All About New York

OK, let's establish some ground rules. It's called the City, not Manhattan. And under no circumstance should you ever say New York City. Yes, we know some New Yorkers do take things a bit too far and say they are from the City even when they are visiting relatives in Tulsa - where the nickname really loses its luster.

Whatever it is you are trying to do while you're in the City, do it quickly and get out of the way. That applies to ordering at the deli (where do you think the Soup Nazi idea came from?), riding the escalators, crossing the street or buying a paper. Things have a faster pace up here and people like it that way. This City will eat you alive if you don't prepare properly.

But even with all of the millions of people scurrying around, you can still blend into the madness and fit right in. That's because everyone is too busy to notice you as they race to the subways, run to catch the ferries, or fight for a cab. New York has a "kick you in the teeth" attitude that can make you feel satisfied when you actually accomplish something. And, you know you earned it because you've just navigated thru all the madness. Here's a local tip so don't sound like a tourist when you are downtown- it's pronounced "How-Stin" even though it is spelled like Houston. SoHo means south of Houston - now go figure out NoHo on your own.

Immerse yourself in the City, with all it has to offer, and you'll understand why it's like no other place on earth. The diversity, the energy, the attitude - you can find anything and everything in the City that never (EVER) sleeps. There's always a new neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, another club to dance at, and another bar to drink in.

Dreams have been realized here since the first settlers and you can feel that same spirit as you walk the streets of each neighborhood. Where else can you see millionaires mingling seamlessly with the working class? From munching on their morning bagels to singing along with Frank Sinatra at the end of the Yankees game, New Yorkers share the local pride. Maybe it's because everyone has one thing in common - they've all lived in that 300 square foot studio apartment and paid $2000 a month for it. And why does everyone say their address like it's the most regal location in the known universe?

NYC was built (and still runs) on its neighborhoods. You'll find that each has its own character, so get out and explore. People from all walks of life are really what make this place so special.


Restaurants

New York has so many types of food - from American to Japanese, from French to Asian - you can find anything and everything in this City. Where else can you walk down the street and smell the aromas from innumerable food stands that line the streets and the kitchens that pack them in every night? The diversity of NYC is unparalleled to any other. Here are some of our favorites:

Gascogne: If you can't make it out to Paris, make sure you can find your way to this charming French bistro in the city's Chelsea district. With French-speaking waiters, indoor/outdoor seating and culinary indulgences, this place can make you forget you're in NYC! The escargots and foie gras are always a pleaser! Gascogne is located on Eighth Ave. (Between 17th & 18th Streets).

B-Bar and Grill (formerly Bowery Bar): A popular summertime setting with indoor/outdoor ambiance, B-Bar is great for summer drinks and dinner on the patio. The place is known to draw A-listers and occasional celebrities. The grill offers delicious appetizers and the calamari & popcorn shrimp are always a great choice! B Bar is located on East 4th & Bowery.

Per Se: You'll go running down the streets in glee after dining here (located at 10 Columbus Circle, between 58th and 59th Sts.). With a French-New American menu that changes daily, this pricey culinary experience is a worthwhile treat for your senses (the dishes are as delicious as they are colorful). Whatever you do, begin your meal with the "Oysters and Pears" and make sure you save enough room for the "Coffee and Doughnuts" dessert.  Jackets are required, but you do under it is up to you.

Il Mulino: This is the epitome of an Old New York hangout, the restaurant boasts some of the best Italian food you'll ever eat. Located in the West Village (on 86 W. Third St., between Sullivan & Thompson and near NYU), the place is small, crowded & quite loud, but the food makes it all worth while. Bring your appetite (portions are big enough to feed a small country) and your wallet.

Bruno Jamais: An ultimate one-stop shop experience in the Upper East Side, this isn't exactly where you'd expect to find a sophisticated and swanky restaurant/lounge like Bruno Jamais. Housed in a townhouse on East 81st Street (between 5th and Madison), the venue boasts beautiful and modern living room-like rooms overflowing with many Euro jetsetters and locals who want to groove while they dine. Music at the restaurant spans everything from soul to hip hop - along with some 70's and 80's hits everyone love to hear. Though food may become secondary in a place like this, it is outstanding nonetheless! The menu offerings are superb (Lobster Brulee and Striped Bass are a must), with a special late night menu that's served till dawn (well, almost - 4 a.m.).

