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Schlep du Jour: The Lobby Lounge (Upper West Side) - Stylish yet casual dining with breathtaking views

Place: The Lobby Lounge in the Mandarin Hotel (Upper West Side) 80 Columbus Circle

Day: Thursday July 3, 2014

Time: 8:30pm

Schlep: By cab, but the red (1, 2, 3), blue (A, C, E) and orange (B, D) subway lines stop at Columbus Circle.

What a wonderful way to close out my three-month stint in New York City before heading back next year on a proper visa. My date and I were all dressed up for a special dinner in the balmy evening weather at the famous Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park. Oh, it was balmy alright. Unfortunately, it was also bucketing down rain. The entrance to Central Park was closed to cabs, and if we walked even a few feet we would have been completely drenched. Luckily, I knew of a great little spot for us...

The Lobby Lounge, at the Mandarin Hotel in Columbus Circle, is like an urban oasis. It offers stylish yet casual dining, breathtaking views over Central Park, and that peaceful five-star hotel ambiance. I whip up there every now and then whenever I need a break from the hustle and bustle.

Pros:

The views

The atmosphere

The food - delicious

The service

Much less expensive than Asiate - the fancy restaurant right next to it

Cons:

You'll need a window table if you really want to get a good look at the view

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 - I love this place! I'll definitely come back for any meal, or just coffee and cake (they have yummy desserts!)

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Schlep du Jour: Pierre Loti Wine Bar (Gramercy Park) - A romantic wine & cheese restaurant

Place: Pierre Loti Wine Bar - 53 Irving Pl (corner 17th St) Gramercy Park

Day: Wednesday July 2, 2014

Time: 8pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - It was pouring with rain, so I caught a cab. But I would have taken the yellow subway line (N, R, Q) to Union Square and then walked.

Do you like wine and cheese? Do you like sharing tasty morsels with your dinner companion? Then you'll love Pierre Loti Wine Bar. I met my childhood neighbor (yep, from Sydney) here for dinner, and it was great!

Pros:

The wine

The cheese

The sharing nature of the food - bit like tapas

The beef carpaccio (yum!)

The intimate size, setting and lighting

Great location handy to Union Square

Cons:

Not ideal if you're after a balanced meal to yourself

While the light's certainly flattering, it's quite dark

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 - I really enjoyed it, and will definitely come back - perhaps on a date next time

Cue the romance!

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Schlep du Jour: Little Branch (West Village) - Exclusive underground cocktail bar

Place: Little Branch - 20 7th Ave (crn Leroy St) Greenwich Village

Day: Tuesday July 1, 2014

Time: 11pm

Schlep: We caught a cab, but the closest subway stop is Houston (pronounced 'Howston') St on the red line (1 only).

It's hard to believe that behind this dingy corner door (see above) is one of the best speakeasy-style bars in New York City. Little Branch is known for its tasty cocktails and exclusivity. 'Then how did YOU guys get in?' I hear you ask. Probably because it was a Tuesday night - but we still couldn't get a table, so had to hang at the bar, which was fine.

Pros:

Delicious drinks that you rarely order off the menu - you just tell the bartender/mixologist what kind of taste you're after, and he/she will make you something special

Smokey jazz bar - without the smoke

Either crushed ice or a big-ass brick (not cubes) - stylish!

Cool crowd

Great location

Cons:

Can be hard to get into

Can be even harder to get a table

Expensive

Verdict:

4 / 5 - I had a great time, but I think that was mostly due to the company. As far as hard-to-get-into NYC cocktail bars go, I prefer PDT (Please Don't Tell). Look it up.

That's not a shot glass with an ice cube. It's a scotch glass with a big-ass ice brick! Looks really cool (no pun intended) in the flesh.

