EAT AT THE DELICIOUS MARIO BATALI RESTAURANTS

by Diana Ellefson

Since most of us probably won't have the opportunity to be like Gwyneth Paltrow and travel the roads of Europe tasting the most authentic dishes with Food Network and Top Chef hero Mario Batali, at least we can feel like we have by visiting one of his many restaurants here in NYC.

Batali is one of the most popular modern day chefs around and is known for his larger than life personality (and physique) and his "croc" covered feet. Using his training, extensive background of Italian delicacies and natural talent, Batali has a presence in every area of this city.

Here are a few places for you to try (and word to the wise: make a reservation):

Babbo located in the shadow of the famous arch in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is his flagship restaurant. Opened in June of 1998, Babbo has maintained its reputation through the years as one of NYC's best restaurants.  

Known for staples from Northern Italy, Batali offers dishes that do not fit into the general "Italian food" category that most people think of when they hear "Italian" (for instance, don't look for spaghetti and meatballs here).

Babbo, nestled in between brownstones on a narrow street in the Village, has charm, fine wines, great service—and a month long reservation list, so do plan ahead. 

If you are headed to a show in the Theatre District consider visiting Esca before (or after) the performance. Focusing on the cuisine of Southern Italy an extensive tasting menu is offered alongside delicious entrees. Try the Fedelini: thin spaghetti with scallops, shrimp, artichoke, pickled garlic and cherry tomatoes.  

If you can't get into Babbo but decide to dine in the Village anyway, visit Otto Enoteca Pizzeria. Batali has one of these in Vegas too, but here you get the real deal: Pizza in NYC -- you can't beat that. I recommend the fungi & tallegio cheese for just $13. If you find that you've had your fill of  "pies" (slang for pizza in NYC), instead dine on fish, pasta, salad or anti pasta.

Bar Jamon (next door to another Batali restaurant Casa Mono) in historic Gramercy Park, has been described as a "bustling tapas bar with wonderful Spanish cheeses, hams and small plate specialties".  Yum. Who doesn't love cheese, and with the selection of wines on hand, this dining experience will be memorable.

And finally, for when you sadly have to leave NYC (and Batali's restaurants), be sure to get one of his cookbooks so you can try and recreate in your own home the bliss you experienced in NYC.

Diana Ellefson is a freelance travel writer based in New York City. Visit her at Travel. Write. Repeat. and follow her on twitter. 

NYC RESTAURANTS

THE THRILLING NY SKYRIDE

You’ll see what New York has to offer with this virtual tour simulator that's the perfect introduction to the greatest city in the world. Your fantasy comes to life via a specially designed platform which moves in sync to an 18-foot high-definition screen. 

Actor Kevin Bacon narrates your 30-minute adventure, taking you across the skyline on a unique journey around nearly three dozen famous landmarks. You never have to leave the comfort of the second floor at the famed Empire State Building.

Your tour also includes two special presentations:

     • "I am New York” the spectacular history of the Empire State
        Building 

     • “Top 10 Things to Do in New York" - a primer on all things 
        Big Apple!

Visit their website HERE

BROOKLYN BREWERY

Started in 1987, the Brooklyn Brewery has become a New York City staple. With modest beginnings, the company didn't get it's own truck until 1989. In 1996, then Mayor Giuliani cut the ribbon to open the new brewery location in Williamsburg, and today, Brooklyn Brewery is one of the top 40 breweries in the country. 

Come take a weekend tour of the brewery on Saturdays at 1,2,3,4, and 5PM or Sundays at 1,2,3, or 4PM. Try the famous Brooklyn Lager and see which seasonal beers tickle your fancy. 

Visit their website HERE

VISIT THE MORGAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

New York City history shows that this great city was made what it is today with the help of many great men and women. While some names are more recognizable than others (Rockefeller and Vanderbilt come to mind), there are other well-known folks that aren’t spoken of as often in every day conversation.

The Morgan family (as in J.P.), were one of NY’s earliest residents and in the early 1900’s Pierpont Morgan, J.P.’s father, made their home on Madison Avenue in what is now a large museum campus including a their original home, a brownstone that houses what was once Pierpont’s private library as well as his study), a garden courtyard and extensions made necessary by the increase of visitors to the Museum when the library became tour able to the public in 1924.

Pierpont Morgan, known as one of the most influential financiers in the United States’ history, was also a collector of fine art and rare and first edition manuscripts and publications that made him a natural choice to be elected as a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1888.

He was quoted once to say, “No price is too high for an object of unquestioned beauty and known authenticity”. After being in his library and perusing the shelves and displayed pieces, I would say that he lived by that quote. The ornate decorations and elaborate painted ceiling enclose the 3 levels of bookshelves all organized by type (i.e. poetry, history, theatre, etc.) and if you choose to take the audio tour offered (or ask the guard on post in the library) you will learn many fascinating facts about Mr. Morgan (he was part of a prestigious horoscope club) as well as the hidden interior staircases within the library used to gain access to the upper levels).

