Check out my November 2 post for housing stimulus dates and details. Go, Feds!
Do You Sous Vide?
Posted by: | CommentsWhile checking out the food blogs this morning, I saw this wonderful little video on the Chow.com The “sous vide” style low boil described in the video is a simplistic, yet effective variation on the much more precise method used by some professional chefs. (I tried it and the eggs poached that way-but for a little less time- are really excellent!)
Sous vide literally means under pressure vacuum (thanks to Addélice’s comment) and refers to a cooking technique in which the chef seals food into an airtight plastic bag with a vacuum-packer (like a food saver or Seal-A-Meal) and then simmers it in water at a low and precise temperature.
The sous vide cooking method is memorialized in the book Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide by Thomas Keller, famed chef-proprietor of Per Se in the Time Warner building in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle and The French Laundry in Yountville, California, in the Napa Valley. The book includes commercial preparation of receipts like Compressed Watermelon and Hayden Mango “Yolk”; Salad of Heirloom Beets, Anjou Pear, Mache with Candied Walnuts and Blue Goat Cheese Coulis; Air-cured Waygu, Treviso Leaves, Compressed Asian Pear and Whipped Pine Nut Oil.
The secret to sous vide is discovering the exact temperature required to achieve the most sublime results. My wife and I discovered these sublime results when we celebrated our anniversary last august at Per Se.
Harry Potter Buys Townhouse In West Village
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Daniel Radcliffe buys Manhattan townhouse in West Village
Daniel Radcliffe, the 20-year-old Wizard in Broadway’s Harry Potter production, has purchased his third New York City property, a five-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot West Village townhouse. The price: $6.4 million.
Celebrity publications report Radcliffe now owns more than $16 million in Manhattan area condos and apartments, plus a luxury condo in his home United Kingdom neighborhood of Fulham in London.
As reported by Real Estate Channel
Toast to Ghosts with the Midori Spider’s Kiss
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Midori Spider Kiss Coctail for Halloween
Americans spend an estimated $7 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday. And in recent years, more adults have taken to the holiday by dressing up and celebrating at parties. This year, after all the little superheroes, pirates, witches and bumble bees have tucked into bed, make a grownup toast to ghosts with this new Midori Spider’s Kiss.
Created by award-winning Mixologist Victoria D’Amato-Moran, this festive cocktail not only stands as a refreshment, but decor as well. “The colors and details of the Spider’s Kiss add a dramatic flair to the occasion,” says D’Amato-Moran who suggests using frosted glasses for an added ghostly feel or grenadine for a bloody spider bite effect.
Midori Spider’s Kiss
1 oz. Midori® Melon Liqueur
1 oz. SKYY® Vodka
Fresh Lemon
Garnish with an orange slice
Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass. Place in freezer and chill for a ghostly effect. Shake all ingredients and strain into glass. For a blood effect, drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass. Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice.
For information on Midori and additional cocktail recipes, please visit their website.
It’s Halloween, Charlie Brown: A Few Tips for the Night of the Great Pumpkin
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Yes, Halloween is Saturday, so it’s time to finalize your Trick-or-Treat plan if you are old enough to give out candy, under 13 or the parent of same.
Here are some tips for celebrating All Hallows Eve in the city:
- If you welcome visits from all the little superheroes, pirates, witches and bumble bees in the building, make sure you’re apartment number is included on the list that should be posted in the lobby of your building.
- If your building doesn’t have such a list, suggest one to the super. It ensures that those who don’t welcome visitors won’t be disturbed.
- If you really don’t care how cute little Sara is going to be in her princess outfit, leave a supply of candy with your doorman with “Happy Halloween from 11A” taped to the side of the bowl. He’ll hand them out – and enjoy a few of the mini Snickers himself. (Be sure to mention it if you want your bowl back in the morning.)
- No doorman? Want to participate but don’t want to spend the evening traipsing back and forth to the front door? Leave a container of candy outside the door. Remember to replenish the offering as needed as long as your budget allows.
- If you live in a walkup, take pity on the frustration this causes for kids and parents – put a sign on your door to announce whether you are a treater. You might try to post a lobby list and let everyone add themselves at the appropriate spot, but messing with the list may be irresistible for kids between 13 and 30 (possibly 40 in some cases of arrested development – you know who you are).
- Make sure to give kids only store-bought, individually-wrapped candy, since wary parents will toss anything else. Trick-or-Treaters’ faves include chocolate bars, Skittles, and Tootsie Roll Pops. Kids today often are not fond of candy corn – yet another sign that times change. No one but dentists gives sugarless gum. It’s only once a year!
- In the process of shedding pounds or watching your weight? Buy only treats you dislike enough that you really, really won’t eat them, and be sure all extras get dropped off in a child household or taken to work on Monday.
Parents, here is some more information on how to Trick or Treat in New York City.
Happy Halloween!
The end of a quarter brings a blizzard of Residential Sales and Rental Market Reports; followed by a spurt of press coverage spinning and analyzing the reports. But here’s a report that’s different.
New York Retail Leasing Activity Report created by Faith Consolo Chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Leasing and Sales Division.
The Faith Report reads like a who’s who of luxury retailers.
Faith believes that “New York City luxury retail remains resilient, with new entries and expansions paving the way for a phenomenal fall.”
From Madison Avenue to 5th Avenue and the Upper East Side, across Central Park on the Upper West Side down to Union Square, the West Village, Soho, Nolita, Tribeca and to the Lower East Side, the Faith Report alerts you to the newest digs for your favorite designers and other trend-setting retailers.
The Most Annoying Words In Real Life & Real Estate
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A "Wordle" of 2br/2bth co-ops & condos =>$1M in Manhattan
In a recent Marist poll, nearly half of Americans – 47% – said they find “whatever” most annoying. The other sayings weren’t quite so loathed. 25% say they find “you know” most grating; 11% can’t stand “it is what it is”; 7% would like to ban “anyway” from all verbal exchanges; and 2% reported that they could do without hearing “at the end of the day.”
After reading thousands of Manhattan apartment descriptions, I have come up with my top list of real estate words and phrases that I find most annoying:
- Boasts
- Oversized (also ample or generous)
- Sun-drenched
- Residence
- Triple mint
Here’s a “finger-nails-on -the-black-board” apartment description:
This triple mint, sun drenched apartment boasts oversized windows and generous maintenance. You must call me for the non-negotiable price, a private showing or whatever. Anyway, if you have to ask the price this residence may not be for you. You know, at the end of the day it is what it is.
