Published June 26, 2014 on MapQuest || Some people spend two or three hours at the Louisville Slugger factory museum exhibits. But the best way to understand the evolution of the game is to swing your way through generations of bat replicas in the Kentucky museum’s batting cage. Read more…
Published July 9, 2014 on MapQuest || The cult of pizza is sacred in New York. Ask New Yorkers what the best pizza is and you’ll get a passionate, but varied, response from each person. There are lists and blogs dedicated to the search for pizza gold, and there’s rarely a consensus. My own quick poll of Facebook friends resulted in 19 different nominations.
When I lived in the city, pizza was a central part of my life. Rosario’s filled my stomach at 4 a.m. after a night of dancing; Bellini’s delivery settled it during next-day hangovers. 2 Bros’dollar slices were a lunch lifeline to offset my soul-crushing apartment rent. Ray’swas such a late-night fixture for me and my circle that two of my friends stopped there the night they got engaged to share the happy news with their regular slice server.
I had a pizza for every occasion, yet I had managed to chomp my way through six years of New York living without trying the city’s revered “best.” Read more…
The New York City Pizza Crawl is part of MapQuest’s summer travel series: 99 Summer Travel Quests
Published April 10, 2014 on AOL Travel || The Cherry Blossom Festival is on in Washington, DC, and after a long winter the white and pink flowers are blooming. The blossoms are expected to peak this weekend, and if you visit the Tidal Basin you’ll see more cameras than at a Hollywood red carpet. But you don’t need fancy equipment to capture memorable cherry blossom photos. Here are five tips for taking awesome cherry blossom pictures using only an iPhone. Read more…
Published March 27, 2014 on AOL Travel || After nine seasons, the How I Met Your Mother finale airs on CBS Monday, March 31 at 8 p.m. EST. Because fans are soon going to need another way to fill their Monday nights, we set out to create a legendary HIMYM tour of New York City, the sixth character in Ted, Robin, Barney, Marshall and Lily’s gang.
Could we find the real-life equivalents of our favorite places featured in the show? Challenge accepted!
Published March 4, 2014 on AOL Travel || March weather in San Diego — sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s — makes it a popular spring break hub. While the college crowds may swarm the beaches (or head south over the border), there are things to do all over the city to channel spring break. Read more…
Published February 28, 2014 on AOL Travel || Spring weather in New York may still be a month or two away, but after a winter this rough it’s time to infuse some warm-weather fun into city life. Here are our favorite “spring break” experiences in NYC — that you can even enjoy during another snow day. Read more…
In February 2014 I traveled to Los Angeles for a conference. I had one extra day to explore Downtown L.A. Here’s what I did:
Bradbury Building: A quick stop in the lobby is all you need to appreciate the elaborate ironwork and elegant architecture of this 19th century building.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: You don’t even have to go inside; the best part about this building is the photogenic undulating metallic exterior. The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays here.
Los Angeles Central Library: Take a walk through and marvel at the beautiful interiors — especially the mosaic room with a large globe hanging from the ceiling.
Grand Central Market: Every city needs a gourmet market hub, like Reading Terminal and Pike Place. Grand Central is L.A.’s answer and, at nearly 100 years old, it does not disappoint.
Museum of Contemporary Art, L.A.: The Broad hadn’t opened yet, but this nearby one had an interesting collection of large-scale contemporary works.
The Varnish: A speakeasy behind Cole’s bar, this spot serves awesome Prohibition-style craft cocktails.
Spring St. Bar: Craft beers and industrial decor in Downtown L.A.
Ace Hotel: Downtown L.A.’s version of the hipster hotel chain. The bar here is small, and the
Angel City Brewery: Super laidback and spacious brewery that’s well-lit and well-entertained, with games and music (and craft beers, of course).
Villains Tavern: Weird and wonderfully eclectic, this vintage bar feels out of place among the empty lots that surround it. But it’s a hipster haven, with live bands, awesome cocktails, and L.A.’s equivalent of the fedora crowd.