Showcased currently just in time for the Holiday season is the original handwritten manuscript of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and one of the three Gutenberg Bibles among the Morgan’s private collection of which there are only 50 of these remaining in the World. Early Shakespeare editions, Keats’ Endymion manuscript and Thoreau’s journals are just a few of the many that leave the literature fan in amazement.

Here is the information you will need for visiting the Morgan. Get there quickly to see Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to really make your holiday in NYC complete.

The Morgan Library & Museum


225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street


New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 685-0008 


Hours Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.


Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.



Seasonal note: The Morgan closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day



Admission 
$15 Adults $10 Children (under 16)
$10 Seniors (65 and over)

diana ellefson is a freelance travel writer based in new york city. Find her on her website at Travel. Write. Repeat. and follow her on twitter at @dianaellefson

HAWAIIAN-THEMED SOHO LOUNGE

Hawaiian-themed, this fun and classy SoHo Lounge is beautifully decorated with orchids, topical plants, and a gas fireplace that resemble as fire pit. Co-owner Julie Reiner, who grew up in Hawaii, has brought her love of the island to New York, where this cocktail lounge stands uniquely apart from other Manhattan hotspots. 

A wide variety of cocktails are served, mostly rum-based, and there's also a wide selection of tequilas and whiskeys. Lani Kai also serves delicious food, like their crab wontons, ahi burgers, and lobster rolls. 

Located at 525 Broome St., between Sullivan and Thompson Streets in Manhattan, come get a taste of the islands. It's cold outside, but you can escape the cold and take a little island getaway at Lani Kai!

Lani Kai

525 Broome St.

Manhattan, NY 10012

(646) 596-8778

VISITING THE GROUND ZERO SIGHT

St. Paul's Chapel

Aside from the Ground Zero tour info listed below, be sure to visit St Paul's Chapel www.trinitywallstreet.org/congregation/spc/ located directly across the street from Ground Zero. St. Paul's is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use (opened in 1766). The church is known for where George Washington worshiped (see the pew where he sat during services) as well where 9/11 workers found 24x7 refuge and care from hundreds of volunteers in the aftermath of the Towers falling. As you tour the inside of the church, you will see the beds the rescuers napped in during their round the clock work at the site, letters from families thanking all of the volunteers as well as pictures and artifacts celebrating the survivors and the victims.

With regular religious services still performed, the church itself has become a living shrine to the 9/11 tragedy and I can tell you from personal experience, you will have a hard time not getting emotional touring this church and the grounds.  

An interesting and for me, an uplifting side note is that after the planes struck the towers, many of the surrounding businesses were either damaged beyond repair or at a minimum had their power knocked out for days. This church-- just across the narrow street from the towers-- had no damage except for a tree that fell in the cemetery attached to the church. 

Ground Zero Tours:

• Take a walking tour (available daily) along the World Trade Center site led by individuals whose lives were profoundly changed by the events on September 11th whether that be survivors, lower Manhattan residents, volunteers, recovery workers or family of victims. Each of these tours is as unique as the tour guide and personal stories are shared and questions answered.  Most of these tours takes place indoors, traveling along the windows of the World Financial Center, looking out onto Ground Zero.

• To join a tour you must first purchase a ticket ($10 for adults, free for children under 12) at the Tribute Center (120 Liberty Street) on the day of the tour. Tours last a little over an hour. The Tribute Center suggests to arrive one hour prior to the tour time you would like as space is limited and cannot be guaranteed

As the Tour Website states: Please do note that the content of these tours are serious and can be frightening for children under 10 years old. Please use your own discretion as to the appropriateness of this tour for your child.

• Tour Times (subject to change):

Sunday-Friday: 11 am, 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Saturdays: 11 am, 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Contact Information:

• Visitor Services: 212-393-9160 x138
• Email visitorservices@tributewtc.org
• website: www.tributewtc.org/index.php 

diana ellefson is a freelance travel writer based in new york city.

twitter id: @dianaellefson

GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN NEW YORK CITY

Here are three "must stops" to add to your itinerary next time you are visiting or showing someone around this great city.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market 

Any market named Hell's Kitchen and has the motto of "we've tempted thousands of shoppers" is OK by me. 

Hell's Kitchen (sometimes known as midtown West) is the hip area nearly adjacent to Times Square on the Hudson River side. The flea market is located just south of 42nd Street and offers views of midtown Manhattan including The Empire State Building and the new New York Times Building. 

Year round, tourists, locals and even the resident celebrities frequent the market for vintage items such as antiques, collectibles, clothing and jewelry. The market is a frequent stop for me while roaming the city on a lazy, sunny weekend morning. I stop for a coffee at the Cupcake Cafe www.cupcakecafe-nyc.com (ok, and maybe a cupcake or two) and then head to the market to browse--especially for cool vintage '80's era t-shirts. 

