Thus, when Restaurant Week rolled around again this year, I was excited to dine again like the rich and famous at another popular steakhouse. If you are not familiar with Restaurant Week, it is a biannual event in the city where certain high-end and expensive restaurants offer a reduced fixed priced three-course meal. For those who cannot afford the usual menu (or cannot write off a fine dining dinner as a business expense), this is the perfect time to get a taste of some of the best. This year, my choice was American Cut, Marc Forgione’s steak restaurant located in the heart of Tribeca. For $38, I was able to choose an appetizer, a main course with a side, and a dessert from their Restaurant Week menu. Yes, $38 is a bit pricey for dinner, but I would have spent $74 on the same meal if it were not for this special occasion.
This post could have also been titled, “I Could Never Be a Vegetarian.” I have a super soft spot for a good juicy steak. A few years ago, I begged my dad to take me to Delmonico’s during Restaurant Week to try their steak. Delmonico’s is an old-school New York establishment that has served up its house cuts to some renowned patrons including Teddy Roosevelt, JP Morgan, and Jenny Lind. Needless to say, that night at Delmonico’s might have been my stomach’s happiest night of its life.
Thus, when Restaurant Week rolled around again this year, I was excited to dine again like the rich and famous at another popular steakhouse. If you are not familiar with Restaurant Week, it is a biannual event in the city where certain high-end and expensive restaurants offer a reduced fixed priced three-course meal. For those who cannot afford the usual menu (or cannot write off a fine dining dinner as a business expense), this is the perfect time to get a taste of some of the best. This year, my choice was American Cut, Marc Forgione’s steak restaurant located in the heart of Tribeca. For $38, I was able to choose an appetizer, a main course with a side, and a dessert from their Restaurant Week menu. Yes, $38 is a bit pricey for dinner, but I would have spent $74 on the same meal if it were not for this special occasion.
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New York City has plenty of renowned art museums and plenty of avant-garde galleries. However, one gem that art lovers might miss is The Frick Collection on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Once the home of steel mogul Henry Clay Frick, this museum and mansion presents a variety of artwork in a unique and unconventional manner. The exhibition and galleries all revolve around the house and its unique architecture by Thomas Hastings and elaborate furnishings. From the moment you walk through the front doors on 70th Street, you will be transported back to the early 1900s when the building was first erected. You are welcomed to tour the living quarters as they were during the Frick’s time and enjoy the artwork as displayed by the master of the house himself.
Frick amassed an impressive collection during his lifetime. It is hard to believe that this big-time art collector and entrepreneur began his life as an uneducated and lowly whiskey distiller. The legacy that Frick left behind in his mansion is a reflection of the American dream and of his amazing success story. (For the purpose of this gorgeous museum, we can overlook the less satisfactory aspects of Frick’s capitalistic escapades). Frick holds a great number of works by many prominent artists including El Greco, Manet, Degas, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. He also has large series of paintings such as eight painted canvases by Francois Boucher. Earlier this summer during my lunch break from work, I went into an Urban Outfitters, an up and coming clothing store geared toward young people. As I walked through the store, browsing the selection, I noticed a fashion trend. The skirts and shorts were extremely short even for a person of my height. The shirts and blouses were sheer and the dresses made of flimsy material. I suppose some of the items were appealing and kind of cute. However, the price tags had me backpedaling right out of the front door.
Generally, when clothing stores price their merchandise they take into account the material and style. Usually, higher end stores like J Crew, Loft, or Macy’s have better quality clothes meant for long-term wear, while cheaper stores like Forever 21, H & M, Wet Seal, and Target have poorly-made “in” clothes expected to last only a season. Urban Outfitters was a bit of a paradox. A simple spaghetti strap dress with floral print made from lightweight, flimsy fabric was $50! While, this combination definitely preventing me from making a purchase it did not seem to stop others who left armed with multiple shopping bags. Located in the financial district, BentOn offers quite the assorted selection of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The menu is quite lengthy and offers the Asian staples like sushi and bibimbap. However, if you happen to pop in for a quick meal, you should definitely try their namesake- the bento box. BentOn is a popular Japanese chain store that has several locations here in New York City. At this particular venue, customers can build their own bento box for ten bucks. Your meal is instantly customizable and diverse. The options ensure that you have a healthy and balanced lunch. Choose two entrées such as salmon teriyaki, fried chicken, tofu, and braised vegetables and four other sides including rice, spaghetti, and a variety of salads all placed in an adorable segmented container that is easy for take-out or eat in. One box can easily be made into a lunch date for two since the portion sizes are quite large (at least for me). There is plenty of seating, including a comfy leather upholstered bench by the windows.