Abboccato: Located within the Blakely Hotel on West 55th Street, this Mediterranean restaurant defines the word "elegance".  The sommelier here will gladly walk anyone through the selection of Italian and French wines and the staff will make sure that you're comfortable and well taken care of.  A must at this place is the artisan buffalo mozzarella, which literally melts in your mouth.  The whole fish selection is impressive too - particularly the Branzino fish and the Orrata (both of which are cooked to perfection and brought out to your table in whole form and then taken back and cut up delicately.)  Just make sure you end the night with a traditional Tiramisu and Italian brewed coffee.  A true delight in Midtown! www.abboccato.com/

Public: Innovative culinary choices with just the right amount pizzazz and atmosphere make up this Nolita hot spot. Before dinner, relax in the adjacent Monday Room, an exclusive oak lounge outfitted with leather armchairs, brick-exposed walls and lofty ceilings – perfect for the wine aficionado. When you move on into Public's impressive dining area, you'll find it an excellent choice for an intimate gathering over candlelight. Chef Brad Farmerie will keep you on our toes featuring delightful fusion plates like Mushroom Ceviche with miso aubergines, Dashi custard with lobster and Shiitake crusted New Zealand Venison Loin with sour cherry compote. Before you head out, make sure you to ask about the Wine Club – a monthly membership will deliver a new bottle of wine to your own personal mailbox, ready for your next visit. The restaurant is located at 210 Elizabeth St. (near Prince St.).

Stella Maris: Featuring a sleek and modern décor, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside this European-style bar and café. A hot spot just off South Street Seaport (at 213 Front. St.), Stella Maris offers a seasonal menu and raw bar which features a selection of shrimp, lobster, clams, oysters and stone crab claws. Dublin-born, London-trained chef Darrin Pettigrew uses all-natural, organic ingredients to create an impressive menu that includes Chicken & Seafood Paella, Striped Bass Barigoule (with artichokes and saffron) and Dublin-style Cockles and Mussels. Just make sure you save room for the decadent dessert choices like strawberry & rhubarb bake and old favorites like cheesecake. As for the libations, check out the boutique wine selection – specially chosen by owner Keith Doyle and his team. A delightful dining experience all around!

Ovelia: Greece has traveled to your footsteps at this authentic eatery located in Queens.  With an all-white interior, the ambience will make you feel like you're sitting in your bathing suit on the Greek Isle of Mikonos. The bar serves guests sitting on the candlelit patio as well as the folks inside the dining area.  Just make sure you dip your pita bread into the tzatziki sauce (the best one, as far as we're concerned)... then move on to the Pikilia plate of Greek cheeses and indulge in the yogurt and honey dessert.  Though this may not be around the corner, its worth every minute of the train ride from Manhattan to Astoria!

Dos Caminos (Soho): With made-to-order guacamole and some of the best margaritas in town (in addition to more than 150 tequila selections), you can't go wrong with the city's top Mexican spot. With indoor and outdoor seating options, this place brings the fiesta downtown! Dos Caminos is located at West Broadway & Houston (along with a location on Park Avenue and a Midtown location opening in Fall '06).

Jean Georges: It's simple, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten can't get it wrong (ever!) This restaurant, inside the Trump International Hotel, is as sophisticated as it is superb. Located off Columbus Circle (1 Central Park West, between 60th and 61st Sts.), this divine masterpiece offers a formal dining room, more casual cafe and an outdoor terrace for those cool summer nights. Don't you dare leave without sampling the baby scallops and the four-part citrus tasting.

Babbo: Who doesn't love Mario Batali? With its trademark pasta tasting menu, make sure you aren't watching your waistline when you arrive at this two-story townhouse. You'll find that the simplest ingredients have never tasted so good! Everything is tasty but we fancy the ravioli with beef cheeks and the goat cheese tortellini. Reservations are a must. Babbo is located at 110 Waverly Pl., between 6th Ave. and MacDougal.

Johnny Utah's: Located at Rockefeller Center, this Southwestern hotspot has attracted more locals that tourists since its opening in July '07. Boasting amazing BBQ platters and an impressive list of tequila varieties - expect the mood to be laid back and fun. What makes this restaurant a stand-out is the nightly entertainment of the mechanical bull. Watch NYC's finest try their best to tame the wild beast and stay on the ride. The decor resembles an old western mining shaft and the unisex bathrooms are designed like old fashioned outhouses . Hungry and thirstay? Go for the "Smoked Pulled Pork" and the "Ride the Bull" margarita – both of which make for a fun time y'all! (25 West 51st St.).