The Hell's Kitchen neighborhood has quite the history-- it was the home and gathering spot for many mafia gangsters as well as being known for the ethnic conflicts that inspired the musical West Side Story. Fast forward to the modern day, the mafia residents have been replaced by name brand actors and theatre performers due to its proximity to Broadway. Some actors, past and present, that have called Hell's Kitchen home are: Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, Alicia Keys, and Sylvester Stallone. After getting your fill of vintage at the Flea Market, you can also get your comedy fix and attend a taping of the Daily Show (www.thedailyshow.com) or my favorite, the Colbert Report  (www.colbertnation.com) as both film in this area. 

Top of the Rock 

Although this may not sound like its off the beaten path, I mean--it is Rockefeller Center; how mainstream is this??---but many locals don't even know about the view "the Rock" offers and its benefits over their much more famous neighbor, the Empire State Building. I have had, no joke, 28 different visitors that I have toured around New York, showing them nothing but the best tourist spots but also the hidden NYC gems. When most people visit they immediately ask to go to the Empire State Building. 

I patiently agree with them that the Empire is an American Icon and the setting for so many of their favorite movies. I kindly interrupt the gushing and explain the average wait to get to the top during the day (a minimum of 90 min unless you are extremely lucky to be in the city when NO one wants to visit the top--like when its hailing). I also comment that one of the most beautiful sights in all of NYC is Central Park, which for the most part is BLOCKED by Rockefeller Center in the view from the Empire State Building. As this gets their attention, I hook them with the fact that, when you are IN the Empire State Building, you cannot SEE the Empire State Building which stands so tall in the landscape of downtown Manhattan.  I sweeten the deal by letting my visitor(s) know that the wait time at the Rock is normally no more than 20 min. EVER.  It may sound like I am convincing them to lean to the Rock for lesser wait times... but truly I am excited each time i go up there myself and will argue anyone that its the best view in the city. :) 

The ticket line at the Rock goes smooth and fast and after a quick (nonintrusive) xray machine the visitor is lead to a walkway of photographic history of Rockefeller Center. After a short video on the history of the Rockette's, the building of Rockefeller Center (with a wonderful tribute to the Rockefeller family that provided so many jobs during the Great Depression) and NBC's history hosted by Tom Brokaw, you are taken quickly by elevator up to the viewing platforms, the highest at 70 stories. 

There are a couple different viewing platforms. One at the main elevator level behind glass, one up a level that has some glass barriers and finally--the TOP that has you looking north at ALL of Central Park and into Harlem with the Hudson to the West and the East River--well, to the East.

Look the other direction and you can see all the people at the Empire State Building looking towards you and wondering why you are blocking their view of Central Park. Look a little further and you see the very teeny Statue of Liberty floating in the Hudson as well as the now empty south skyline where the World Trade Center buildings once stood.  

www.topoftherocknyc.com 

Harlem 

Harlem, now known as the African American capital of the US, got its start as a rural Dutch community and then as a destination choice for upper class New Yorkers. With the changing history, Harlem still has a bad reputation for violence and crime. While every part of NYC has their areas of issue (as does every city) Harlem has grown into a very "in" area that New Yorkers choose to reside in/hang out in/support. It is no secret that Harlem overflows with historical pride and its residents are very aware of its up and coming spot in NYC proper. 

There are many organizations that offer walking or bus tours through Harlem and all, at quick glance, seem very informative. I am the type though that likes to research, then self tour. Walking the Upper West side is always fun and once you get to the streets in the 100's past Central Park you are, in what I deem, Harlem.  
On your walk---or tour should you deem necessary--- you will see famous sights and landmarks such as St. John the Divine Cathedral (awe inspiring),Columbia University, Morning Side Heights, St. Nicholas Avenue (where Duke Ellington lived), the Cotton Club and the famous Apollo Theater.  If you plan ahead and visit Harlem on a Sunday, you will most likely be welcomed by one of the many local congregations for Sunday worship service and the amazing feeling that Gospel music can instill, regardless of your religious beliefs.

www.columbia.edu/cu/iraas/harlem

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NYC

1. Times Square

The theaters of Broadway line the streets. LED signs everywhere you look. The hustle and bustle of people. It's electrifying. Welcome to Times Square!

2. Central Park

Perhaps the most well-known park in the world. Breathtaking views, abundant activities, and natural beauty in the heart of New York City.

3. Broadway

The best theatrical performances in the world. From Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserables. Broadway has it all. 

4. Carnegie Hall

Midtown manhattan's premier concert venue. 

5. Top of the Rock

On top of the Rockefeller Center, visitors can experience the awe inspiring views of New York City, 850 feet above street level.

6. Museum of Natural History

Considered to be one of the top museums in the world, the museum boasts stunning exhibits of ocean life, biology and evolution, meteorites, minerals and gems, dinosaur fossils and many other excellent specimens.

7. Radio City Music Hall

Declared a city landmark in 1978, Radio City Music Hall has a tremendous history, hosting numerous entertainment events since it opened to the public in 1932.

8. Have Some NYC Pizza

New York is known for it's great pizza. have a slice!

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the premier art museums in the entire world, be sure to visit the Met!

10. Statue of Liberty

Perhaps the most famous landmark in the entire United States of America.