Theater

So this post will get updated regularly right now it's theater around Union Square- yes off, off broadway, strike or not, often reveals gems to new york residents and those tourists eager for adventure and not driven by what the hotel concierge recommends.

So let's start with theaters

and if the link does not work type into browser...

http://www.crsny.org/drupal/index

Union Square and Thereabouts

I hosted family 'up from the South' as we New York residents say. It was a great day and reminded me that New Yorker's walk with a synchronous pace and adapting to that pace is very important for effective foot travel.

Family also understood I was not the one who'd join them for the typical tourist attactions, but could share a resident's experience, and, yes, that could include a museum.

So we 'hooked up' at the Rubin Museum of Art 150 West 17th Street. The museum was a winner- even two teenage boys were engaged. The artwork is amazing art, whether applique, photography or painting. I was thrilled because I had a chance to purchase a birthday gift for a friend at the museum's gift shop. (Residents often shop at museum gift shops rather than department store- and the savvy ones know you can enter the gift shop without paying a museum entrance fee.) Another museum 'thereabouts' is the New Museum of Contemporary Art.
Teenage boys is the metaword here, means' I'm hungry'. So off we went in search of food. That is until we found The Angels Thrift Store a fantastic place to purchase good clothes, jewelry, home decor and contribute to social good. For those of you younger than I-- rush there's a fantastic red suede jacket with a huge red feather collar to die for, especially in this red season.

Still heading East on 14th we weren't too thrilled with the ambience of our original choices and by then the out of towners decided they wanted a real New York pizza. At least 3-4 other residents provided us with recommendations for the 'best' pizza east of Fifth Avenue; sadly a Monday night-- all were closed. All except for Vinny's on First Avenue between 13-14th. Awesomely good pizza, with other supper items on a blackboard menu and yes, readers, Caramel Apple Pie baked nearby. Talk about slow food! So now Vinny's is on my latest good food for residents and out of towners!

Oh did I mention the Greemarket? The Union Square Greenmarket is a place to be. While writing this i learned the Greemarket is sponsoring textile recycling Mondays through December 2007. Well this site is about a resident's guide to NYC, but textile recycling is dear to my heart and one of the more creative, entrepreneurial and satisfying social good projects using recycled textiles is evidenced at Endless Possibilities in Manteo, North Carolina.

FOOD AND MORE IN NEW YORK CITY

While we are still below 14th Street I must tell you about Jacques Torres Chocolate okay so I lied it is about food. But that's what most residents of New York City o- not just eat, but know where and how to eat. So Jacques Torres is located at 350 Hudson at King Street (1 block South of Houston), New York, NY 10014. Store hours are Mon - Sat 9:00am - 7:00pm. Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm. there's a new site uptown around 73rd and gotta tell you we'll repeat when we get there ....

(for the tourist who wants to be a New Yorker, go for the spicey hot chocolate)

Okay so my good downtown Saturday- get a facial from Winnie over on Hester Street, then Suki cuts my hair around the corner on Elizabeth Street, a walk over to Sullivan Street to pick up new yarn at PURL, then Jacques for a spicey hot chocolate then a walk back to the Chess Forum before heading East on Bleeker to get the #6 train uptown. (If I have a 'critter sitter' then I might elongate the day with a film at Angelika.)So there you go...a residents guide to this area of NYC. So now we'll head north a bit http://www.jacquestorres.com/

Greenwich Village

Okay I'm aging myself by using the title Greenwich Village. For some New York residents there is no 'Greenwich Village'. There might be an East Village, West Village or the Village...but Greenwich Village is archaic.

So let's put food on the back burner for awhile and walk out of the park (see below) and head for the Chess Forum at 219 Thompson Street, or walk across the street to the Village Chess Shop. At either landmark you'll find unique and one of a kind chess pieces, full sets (in all price ranges) a fantastic library and chess software. Almost always there's a game going on or someone waiting in the wings for a partner.

Knitters and other fiber folk- walk south and west to Sullivan Street and visit PURL their website says Purlsoho.com but we know the shop is located in what once was the West Village. They have a wonderful selection of yarn, and also offer classes. I've not yet found a 'free' pattern on the website though- too bad NYC Residents gravitate to 'free'.

Washington Square Park

Many New York City residents visit the historic Washington Square Park at least once each season. The park, characterized by its central fountain and stone arch, is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, and is considered by some to be New York University's own back yard.

The tourist should definitely consider a 'walk in the park', stopping at the chess area and arranging his/her day downtown according to the outdoor events scheduled in the park.

The arch is another example of Stanford White's architectural vision (remember the post about the Hall of Fame now part of the CUNY Bronx Community College campus-- yes we'll get to the Bronx and other boroughs) and what many do not know, sadly some residents too, is that the park was a Potters Field( back in about 1797 or so)- yep the bones are still buried there along with those who'd been 'hung' from Hangman's Elm in the northwest corner of the park.

Some residents prefer the park when nothing is scheduled, a nice sandwich and cool drink or hot in winter on a bench is one of the perks for New York City residents. And standing at the the lip of the fountain reciting HOWL from memory or a stream of crib sheets- is definitely a New York experience.

MOVIES DOWNTOWN NEW YORK CITY

The Angelika Film Center or the Angelika's sister theater the Cinema East on Second Avenue as well as the Cinema Village on 12th Street comprise the quintessential New York City film experience. There are many film festivals and other venues for good film in the city, but these are the 'regulars', always there for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Absolutely no way a savvy visitor should go home without seeing a film at either or both theaters. The Angelika has a cafe with devils food cake to 'die' for as well as a long history of important and 'edgy' films.