Published August 13, 2013 on AOL Travel || As New York City’s bike share program enters its third month of service, the blue cruiser bikes have already been absorbed into the city’s daily landscape. Sure, a few wealthy people grumble about the docks being eyesores. But in general New Yorkers are taking to the streets, using the Citi Bikes as a quick way to dodge traffic, avoid ever-increasing subway fares and, occasionally, take advantage of a free spinning machine. Travelers can also take advantage of the new rides. But should they? Read more…
I’m terrible at remembering where I dined, and with so many restaurants in New York (and a revolving door of newcomers and outgoers) it was always a bit overwhelming to be tasked with choosing where to eat. In order to help people visiting the city — or other New Yorkers drowning in choices — here’s a list of the restaurants where I had a good, memorable, or just cheap and easy meal. It’s by no means comprehensive, and you’ll notice my food palate might not be as diverse or refined as say, Adam Platt’s, but hopefully it’s a useful resource as you strike out into the culinary capital of the U.S.
Price ranges:
$ – “Cheap enough to eat even if you’re broke”
$$ – “Casual meal out, usually under $30”
$$$ – “Weekend or nicer dinner, usually under $60”
$$$$ – “Special occasion… or if someone else is footing the bill”
Bellini: The affordable pizzas and pastas are worth a visit alone, but what really makes this tiny place a winner is the BYOB policy. (Plus it’s next to a wine store.)
Good for: group dinners, delivery, dates, and friend dins
$$ | bellininy.com | Upper West Side
Boat Basin: I’ve never met someone who doesn’t like Boat Basin. The standard grill food’s fine if you’re hungry but the open-air riverfront setting is the main draw – it’s the best place to catch sunset over a few a beers.
Good for: everything and everyone… unless you’re looking for a fancy experience
$$ | www.boatbasincafe.com | Upper West Side
City Diner: I don’t want to know how many grilled cheeses I’ve demolished here at around 5 am after a night out. But they were all awesome, and this large, spiffy 24-hr diner is equally awesome for breakfast or brunch.
Good for: late night munchies, small group breakfasts
$ | City Diner on Google+ | Upper West Side
Calle Ocho: The home of the famous Sangria Brunch. They serve 8 different kinds and keep ’em coming throughout the meal.
Good for: brunch, girls’ night
$$$ | www.calleochonyc.com | Upper West Side
Carmine’s: Ok, it’s a chain, but it’s a chain from New York, and the family-style Italian place is great for group outings.
Good for: family dinners, groups, anyone who’s really really hungry
$$$ | www.carminesnyc.com | Upper West Side
Celeste: You’ll probably walk right past it since there’s no sign or awning, but that keeps the mobs from discovering the perfect wood-fired pizza here.
Good for: girls’ din
$$$ | celestenewyork.com | Upper West Side
Central Park Boathouse: I actually didn’t think the food here was anything to write about (though I heard there’s new management so it might be different), but there’s a reason this elegant breezy boathouse is in so many rom-coms… the lakeside setting is perfect.
Good for: parent visits, dates
$$$$ | www.thecentralparkboathouse.com | Upper West Side
Pizzeria Perfecto: My go-to Italian delivery spot, mostly because the portions are huge and they send free salad and bread with your order.
Good for: delivery
$$ | www.perfectopizzany.com | Upper West Side
Levain’s: Two words: Giant. Cookies.
Good for: sugar overdose
$ | www.levainbakery.com | Upper West Side
Momofuku Milk Bar: I met Christina Tosi at a Random House event, and not only is she the coolest, she’s a sweets genius. Everything at this bakery is amazing, from the compost cookies to crack pie to cereal-infused milk.
Good for: sweets you can’t get anywhere else
$ | milkbarstore.com | Upper West Side
Earl’s Beer and Cheese: Beer + cheese, what’s not to like? This small little place has a woodsy theme and serves up all your cheesy faves – gourmet mac and cheese or gooey grilled cheeses. Wash it down with one of the craft beers on tap.