Una Pizza Napoletana: Seriously, who needs Italy? This is, by far, the best pizza in the City - "The Best, Jerry...the best." Each bite is light, fragrant and oh-so delish! The buffalo mozzarella is shipped directly from Italy and pairs nicely with the finger-licking-good basil-infused tomato sauce. Una Pizza (349 E. 12th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves.) is not to be missed.

Bouchon Bakery: Located on Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Building, this casual French Boulangerie is anything but plain. You'll find everything from mouth-watering fresh croissants, to good-ol' PB&J sandwiches. This place has the best tuna fish sandwich we've ever had. And, did we mention they make their own hand-made chocolates?

Momofuku Noodle Bar: If you need a quick ramen fix - this is your spot. Just be prepared to wait (they don't take reservations). And, if you don't mind getting packed in like sardines and eating thigh-to-thigh with your fellow patrons - find your way to this amazing noodle bar. The three-variety steamed buns (pork, chicken or shitake) are worth the trip and the wait. Momofuku is located at 163 First Ave. (at 10th St.).

Vento Trattoria: A trendy and swanky hot spot in the Meatpacking District, Vento boasts exposed brick walls, rough wood beams and a profusion of windows - affording diners some of the best people watching around.  And the food, is just as good!  The menu at Vento is full of crowd pleasing options, best of which are the wood-fired pizzas (Macellaio), the rosemary potatoes, the delectable meatballs (Baby Polpette) and the decadent pasta options (try the casarecci garnished with peas, prosciutto and truffles or the fettucine with braised duck).  Those of you interested in a nightcap after dinner, head on down to the sultry subterranean spot, Level V, in the basement.  Vento is located at 675 Hudson St. (at 13^th St.).

Daddy O's: Craving some good ol' comfort food? Have we got the place for you! Never has a burger and tator tots tasted this divine. Located in the West Village, this relaxed spot is the ideal hangout for folks wanting to escape the pretentious carb-counting crowd you find in this city.

Bars & Nightlife

The City comes alive at night (and its usually when most are tucking themselves in for a good night's sleep!). Times Square has more lights than a sound stage and feels like midday even at 2:00 am. With so many people in town each and every night (and I mean, each and every night) there are plenty of special occasions that must be celebrated. Whether you're out for a birthday, promotion, or the eminent "Girls Night Out" - here are some journeyPod Picks:

Maritime Hotel: Yes, we are listing a hotel as a pick for our Nightlife category and it's not because of what goes on behind closed hotel room doors. The entire city block is just one big open air extravaganza right out of South Beach. Located at 363 West 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.), this place was once the headquarters for the National Maritime Union. Now, it's a glamorous Chelsea Hotel that draws a trendy nightlife scene. Among its hot spots are Matsuri - sushi restaurant, a Japanese-themed nightclub called Hiro and La Bottega - a bar/trattoria which extends outside into a 6,000 square foot patio. Ah, and how can we forget to mention the party cabanas on the terrace?!

Pacha: Talk about a high energy import that lets you explore the vibe of Ibiza without stepping foot outside NYC (located at 618 W. 46th St. - between 11th Ave. and West Side Hwy). This international nightclub transports club-goers from NYC to the steamy tropics, featuring four floors (and 30,000 square feet) of options. Navigate a maze of staircases, palm trees, mirrors and tarp canopies. You'll find drop down projection screens, staging runways, and intimate retreats (check out the Jacuzzi-style booths).

Passerby: Screwdrivers are back and somehow they made the Greyhound even cooler. Their juicer will freshen up your cocktails and their glowing "Saturday Night Fever" dance floor will liven up your evening. A stylish little hole-in-the-wall that features great drinks and an easy, laid-back crowd. Passerby is located at 436 W. 15th St. (between Ninth & 10th Aves.).

White Horse Tavern: A super-popular West Village institution, White Horse Tavern is quiet, literary, and features lots of wood - a former haunt of Dylan Thomas. Good for a few laid-back Happy Hour pints with old friends and colleagues. Just make sure you're not watching your waste line if you decide to order grub - the big juicy burgers and slab-cut fries are worth the calories! White Horse Tavern is located on Hudson & 11th Street.

Bungalow 8: With so many luxuries offered at this honeymoon-suite locale, who has anytime for sleep? If you're looking for great drinks and interesting snacks, this mini-resort provides it. A hospitality-themed lounge, Bungalow 8 offers everything but the mint on your pillow. Perfect for night-owls who have trouble turning in. Bungalow 8 is located at 515 W. 27th St. (between 10th & 11th Aves.).  Unless you want to tangle with large bouncers, call ahead for the guest list as reservations are very much required.