Here's a link to Cinema Village current shows, time and price and here's the Angelika
bon filme!

More Lower East Side

Okay so you really want to know where New Yorker's shop- yep lower East Side. Orchard Street- there are so many shops to suggest I fear I'll forget someone. A resident New Yorker knows many closed on Saturdays. So from furnishings to housewares to apparels, children's clothing and more.... oh and for the regional drive into the city visitor there is municipal parking close by.

The Lower East Side to Alphabet City

New York City residents don't all agree to the boundaries for Alphabet City, an area north of The Bowery and East of 'The Village'. The purists can argue for lifetimes especially about the role East Houston Street plays separating the Lower East Side from Alphabet City. But one thing just about all New Yorkers can agree to is that Katz's Delicatessen (send a salame to your boy in the army) is the quintessential New York eating experience. Prices are a lot higher than in 1888 but you won't find a better french frie in all the land- and even vegetarians can fill up and enjoy.

A few doors over-is Yonah Schimmel Knishes there are no words to describe these knishes New York City made since 1910!

Full? well head uptown and on Avenue A to about 3rd Street and stop in to Downtown Yarns and don't forget knitting is not for women only. In fact, in New York men who knit and knit in public get the same kind of attention as men who walk those adorable dogs that make women stop and talk. You might want to tuck your knitting into a 'manly' bag when you walk past the Hells Angel's New York City headquarters at 77 East Third- or not, who knows this is New York, betcha there's a meetup group called bikers who knit or angels who purl.

The Bowery

Just north of Little Italy is the area known as The Bowery

Visitor are often surprised that there are things to do, hear and see in the area-- residents know better. New Yorkers with a long memory recall that back in the 1800's the Bowery was a large entertainment district. It fell into hard times and became known as skid row and that reputation held for a long time. Nowadays much of the Bowery is still low-rent, but below Houston Street, the Bowery is home to many restaurants, lighting supply houses along with a mixture of old tenements, and million dollar condos sitting side-by-side. The Bowery Savings Bank building was designed by Sandford White (as was the Rotunda on the Bronx Community College Campus).

The Bowery Poetry Club has a full schedule of readings and events- even a free podcast on the website. http://www.bowerypoetry.com/
The New Museum is also located at 235 Bowery.

The there's the Bowery Mission- what a blast to come to NY and volunteer or donate!

Little Italy downtown

New York City residents know that the best of 'Little Italy' is found in the outer boroughs. (Oh and we say boros). We'll talk about those restaurants, bakeries and neighborhood theaters later on, but as long as you are downtown one stop highly recommedned is Ferrara's Bakery. No trip to New York is complete without heading down to Ferrara Bakery and Cafe at 195 Grand Street (between Mott and Elizabeth) for CHEESECAKE.

This resident had the good fortune to be introduced to Ferrara's back in oh maybe 1979 when I was teaching with a family member at a school up in the Bronx. So if you do stop by and meet a Ferarra- please say hi.

Then there's FEASTS, FEASTS and more FEATS (yes residents go to these) here's a link to the San Gennaro http://www.littleitalynyc.com/sg_page1.asp

When there's not a feast and you want a taste of Italy downtown (and since Theresa's is gone) best deal is lunch an in one of the restaurants you can't click on from the website. Problem with Umberto's, 178 Mulberry Street, is it's now frequented by celebrities and tour buses a big nono for the insider resident choice. AND we know the new site of Umberto's is not the same place the Crazy Joe was murdered back in 1972- so if you want a snapshot of that memento you need to walk own about two blocks to 129 Mulberry.

And yes even New Yorkers walk over to 247 Mulberry to get a glimpse of the Ravenite Social Club (of Gotti notoriety) and some of us take a picture or two.

Chinatown

Chinatown lists many attractions in the tourist brochures. But here's the best day - or half day from the resident perspective.

If you are an early riser start with 'Chinese breakfast' at Big Wong, 67 Mott Street. Get there about 9 a.m. and order the congee and fried crullers. Congee is a kind of rice porridges, there are many selections- the waitstaff will help you decide. I prefer plain congee and I ask for it salted and with shredded ginger. A resident often asks for food modifications. Fried cruller is a must...plain or sweet. The menu is easy to read and if you prefer you can order by numbers.

Now you'r ready for your appointment for a facial at Joean Skin Care 163 Hester Street. Even the lowest price facial ($35) comes with a great face and shoulder massage. Secret is when attendants try to sell you more just say no.

About 90 minutes later, time for lunch. See those tourist lines all along Mott and Elizabeth even crossing south of Canal...forgetaboutit. Head on over to 1 East Broadway to Goodies.

Actually I might regret telling you about Goodies. Small, no crowds, only one order of soup dumplings allowed and an expanded menu that includes veggie duck and veggie chicken. Always good, reliable, clean, including the bathroom, and a competent and attentive wait staff.

If you showed up at Joen's by 10:30 and there were two of you, by now it's say 1:30 2 p.m. and the rest of the day to do what the non-residents do....

Or if you are a late sleeper then the next best is Wo Hop on Mott Street, #17. Resident's know go downstairs- best for takeout, but tip anyway. This is the in-place for cops, firemen and medics, especially those on the night shift. So don't be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles lining the street! No matter what your taste you absolutely must order the FRIED DUMPLINGS, and if you don't look like a tourist ask for the house mustard. Oh and chow fun are the super delicious wide noodles-