Good for: hanging with friends, cheese addicts
$$ | www.earlsny.com | Upper East Side
Good Enough to Eat: The name is an undersell for one of the most appetizing eateries on the Upper West. It’s not just good enough to eat, the homey menu is good enough that you won’t mind standing in line for 45 mins in the winter to get a brunch table.
Good for: brunch, friend dates
$$ | goodenoughtoeat.com | Upper West Side
Hampton Chutney Co.: It’s a bit pricey but the dosas are huge and delicious. The restaurant gets crowded so it’s best to take this to-go.
Good for: lunch on the go
$$ | www.hamptonchutney.com | Upper West Side
Jacob’s Pickles: This place feels more like Brooklyn than the UWS, with a hipster-meets-the South vibe. The food is raveworthy but my favorite part is the creative cocktail menu – both the mixtures and the names.
Good for: dates and friend dates, small group dinners
$$$ | www.jacobspickles.com | Upper West Side
Land Thai: Always our go-to Thai delivery spot. I think my apartment alone kept this place in business, though I’ve never set foot inside.
Good for: delivery
$$ | landthaikitchen.com | Upper West Side
‘wichcraft: There are plenty of these around town, but the Lincoln Center location was my favorite. A huge wall of plants makes the atrium the perfect place to work remotely.
Good for: lunch and work
$ | wichcraftnyc.com | Upper West Side
2 Bros. Pizza: Ok it’s not the best — in fact you can get far better pizza all over town — but a dollar slice does the trick when you’re hungry, on the go, and totally broke from your absurd New York rent.
Good for: cheap eats
$ | www.2brospizza.com | Midtown West
Barbounia: Sure, you can find boozy brunch spots where the drinks are included, whereas this place charges an extra $20 or so to keep the mimosas flowing. But the large space, pseudo-but-not-too-sceney crowd, and the yummy food make this place worth the extra charge.
Good for: group brunch
$$$ | barbounia.com | Gramercy
Bar Baresco: Coupled with Il Bastardo next door, this place makes boozy brunch even more of a party than it usually is. Don’t come here if you’re hungover or don’t like dance clubs.
Good for: aggressive brunch
$$$ | nymag.com/listings/bar/bar-baresco | Chelsea
Blockheads: I haven’t met a New Yorker who doesn’t like Blockheads. The drinks are strong, the portions are large, and the Midtown West location has a large outdoor seating area.
Good for: group meals, friend dates
$ | www.blockheads.com | Midtown West
Blue Smoke: This was one of the first restaurant to break my picky eater shell. BBQ chips, bacon, and blue cheese dip were three things I never would’ve touched before coming here and falling in love with the dish. The BBQ here is rivaled only by its awesome cocktail lineup: warning, blood orange margaritas go down a little too easy.
Good for: work functions, group dinners, parents, Southern cravings
$$$ | bluesmoke.com | Gramercy
Bouchon Bakery: The macaroons stand out but go for the giant, amazing peanut butter cookies instead. I’m not even a huge peanut butter person and I dream about these.
Good for: dessert, gifts
$ | bouchonbakery.com | Columbus Circle
El Centro: Our go-to Mexican spot from work; one whole wall of this colorful cantina is covered in milagros, those little aluminum figurines of animals, suns, skulls, etc.
Good for: friend dates, lunch, work get-togethers
$$ | www.elcentro-nyc.com | Hell’s Kitchen
The Cottage: If you want a lot of Chinese food, and a lot of free wine, and you don’t mind getting an ulcer from said free, cheap sugary wine, then Cottage is your spot. The starting point of many New York blackouts.
Good for: group dinner, getting sloshed
$$ | www.thecottagenewyork.com | Union Square
Craft: Full disclosure: when I ate here it was an epic 8-course wine dinner served by Tom Colicchio himself (with fellow chef Neil Perry). Sometimes Often being a travel editor is pretty nice. Anyways, even when you’re not getting wined and dined by celebs this place is a sure bet for simple, fresh, and modern fare, and the cozy-but-cool decor rounds out the dining experience perfectly.