Gypsy Tea: Despite the name, there's no Stevie Nicks vibe here. But what you will find is a two-level hip-hop destination where you'll often see sections full of A-listers from the fashion and celebrity world. With four unique lounge settings (and over 10,000 square feet) of banquette-like seating, cushy pillars, a grand aquarium and room to dance, most flock to Gypsy Tea for its VIP section and bottle service. Make sure to taste the house specialty - The Gypsy Cosmo! Rated 2005's Hottest New Lounge, Gypsy Tea can be found at 22 W. 24th St. (between 5th & 6th Aves.).

Pink Elephant: Bring a few credit cards and your swankiest shoes when you visit this luxurious bottle service venue (located at 527 W. 27th St., between 10th & 11th Aves.). With a pheromone-shooting scent machine, you'll find your libido-sparking hormones at full attention and the scene completely intoxicating! The door can be tough, but worth the trouble for the crowd AND staff you'll find when you enter the gates. Pink Elephant boasts a kinetic lighting system, argon lasers and a liquid nitrogen gas tank catapulted from the ceiling (for those moments when the dance floor gets too heated).

Divine Bar: This wine bar is exactly what you need to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. An attractive staff pours a flight of Californian reds to educate your taste buds while folks mingle with the hip crowd around the roomy chrome bar. On Tuesdays, learn how to make authentic Spanish Sangria and on Saturdays groove to fun 80's tunes (just make sure you dig in your closet for your Cindy Lauper tights first).

Tortilla Flats: There's a party every night at this small Tex-Mex joint. Great for food and margaritas (try the strawberry one - you can get them by the pitchers), Tortilla Flats is a cheap and fun cantina that's always crowded with post-work folks looking for a good time. Its located on Washington Street & 12th.

Trailer Park Lounge: Located at 23rd Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues) this place is an ode to an old trailer park - screen door, unmatched vinyl chairs, velvet pictures of Elvis, Marilyn and more. This is the place to be if you want good comfort food (try the sweet potato fries, tator tots and mac n' cheese) and big potent drinks (the margaritas are the size of your head!) after a hellish day with the boss. With its kitschy decor, Trailer Park is a great place - sans pretension or attitude.

Dive 75: A dimly lit watering hole with four TV's, 19 beers on tap, a free Wi-Fi connection, a 155-gallon fish tank, board games up the kazoo (Uno, Monopoly, Connect Four) and friendly waiters that make you feel like home - who needs anything else? Dive 75 (located at 101 W. 75th St. - between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves.) is no dive at all!.

BLVD: If you want a lounge, a dance-floor and food under one roof - this is the place that delivers all three (and with class). Located on Bowery (at Spring Street) BLVD is a mega one-stop shop that you can check out for a pre-dinner drink or to spend the entire evening. Great for a first date and when you're not sure where the night is going to take you (no need for an "emergency phone call from a friend") - its easy to get lost in the crowd in this tri-level complex.

Sutton Place: This laid back, yet hip bar is your multi-option destination. Whether you're meeting your BF for some late night drinks or just watching the big game, Sutton Place is where it's at. The venue features 15 televisions with four large-screen projectors, a separate lounge with a fireplace and a 46 foot rooftop retreat. Sutton Place is located at 1015 2nd Ave. (between 53rd and 54th Sts.).

230 Fifth: Planning an after-work soiree with your colleagues or a weekend nightcap with your new guy? This expansive (can accommodate nearly 1,000 guests) deco-style penthouse lounge and tropical wraparound rooftop have views that even Trump should envy! Where else can you find almost 360 (unobstructed) degree views alongside palm trees? 230 Fifth is located where else but, 230 Fifth? (At the corner of 27th St.).


Shopping

It's the only city in the world where you can forget to pack your little black dress and you're not out of luck. Just simply run across the street and buy anything you need with ease. That brings us to a journeyPod Pick for all you shopaholics out there. Century 21 (which is way downtown, but worth the cab fare or subway to 22 Cortland St., between Church & Bdwy.). No, not the real estate moguls - Century 21 is a retail store with great deals on top designers and a bargain-hunter's dream. If brand names are your weakness, you'll savor every moment while pawing through the medley of racks of designer duds. Where else can you pick up an Armani suit at 50% off or save hundreds on that dress that's all the rage?

NY Shout-outs to:  Special Agent JR & Dave, who is special in his own way!