The B-List: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Up until this past weekend I had completed only 10 of 28 items on my New York Bucket List.  Then on Saturday, fiancé-la-vie-Matt and I were able to cross off one more feat, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, bringing me to a solid 11.  Whooop whoop!  But seriously, though, I've got a ways to go on this B-list, so I best get to crackin'.

Anyway, this was not my first time walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, but it was Matt's so it made it all the more special.  The last time I made my way across this 1.13 mile-long structure stretching across the East River was late August/early September 2010.  Jill and I had been in Brooklyn for the day with friends, and we decided to meander our way back to Manhattan on foot.  I remember savoring the City skyline against a pink sunset, Jill and I having great conversation, singing songs, and walking all the way back up to Hell's Kitchen in Midtown.  It was quite the trek, but it was worth it: we even saw Jay-Z along the way :)

This weekend I created a new memory with Matt. We didn't see any celebs, but it was still divine. 

THE ROUTE

We decided to head to Brooklyn first so that we could walk across the Bridge toward Manhattan to get the best vistas of the New York skyline (Matt's idea... pure genius, love!). To begin, we walked from my apartment down 43rd Street to the Times Square subway station on 42nd and 7th Avenue.  We then hopped on the downtown 2 (red) train which brought us to Clark Street in Brooklyn within about 20 minutes, for a mere $2.25 per person.

Matt had used the Trip Planner tool on the MTA website, so we knew to head toward Cranberry Street once we emerged from the subway.  Immediately we noted how pretty Brooklyn was.  Charming shops, bakeries and restaurants lined the streets, which were much quieter and calmer than the streets of Manhattan from which we came. After a few blocks and following the Trip Planner's guidance we came upon a handy directory which pointed us in the right direction.

At this point we (and by "we" I mean Matt) got a tidbit flustered because the directory seemed to conflict with the Trip Planner's directions.  The sign indicated we should cross a busy road, which seemed to disconcert Matt.  I reassured him that we would surely find our way, so we carried on, crossing the street and making our way through a pretty park.  Matt was getting a little more nervous as he told me that he had heard there wouldn't be many signs indicating how to actually get onto the Bridge's pedestrian walkway.  Therefore, I couldn't help but chuckle when we immediately found sign...

...after sign...

...after sign. :)

Therefore, have no fear have if it is your first time venturing to Brooklyn or to the Bridge itself. There is plenty of signage to go around so you will get there without a doubt, quite painlessly in fact.

THE SCENE

There were A LOT of pedestrians and bikers on Bridge. The walkway is split into 2 lanes most of the way, except at two large platforms which are perfect for stepping aside and taking photos.  Pedestrians are expected to stick to the southern lane (the left lane if you're going from B-lynn to Manhattan), while the bikers take the other.  People selling water, snacks and t-shirts (I wanted one, but I'm saving for a wedding now... whoop!) are scattered throughout the path as well, so if you need some refreshment you should be able to find something.  Unfortunately there was a lot of construction going on while we were there, so some of the views closer to the Manhattan side were a bit obstructed by scaffolding and tarps.  No worries though -- we got our fair share of beautiful shots.

Gorgeous view. Empire towards the left.

Oh look. Another gorgeous view. :)

Yours truly.

On the way home (coming off the Bridge, on the Manhattan side) we saw these guys.  

SWAT team. Not interested in a photo opp.

And this super cool building that looked like its sides were sliding off.

NEXT UP

Apparently (I'm just learning about this now) the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which we were near but did not venture into, is another attraction in and of itself.  It contains marshes, gardens, a WINE BAR (hallelujah!) and a hot dog joint.  So since the Park and Grimaldi's Pizza are next on my Brooklyn list, it looks like we'll be making our way across this Bridge again soon.  

To wrap it all up in a nice tidy package, have fun and enjoy should you decide to venture across the Bridge.  Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time, or you have lived here for years, walking the B-Bridge is definitely a worthy New York activity. 

Xoxo!

THE LAST WORD (or picture)

Taking it all in.