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Schlep du Jour: BabyCakes (Lower East Side) - Delicious treats for special diets

Place: BabyCakes - 248 Broome St (corner Ludlow St) Lower East Side

Day: Wednesday June 25, 2014

Time: 4pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - walked down to 23rd St & 6th Ave, caught the orange line (F) to Delancey St and then walked a little

Regardless of your diet, when you hear of a place that makes delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, wheat-free, refined-sugar-free, vegan and kosher treats (cupcakes, donuts, cookies etc.), you go!

BabyCakes didn't disappoint. It's a little shop with a big reputation. I chose the peaches & cream (coconut cream, of course) donut for my afternoon tea. I also nibbled on their chocolate-chip cookie samples. Both were absolutely delicious. Although there's limited seating, I sat in the window and met three gals who ended up telling me everything to do and see in Portland OR - I'll be there for a conference in a couple of weeks. I don't even need to buy a Lonely Planet now!

Pros:

Perfect for those on a special diet

Fun and interesting for those who aren't on a special diet

Truly delicious treats for those on any diet

Amazing donuts and cookies (and probably cupcakes, too - but I didn't try one)

Cute little shop

Great location

Cons:

No tables, and limited seating

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 stars - I didn't want to get anything to go because I knew I'd gobble it away the second I got home, so I'll be back!

Side note:

There's a BabyCakes in LA and Orlando, too

Find BabyCakes here, and follow them on Tumblr: http://www.babycakesnyc.com/

Yummy BabyCakes donuts - who can possibly decide which one to have first?

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Schlep du Jour: Coppelia (Chelsea) - Cuban sandwiches and cuisine

Place: Coppelia - 207 West 14th St (corner 7th Ave) Chelsea

Day: Tuesday June 24, 2014

Time: 5pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - walked 26 blocks down 7th Ave

After losing my mind (in a good way) over the pressed Cuban sandwiches in the movie, Chef, and at Coffee Shop in Union Square the night before, I wanted a Cuban sandwich all to myself. So, I headed downtown from my apartment to a Cuban restaurant that was recommended for Chef fans who were in search of a Cuban sandwich in NYC. How convenient one was within walking distance of my place! Coppelia was the name. I ordered a Cubano, as well as a Mexican hot chocolate (which had a touch of cinnamon). It was fairly empty when I arrived, but filled up around 7pm when I was leaving. It's 24hrs, so you can go after a night on the turps!

Pros:

Cuban sandwiches

Cuban and Mexican cuisine

Good service

Nice décor

Yummy Mexican hot chocolate

24hrs

Cons:

I ordered an Americano ('long black' espresso coffee, as we'd say in Australia), but it was awful

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 stars - I really enjoyed it. Cuban cuisine is hard to come by in Australia, so I gotta learn how to make this sandwich!

Side note:

Here's the article that recommended Coppelia and other Cuban restaurants in NYC to fans of the movie, Chef: http://ny.eater.com/archives/2014/05/loved_the_movie_chef_now_taste_a_real_cubano.php

The Cubano at Coppelia - drool!

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Schlep du Jour: Coffee Shop (Union Square) - Casual dining for any occasion

Place: Coffee Shop - 29 Union Square West (corner 16th St & Broadway) Union Square

Day: Monday June 23, 2014

Time: 9:30pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - yellow subway line (N, R, Q) to 14th St / Union Square.

After catching the extremely watchable film, Chef, at the AMC cinema in Union Square (13th St & Broadway), my date and I headed to Coffee Shop - a Union Square staple. But he cleverly remembered that Coffee Shop serves pressed Cuban sandwiches (Media Noche), which were what the audience spends half of Chef salivating over. I'd never had one before. And I didn't even have my own - I had some of his. What a taste sensation! And I'm not usually a fan of pickles. If you've never had one, and if you're not on a gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or no-carb diet, get thee to a Cuban sandwich immediately!

Pros:

Cool casual dining

Iconic and convenient location

Great menu

Media Noche - pressed Cuban sandwiches (yum!)

