Plan my weekend in Manhattan - Page 3

You should definitely walk the Village. Start at Union Square (if you are there on a Saturday, walk around the green market). Then head East on 19th (which is known as block beautiful) and then down 2nd Avenue. Stop at Mud at 9th and 2nd for a cup of coffee (best in the City) and then start heading West (explore 9th Street btwn 1st and 3rd, 7th Street between 1st and 3rd (stopping in at Butter Lane for cupcakes) and then west on 7th (stopping in at McSorley's Ale House). Head West through Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park. Keep heading West to the W. Village and play around. Head over to Hudson River Park, up Commerce Street (Commerce is an amazing restaurant for a late lunch/dinner) and then up to the meat packing district (see the Gansevort Hotel, Pastis, the 14th St. shops, etc.). Then walk up the High Line (at 14th and 10th Ave.). These are just some of the highlights - there is nothing like spending a day in the Village.

Probably the wrong part of town, but have you ever been to the Frick? It's one of my favorite museums. Kind of an odd collection to be sure, but it's intimate, relaxing, and otherwise worth the visit.

I always recommend Freeman's restaurant to people. The food is pretty good IMO, it's casual, and there is something quintessentially New York about "theme" restaurants. You can probably get good trout in Texas, but where else in NYC can you get really good pan fried trout? The forced authentic non-authenticity of the place somehow adds to the charm. Also, it's got a lively bar scene.

Vodka sampler at Pravda is fun, but make them swap out the potato vodka shot for something else. Pravda is a sort-of cheesy Disneyland-esqe representation of a Russian train station, but it's a fun scene.

For authentic, if expensive, Russian food Samovar in the theater district is good. It's a russian restaurant so don't expect amazing service - if you get sort of indifferent service, that's a bonus.

In the village Momofuku is good.

If one were to go bigtime, Per Se or Eleven Madison Park? Or elsewhere?

Per Se is super big time at $275 a person. Reservations can be tough, too. Eleven Madison still has tough reservations, but at $88/person or $125 for the tasting menu, much more affordable. I've been to EMP a few times, and IMO it's one of the best resaurants in NYC. Other choices are Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Del Posto, or even Joel Rubachon (haven't tried, really want to try).

The Villiage, High Line, and the Meatpacking district are good for crazy walking, but they all might be less enjoyable when it is mucky and the people-watching is not so good. If you are on St. Marks in the Villiage, cocktails at PDT might be amusing. http://newyork.citysearch.com/profil...rk_ny/pdt.html ~ H

L'Ecole.

Had a very good meal at Il Buco last night. Average NY prices and a great atmosphere. For after your drink at PDT.

lefty

And the maitre'd was one of the Sartorialist's early subjects!



If you've got nice weather this would be a great day (although I'd quibble about Mudspot being the best cup of coffee in the city ). Take a peek at Oleg Cassini's townhouse on block beautiful. No. 28 has a new pizzeria on 2nd & 12th (real Neapolitans!) McSorley' is a great spot on a quiet afternoon - read some Joseph Mitchell in preparation. North Square is a nice spot for dinner right on Washington Sq. - for mature audiences - good food & quiet. For museums, the Morgan Library is a good spot, too (Madison/upper 20s). I love Chelsea Market (under the Highlione). but the last few times we've been it's been insane - again, best on a quiet afternoon.

I suggest a walk around the Village and dinner at http://www.augustny.com/


or http://www.gustonyc.com/


Two very different places and both very enjoyable. We ran into Thom Browne at Gusto.

gld recommended these last spring and we would go back.

I always like dropping in to MOMA on Friday nights. Because it is free it has some of the very best people watching in NYC. Lots of art students, old couples, creative types heading out for an evening, etc. It makes an fun impulse drop-in on the way to dinner or drinks if you are in the area. It may sound corny but my wife is a total sucker for a buggy ride around the park. Again, it is an enjoyable impulse thing to do if you are in the area.

for casual lunch that is tasty and gourmet, i'd go with Perry St. They do lunch/brunch seven days a week. 24/pp for 3 courses + amuse bouche. i like it a lot better than other jean Georges lunch options such as the nougatine or the JG formal dining room ($28 two course). Was not impressed by JG formal dining room. Maybe i need to get the full tasting for the true experience.

have you guys been to Katz? it has world class pastrami sandwiches. You would want to experience them if you haven't.

For formal but not crazy expensive dinners, i think EMP really serves its purpose, beautiful dining room. I'm going there for the 11 course gourmand soon and simply can't wait. Casa Mono has great tapas, it is also 1 michelin star. Gramercy tavern ($80ish) not crazy expensive either and reservation not that hard to get...what about some steak at Peter Luger's? and also look into River Cafe ($99) in brooklyn. i have never been but check out the website. the view is simply beautiful.

if you guys are into late night munchies and drinks at french bistros, there are some excellent ones in nyc.

are you guys into sushi? some really great places for sushi in nyc.

for night life, you can check out some wine bars and champagne bars in the city!

you're in luck! smoking outlawed years ago. will depend on your musical preferences:

village vanguard
lakeside lounge
mercury lounge

conne knows the piano bars.....

Arthur's Tavern on Grove - small, dingy and great music. Cash only.

If too packed (and it will be) go to Marie's Crisis Cafe, the piano bar next door. It will be a thing.

lefty