TIPS ON ENJOYING THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

Fans of the Tribeca Film Festival will criss-cross town for feted new indie films, many of which are making their NYC debut. But we all know attending the festival is about more than sitting in front of the screen. There's the eating (beyond popcorn), drinking (you'll want to be an armchair critic) and if you're one of the fanatics waiting in line, searching for free bathrooms (remember to buy a coffee or politely ask first). From Tribeca to Chelsea, City's Best has rounded up the best ways to get through the 10th annual film festival.

Clearview Chelsea and SVA Theatre: TheClearview Chelsea and SVA Theatre may be neighbors, with the SVA considered more of an art house, but they share a Chelsea location. Check outTia Pol for some of the city's best tapas. It's a sliver of a space that's usually packed, but you can order small plates of crisp patatas bravas (and many other Basque-style options) and glasses of sangria for a quick bite. There's also Jim Lahey's popular Co., which serves fancy pizzas with doughy crusts perfectly charred and topped with quality ingredients. Get there early to avoid lines. As for bathrooms, options are limited in this area, but you can check out Joe the Art of Coffee near 9th Avenue, and of course there's a Starbucks around the corner.
Tia Pol, 205 10th Ave.; 212-675-8805
Co., 230 9th Ave.; 212-243-1105

Tribeca Cinemas: Located near many festival events, Tribeca Cinemas also has budget-friendly and fancier options nearby. Locanda Verde serves affordable Italian fare in a space that always feels upbeat. Chef Andrew Carmellini's menu is full of seasonal Italian favorites, and the desserts aren't to be missed either. If you're just looking for a drink, two great options stick out. The Brandy Library offers a wide array of spirits and a perfect place to unwind any time of day, with a low-lit bar and comfortable leather seats. There's also Bubble Lounge if you're craving a glass of champagne. Check out Grandaisy Bakery or walk past the lobby at the chic Soho Grand Hotel for bathrooms.
Locanda Verde, 377 Greenwich St.; 212-925-3797
Brandy Library, 25 N. Moore St.; 212-226-5545
Bubble Lounge, 228 W. Broadway; 212-431-3433

AMC Loews Village: You'll be overwhelmed by food and drink options if you catch a show at theAMC Loews in the East Village. Comfort food hub The Smith is perfect for food or drinks; the portions are decent whether you order a mac-and-cheese or steak. Momofuku Ssam Bar is a foodie destination where everyone orders David Chang's popular pork buns. If you have a sweet tooth, consider the cookies and pies at the Milk Bar. For more casual drinking, there's the Village Pourhouse just across the street. While Ippudo, the immensely popular ramen join, is worth eating at any day, the long wait is notorious. You can always sneak past the crowds and use the bathroom downstairs.
The Smith, 55 3rd Ave.; 212-420-9800
Momofuku Ssam Bar, 207 2nd Ave.; 212-254-3500
Village Pourhouse, 64 3rd Ave.; 212-979-2337

BMCC TriBeCa PAC: Although the BMCC TriBeCa Performing Arts Center is far west and somewhat isolated, there are some options. Restaurant Marc Forgione is popular these days and worth checking out. At Viet Café on Greenwich Street, you'll find modernized Vietnamese dishes. If you don't want to walk a few extra blocks for the Brandy Library or Bubble Lounge, grabbing a drink at the TriBeCa Grill -- located on the first two floor of the Tribeca Film Center -- is a safe bet. Your best bet for a bathroom is at a McDonald's located on Chambers and Greenwich.
Marc Forgione, 134 Reade St.; 212-941-9401
Viet Café, 345 Greenwich St.; 212-431-5888
Tribeca Grill, 375 Greenwich St.; 212-941-3900

Soho Apple Store: Olive's is good for a quick bite if you want soups and sandwiches with a gourmet touch. For a sit-down meal, check out Mercer Kitchen, which may look overly expensive but is actually affordable considering it's a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant. There's no shortage of bars in Soho, either. If you want to stick close to the Apple store, popping into Merc Barfor a martini or glass of wine is an option. And if you head toward Broadway, you'll find plenty of Starbucks for a pit stop -- or a coffee to help you stay awake during your movie.
Olive's, 120 Prince St.; 212-941-0111
Mercer Kitchen, 99 Prince St.; 212-966-5454
Merc Bar, 151 Mercer St.; 212-966-2727

via Huffington Post

5 Reasons to Love the Manhattan Master Plan

Courtesy of the Huffington Post:

Manhattan's famous grid plan turns 200 years old today and the New York Times has a great interactive map showing how closely the plan in 1811, meant to accommodate a burgeoning population, matches the city's layout of avenues and streets today. In celebration of what is essentially our city's DNA, here are a few reasons we're still thankful for our city of right-angles.

1. Manhattanhenge

It happens four times a year that the sun aligns perfectly with our street grid, creating magnificent views of the sunset or sunrise from every city corner. The sight is enough to make you wonder if the grid plan isn't in fact a divine one. It happens for the first time this year on May 30th, and don't be surprised if you see throngs of photographers taking to the streets, trying to capture one of our city's prettiest phenomena.

2. Tourists Don't Ask (As Much) For Directions

The grid is a very easy system to navigate (except in the West Village, which is just geographical nonsense). At any point you can orient yourself, figure out what's North, what's South and how to get where you're going. This is, perhaps, especially true for tourists coming to the city, of which last year, there were 48.7 million. If you think New Yorkers can be rude now, can you imagine what they'd be like if every five steps someone asked them how to get to Hard Rock?3. Future Civilizations Will Make Up A Bunch Of Theories About Us

The grid plan is an ancient one. Some of the ruins in Central America have systems of roads like ours, and some ponder if they were laid out for mythological purposes. The American Museum of Natural History's Neil Degrasse Tyson wonders if future archaeologists will think the same of us: "What will future civilizations think of Manhattan Island when they dig it up and find a carefully laid out network of streets and avenues? Surely the grid would be presumed to have astronomical significance..." Makes you feel part of something mysterious, right?

4. It Drives Speed Levitch Crazy

One of New York's most famous tour guides and eccentrics, Speed Levitch thinks the grid system is too rigid, "puritanical" even. You don't have to agree with him but it's fun to listen to him talk and he's certainly passionate about our city. Watch the poetic tirade here.

5. It Created Our City

Before 1811, the majority of Manhattan's population, roughly 60,000 people, lived below Houston street. It was predicted then, that within half a century the city would "contain 400,000 souls." And they were way off. By 1860, Manhattan's population was 800,000- and the grid contained it. The grid system provided an apt design for packing a lot of buildings into a small place. Now, Manhattan's home to 1.6 million people.

GREAT HIKING SPOTS IN THE NYC/PHILLY AREA

HIKING SPOTS

CARMELO ANTHONY IS A NEW YORK KNICK

FREE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

Time Out New York has compiled a great list of free things to do in NYC.


Have a look HERE

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