The B List: One More Broadway Show

On Wednesday night I finally crossed #20 off of my New York Bucket List: I saw one more Broadway show, War Horse, in Lincoln Center.  This was not your typical Broadway show with cheery, pink-cheeked theatrical types romping around the stage belting out hearty show tunes.  Quite the opposite. The staging and set were simple, with minimal props that were often held in place by silent cast members (i.e., fence posts were held side by side by actors hidden in shadows).  The music was mostly solemn Irish (I think) folk tunes sung by a peasant-like "song woman" who appeared in various places throughout the theater.  At one point, she even popped up near our seats in the upper levels.  Brown and grey were the hues of the show, conveying the sadness of war and the poverty of the main characters.  

Photo credit: www.warhorseonbroadway.com

Though all of the above are not my cup of tea (I am more of a flashy B'way show girl, preferring Legally Blonde and the like :), I understood why most of the elements of the show were simple: to draw the audience's attention to the phenomenal heart of the production  -- the puppeteering. When the main horse, Joey, first graced the stage, he was essentially walked on by 3 puppeteers who controlled his movements.  At first this was a bit distracting, but after just a few minutes, I completely forgot that humans were with the horse-puppet (made of metal and fabric) every step of the way.  The incredibly real way in which the puppeteers moved the horse, from minute ear twitches to the contractions of its ribs at varying speeds to create the appearance of breathing, was amazing.  When Joey grew into an adult horse, the puppeteers no longer moved side-by-side with him, but rather were now underneath of the horse.  At this point I became more intrigued not by the horse's movements, but rather the puppeteers movements.  I watched their feet and legs (as these were the only visible body parts -- the rest was covered by the horse-puppet body) move almost like those of a ballet dancer: graceful, intentional and strong. They were the true stars of the show.

Though the show was amazing, it was a bit long, and my favorite parts of the evening were dinner before at Indie Food and Wine and hanging out in Lincoln Center afterward.  This was my second time in two weeks at Indie Food and Wine, and I love it! It's located in the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center of Linocln Center, just a staircase away from the theater where War Horse played. Indie is small and cozy, adding to its charm.  Their cheese plates and wine are delicious (I'm making myself hungry and thirsty!).  They offer gourmet sandwiches which add flavorful ingredients in unique combinations.  We topped off the yummy meal with scrumptious bread-pudding (recommended by our server).  

After the show, we lingered in Lincoln Center, taking in the creative energy. All in all, a beautiful evening :)

Beautiful view from inside the theater. My fave. 

My love and I.

ABT - next on the list :)

Cool light fixture. Couple of canoodlers. 

Love.

Sparkly forest.

Friends :) 

Yours truly. 

That's all for now, loves! Enjoy the weekend!

The B-List: Lincoln Ristorante

Matt did well last Saturday.  He surprised me by treating me to perfect evening at Lincoln Ristorante for Valentines Day per my special requests in "Intro" and "We Eat."  I was not expecting it at all, since we had been lounging most of the day when Matt casually suggested we go out for dinner.  I heartily agreed, not suspecting a thing until I saw him unpack his fancy pants and collared shirt, and take out the ironing board.  Still, I didn't think it was for any special reason.  Little did I know, this was the very night we would celebrate the day 'o Love, and we would be doing so at the recent object of my appetite's desire: Lincoln.

Pre-Lincoln

We entered Lincoln from the lower level entrance on 65th Street between Columbus and 10th Avenues (the alternate entrance is on the main/upper level in the interior of Lincoln Center).  We walked into a small foyer with nothing but a stairwell and an abandoned host's podium.  We weren't quite sure we were in the right place until we heard a high-pitched "Welcome! Do you have a reservation?" from the coat check room hidden off to our right. We didn't initially see the woman, so we were caught of guard and began laughing in surprise. She laughed with us, making us feel at once comfortable in this fancy establishment.  

We checked our coats and received a second greeting from another hostess who mysteriously appeared, and escorted us up a beautiful stairway (how can a stairway be beautiful, you ask? It had sparkly tiles which caught my eye -- I'm a sucker for sparkles). The stairway brought us into the main dining room where we were greeted again by three different hosts and led to our table.  Lincoln certainly does not skimp on attentive service.

The dining room was beautiful: dark wooden beams ran the full length of the high ceilings, and seamless glass panes enclosed the perimeter of the restaurant, granting us a clear view of Lincoln Center.  Dim lighting kept the room romantic, yet laughter and conversation at most tables made for an inviting atmosphere.  Immediately we noted the impeccable service: the staff staff were quiet and nonintrusive, yet knowledgeable, courteous and attentive.  