Cons:

Apart from the Media Noche, the rest of the menu, including the cocktails, is nothing special - nice, but not super-special

Verdict:

4 / 5 - easy casual dining, and a great accompaniment to the movie, Chef

Side note:

Here's the Chef movie trailer:

  Pressed Cuban sandwich with pulled pork, fresh pickles, homemade mustard and melted cheeses. Nom and a half!

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Schlep du Jour: The Dutch (SOHO) - Superb brunch, lunch and dinner spot

Place: The Dutch - 131 Sullivan St (corner of Prince St) SOHO

Day: Sunday June 22, 2014

Time: 12:15pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - yellow subway line (N, R, Q) to Prince St then walked west to Sullivan St.

I met a girlfriend here for Sunday brunch - thankfully, she made a reservation. I ordered the flapjacks with salted butter and blueberry sauce. She ordered some kind of rich and delicious omelette. The people at the next table had some sort of fried rice, pulled pork and egg dish. In short, it was all delicious.

Pros:

Stylish place

Stylish location

Stylish people

Yummy food

Great service

Cons:

I can only speak for the flapjacks. Of course they were delicious, but I suppose they weren't mind-blowing.

Verdict:

4 / 5 stars - you can't really go wrong

The flapjacks I ordered - nom!

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schlep du Jour: Ulysses' (Financial District) - Casual alfresco dining

Place: Ulysses' - 95 Pearl St Financial District

Day: Wednesday June 18, 2014

Time: 9pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - red subway line (1) from West 28th St to Rector St then walked.

A date got me down to Wall St for dinner, which was great because I wasn't planning to venture into the financial district anytime soon. We wandered around a bit first and headed down to the water, and it was lovely sitting by the East River as the sun set. We then found a place to eat, and since it was a balmy (extremely balmy!) summer evening, we made the most of the outdoor seating at Ulysses' - a stylish pub.

Pros:

Outdoor seating in a cobblestone street - lovely

I had a tasty salad, and pinched some yummy fries from my date (I asked if I could do that before he even ordered - he was cool with it)

The financial district was prettier than I'd remembered it - worth a visit

It's near Battery Park if you happen to be seeing the Statue of Liberty

Cons:

We started late and ended late (around 1am), so when I went back to the subway, it was completely deserted - yikes! It was all good, though. I kept my wits about me. After about 10min, the train came. (There were two men by then.) And after a couple of stops, a decent amount of people - men and women - were around. I've never seen the subway deserted, or even particularly quiet, at any time of the night - but I guess that's the middle of Manhattan for you. Not so in other areas.

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schlep du Jour: Brooklyn Bridge & Promenade (Brooklyn Heights) + Bedford Ave (Williamsburg) - A Brooklyn escapade

Place: Brooklyn Bridge & Promenade in Brooklyn Heights + Bedford Ave in Williamsburg

Day: Sunday June 15, 2014

Time: Afternoon / evening

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - I discovered only the 1 of the red subway line (1, 2, 3) runs through 28th St and 23rd St. I had to get down to 14th St to get a 2 or 3 to Clark St, Brooklyn. I met my friend, and we walked down to the Brooklyn Bridge and south along the Promenade. We then caught a cab to Bedford Ave Williamsburg for some shopping.

This is a great little escapade if you want a combination of water views and then a spot of shopping. Two completely separate areas of Brooklyn, so you'll need to catch the subway or take a cab from one to the other, but it's a lovely day out. We started at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and walked south along the promenade. We caught the tail end of a street fair, and had a yummy coffee & coconut cream vegan ice block. There were lots of other tasty morsels that, sadly, we missed. After we were done walking, we caught a cab to Bedford Avenue Williamsburg for a little shopping - mostly vintage shops. We finished up having dinner in the area and watching the San Antonio Spurs beat the Miami Heat to take out the NBA finals for 2014. I was with a Spurs fanatic, so it was a lot of fun.