Good for: dates, work functions, friend dins, parents in town
$$$$ | www.craftrestaurantsinc.com/craft-new-york | Flatiron
Del Posto: I’m a big Batali fan, and while I’m partial to Otto for the price, Del Posto’s service, food, and classic hotel-style atmosphere make it pretty unforgettable.
Good for: special occasions
$$$$ | www.delposto.com | Chelsea
Le Pain Quotidien: For those of you who live most places, this chain isn’t anything exotic. For those of you who live in places like, I dunno, Minnesota, you should check out the tartines here. Also, don’t leave without trying the bread with Belgian spreads. It’ll make you forget all about Nutella. There are a ton of locations around the city.
Good for: lunch, work outings
$$ | www.lepainquotidien.us | Midtown West
Penelope’s: Homey dishes are served in a cutesy cafe that reminds me of a garden shop; a refreshing escape from the surrounding Brooks Brothers/Brother Jimmy’s world of Murray Hill. Brunch lines are long so come for lunch or dinner — the food’s just as good!
Good for: girls’ din, dates, mom visits, brunch
$$ | www.penelopenyc.com | Murray Hill
Per Se: This is just on my list because I was fortunate to eat here for free. Sure it’s perennially one of the city’s top restos, but if you ask me there wasn’t enough charm to warrant a $600+ price tag. If money’s not an issue the food and service are deserving of their praise and you shouldn’t have a disappointing meal. I’d just personally rather put that money towards a flight to France to eat at a local hole in the wall.
Good for: rich people, food snobs
$$$$$ (deserves its own category) | www.perseny.com | Columbus Circle
Rosa Mexicano: Yeah ok, it’s a chain. But the Union Square location is big, bold, and serves killer margaritas.
Good for: happy hour, girls’ din
$$$ | www.rosamexicano.com/newyorkcity/unionsquare | Union Square
Shake Shack: They’re all over the city now, and even have spread farther afield, but the original in Madison Square Park is still the best. The line may take your entire lunch break, but eating your fries, burger, and shake in on a bench in the park beats sitting indoors at the other restaurants.
Good for: getting fat, friend dates
$ | www.shakeshack.com | Flatiron
Tick Tock Diner: Tick Tock’s larger than your typical corner diner, and it’s near Penn Station, making it a good place to wait for a bus or train if you’ve got time to kill.
Good for: late-night food, travelers
$ | ticktockdinerny.com | Midtown West
Westville: Fresh, good food that feels home cooked (maybe because the restaurant’s so small you feel like you’re in someone’s apt). It’s the type of atmosphere where menus are written in chalk on the wall and things are erased or crossed out if they run out.
Good for: brunch, friend dates, dates
$$ | www.westvillenyc.com | Chelsea
Wildwood BBQ: Many friends have called these the best wings in New York City, and while I still have a few other spots to try I haven’t yet found reason to argue. Wings are HUGE, and there are 50+ choices of beer.
Good for: sports, wings, group dinner, more wings
$$ | www.wildwoodbbq.com | Gramercy
Xai Xai: To me, one of the best things about NYC’s dining scene isn’t the ethnic food, it’s that you can find every food. Name a country and you’ll likely find at least one bar or restaurant dedicated to it, which is great for world travelers who want a little taste of nostalgia from past trips. This South African wine bar did just that for me. You can’t order kudu, but you can get ostrich.
Good for: dates, travelers, girls’ din
$$ | www.xaixaiwinebar.com | Hell’s Kitchen
16 Handles: Now self-serve multi-tap Fro-Yo joints are all the range, but as far as I’m aware this was one of the, if not the first of its kind in NYC.