As for the main attraction, the food was delectable.  We began with bread service followed by mini bruschetta topped with herbed goat cheese, compliments of the chef. To drink we ordered from the Prosecco Bar. I chose Prosseco with peach puree and a strawberry liquor.  Matt picked a lime puree with a ginger liquor.  Tasty and bubbly, and lasted us through the entire meal.

For the appetizer, we chose the procsiutto di san daniele e focaccette: sliced prosciutto with cheese fritters and pepper relish.  The salty meat mixed with the cheese fritters (crispy on the outside, melty on the inside) was unbelievable (my mouth is watering now thinking about it). I've always loved prosciutto in red sauce, but only had it as an appetizer for the first time at Macelleria, an Italian steakhouse in the Meatpacking District where it was delicious.  Here at Lincoln, it also did not disappoint.

The main course for me was the capesante e biroldo: diver scallops with blood sausage, lentils and braised celery.  The scallops were so tender and almost buttery.  Matt ordered a pasta dish with lobster, mezzi rigatoni all'astice.  I liked mine better.

Although we were pleasantly full from the first two courses, we couldn't pass up a sweet treat so we ordered for dessert the affogoto -- gelato with espresso poured over it, paired with a zeppole.  Simply amazing.  

To top off the night, Raquel Welch was seated just two tables over from us.  Hearing her tell her eager table of listeners a few stories was quite entertaining and gave the restaurant a unique energy.  I particularly enjoyed watching the server attempt to politely interrupt Raquel to take her order.  He ended up waiting several minutes unnoticed. 

Tasting such delicious cuisine made me even more excited to one day dine at Per Se, since Jonathan Benno, the Chef of Lincoln, previously served as the Chef de Cuisine of Per Se. But until then, I have Lincoln in my mind:  Delicious meal, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful company. Thank you, Matt!

The B-List: Carlo's Bake Shop

So this was not originally on my NYC bucket-list, but not until yesterday when we ventured to Carlo's Bake Shop (a.k.a. the bakery from TLC's "Cake Boss") did I realize I had actually been wanting to visit.  I have since added it to the original Bucket List entry (is that cheating?? I don't know all the blogging rules yet).  Also, Matt had never been to Hoboken, so the trip to Frank Sinatra's home-town was a first for him as well. 

The ROUTE

Matt and I trekked from Hell's Kitchen Manhattan to Hoboken via the 9:40AM bus #126 from Port Authority on 8th Ave.  We took the bus down to 1st and Washington Street in Hoboken.  It was quite easy and only took about 15 minutes.  At that time of day the bus was pretty empty... just me, Matt, and an Indian woman who smirked to herself the entire ride while eerily staring out the window (creeps-mcgeeps!).  

The SCENE

Once we arrived in the 'Boken (or Hoboke-Shaboke, as I affectionately call it), we only had to walk about 1 block before we spotted the famous Bakery.  Well, to be more accurate, the first thing we spotted was the long line of people waiting outside. 

Fortunately, Matt had placed an order online a day in advance (baby, you so smart!), so we were able to skip the line.  As we walked up to the shop, past the line of adoring fans, and straight into the bakery, I'm not going to lie, I definitely felt like a VIP celeb surpassing the line at a hot nightclub (for more on my obsesh with celebs and famousness, refer to: We Talk to Strangers and We All Want to be on Broadway).   You know I was thinking about how the visiting tourists were jelly beans (jealous) of us walking straight into the shop, like we had the connex or something.  Anyway, I digress.

FINAL DESTINATION

When we opened the door, a young, post-pubescent Italian kid greeted us and ordered us to step inside to pick up our order.  This only further strengthened my fantasy that we were being allowed VIP entry by the bouncer into the exclusive cake-club.  Upon entering the Shop I was very surprised at how quiet and organized the store was on the inside after just coming from the chaos on the outside.  Carlos' Bake Shop looked like a regular Italian bakery inside, nothing fancy and not at all commercialized, which is what I had expected given the Cake Boss show's popularity.  And, despite the crowd of people waiting outside the shop, only about 6 or 7 customers were allowed in the shop at one time.  I also got the impression that they didn't appreciate loitering and wandering around, so I stood in our designated spot as we were instructed while we waited for the cake.  