Pros:

Iconic views

Lovely walk

Street fair

Classic Brooklyn shopping

Cons:

All outdoors - not good for a rainy/snowy day

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 - a lovely Brooklyn afternoon and evening

Side note:

I had my first (and second) pickleback. Know what that is? I didn't either. It's a shot of whiskey followed by pickle juice. Sounds revolting, but it's actually kinda cool. Williamsburg Brooklyn was where it all began so, of course, I had to do it!

Ultra-trendy Bedford Ave Williamsburg

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Schlep du Jour: Astoria Park / Hell Gate Bridge (Astoria, Queens), Center Blvd (Long Island City, Queens), Roosevelt Island, Henry Hudson Pkwy (Manhattan) - Getting down by the water in NYC

The Hell Gate Bridge, with Robert F Kennedy Bridge behind it.

Place: Astoria Park / Hell Gate Bridge (Queens), Roosevelt Island, Henry Hudson Pkwy (Manhattan)

Day: Saturday June 14, 2014

Time: Afternoon

Schlep: We had a car - yay!

Being from Sydney, it's amazing how much New York can feel like Sydney when you're down by the water. If you want to get away from the famous hustle and bustle of New York and experience a little natural beauty in the city, here are some options for you (all walking and/or picnic spots)...

Get yourself over to Astoria Park and see the Hell Gate Bridge - the one that looks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Eerie! Get yourself over to Long Island City and walk along Center Blvd. Get yourself to over to the elusive Roosevelt Island. No one ever talks about this place, but I was intrigued by it when looking at a map of New York. It's perfect for a little peace and quiet. There's a Starbucks and a few restaurants when you pop out of the subway. And the tram/cable car is free with your Metrocard - great for views! If you want to stay in Manhattan, the Henry Hudson Pkwy runs down the west side. It's a continuation (north) of the West Side Hwy, and it's great for running, biking and rollerblading.

Pros:

The great outdoors

Natural beauty

Water views

Peace & quiet

Away from hustle & bustle

Cons:

Some spots can be tricky to get to

Tricky, and sometimes not worth it, in bad weather

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 - as long as it's not raining (or snowing), one or more of these outdoor escapades is a lovely way to spend the day

The peaceful, intriguing Roosevelt Island.

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Schlep du Jour: Breadbox Cafe (Long Island City, Queens) - Best shakshouka eggs ever!

Place: Breadbox Café - 47-11 11th St Long Island City (Queens)

Day: Saturday June 14, 2014

Time: 2pm

Schlep: We drove. First car trip (apart from cabs) since my friends drove me round Hoboken NJ a couple of months ago.

What tasty luck! My date and I were driving around Queens in his car trying to find someplace to eat that looked interesting. We were at a bit of a loss. So, we pulled over, did a Google search and pretty much picked the first thing we saw that sounded half decent. We were hungry and just wanted to get on with our day. We picked the Breadbox Café. When we drove up, it didn't look like much - almost like a fast-food restaurant. Close-up, it's a little classier, and the hundreds of personalized rolling pins outside are certainly unique. We sat outside in the sun, which was lovely. I ordered an Israeli favourite - shakshouka eggs with Israeli couscous. My mum makes it. Her best friend makes it. But this one was the best I've ever tasted (which is amazing - because my mum and her best friend are great cooks!). Just the right amount of spice (for me, anyway). Not sure if they're aware it's spelled incorrectly on the menu, but who cares! I've been dreaming about it ever since.

Pros:

Great menu

Great service

Unique décor

Outdoor seating, and plenty indoors

On-site parking

The shakshouka eggs with Israeli couscous - OMG, delish!

Cons:

Bit out of the way - get the G train to 21st St. That's 21st St in Queens, remember - not Manhattan.

Not particularly nice surroundings

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 stars - great memories. Will go back!

I didn't take this, but this is the shakshouka eggs with Israeli couscous at Breadbox Café in Long Island City. I don't remember mine having meat in it. Looks like ham. Just picture this without the meat.