Good for: friend dates
$ | 16handles.com | East Village
Adrienne’s Pizza Bar: It’s not your traditional New York slice, but the thin-crust square pizzas here are some of my favorite in the city.
Good for: delivery, work lunch, friend dates
$$ | Adrienne’s on NY Mag | Financial District
A.O.C.: This West Village spot is about 3 times the size of its surrounding cafes and bistros. Nonetheless it maintains a classic Parisian vibe, without making you sit on top of your neighbors.
Good for: girls’ din, brunch
$$$ | aocnyc.com | West Village
Baked By Melissa: Smaller is better at this bakery — the bite-size mini cupcakes are great for indecisive eaters. You don’t have to choose between tie-dye, mint-chip, s’mores or the flavors of the week — just try one of everything.
Good for: dessert
$ | www.bakedbymelissa.com | Union Square
Bar Pitti: This was a favorite New York spot before I even moved here. The casual sister to Da Silvano, Italian reigns supreme here. The outdoor seating is one of the best spots downtown for people watching.
Good for: dates, girls’ dins, small groups
$$ | Bar Pitti on Google+ | West Village
Buvette: One word: adorable. This tiny French cafe has a itsy garden patio, cute and classy decor, and a surprisingly robust wine list to round out the menu.
Good for: girls’ din, dates, brunch, coffee break
$$ | www.ilovebuvette.com | West Village
Cafe Orlin: There’s a lot of crap on St. Marks, so this eatery is a diamond in the rough. It’s a big brunch spot, but I usually opted for dinner time, when it was less crowded but just as good.
Good for: friend dins, dates
$$ | www.cafeorlin.com | East Village
Cherin Sushi: My go-to BYOB restaurant in the city. They always seem to have room, they can accomodate big groups, they let you bring whatever you want to drink, and the sushi is… well it’s completely decent.
Good for: groups, BYOB
$$ | cherinsushiny.com | East Village
Corner Bistro: This is the best burger in New York for many reasons. 1. It’s delicious. 2. It’s cheap. Like really cheap. 3. It’s accompanied by really cheap beer and really good fries.
Good for: friend dates, visitors
$ | www.cornerbistrony.com | West Village
Eatpisode: Unlike most downtown BYOs, which are holes in the wall, this Thai spot actually has a pretty trendy vibe, which makes it a great spot to bring out of town visitors.
Good for: groups, girls’ din, BYOB
$$ | Eatpisode on Google+ | Lower East Side
Essex: Big-time brunch spot — everyone and their hipster brother thinks so, so be prepared to wait in line.
Good for: groups, brunch, girls’ din
$$ | www.essexnyc.com | Lower East Side
Financier Patisserie: The name sums it up; this upscale pastry shop is befitting of its flagship Financial District location. Pre-made sandwiches and salads are a great bet for lunch.
Good for: business meetings, lunch on the go, sweets
$$ | www.financierpastries.com | Financial District
Freemans: With an entry tucked off the street, this place is sort of like a hipster hunting lodge. Brunch is a big deal here.
Good for: brunch, dates, friend dins
$$$ | www.freemansrestaurant.com | Lower East Side
Magnolia Bakery: People love to hate on Magnolia but the line that still forms outside like 10 years after its Sex and the City debut speaks for itself. Yes, the cake’s a little dry; sure, there are better cupcakes, but that buttercream frosting… just wow.
Good for: dessert
$ | www.magnoliabakery.com | West Village
La Mela: Large portions, lots of rooms, and a reliably friendly staff made this my go-to Little Italy spot for big group dinners.
Good for: groups
$$$ | www.lamelarestaurant.com | Little Italy
Morandi: Eating in this trattoria feels like you’re dining in a Tuscan wine cellar.
Good for: dates, girls’ din, parents
$$$ | www.morandiny.com | West Village
Numero 28 Pizzeria: A generic yellow awning makes this look like just another pizza joint, but it’s got a full roster of Italian winners and the price is great for the location.