Some pretty standard cakes. The fancier ones were on the wall behind.

We were in and out in about 5 minutes.  Overall, the calmness of the Bake Shop was a pleasant surprise.  The cake was delicious as well (we ended up getting a vanilla and chocolate combo cake, with pink fondant, decorated with a chocolate fondant bow and polka dots), though I had previously tasted the Cake Boss cakes for various birthdays (thanks to Ty, our group of friends' token Hoboken resident :)).  

If you're ever in Manhattan and have a few hours to spare to indulge your sweet-tooth and reality show-obsession, definitely visit Carlo's BakeShop.  Just get there early to avoid the line. Or if you want to feel famous like me, order something in advance online, get there a little later to ensure a long line of admiring fans, and walk in like you own the joint. Works like a charm. 

With the loot.

The B-List: Chelsea Market & Amy's Bread

This weekend Matt and I crossed 2 items off the bucket list in one quick trip: Chelsea Market and Amy's Bread (for the full list, refer to my first post:  Bucket List). This two-for-one deal was quite convenient since Amy's Bread was actually located in Chelsea Market, which was previously unbeknownst to me (the two other locations: 47th St. and 9th Ave., and Bleecker St.).

THE ROUTE

Matt and I walked to the Market from my apartment since the weather was beautiful yesterday: brisk with clear blue skies.  Most of our walk was on the Highline, an elevated park built on an old freight rail.  The Highline really deserves its own post (which it will probably get in the near future), but for more info now check out: Highline Park Info.  We hopped onto the Highline at 30th St. and 10th Ave, and meandered our way down to the 16th Street exit which dropped us very close to the Market.

Matt and I on the Highline.

30th Street/10th Ave. entrance to the 'Line.

THE STORY

The Chelsea Market resembles an old warehouse, offering a nod toward the Meatpacking District which lies just south. Aptly named, it is located in the neighborhood of Chelsea between 15th and 16th Streets, with entrances on 9th and 10th Avenues.  Beginning in 1890, the Market served as home to the National Biscuit Company, an entity resulting from the merger of 8 large bakeries.  In 1958, National Biscuit moved its operations to Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and sold the complex which then became inhabited by various industrial tenants.  Not until the 1990's did the Chelsea Market take its current form. Investor Irwin Cohen purchased the structure and renovated the ground floor, transforming the Market into what it is today.

My willing and able model, Matt, at the 9th Avenue entrance.

Pondering the good eats in store.

THE SCENE

The entrance of the Market brought us into a relatively narrow corridor filled with well-dressed patrons. From what I could tell, most of the market-goers looked like New Yorkers rather than tourists (I like to think after 4 years of living in the city I have a keen eye that can distinguish between out-of-towners and residents).  

The Market was all indoors which surprised me. I had expected some part of it to be open-air, since the term 'market' always conjures up the visual of a flea market.  I had also envisioned the Market to be full of crowded booths of nameless vendors.  Not the case at all.  High-end retailers made their homes in individual stores.  

The first store we approached was Anthropologie, which we bypassed in hopes of finding more unique establishments.  We then came across two bakeries: Fat Witch and Eleni's.  Matt and I were lured into Fat Witch by its radiating chocolate aroma. Once we were inside, however, the smell became a bit overpowering so we retreated.  About 10 paces away from Fat Witch was another bakery: Eleni's New York.  Inspired by the display case containing creatively constructed cakes (alliteration.. whoop!), we strolled in for a gander. We spotted one shaped and decorated like a Parisian hat box, and another in the form of a bridal bustier.  I made a small purchase of a cute "Happy Birthday" cookie for my roommate/friend Heather's birthday. I haven't received her review on the cookie yet, but it was certainly pretty.

FINAL DESTINATION

After passing a few more shops, Matt spotted our goal destination, Amy's Bread. Alas! 

Our first impressions of Amy's Bread were the images above, thanks to the large glass windows looking into the bread making room (official term? I think so).  Matt so observantly noted that it looked like a crack shop what with the white powder everywhere.  Ah, how I love my boyfriend's thought process <3. 