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schlep du Jour: Otto (Greenwich Village) - Dessert spot and fine-dining restaurant

Place: Otto - 1 5th Avenue (corner 8th St) Greenwich Village

Day: Wednesday June 11, 2014

Time: 10pm

Schlep: From Analogue - a speakeasy bar within footsteps

After a drink at Analogue, a speakeasy-style bar, we wandered over to Otto for dessert. I'd heard about their famous olive oil gelato. And since gelato is pretty much my favorite food, I had to try it! Otto is a fine-dining restaurant, as well as dessert spot, but I haven't dined there.

Pros:

The famous olive oil gelato is a taste sensation. Rich, creamy and truly unique, it's combined with strong lemony additions and a wafer. Absolutely delicious!

Stylish décor

Great location, especially if you want to combine it with a trip to Washington Square Park

Other yummy desserts

Cons:

If you're going just for dessert, you may have to stand up. Most of their 'seating' in the dessert section are marble stand-up tables. Kinda sucks if you want to relax, chat and enjoy your dessert. But we managed to get a seat by the window, which was nice.

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 - it's special. Worth a visit.

Otto's famous olive oil gelato. Nom, nom, nom!

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schlep du Jour: Analogue (Greenwich Village) - Stylish speakeasy-style bar

Place: Analogue - 19 West 8th St (between 5th Ave & Mccdougal St) Greenwich Village

Day: Wednesday June 11, 2014

Time: 8:30pm - 10pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - yellow subway line (N, R, Q) from 28th St to 8th St, walked west a couple of blocks.

I had a first date here. He suggested it, and it was a great suggestion! The speakeasy-style bar movement is huge in New York at the moment, and I had yet to experience it. I ordered the La Sagrada cocktail and he ordered the West 8th. Both were delicious. We also shared a really tasty and unique appetizer - the Devils on Horseback, which are bacon wrapped, blue cheese stuffed dates. Yum!

Pros:

Stylish speakeasy-style bar

Great location (especially if you care to wander down to Washington Square Park)

Good service

Delicious cocktails

Tasty, unique food

Cons:

None, really.

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 stars - really enjoyed it. I'll be back!

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schelp du Jour: Hungarian Pastry Shop (Morningside Heights) - A cafe specializing in Hungarian pastries

Place: Hungarian Pastry Shop - 1030 Amsterdam Ave (between West 110th St & West 111th St) Morningside Heights (just above the Upper West Side)

Date: Sunday June 8, 2014

Time: 7pm - 8pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - red subway line (1, 2, 3) from 28th St to 110th St, walked east to Amsterdam Ave and turned left.

I'd been looking for an excuse to check out Morningside Heights, which is just above the Upper West Side. So, when someone in a discussion on Facebook recommended this place, I suddenly had a craving for my grandmother's Hungarian beigli. I must admit it wasn't really worth it (although, I don't regret the excursion)...

Pros:

It's an okay place

Hungarian treats

Indoor and outdoor seating (plenty indoor)

Cons:

They didn't have beigli - and they call themselves a Hungarian pastry shop! The kids behind the counter (most of whom weren't Hungarian) had never even heard of it. It really irritates me when things like this aren't authentic. You don't see me opening a Thai restaurant!

I ordered the Hungarian coffee, which I'd never had before. And while it probably wasn't their fault, I thought it was horrible! Percolated coffee with a shot of hazelnut syrup topped with loads of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sounds nice, huh? It wasn't. To their credit, they let me have a normal coffee and didn't charge me extra.

No Wi-Fi (not that that's important - just mentioning it)

Kinda rundown

Verdict: 2.5 / 5 Stars - If I lived in the area, I might go back. Definitely wouldn't go out of my way. You're better off going to one of the many 24hr American diners or trendy cafes in the Village (East and West) or Lower East Side. They have most of these treats and much, much more.

They did NOT have this classic Hungarian treat known as beigli. For shame! I know it doesn't look like much, but don't judge a cake by its cover. My grandmother used to make the walnut one (on the left) and it's definitely one of my top 5 favorite sweets/cakes/desserts.