Good for: group dins, friend dates
$$ | numero28.com | West Village
Otto: Everything about this restaurant is awesome: the 500-ish bottle wine list, the vintage train station table notifier, the quality of the food and service, and the price for the whole experience.
Good for: dates, groups, friend dins, parents visiting
$$ | www.ottopizzeria.com | Greenwich Village
Petit Abeille: Belgian fare is the focus at this vintage restaurant with blue and white checkered table-cloths. Everything’s home-style and everything’s good. Come for brunch if you like waffles.
Good for: dates, groups, brunch, parents
$$ | www.petiteabeille.com | West Village
Piadina: A picturesque ivy-shrouded facade, swinging hand-painted sign, and bicycle parked outside make it impossible to walk past this eatery and not want to go inside. Rustic brick and wood decor (plus some slightly out of place modern art) continues the Italian charm inside.
Good for: dates
$$ | www.piadinanyc.com | West Village
Pommes Frites: Get a pouch of Belgian fries with your choice from about 30 sauces. There’s a reason it’s a popular post-bar stop.
Good for: take-out
$ | www.pommesfrites.ws | East Village
Russ and Daughters: Even if you like fish, the stench inside this old-school appetizer shop is overpowering. I don’t like fish, and could only bear to be inside for about a minute. Just long enough to order a bagel and cream cheese — one of my favorites in the city.
Good for: bagels
$ | www.russanddaughters.com | Lower East Side
Schiller’s Liquor Bar: A white brick exterior, eclectic menu, and vintage vibe make Schiller’s a LES standbye.
Good for: friend dins, brunch
$$$ | www.schillersny.com | Lower East Side
S’mac: A restaurant devoted to mac ‘n cheese. Nuff said.
Good for: delivery, friend din
$ | www.smacnyc.com | East Village
The Smith: The modern American food and classy-hip wood and tile decor are a reliably solid bet. The price has stayed right too, despite the constant crowds.
Good for: friend dins, brunch
$$$ | www.thesmithnyc.com | East Village
Sugar Sweet Sunshine: These cupcakes are similar to the ones at Magnolia, but there are more varieties and they’re a little cheaper.
Good for: dessert
$ | www.sugarsweetsunshine.com | Lower East Side
Sunburnt Cow: Aussies, boozy brunch, and more Aussies. Really this place can do no wrong. Drinking (a lot) is why most people come, but the food is also really good, and the Australian staff, Outback-influenced decor, and surfing on every tv pay homage to Down Under.
Good for: groups, brunch, friend dins
$$ | Sunburnt Cow on Google+ | East Village
Supper: Yet another cutesy and rustic Italian osteria, this one is good for delivery but better to dine in-house.
Good for: dates, girls’ din
$$ | supperrestaurant.com | East Village
Tartine: Good luck getting a table here for brunch. That’s because it’s the best of all worlds: boozy brunch, BYOB, and a tiny Pinterest-worthy West Village space. I had luck on holiday weekends, but either way it’s worth a wait.
Good for: girls’ din, brunch
$$$ | Tartine on Google+ | West Village
Tree: The garden patio at this small eatery is an oasis in the middle of the grungy East Village. The food was good, but the setting stole the show.
Good for: dates, girls’ dins, special events
$$$ | treebistro.com | East Village
Villa Mosconi: Inside it looks like a misplaced Little Italy joint, but this restaurant’s large 4-season glass-roofed garden sets it apart.
Good for: groups, friend dins, dates
$$$ | www.villamosconi.com | Greenwich Village
Yerba Buena: For brunch, this place goes beyond the typical mimosas-and-bloodys menu and serves up high-end cocktails with the meal. The Latin American menu continues through dinner, and there are a few good outside tables.
Good for: brunch, friend dins
$$$ | ybnyc.com | West Village
Yuca Bar: You’ll have to wait, but the sangria, tapas, and lively atmosphere make even an hour wait worthwhile.
Good for: girls’ din, groups
$$$ | yucabarnyc.com | East Village