                                              

After perusing the vast assortment of breads, pastries and other tasty offerings, Matt and I opted to sample three different bread "twists" (pictured directly above): chocolate sour dough, cinnamon raisin, and parmesan.  The price point was $1.65 a piece -- money well-spent.  The chocolate sour dough was my favorite... the bread was soft and sweet, and the meltedy chocolate chunks were to die for. Cinnamon raisin was the runner up. Again the bread was super soft, and the sugary glaze drizzled over it (akin to a Cinnabon frosting, just not as thick or overly sweet) made it even better.  The parmesan twist ranked 3rd.  I was disappointed by the toughness of the bread. It was by no means bad, but not nearly as delectable as the other two.  If it were served warm it would have been significantly improved.

Overall, Amy's Bread was delicious and fulfilled my expectations. I will happily venture to the Market again if I'm in the mood for a carbo-treat. 

As for the Chelsea Market on the whole, two vendors I'd like to try on my next visit are Lucy's Whey for cheese, and Chelsea Wine Vault. For a full listing of the retail shops/food stores which call Chelsea Market "home," click away: ChelseaMarket.  

THE LAST WORD (or picture)

The Directory. 10 = 10th Ave., and 9 = 9th Ave.  (Yes, I just got that now after staring at the picture for 5 minutes.)

Until next time!

INTRO.

After four years of living in Manhattan, and four years of debating every year whether I should leave or stay (inevitably choosing to stay each year), I've finally decided to move out of the Big Apple. With 7 more months left to enjoy my life here in New York City, I've become a bit nostalgic and have a rekindled desire to savor the City as much as possible.

That being said, I've come up with a New York bucket list of sorts... a list of things/places to experience over the next 7 months. Not that I will never come back to NYC to visit after I move away, but I want to make the most of this place while I still call it home and can tap into its majestic chaos by just walking out my front door.  This blog will document my last months and days in the City, including my experiences crossing things off the bucket list. I'll also share some of the cooler things I've done in my time here, and write about the random daily occurrences that would only happen in New York.

To kick things off, I'm paying homage to the inspiration for this blog's namesake... the "Shit New Yorkers Say" video.  Here it is in all its glory.. The part that really hits home is the "I love it here... I hate it here..." scene.  If there's anything that's epitomized my time in NYC, it's that internal fight between loving the City one day and hating it the next. Loving it for the crazy people on the streets, amazing food, high energy.  Hating it for the crazy people on the streets, expensive food, high prices of, well, everything.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRvJylbSg7o

And now for the main event (drum roll, please)... the Bucket List.  I am wide open to suggestions if you have any recommendations for amazing things you've done in the city.  Here goes (in categories for your reading pleasure):

Food
1.  Eataly early July 2012
2. Per Se (this is a reach item.. kind of like Princeton on my college app list)
3. Dos Caminos (seems basic, but it's a Mexican place I've heard great things about, and given my inclination for guac, it's a must-do)  3/2012 (forget which day)
4. Amy's Bread (down the street from my apt. but have yet to be patron) 1/29/12
5. S'mac
6. Lombardi's pizza (I originally had Grimaldi's on here, but per someone's advice that Grimaldi's is over-rated, I switched it out for this one)
7. Lincoln 2/11/12
8. Chelsea Market 1/29/12
9. Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken 2/4/12
10. Lani Kai Hawaiin cocktail lounge

Museums/music/culture
11. MoMA
12. Tenement Museum 1/14/12
13. Museum of Natural History 1/8/12
14. NY Philharmonic concert
15. Museum of the Moving Image
16. The Cloisters/day in Harlem
17. Concert @ Terminal 5
18. Blue Note Jazz Club
19. Opera @ the Met
20. At least 1 more broadway show   5/16/12
21. Movie at Lincoln Center movie theater   1/21/12

Everything Else
22. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (I've done this once, but this is for my boyfriend Matt... shout out to my Babaayy!)    6/16/2012
23. Bergdorf Goodman
24. 9/11 Memorial
25. Spend a day photographing New York
26. Weekend at the Hamptons (something I've wanted to do every summer but have just not managed to make it happen)
27. Walk the entire perimeter of Central Park
28.  Professional blow-out at Dry Bar (with sister :)

So that's it for now.  What's on your NYC bucket list?