[fairdinkumnewyorker]

Schlep du Jour: Greenwich Village Comedy Club (Greenwich Village) - Support local comics

Place: Greenwich Village Comedy Club - 99 Macdougal St Greenwich Village

Day: Saturday June 7, 2014

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between Avenues 6 & 7) - yellow subway line (N, R, Q) from 28th St to 8th St, walked west to Mcdougal St then down a few blocks.

This was my second trip to the Greenwich Village Comedy Club to see my friend, Tony Jackson, perform. I've also been to the New York Comedy Club in Kips Bay and the Broadway Comedy Club in Hell's Kitchen. I haven't been to Gotham Comedy Club, but that's another one. What I'm trying to say is if you're visiting or living in New York, get out and support local comedians. There's no cover, but usually a two drink minimum. You'll overpay for drinks and/or food. Who cares. What you're really paying for is the entertainment. These guys work like dogs, running from club to club and often holding down a full time job (+ relationships, kids etc.) as well.

Pros:

The authentic New York comedy experience

Great comedians on the up & up

Sometimes, you'll get a surprise famous comedian

Non-stop laughter - they say it's the best medicine

Cons:

Pricy drinks and crappy food, but it's all good! Totally worth it for the entertainment.

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 stars - this is a must-do New York experience

Side note:

Check out my man, Tones, below. I'm a good friend - but I'm not THAT good a friend. If he sucked, I wouldn't keep going to his shows. Love your work, mate!

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Schelp du Jour: Katz's Deli (Lower East Side) - Famous Jewish diner

Place: Katz's Deli - 205 East Houston St (corner Ludlow St) Lower East Side

Day: Saturday June 7, 2014

Time: Dinner

Schlep: From my Chelsea apartment (West 28th St between avenues 6 & 7) - orange subway line (F, V) from 23rd St to 2nd Ave, walked east along Houston St a few blocks.

Katz's Deli is a century-old Jewish diner that's famous for many things - including the 'orgasm scene' in When Harry Met Sally. ('I'll have what she's having', remember?) This wasn't the first time I'd been here. But I was in the area and knew I could get some matzo ball soup. Apart from it being iconic, there's not many more reasons to visit. Sadly, it's become a bit of a tourist trap. It doesn't feel very Jewish anymore. And the matzo ball soup wasn't that good. (They're more famous for their pastrami sandwiches, but they're enormous - I'm terrified of them!)

Pros:

Iconic

Classic Jewish fare

Plenty of seating

Great location

Cons:

Overrated

Unfriendly

Touristy

Not authentically Jewish anymore

I've had better matzo ball soup in Sydney (although, I suppose nothing can really compare to my grandmother's)

Verdict:

3.5 / 5 - go once for the experience

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Schelp du Jour: WhyNot (Lower East Side + West Village) - Great cafe for work

The West Village One

Place: WhyNot - 175 Orchard St (between Houston St & Stanton St) Lower East Side + 14 Christopher St (between Avenues 6 & 7) West Village

Day: Many

Time: Many

Schlep: LEC: Take the yellow line (F, V) to 2nd Ave, walk east on Houston and turn right onto Orchard (just after 1st Ave). WV: Take the red line (1, 2, 3) to Christopher St & walk east.

I've been to the Lower East Side WhyNot a few times now. I haven't been to the West Village one (although, I've unknowingly walked past it). I'm sure it's good, too. This place is set up for laptops, and that's pretty much all you'll see. In the evening, you might catch the odd person having an alcoholic beverage and (gasp) a conversation! But you'll still see laptops.

Pros:

Trendy décor

Trendy people

Trendy mugs (hipster-chic)

Almond milk

Good Wi-Fi

Good air-con

Designed for laptops

Cons:

Extremely limited food - mostly sweets

You'll probably feel a little out of place if you're there to chat

Verdict:

4.5 / 5 Stars - this is a great place to work!

This is the Lower East Side one (obviously around Christmas)