Lunch Break is a subcategory of Noms and Noshes that gives a quick overview of some interesting dining opportunities. Dear tourist, So you want to explore New York City? That is an excellent idea, my friend. However, before you rush over for a huge juicy bite out of the Big Apple, let me remind you that you are entering an unrelenting urban world filled with fierce predators and dangers galore. New York City, though it might seem glamorous on the big screen, is much like white water. It is unpredictable and forceful. If you fall into the currents of this fast-pace world, do not expect all of us to stop and help you back out. Nope. You will be harshly carried away and propelled along. No, we do not care if you miss your subway stop. Just accept the fact that you may come out with a few bruises or more accurately, a lost wallet or pocketbook, if you aren’t careful. Watching so many tourists make “rookie” mistakes, I have decided to write this simple little guide to aid visitors who choose to embark on the NYC adventure. In this manual, you will find tips for navigating the city, finding places to visit, saving money, blending in with local New Yorkers, and most importantly to me, not being a nuisance to the local residents. Please note that while the advice that follows may be presented a bit crudely (for entertainment and comedic purposes), the general nature of these suggestions are very much well intentioned and actually valid. A country so rich in culture, history, and unique beauty, China has always captured the imagination and curiosity of those living in the West. The colorful unconventional fashion, mystical motifs of dragons, and a written language as artistic as the rolling rural landscape have all influenced the skewed American vision of this Asian nation. The exoticism of the orient that was usually associated with China inspired plenty of cultural appropriation based on stereotypes- some honest, some negative, and some just plainly misunderstood. The misconstrued “wonderland” that has been created of this century-old country’s culture are presented in a reflective new exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. China: Through the Looking Glass, which can be found across three levels of the museum, depicts the roots of Chinese influence on American culture, namely its consequences on haute-couture fashion and film. The show is a joint presentation by the Costume Institute and the Department of Asian Art. The exhibit focuses on several aspects of Chinese culture, such as the porcelain, notorious opium trade, the characters of the language, and traditional imperial garb, and demonstrates how each gave rise to a romanticized or Americanized interpretation on the runway. Less so, the show also touches on cinematic portrayals of the Chinese and their culture. In honor of LGBT month, The Great White Ways hails its support with rainbow colored Playbills. No musical best represents the inner struggles of love and identity for the LGBT community than Hedwig and the Angry Inch. This 2014 Tony Award winning revival of the John Cameron Mitchell musical revolves around a genderqueer German singer Hedwig who challenges all that we know about masculinity and femininity. Through an electrifying pop-rock score, the audience is taken on a reflective journey across the landscape of Hedwig’s life. We are immersed into her romances, her ecstasy, her sadness, her disappointment, and most importantly, her growing sense of self-acceptance.
Hedwig can best be described as part rock concert and part character sketch. The show is built around the premise of Hedwig’s one-night-only performance with the viewers as her audience. The stage is set with a talented onstage rock band and colorful disco and strobe lights illuminate every number. Hedwig breaks the fourth wall by addressing the audience, encouraging its reactions, and even interacting directly with those in the front rows. Throughout a full set list of songs, the audience gradually learns Hedwig’s somewhat heart wrenching story. The French are well known for their delectable culinary creations. As a self-proclaimed foodie with a sweet tooth and a passionate chef, I have made it my mission to find the best of the best when it comes to French pastries and desserts- even if it comes from my own kitchen. Generally speaking, homemade anything has a unique and special taste that will give even the top restaurants and bakeries a run for their money. However, one French dessert I have yet to master is the macaron. Macarons are almond cookie sandwiches filled with a ganache or jelly. Their consistency is quite particular. The cookie must be crispy on the outside, yet doughy and soft in the center. The ganache needs to be flavored perfectly. The ratio of cookie to filling is also essential.
So far I have found the best macarons in Laduree, a small boutique on Madison Avenue that receives all of their yummies straight from France. The interior and exterior design of this shop is extremely Parisian with décor of pastel color macaron trees. The counter is aesthetically pleasing as well with all the macarons lined up behind the glass. The staff even is dressed quite classily and your treats will come in a precious Instagram-worthy box. Though a bit on the pricey side for such a tiny little treat, these macarons are exquisite in both taste and appearance. |
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